The H-1B visa program is a scheme intended for U.S. firms employing highly qualified international workers, attracts increasing criticism. Elected officials and trade unionists alike see the visa program as forcing American workers out of their jobs and hence demand reform or abolition of the visa program itself. Current political comments and polls reflect these growing challenges between economic interests and labor needs.
What are the Purposes of H-1B Visas
Historically, the H-1B visa was established to address highly specialized work with advanced education needs, primarily in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. To this end, this visa program was established to give companies access to highly specialized work that may not be available within the existing United States workforce. Current debate suggests the program fails to meet this goal.
H-1B Visa: Public Opinion & Worker Concerns
A study carried out by Blind, an anonymous networking site for professionals, showed that 56% of Americans think H-1B visas are being used in place of American workers. The practice of hiring foreign workers who are highly skilled is creating an impression among Americans that foreign workers are decreasing job opportunities for Americans.
H-1B Visa: Political Opposition & Legislation
There are a few Congress members from the Republican Party who are strongly against the H-1B program. Rep. Beth Van Duyne believes that the H-1B visa program must either be temporarily or totally rewritten in connection with other immigration reform initiatives. Reps.
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Chip Roy and Marjorie Taylor Greene are promoting bills to sunset H-1B visas and the OPT program because it is necessary to preserve U.S. jobs.
What is the Congressional Oversight
In light of massive layoffs, Senate Judiciary Committee leaders Sen. Chuck Grassley and Sen. Dick Durbin launched an investigation into the H-1B Visa program used by large corporations. The lawmakers requested info regarding recruitment, wage gaps, and benefits to determine if corporations are taking advantage of abroad workers rather than American workers.
U.S. Representative Riley Moore has also proposed changes to investigate the program’s effects upon American labor.
What are the Economic & Industry Implications
Critics state that, although the purpose of the H-1B visa initiatives was focused on preserving American competitiveness, these initiatives contributed, instead, to job outsourcing, as businesses began outsourcing jobs due to the influence of labor demands from abroad. There exists a need for changes in the policy in order to maintain a balance, safeguarding American professionals as well.
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Disclaimer: This article analyse and it does not constitute legal advice or official government guidance.
