The number of (nearly all professional) jobs given to immigrants via H1b visas in 2012 was 821,000

[FormerOstrich]

67. H1B Population

Sarah,

Is the 821K the estimated population of H1B Visa workers in the US? I have never been able to find any reliable estimates for the population. Most of the discussion centers on the new issues and associated annual cap. The visas are valid for 3 to 6 years (or used to be I don't know if that has changed). Plus, there are other types of Visas such as the L1s which should be a part of the discussion/debate.

The system has been put in place where it is impossible to ascertain the true magnitude and implications. I am mostly familiar with the IT segment and my input is based on that industry.

Oftentimes, there are "technology" firms which handle the visas and employ the workers. The staffing firms typically offer some benefits and are the employer of record.

Aside from the resource providers there are very few full-time jobs. The "jobs" are contract positions without benefits. The actual duration of the positions vary but the are usually advertised as 3 or 6 months.

The companies pay a flat rate instead of a burdened salary. They negotiate favorable agreements with specific firms to reduce their recruiting costs. Hiring visa holders usually minimizes the attrition from voluntary terminations.

Overall, how the network of labor providers and the partnerships with the business stacks the deck against the "traditional" US worker. The wages continue to decline, full-time positions w/benefits are becoming obsolete. Workers that do have full-time positions know it is a buyers market and continue to see their wages/benefits/marketability decline.

Add age discrimination and off-shoring to the equation and you can see how bleak the US market really is. There is a lot of momentum in increasing what we have already done. H1B is considered to be bipartisan. Opportunity is a luxury not all can be afforded.

In case any believe me to be racist or bigoted: I do not begrudge the H1B visa holders themselves. Some of the most talented and intelligent people I have worked with have been here on H1B visas. They are hard-working. We are the same...pursuing the opportunities to earn a living.

Where I find fault is with a corrupt system which exploits resources and helps concentrate the wealth to a few.