Sens. Grassley(R-IA) and Durbin (D-IL) have reproposed a bill aimed at curbing H-1B usage. The bill creates an H-1B system that greatlyexpands the regulatory environment surrounding H-1B visas. Sen. Grassley’s bill makes a number of changes to the H-1B system.
Sen. Grassley believesthat the H-1B visa is used to replace US workers. He has long cited a 2008 USCIS Report as evidence of fraud in theH-1B program. To date, exactlyzero prosecutions have resulted from this flimsy report.
Sen. Grassley proposedbill sets forth a system where employers would have to registerand re-register with various government agencies. It would limit certain employers from hiringH-1B workers and increase enforcement.
Sen. Grassley’sbill will surely restrict H-1B workers. It is not clear that it will help US workers. Anycredible study points out that the H-1Busage mirrors the US employment rate. TheEconomist has picked up on this finding. A better approach is to ask whyUS workers no longer move for better opportunities, since most H-1B employer’svalue H-1B workers geographical flexibility.
