Lane Beattie, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber, issued the following statement regarding Senator Mike Lee’s position S.154, Immigration Innovation Act of 2015 or the I-Squared Act of 2015:
On behalf of Utah’s business community, we want to the Senator Mike Lee for his leadership in supporting needed visa reform by co-sponsoring and supporting S.154, Immigration Innovation Act of 2015 or the I-Squared Act of 2015. As a Chamber representing over 8,000 Utah businesses, we have supported visa reform as well as needed immigration reform for many years. Senator Lee's willingness to work with his colleagues, from both parties, to assist with this issue is an example of the kind of pragmatic leadership that is needed in Washington today.
The current cap set for H-1B visas is limiting the growth of Utah businesses. Lifting the current cap will benefit Utah’s booming tech industry, and strengthen the entire economy. Businesses in Utah will benefit through access to workers who will continue innovating and helping Utah compete in a global economy.
I-Squared is principled legislation that is consistent with the Utah Compact. One of the key principles of the Utah Compact says, “Utah is best served by a free-market philosophy that maximizes individual freedom and opportunity. We acknowledge the economic role immigrants play as workers and taxpayers.” As a chamber, we champion policies that support families and improve the health, education and well being of all Utahns. I-Squared will be a positive benefit to Utah business.
