High-tech visas help fund scholarships, anti-fraud

SUZANNE GAMBOA Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) - A group that backs a visa program designed to bring high-skilled foreign workers to the U.S. says some of the approximately $3 billion in visa fees paid by employers has gone to science and math scholarships, U.S. worker training and anti-fraud activities.

A report issued this week by the National Foundation for American Policy points to the use of fees for such programs as a reason to maintain the visa program. The foundation supports policies allowing businesses to hire foreign workers.

The organization's report was issued the same week a House subcommittee plans a hearing on the H1-B visas. The visas have been criticized as allowing employers to replace American workers with cheaper employees. Thursday's hearing was expected to include discussion of fraud problems in the H-1B program.