An IEEE-USA spokesperson told Network World that despite lobbying for green cards for STEM students, the organization has not changed its position on the H1-B visa program.

"Bruce Morrison, speaking on behalf of IEEE-USA, called for an increase in the amount of employment-based visas (green cards) available to advanced-degree STEM graduates. But in no way did he advocate for an increase in the H-1B cap. We think the H-1B program is badly flawed and in many cases is harmful to both foreign and domestic workers. We believe it would be better for U.S. workers, foreign workers and the U.S. economy to grant foreign nationals with advanced STEM degrees a path to permanent residence through green cards," IEEE-USA spokesperson Chris McManes told Network World.

This week the IEEE-USA teamed up with the pro-business Semiconductor Industry Association to issue a statement on the areas of foreign worker program where they do agree. The presidents of these associations laid out their plan in an open letter to the Judiciary Committee.

"As you may know, SIA and IEEE-USA have for some time been at odds over portions of the H-1B program and its administration," the letter said. "Currently 50 percent of master's and 70 percent of Ph.D. graduates in electrical and electronic engineering from U.S. universities are foreign nationals. These highly talented individuals should be able to get permanent resident status (green cards) in an expedited manner, rather than having to wait from 5-10 years as many do under the current system. ... SIA and IEEE-USA support immediate action by the Congress to retain these graduates as legal permanent residents."

Some pro-business organizations want to go further in making it easier to hire foreign labor by creating a Trusted Employer designation. Such a designation would ease a company's application process for obtaining worker visas. Although not a new idea, the pro-business American Council on International Personnel (ACIP) is once again shopping the Trusted Employer idea around, hoping that a member of Congress will draft legislation based on it.