[mechwarrior]

I'm sure there is a good reason this idea wouldn't work, hoping someone can help poke holes in it:

Why not set a number of H1B visas (say keep the current of 85k), then rather than do a lottery or check qualifications, simply rank salaries offered to applicants (or total yearly compensation) and let the people with the highest offers get the visas.

This way wages won't be depressed, and companies with labor needs they are truly unable to fulfill with traditional methods will get all the people they need.

Viewing money as a crude measure of qualification it seems this would be the most fair method. Also would be the best for the American worker since it would prevent low cost H1B applicants from lowering local wages.