Are U.S. Workers Being Displaced by H-1B Visa Workers?

Abstract

ABSTRACT

ARE U.S. WORKERS BEING DISPLACED BY H-1B VISA WORKERS?

by

Walter M. Villa

Master of Arts in Political Science

California State University, Chico

Fall 2011

In this study, I examine the political and economic debate over whether the H-1B visa program is displacing American workers by importing cheap foreign labor. Throughout this thesis, I analyze articles that present the arguments of both sides of the issue. One side of the issue is revealed to be employers and representatives of the high tech industry that suggests there is a domestic shortage of skilled labor. On the other side of the argument are labor advocates, who claim there is no shortage of qualified U.S. workers and that employers are making these claims in order to import cheap foreign labor. Research by government agencies and independent sources provide a necessary impartial response to the issue, which reveal that both sides have some validity in their arguments. The arguments of proponents were supported when the H-1B program was initially introduced because of rapid growth in the high tech industry, but because of the major flaws in the program employers have been able to exploit the program to increase the labor force in the US. Ultimately, the research conducted reveals that the program greatly benefits employers because it helps to meet their labor demands. The current state of the program, however, does not offer enough protection for workers against displacement and other negative influences. The H-1B program requires reform to close loopholes, like the practice of “bodyshopping”, so it can truly accommodate employers in real need of skilled labor and protect U.S. and H-1B workers from negative exploitation.