[IP] More H1-B visas on the way
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This story was printed from ZDNet News,
located at http://news.zdnet.com
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By Anne Broache
URL: http://news.zdnet.com/2100-9595_22-5931819.html
Technology companies are on their way to securing a larger pool of
foreign workers from which to hire.
A provision in a budget measure approved by a late 52 to 47 vote in
the U.S. Senate on Thursday would bump up the number of guest-worker
visas, known as H-1Bs, from 65,000 to 95,000 for next year.
The proposal would also elevate H-1B application fees for U.S.
employers by $500, the proceeds of which are intended to offset other
government spending and deter sizable increases in the federal budget
deficit.
The measure won't take effect unless it is also approved by the U.S.
House of Representatives.
The H-1B program's intent is to keep U.S. companies globally
competitive by allowing them to fill voids with skilled professionals
from abroad. Under the program, which began in 1990, foreigners with
at least a bachelor's degree in their area of specialty can remain
employed in the United States for up to six years.
American Electronics Association President William Archey was quick
to applaud the move, saying in a statement that it "sends a strong
message to the House of Representatives that the Senate understands
the importance of these H1-B visas and green cards to the high-tech
industry."
The high-tech industry has long been supportive of elevating the
government's cap on these visas, which peaked at 195,000 from 2001 to
2003.
Other groups, including the U.S. division of the Institute of
Electrical and Electronics Engineers, have argued that the system is
used not to bring in the best and the brightest foreign talent, but
to some extent, the cheapest. IEEE-USA claims some companies use the
system to offer lower wages than they would to the workers' American
counterparts.
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