H1Bs (was Re: Overqualified?!?!)

[johnmalloy at attbi.com (johnmalloy at attbi.com)]

We still don't have any ideas on what to do with the 
several hundred thousand unemployed IT workers here in 
the USA.

There are jobs for us, and that was not the intent when 
they changed the H1-B law to bring in 600,000.

The network which the temporary alien Indian immigrants 
have developed is rather impressive.

They seem to be able to help each other solve their 
problems much quicker than the rest of us (who cannot 
seem to agree on anything).

The economy will not be able to absorb this in its 
current state.

This has and will cause much suffering.
But, alas, nobody seems to care.
--
Thanks!

John Malloy
jdm at theworld.com
> On Thu, 18 Jul 2002, Seth Gordon wrote:
> 
> > Regarding H1B workers, johnmalloy at attbi.com wrote:
> > > 1.) They got their college education for free from their 
> > > Government.
> 
> So what?  I go to free public libraries on occasion.  Most
> of us spent 12 years in a free educational system.  I've
> even given things away for free.  Dare I admit to using
> free software.  
> 
> TANSTAAFL.
> 
> > > 2.) Our Gov't has consistently been cutting back on 
> > > education, which a very bad trend.
> 
> This is a bad trend.  I don't object too much because it
> reminds me of taking my chrysler to have brakes fixed.
> After a few failures I found myself less eager to give
> more money to the people who did not fix my car.
> 
> > > 3.)  Perhaps you should get replaced by a few of "your 
> > > guys" (after you have trained them) and be out of work 
> > > for over  a year and lose all your benefits nad 
> > > insurance?
> 
> Ouch.  If "your guys" were not visa holders you would be so much
> happier, right?
> 
> > H1B computer programmers may be paid less than their citizen 
> > counterparts, but surely they earn enough to be liable for income taxes. 
> >     And *everyone* earning a salary legally in this country contributes 
> > to Social Security; as the proportion of citizens in retirement goes up, 
> > foreign workers' contribution to Social Security will look more and more 
> > desirable.  And if their employers can make more profit from the H1Bs 
> > than from citizens, that extra profit can translate into extra tax 
> > revenues.  And if they buy consumer goods in a US state that has a sales 
> > tax ... you get the idea.
> 
> There is some sense to your thought only if you presume that your
> obligation to the visa holder is equivalent, or near equilavent, 
> to your obligation to your fellow citizen.
> 
> > IMHO, the solution is simple: invite as many H1B workers (in computer 
> > programming and other fields) as the market will bear, and use the extra 
> > tax revenue for government programs that benefit citizens.
> 
> Solution?!  You haven't stated a problem.
> 
> > And don't get me started on farm subsidies and textile protectionism....
> 
> Please do tell us what we need do to keep you from getting started.
> 
> > --sethg the flaming liberal
> 
> Don't worry this is mostly a Massachusetts list, you'll fit in.
> 
> rob                     Live the dream.
> 
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