Big tech shelled out for Gang of Eight’s immigration push

Google and Microsoft donated to Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) while Facebook backed the lawmaker’s leadership PAC called Common Sense Colorado, according to recent federal campaign filings. Meanwhile, top Silicon Valley investors — like Ron Conway and John Doerr — contributed big to Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).

And tech companies and executives offered similar support to Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). Only Sens. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), the final members of the group, didn’t draw serious cash from tech company campaign coffers during the immigration battle — but they don’t face reelection until 2018.

Tech companies long have sought access to a larger pool of high-skilled workers, both by way of temporary H-1B visas as well as green cards for immigrants with backgrounds in science, technology, engineering and math fields.

And the Gang of Eight bill, which the Senate advanced in June, largely delivered for the industry.