[deskamess]

Some reforms along the lines of:

1) Decouple the work authorization from the employer. The employee gets an open work permit for X (say 5) years.

2) If you can prove you have been gainfully employed above some agreed upon salary (via tax records) for 3+ years you get temporary permanent residency without any employer interference/input. You then finish out the other formalities (health, security checks) to get the official permanent residency.

The goal of 1) is to empower the employee with work mobility that does not affect future residency. If there really is a skill shortage they can leave without additional formalities or negotiate for better compensation. If they are talented, have stayed legal in other respects, and wish to stay in the US, they are now set.