04/02/2009
Dr. Norm Matloff writes:A few comments on the enclosed article:[Visa program for skilled workers under attack | A requirement that bailout recipients hire Americans over H1-B visa holders could be extended to all U.S. companies. By Teresa Watanabe, Los Angeles Times, April 1, 2009]1. John Miano tells me he was misquoted. What he likely meant is the point I've always made, which is that the underpayment of H-1Bs is done in full compliance with the law, exploiting loopholes.
2. Concerning the statement,
At Microsoft Corp., for example, 35% of the patent applications the firm filed last year were the result of work by H-1B and green-card holders, according to a blog post Tuesday by the firm’s general counsel, Brad Smith.But the fact is that Microsoft R&D people consist of even more than 35% H-1Bs and green card holders, in which case it proves nothing.Microsoft has a poor track record with truth on the H-1B topic. See for example this.
3. If these Microsoft H-1Bs are indeed that talented, surely they should not mind Senator Grassley’s proposals for reforming the visa. The industry lobbyists have referred to these as "extra hoops to jump," but Microsoft shouldn’t mind a couple of hoops in order to get what they claim is top talent. Microsoft could go a long way to fixing its credibility problem on H-1B (see above) by supporting the Grassley/Durbin bill. But that’s not going to happen.
Norm
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