For Fourth Consecutive Year, H1-B Visa Cap Met Within First Week of Application Period

Immigration

Following closely on the release of an American Immigration Council (AIC) primer stating highly skilled guestworkers are good for wages, jobs, and the economy, the USCIS reports that for the fourth straight year the cap on H-1B visas and the additional cap on H-1B visas for highly educated workers have been reached within the first week employers can apply.  The primer observes, "Skilled immigrants’ contributions to the U.S. economy help create new jobs and new opportunities for economic expansion.  Indeed, H-1B workers positively impact our economy and the employment opportunities of native-born workers."  The fact that the cap was reached so quickly for the fourth straight year has led to concerns being raised that the cap is too low, or at least should be made subject to market demand.  On that topic, the AIC's primer notes, "Research indicates that an increase in H-1B visas could create an estimated 1.3 million new jobs and add around $158 billion to Gross Domestic Product in the United States by 2045."  The cap has remained unchanged since 2004.  Unfortunately, it is unlikely Congress will attempt immigration reform anytime soon.