"We are tremendously disappointed by this blow to comprehensive reform, but we cannot let the perfect become the enemy of the good," said ITAA President and CEO Phil Bond. "Our own immigration system is restricting America's ability to compete, to grow and to prosper. Congress must find a way to remove this chokehold."
Bond said legislation is badly need that would enhance companies' access to talent through tools such as H1-B and EB visas. He also expressed regret over the loss of language in the failed comprehensive package that would have recognized the need to improve the security and integrity of drivers' licenses and other identity documents by authorizing funds to help states implement the Real ID Act.
"We remain hopeful that Congress will support the states' efforts to implement Real ID through other legislative means," Bond said. "However, we hate to see any missed opportunity for Congress to emphasize the importance of taking America's driver's licenses out of the hands of criminals and terrorists."
The Information Technology Association of America (ITAA) provides global public policy, business networking, and national leadership to promote the continued rapid growth of the IT industry. ITAA consists of over 325 corporate members throughout the U.S. The Association plays the leading role in issues of IT industry concern including information security, taxes and finance policy, digital intellectual property protection, telecommunications competition, workforce and education, immigration, online privacy and consumer protection, government IT procurement, human resources and e-commerce policy. ITAA members range from the smallest IT start-ups to industry leaders in the Internet, software, IT services, digital content, systems integration, telecommunications, and enterprise solution fields. For more information visit www.itaa.org. ITAA is secretariat of the World Information Technology and Services Alliance, consisting of 70 IT trade associations around the world.
