An H1B Reform Bill has been introduced today by California Congressman Zoe Lofgren raising the minimum salary for Level 1 Workers under H1B program to 130,000 USD (35% above state median wage for the profession) per annum with additional restrictions on the employer.
Congressman Zoe Lofgren said, "My legislation refocuses the H1B programme to its original intent – to seek out and find the best and brightest from around the world, and to supplement the US workforce with talented, highly-paid, and highly-skilled workers who help create jobs here in America, not replace them.".
Highlights of this bill :
Minimum Wage Level increased to 130,000 USD Per Annum or 35% above the median wage in the state (whichever is lower).
STEM Students allowed to declare Dual Intent to Study and Work in the United States. Allows for F1 to H1B bridge.
Sets Aside 20% of H1B Visas for Startups and Small Businesses.
Removes the Employment based per country cap on Skilled Workers that can be admitted into United States. Admission based on best fit, highest salary.
Prohibits onsite deployment at customer site for more than 30 days in a year.
Allows for easy switch of H1B from one Employer to Another without additional paperwork.
Improves Handshake between USCIS, Department of Labour, DHS and DOJ for increased fraud investigations.
The bottom-line is H1-B is going nowhere. It will be benefiting US only as the right talent will get the double wages which is sensible strategic approach. However, it can be seen as an high alert alarm to the other countries who are very much dependent on US especially on the software products. More people would end up working for US only, not as H1-B holders but as an outsourced elements with low wages.
