Is there ANY reason why the republicans in office would purposely keep the # of visas low?

I don't know the numbers myself, but don't forget to add in the L-1, TN-1, E-3 and H1B1 visas (I'm sure I'm forgetting some others). Also, the U.S. economy is getting to the point that most middle and lower cl families, even some in professional fields, need 2, 3 or more jobs per family. U.S. citizens are finding the need to work more jobs, and more hours to make ends meet. Factor in, too, the number of U.S. jobs that are now being outsourced to other countries, and the numbers will look a little different.