Senator Hatch: Immigration Reform On Hold, National Debt Not Debilitating

Feb 20, 2008 by Elizabeth Ziegler

(KCPW News) U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch addressed concerns about the federal government's immigration policy and mounting national debt during a visit to the Utah Legislature Tuesday. Hatch says he doubts Congress will consider passing comprehensive immigration reform until after the new President is inaugurated. However, he says there are a few policies Congress could address this year.

"One of the more important things that I think might get through this year, is we need to expand the H1B program so we can keep these PhD's who get their education here and want to stay here and want to help us maintain our world-wide leadership as the high-tech capitol of the world," Hatch says.

In addition to expanding the H-1B visa program, he says Congress might also consider this year improving the technology used in border crossings, including the use of biometric cards. When asked about the national debt, Hatch admits he's concerned, but says the nation's economy is still growing.

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