U.S. Senator (Sessions) blasts Microsoft's H-1B push as it lays off 18,000 workers

[steve2470]

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9249837/U.S._Senator_blasts_Microsoft_s_H_1B_push_as_it_lays_off_18_000_workers

Computerworld - WASHINGTON -- On the floor of U.S. Senate Thursday, Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) delivered a scalding and sarcastic attack on the use of highly skilled foreign workers by U.S. corporations that was heavily aimed at Microsoft, a chief supporter of the practice.

Sessions' speech began as a rebuttal to a recent New York Times op-ed column by Microsoft founder Bill Gates, investor Warren Buffett and Sheldon Adelson, a casino owner that has chastised Congress for failing to take action on immigration reform.

But the senator's attack on "three of our greatest masters of the universe," and "super billionaires," was clearly primed by Microsoft's announcement, also on Thursday, that it was laying off18,000 employees.

"What did we see in the newspaper today?" said Sessions, "News from Microsoft. Was it that they are having to raise wages to try to get enough good, quality engineers to do the work? Are they expanding or are they hiring? No, that is not what the news was, unfortunately. Not at all."


I'm a bit surprised that Sessions, a Republican Senator, is doing this. Anyone know why ?

[eShirl]

1. probably to attack the "liberal elites"

[steve2470]

2. this is my guess

It could be anti-Obama, since the administration has an immigration proposal pending. Also, tech is more west coast than in Alabama. Another thing is, by appearing against more immigration, he satisfies the RW crazies.

I was just surprised to see him at odds with an (overly) business-friendly thing such as H-1B visas. Stopped clock, Mr. Sessions.

[nitpicker]

3. "Defending jobs" too

Microsoft does have an office in Birmingham.

[steve2470]

4. yes good point nt