WASHINGTON - A coalition of anti-immigration and US workers groups launched a television campaign Monday in a bid to the halt the entry of 1.5 million skilled workers into the United States.

In an advertisement the Coalition for the Future American Worker (CFAW) says: "Last year 2.5 millions of Americans lost jobs ... Yet with millions jobless, our government is still bringing in a million and a half foreign workers to take American jobs."

The TV spot, aimed at US workers threatened by a further downturn in the economy, concludes with the question: "Could your job be next?"

The CFAW describes itself as an "umbrella organization of professional trade groups, population/environment organizations, and immigration reform groups," and counts groups such as the American Engineering Association among its members.

To take action the campaign suggests calling on the White House to cut off access to the American economy to foreign workers with H-1B visas, which are awarded to professional or skilled workers in numerous sectors, including industry.