Don’t forget to start adding in H4s (Spouse work permits) for all these H1BS. And a newer program...I think called OPT. From student to H1b. There seems to be 21 different types of temporary work visas. Add all those in. Plus asylees, refugees, overstays. People cant begin to grasp #s or complexity of immigration law.
OPT has no quota, and it has been growing at 30% per year for the last three years.
OPT supporters have been quietly trying to get Obama to use an Executive Order to extend the 29 months to six years - just like H-1B, but no quota!
I know the H-4 has been challenged in Federal Court. Last time I read anything about it - around a month ago - the Judge had made an unfavorable ruling, but the case was still pending.