Newly released information shows that there may be a shortage of visas designed to bring technology experts into the U.S. from other countries. Official reports show that it took just a few days for businesses throughout Texas and other states to apply for special visas through the H-1B program, which is designed to provide a path to receiving green cards for those with tech-related skills. The shortage of these visas may cause legislators to rethink the visa process for highly skilled workers from overseas.
Business groups are pleading with national legislators to increase the number of H-1B visas, which could allow the economy to recover faster. Business leaders say that they are unable to get the workers they really need because of outdated visa limits. The backlog for this type of visa is inexcusable, according to many chief executive officers, including the chief executive officer of Motorola Solutions.
This process to reform U.S. immigration law may help certain businesses, but some say that it could compromise job opportunities for American workers. In fact, critics say that business owners are even bringing in overseas workers so they can train them to run operations in other countries at a lower cost. Although there are many legitimate reasons to issue an H-1B visa, many leaders say it would be better to improve the process for obtaining permanent legal status, which would be granted based on high-tech or highly skilled employment.
Immigrants who are seeking better financial options in the U.S. may benefit from the assistance of a Texas immigration attorney. These professionals may provide additional information about the H-1B visa program to potential immigrants and their family members. An immigration attorney may be an excellent ally for business owners and the immigrants they want to employ.
Source: The Washington Times, "Businesses ask Congress for more ‘high-tech’ visas" Stephen Dinan, Apr. 07, 2014