Monday, October 25, 2010

SIRS Researcher

H-1B Visas & American Workers
U.S. unemployment remains stubbornly high and the disappearance of the American middle class have both become prime mid-term election issues. One of the problems that may contribute to both is the expansion of the H1-B worker visa program. This program allows skilled immigrants to work in the United States on a temporary basis, and enables American companies and universities to hire foreign scientists, engineers, and programmers.

Some research shows clearly that importing labor adds significant benefits to state and local economies. The influx of workers enlarges the tax base, and there is job growth through additional goods and services consumed by the workers.

Still, some argue that the H-1B law lacks adequate safeguards to protect natively-born workers from being displaced, and may be abused by some industries to provide artifically cheaper labor.

Although requirements say employers must pay the "prevailing wage," numerous loopholes mean there is little real-world wage protection for either U.S. citizens or the H-1B guest workers. Moreover, employers almost never have to certify that no qualified U.S. workers are available before hiring an H-1B. Certification is nearly an automatic rubber stamp.

To read and research additional information on the topic of H-1B Visas try SIRS Issues Researcher now available on the library's Articles and Databases website at http://www.swccd.edu/~library/articles.htm.

Select the Off Campus Access link for information on how to access this resource from off campus locations.

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