AFL-CIO picks fight with Facebook, Google over immigration bill

Source: The Hill

05/20/13 01:14 PM ET

The nation's largest labor federation on Monday rallied opposition to changes in the Gang of Eight's immigration bill that are being pushed by the tech industry.

In an email alert to immigration activists, the AFL-CIO panned a series of tech industry-backed amendments from Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), arguing they would "undercut protections for both aspiring citizens and U.S. workers."

The labor federation warned that Facebook, Google and other powerful tech companies are joining forces to see that the changes make it into the final bill. They urged activists to contact Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) to voice their opposition.

"Hatch’s amendments would change the bill so high-tech companies can hire new immigrant employees without first making the jobs available to American workers," wrote Ana Avendaño, assistant to the president for immigration at the AFL-CIO, in the email. "Hatch’s amendments would mean American corporations could fire American workers in order to bring in new immigrant workers at lower wages."



Read more: http://thehill.com/blogs/hillicon-valley/technology/300723-afl-cio-rallies-opposition-to-hatchs-h-1b-visa-amendments