[joshz]

Microsoft doesn't pay that low. Here's[1] some data from 2 years back. Friend of mine got over 100k last year, they treat H1-B holders well.

[1] http://goo.gl/P0UCj

[toyg]

And what's the cost of a developer leaving after 6 months for better opportunities? Periodic raises are part of overall costs, and again a locked-in visa-holder is cheaper to "maintain" in that regard.