You can hire an H1B for 45k/year. I know because I was that H1B at one point. My previous employer gave me quick pay rises once I proved that I was capable, but not everyone is so lucky.
Was the prevailing wage where/when you were employed less than 45k?. If it was then you were not undercutting the american worker,if not your employer was doing something illegal.
From personal experience hiring a H1B is anything but cheap, lawyer fees and all.
This was for a programming role in New York City- I do not know anyone that gets paid $45k. I'm unsure how they calculate prevailing wages, but I'd suggest that the formula could do with some tweaking.
i doubt prevailing wage in new york city is $45k for a programming job.
Prevailing wage determination has nothing to with H1B even if that was the case.
Well, I can tell you that it was, because I have the paperwork at home which says exactly that. While the wage determination isn't part of the H1B process it still has a key role to play in it.