A top American senator has introduced a legislation that he claims is aimed at eliminating fraud and abuse of the H-1B visa programme, but provisions of which would make it tougher for Indian-Americans to get this popular work visa.
Among other things, the H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act of 2013 ensures that an H-1B application filed by an employer that employs 50 or more US workers will not be accepted unless the employer attests that less than 50% of the employer’s workforce are H-1B and L visa holders.
The legislation, introduced by senator Chuck Grassley, ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, makes reforms to increase enforcement, modify wage requirements and ensure protection for visa holders and American workers.
“The H-1B programme was never meant to replace qualified American workers, but it was instead intended to fill gaps in highly specialised areas of employment.
"When times are tough, like they are now, it’s especially important that Americans get every consideration before an employer looks to hire from abroad,” Grassley said.
Honchos bat for skilled IT expats
CEO’s of some of America’s top tech companies, including Google, Facebook and Microsoft, have written to President Barack Obama and lobbied the lawmakers to allow more high-skilled immigration given their significant role in the country’s economy.
Honchos bat for skilled IT expats
CEO’s of some of America’s top tech companies, including Google, Facebook and Microsoft, have written to President Barack Obama and lobbied the lawmakers to allow more high-skilled immigration given their significant role in the country’s economy.
“We believe that numerical levels and categories for high-skilled nonimmigrant and immigrant visas should be responsive to market needs,” the letter said. (PTI)