Next DHS secretary supports expanding H-1B visas

Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano is expected to be named as the new secretary of Homeland Security by President-elect Barack Obama--a move that may bode well for the high-tech industry, but disappoint some IT workers. The two-term governor is a strong supporter of increasing the H-1B visa cap to deal with a shortage of skilled workers. Increasing the cap has been a priority for technology companies, and has been protested by many American workers, who believe this will deprive them of jobs and drive down wages.

Napolitano was among 12 governors who sent a letter in September 2007 to congressional leaders urging an increase in the number of visas. When she becomes secretary of a critical U.S. agency, her influence on the issue is likely to grow stronger.

"Until we are able to address this workforce shortage, we must recognize that foreign talent has a role to play in our ability to keep companies located in our state and country; and therefore, need to ensure the increase availability of temporary H-1B visas and permanent residency visas (green cards)," the governors wrote.

Napolitano has repeatedly called for major H-1B expansion in her role as a governor of a border state. Napolitano has also indicated she supports making it easier for foreign graduates of U.S. schools to get green cards, which bypasses the need for H-1B visas.

For more on the Arizona governor and H-1B visas:
- check out this Computerworld article [1]