Bill Adds Hurdles for Foreign Hires

WASHINGTON -- A little-noticed provision in the stimulus package discourages banks that receive federal bailouts from hiring skilled foreign workers, and it likely foreshadows broader efforts to restrict work-related visa programs this year.

The provision imposes higher government scrutiny on banks and other businesses getting federal bailouts if they use the H-1B visa program to hire skilled workers. The program generally grants temporary visas to at least 85,000 workers a year, often more.

Supporters say the program is needed to help companies obtain the most qualified workers, particularly in fields such as engineering. They say the program is designed with ...

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