Tech execs seek visas for 'hotshots'

House Republicans who trek to Silicon Valley in search of campaign cash keep hearing the same request: We need more visas to hire more highly skilled foreign workers. But that’s a deal Republicans have so far been reluctant to make.

Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), a former immigration professor who represents Silicon Valley, plans to introduce a bill as soon as this week that’s designed to keep foreign-born workers — especially the engineers and scientists needed by technology companies — in the US. Her bill has the support of Intel, Oracle and Google, but the ranking member of the Immigration Policy and Enforcement Subcommittee hasn't been able to get a majority member to sign on. “We've made intense, yet discreet efforts” to find a Republican co-sponsor, said Rep Lofgren. “I'm disappointed to say we've not yet secured one.” She still plans to forge ahead with the legislation.