Why we need H-1B professionals

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Yes John, but...

In general I agree with everything you're saying, but there is one big difference for an H-1B worker that a citizen or even a Green-card holder doesn't have. A bad employer can certainly exploit the H-1B because the employee does not have free access to the American job market. If they are fired, they cannot just find another company to take them on (unless that new company is prepared to jump through hoops); they are effectively being deported at their own expense. Now if you are living with your family members and have bought property, and worked hard, what are you going to do if your employer starts turning the screws? Could be a tough call.

I was lucky, spending 4 years on H-1B and learning a lot in the USA with a good employer who always treated me fairly in every way. But some others have not been so lucky.

Now I'm working in Switzerland (for the same American company) where a lot of the same issues are being discussed. But the Swiss system is fairer than the H-1B program for the following reasons:
- My wife is also allowed to find work (the spouse of an H-1B gets an H4 visa that does not permit work)
- I can change employers freely once the permit is approved, so I can't be held to ransom and threatened with deportation.

Switzerland has traditionally been far less welcoming to foreign workers (e.g. they were forbidden from owning their own house) than even America, but the market necessity John describes has forced them to liberalise as well. At least for EU citizens (Switzerland is not an EU member) the process is now much more acceptable.

Americans should not be so arrogant as to think theirs is the only country with a good standard of living and into which a lot of foreigners would like to move.

Posted by: A.Sinic   Posted on: 12/05/03 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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