People like Michael Hiltzik know nothing about the industry they are writing about.
I would like to see a study of how much companies save by hiring an H1-B, if they save any money at all. To get an H1-B employee, the company has to shell out $15k-$20k upfront in legal costs etc. And the next day, that employee can take their H1-B to another company, and the original company is out everything.
I knew a company that refused to hire H1-Bs, because they shelled out $40k on two H1-B employees and they were hired away within a few months at higher salaries.
I am not sure companies save any money on H1-Bs, but the Visa they do use to undercut U.S. workers I don't hear people mention at all.
The Visa that is really allowing U.S. companies to pay less for labor is the L1 Visa. L1s can't jump to other companies, unless that company gives them an H1-B. Most L1s are stuck at their company and have little leverage to get higher pay, like H1-Bs so. Companies also lie to these employees about sponsoring citizenship. Also, I believe there is no limit on L1s. The catch is, the employee has to work for the company one year outside the U.S. before they can come to the U.S. How come no one complains about L1s?
Hey Nick stuff it. Your boy Cruz is a H-1B slut.
“Not every graduate has the skills that these companies need. A large number will not cut it.”
They do far better than their Indian counterparts being brought in under the H-1B program. Far better.
“I am not sure companies save any money on H1-Bs”
I know for a fact they do. Seems you are not all that knowledgeable about the industry. So why comment on it like you are an expert?? You obviously are not.
“To get an H1-B employee, the company has to shell out $15k-$20k upfront in legal costs etc”
No, they do not. $325 is the base filing fee, but all said and done the fees average $1,500. H-1B fees have never been your claim of “$15k-$20k upfront”.
Again, you are obviously not experienced in this industry.
“I knew a company that refused to hire H1-Bs, because they shelled out $40k on two H1-B employees and they were hired away within a few months at higher salaries. “
I call BS on that claim. First off, no one has to pay $20k to hire an H-1B, and second, if the foreign workers went to another company the seconds company must also process the employees just the same. There are no privileges or benefits for already having been through the process.
Again, you sound more like a lobbyist for H-1B foreign workers than anyone who knows anything about the subject.