The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)™ today called on Congress to take immediate action on visa and immigration reform as President Donald Trump signed a new Executive Order to review the current H-1B visa system.

"President Trump has rightfully brought attention to the abuses in the H-1B tech worker visa program, demonstrating the need for administrative and legislative reform to this important program,” said CTA President and CEO Gary Shapiro. “Our country needs a new approach to skilled immigration – one based on merit and not a random lottery, an idea shared by President Trump. Congress must take the lead by passing reforms that keep our system fair, effective and efficient. There is bipartisan support to crack down on abusers who are outsourcing American jobs, but Congress must also advance meaningful reforms that recognize the critical role highly skilled foreign workers play in growing our economy, creating American jobs and maintaining our nation's competitiveness. We need leadership from the administration and Congress to help the tech industry continue to support 15 million American jobs and contribute billions to the U.S. economy.”

For every 100 foreign-born students with advanced degrees who stay in the United States, an additional 262 jobs are created for Americans, according to Compete America.