Bill Gates Tells Congress Immigration Roadblocks Force Outsourcing

March 12, 2008 2:46 p.m. EST

Washington, DC (AHN) - Microsoft founder Bill Gates told Congress Wednesday a 'misguided' immigration policy forces the software giant and other high-tech companies to go to other countries for skilled workers.

In written testimony before the House of Representatives Science and Technology Committee, Gates said the current 65,000 limit for H-1B visas "has exacerbated an already grave situation." The Microsoft chairman said counterproductive immigration policies force firms to open offices in other countries to attract high-technology employees.

"The United States will find it far more difficult to maintain its competitve edge over the next 50 years if it excludes those who are able and willing to help us compete," Gates said.

The billionaire said other countries are exploiting the U.S. immigration policy, attracting foreign workers that cannot enter America.

Gates has in the past recommended unlimited high-tech visas. In his Congressional testimony, the software executive said Microsoft was unable to hire a third of the non-U.S. job candidates it needed. In 2007, the 65,000 cap was filled in one day, causing companies to now wait until October.

Opponents of raising the visa limit argue more foreign high-tech workers would depress the market for U.S. citizens seeking jobs.