Debate over US H-1B visa continues
18 August 2005
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As workpermit.com reported this week, the US government has filled its allotment of 65,000 H-1B visas for the fiscal year 2006 and is not accepting new applications.
Representatives of the high tech industry say that America does not produce enough home-grown workers with the needed skills, and depends on the H-1B visa to supplement the workforce. Historically, H-1B visa holders come in large numbers from India, followed by China, South Korea and the Philippines.
John Palafoutas of the American Electronics Association feels strongly that the US needs more such workers.
"We should be stapling green cards to the diplomas of every foreign national who graduates from a US educational institution with a masters or PhD, and we should keep the world's best and brightest here in the US to help strengthen our economy."
There are about 12,000 visas remaining for those with master's degrees or higher.
Critics say the system is being abused by companies to bring in foreigners at lower wages even when there are qualified Americans available.
Jack Martin of the Federation for American Immigration Reform, a group aimed at curbing both legal and illegal immigration, said companies are taking advantage of the H-1B program for purposes not intended under the law.
