In the recent weeks, a massive spate of layoffs has taken place leaving the H1-B holders to scurry for a job within 60 days or leave the country. However, this move is clearly reflecting the flawed system in America and their inability to retain the much needed foreign-born talent. Fact remains that the tech industry in the US has relied heavily on skilled foreign workers for the IT and Engineering industries. The majority of them are brought in through the H-1B visa and each year, around 85000 visas are issued.
As a gradual process, the H1-B holders apply for Green Card subject to approval from their employer and things flow smoothly. However, due to the inefficiency of the system, they now have to wait for decades. In all this, it is clear that the US can't afford to goof up at this point. The H1-B workers tend to create opportunities for US Citizens by enabling companies to invest in-house instead of outsourcing jobs outside the US.
From a long term perspective, a broader reform is required and experts suggest the US should give importance to immigrants who have high-value skills and also come up with a point-based system just like in Canada. For now, this looks a bit unlikely but if this doesn’t happen the aura of the nation and its true competency will diminish within no time.
