The Baby Boomer generation created the technology industry and benefited greatly from opportunities to not only earn but learn. Despite continuing industry growth, however, the opportunity to earn and learn is shrinking, and shrinking fast.

For instance, Americans now fill only 29% of the tech jobs in San Jose, the cradle of Silicon Valley. Despite the demand for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) workers, wages have been flat for years. We believe for this generation entering the workforce, and for future generations to prosper, U.S. tech companies must seek and hire U.S. tech workers first.

U.S. Tech Workers is sponsored by Progressives for Immigration Reform (PFIR). PFIR exists to protect American workers from unemployment and wage suppression caused by unfair labor and trade practices, including importation of large numbers of foreign workers who are subject to exploitation by foreign and domestic corporations in the United States. PFIR seeks to enhance the working conditions of people worldwide through enhancing economic, health, social and environmental conditions in developing countries worldwide.

PFIR has become increasingly aware of the impact of the H-1B visa program on STEM employees in the workforce, and students planning to invest in STEM degrees. Job placement prospects and earning potential are diminishing in the wake of competition from H-1B visa workers. PFIR believes Congress needs to act to address visa program abuses.