The “current status” of USCIS H1-b program and the confusion it brings to the IT talent situation in our marketplace creates a huge dilemma while at the same time attempts to get to the root a longstanding problem (misuse of the system).
Simply defined, the H1-b program is designed to fill those positions where there’s not enough “home grown” American Talent who possess the appropriate skills for the job, most specifically positions in the STEM field.
It was NOT however designed for 3rd party consulting companies (largely those based in India) to ship their H1-b’s to the U.S. where more often than not are not getting paid the same amount as their U.S. counterpart (i.e. $60,000 for a $100,000 job). Furthermore, the H1-b “strictly” issued (in India per se) for a “specific job” at a “specific company”, i.e. Microsoft, Cisco, etc. where they will be working on site as a W2 employee. No, the vast majority come to the U.S. “waiting to be placed” (and not to be hypocritical, by firms like mine).
Based on numerous reports by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics there has been and will continue to be a severe shortage of IT and other STEM professionals equipped to meet the demands of the market. Companies of all sizes are NOT re-engineering baby boomers who, with a little training can ramp up and meet the demand. U.S. Military Veterans who have served our country and who have acquired relevant skills while in the service are NOT being given the chance to train.
So, the Catch 22… If we continue to make it tougher to import talent (the right way), if we don’t retrain those who are trainable and the demand keeps up as expected for the next 10 years the jobs the solution will be to once again ship it off shore. If shipped off shore say goodbye to those that pay taxes and consume our products and services adding fuel to our economy.
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