Ask HN: What will happen with the H1-B program?

[nodra]

The H-1B program was originally meant to address a shortage of talent. But there’s no real shortage of qualified American engineers as far as I know but companies keep requesting and hiring H-1B workers anyway. Is anything being done to fix this?

[cosmicgadget]

The administration vocally supports the H1-B program and the majority in both congressional houses aren't going to run afoul of the guy in charge.

Whatever the stated reasons for creating the program, it's the new normal.

[rvz]

Nothing. It is the scam that won't ever change.*

The best part is, all companies know it is a scam. But they will abuse it anyway and any change against it will be heavily lobbied. Here is how it simply works:

   What employers say (lie): "We can't find 'skilled' and 'talented' people locally."

   What they *REALLY* want: "We *really* need e̶x̶c̶e̶p̶t̶i̶o̶n̶a̶l̶ ̶t̶o̶p̶ ̶g̶r̶a̶d̶u̶a̶t̶e̶s̶ AI agents to work 24/7 for $1 a month"

   What they *actually* do: *Issues hundreds of H1-Bs to the cheapest country they can find.*

> Is anything being done to fix this?

No.

Why would these companies want to fix their primary method of getting cheap labor?

*unless you introduce a new visa system and for technical roles, everyone must pass a 'leetcode' test in person to win the visa and the offering role is office only.

[nodra]

I hope some representative(s) in congress get signal and do something. I see it brought up more and more on x but that doesn’t mean much I guess.