My message to IT labor propents on the H-1b and L1 "offshoring visas"

By: relawson
Published On: 6/26/2007 11:01:49 PM

Here is an email I sent out to a large group of IT labor proponents whom I have worked with for years:

(Regarding H-1b and L1 visa statistics)
The numbers demonstrate what we have believed for years.  It is absolutely pathetic that 1) this information was withheld from us until now and 2) our government allowed things to go this far.  The top sponsors of H-1b and L1 visas are - now proven - to be (mostly Indian) IT firms engaged heavily in offshore outsourcing and the wholesale export of American jobs.

I think we should start calling these visas "offshoring visas" from here on out.  I think the political landscape has changed slightly.  Previously, I thought we should support what the Senate is offering - including the raise in the H-1b cap.

Now, I believe we have overwhelming evidence in support of our position.  We have both L and H visa data supporting the claim that this is an offshoring visa.  We have a earth-shattering YouTube video of immigration lawyers revealing how they discriminate against American workers through fake job postings.  We have recent $24 million dollar settlements with the DOL because of not paying OT to H-1b workers - and the cases don't stop there.  We have IBM and other IT firms reducing American staff yet still claiming a shortage.  Finally we have US Senators finally asking the critical questions of Indian and American IT firms. 

And the icing on the cake - the mainstream media is finally reporting on this.  They say that there is a shortage of American workers - so why are salaries not keeping pace with inflation in IT?  Do the laws of supply and demand simply not apply to IT jobs?

I am a political realist.  I thought we should settle and take what we could get.  Now - based on recent news events - I think we should demand to be treated fairly.  The truth is on our side.  And now, so is the evidence. 

Tell any Senator proposing to raise the H-1b cap to go and "jump in a lake".  Until they fix the program so that the litany of abuses we have proven are resolved, and we can see the new and improved program in action, the H-1b cap should remain at 65,000.  If they support raising the H-1b cap, they are supporting the "offshoring visa" and the destruction of American jobs. 

Comments



FAX and request a no vote on cloture (TurnVirginiaBlue - 6/27/2007 5:40:19 PM)
We have as I type, amendments being modified, folded in and the Corporate cheap labor lobby has swarmed the hill.

FAX Jim Webb, who made a campaign promise that he wanted reforms on H-1B to vote no on cloture per his campaign statements.

We all worked very hard to get him elected and as I type,
we have a potential disastrous amendment coming up to give unlimited H-1B Visas per corporate demands.  Any progress in reforms is currently being gutted. 

The only way to stop this is to plain defeat the bill for they are moving things around, there is no amendment text available and they are voting fast, with no review.

Webb FAX:  202-228-6363



Well, said,: vote no on cloture (Hugo Estrada - 6/27/2007 6:09:03 PM)
I don't know what is the point of electing people if we are still forced to get a bad bill. This bill should be shot down once again.


Corporate Interests will try again. (loboforestal - 6/29/2007 9:01:00 PM)
The buzz is that powerful interests will try and expand H and Y visa programs later on in this session.