SCHMITT URGES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR TO CLOSE LOOPHOLE ALLOWING EMPLOYERS TO PRIORITIZE FOREIGN WORKERS OVER AMERICANS

WASHINGTON, Aug. 7 -- Sen. Eric Schmitt issued the following press release:

U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) sent a letter to Acting Secretary of Labor (DOL) Keith Sonderling urging the DOL to modernize the Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) labor certification process to ensure companies are not abusing the system to hire cheap foreign labor over American workers who are qualified and available for work. Senator Schmitt also requested data on fraud, audits, and the use of Optional Practical Training (OPT) and H-1B visas within the PERM program.

Senator Schmitt wrote, "Abuse of the PERM and H-1B programs allow corporations to replace American workers with cheaper foreign labor. The Department should end that abuse and restore the...