[throwawayjava]

I can't speak for every role, but I've worked with a lot of H1B holders in not-entry-but-not-senior positions (think $300K+ but not $500K+).

I can't think of a single case where there would be an "obvious" replacement for that person -- not just in the US, but anywhere in the world. In fact, most of those H1Bs I've worked with eventually end up switching to the O1 anyways (for reference, very few SWEs -- even at FAANGs -- would quality for the O1).

[kevin_thibedeau]

For every guest worker who meets the program's purpose there's 100 more working for the minimum salary in a position that was crafted to turn away domestic applicants.

[patrickg_zill]

I don't know for sure what the ratio is, but I think that you are mostly correct. There are some YouTube videos that show lawyers discussing how to rig the process.

I hesitate to rely on my anecdotal experience but my opinion is that unless they are really high level programmers or whatnot they are butts in seats.