Tech firms seek Pentagon review of ban on non-citizen contractors

The Information Technology Association of America (ITAA) has sent a letter to Defense Department Undersecretary for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Edward Aldridge, urging the department to conduct a full, public review and discussion of its proposal to bar non-citizens from working on unclassified information technology projects.

"America's defense readiness depends on having ready access to the best available technology and technical skill sets," ITAA President Harris Miller wrote. "Precipitous action here could make it much more difficult and expensive for the military services to acquire the requisite IT services."

Miller also noted that President Bush has cautioned against xenophobic actions results from the Sept. 11 attacks.