H1-B quota likely to fill up in just 15 days this year

[OhioChick]

< 31 Jan, 2007 0028hrs ISTTIMES NEWS NETWORK >

BANGALORE: The rush for H-1B visas this year could be like never before. Two years ago, the H-1B quota finished on August 9, 2005. Last year it finished on May 25.

This year, with the US economy still growing strongly, it is expected that the quota, which opens for filing of applications on April 1, will finish around April 15.

In other words, as Navneet S Chugh, attorney with the Chugh Firm, US, says, "All of the 65,000 visas (which allow skilled foreign workers, including Indians, to go to the US) will evaporate in 15 days."

Chugh's firm is telling its clients that "it is imperative that we have all our H-1B petitions ready to go and file them special delivery on April 1."

TOI spoke to several technology firms who said they are busy finalising the names and number of their employees, who would be travelling to US.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/H1-B_quota_likely_to_fill_up_fast/articleshow/1541032.cms

[redqueen]

1. We have IT workers here who aren't able to find jobs.

It is shameful that they're even considering raising the limit. They should be reducing it until our IT people are once again able to work in their chosen field.

[OhioChick]

3. Agreed.

I applied for a position several weeks ago and finally heard back. They told me that they had hundreds of responses and that it would take time to wade through them all.

Lack of "skilled workers?"
My ass. :grr:

[OHdem10]

2. H1-B visa workers are paid about 3/4 an

American IT worker would make. I had wondered why we
bring them when there are Americans availble. It
is the salary difference for one thing.

This shows how concerned Congress(House and Senate)is
regarding Working Americans. We need to find out
when the vote comes up--Specifically who voted for
the Business Interest over American Worker's Interest.
In the past, sure Republicans are the Business Party.
Too often, they are not alone on this vote.