[zpk]

True, but they are related though. Both worlds don't happen in a bubble, eventually the consequences affect all of us here. We have one part of the nation axing millions of people without any intention/need to hire again, and another set saying they are in dire need of employees. Logically the companies would look at the existing labor pool, and try investing in training for the most capable of that set whether its 10% 20% or even 2% of that pool.

However none of that is happening. Companies do not want to do that of course, and why would they? The government subsidizes the training through college. The loans are unaffordable, and the returns are not even there for anyone other than the brightest/most capable (however that's scored) 20%. Companies don't care, they aren't on the hook for those costs. Now that that pool is nearly exhausted, companies are lobbying Congress for immigration reform that will bring cheaper younger talent over. Companies assume minimal risk in the current format. And by forcing the # of the visas up, they can suppress wages, there was an article even on IT wages last week about that. This current format is bad for US Citizens, Green Card Holders, and a substantial set of Visa Holders as well.

[the_watcher]

The training for these jobs takes years. Even if companies were to "invest in training" (I'd argue they already do), that wouldn't address their need for workers now.