Grassley urged to review H-1B position

To the editor:

In March, I learned that Sen. Chuck Grassley was proposing to limit the amount of H1-B visas available for high skill jobs in Iowa. This program is critical for our state's economy and for Iowa businesses to continue to have the highest quality of employees as possible.

As a native of Cedar Rapids and a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major at Drake University, I understand how the growing skills gap is affecting the availability of jobs and our state's economic future. For every three STEM job openings in Iowa in 2011, there was only one qualified STEM worker to fill the position. Americans and foreign employees work together to advance STEM industries in Iowa.

As I further my education, it is important to me that Iowa remains an attractive place for high skilled positions and companies including those in the biotechnology and IT sectors. In today's competitive world, foreign workers are helping our state and country remain a leader in these fields. Our state's economy is strong because top talent, regardless of where you are from, helps grow our businesses. I urge Sen. Grassley to review his position on the H-1B visas.

Jacob VanderVaart

Des Moines