(Radio Iowa) – In the last T-V debate before next month’s primary election, four of the Republicans running for governor expressed support for President Trump’s order to limit the number of immigrants granted H-one-B visas so they can legally work in the United States. Adam Steen is a former state agency director.
“We need to be America First. We need to be Iowa First,” Steen said, “and I appreciate what President Trump is doing here all across the country.” Businessman Zach Lahn says he’d prohibit H-one-b visa holders from working in state government or at the three state universities and he’d make it harder for companies that hire foreigners with H-one-b visas to secure state grants or other incentives.
“Iowa people will do these jobs. I reject the idea that our people won’t do these jobs,” Lahn said. “We have some of the most hardworking kids in the country.” Pastor Brad Sherman says Trump is right to address corruption in the H-one-b visa program, but Sherman says migrant workers are important to some Iowa farming operations.
“As long as it’s legal and they’re tracked, there’s a place for it,” Sherman said. State Representative Eddie Andrews says the priority should be to fill Iowa jobs with Iowans and Americans. Congressman Randy Feenstra, the other Republican running for governor this year, declined the invitation to participate in the debate.
