Hacker News Board Hacker News, browsed like a classic message board
Live data from Hacker News

USCIS is challenging an unusually large number of H-1B applications

bloomberg.com

Post reply on HN
Print view View original

351–360 of 429 posts

Re: USCIS is challenging an unusually large number of H-1B applications

#351

Post by kamaal »

komali2 wrote: post #13

Conservatives may generally view this as "good" regardless of the impact because (according to arguments I've heard) "the less globalization, the better." In my mind, however, it boils down to two pretty simple points: Given that (1) the US is lagging far behind every developed nation in education, and higher education in the US is prohibitively expensive compared to other developed nations, (2) the only way for the…

>>Take away our ability to import talent and there goes the last leg of American dominance in technology.

This is known almost forever now. Even the hard core immigrant hating racists know that their social security checks are coming in because of some one generated more than proportionate share of economic value, and by that definition taxes. And that someone is mostly likely a non-white immigrant.

They just don't like to be reminded of this fact everyday that their bread comes from the very source they hate.

Re: USCIS is challenging an unusually large number of H-1B applications

#352

Post by stuffedBelly »

You know what, as an H1B receiver, I am fine with more scrutiny towards H1B. Over the past few years, I have seen competent international coworkers not able to get H1B visa because:

1. it's a lottery system, regardless of background and academic accomplishment.

2. it's been abused by outsourcing companies. Practices such as multiple-filing for one person are so shady that it baffles me how loose the inspection towards H1B application is.

I totally agree that American citizens should be prioritized when it comes to hiring and my country would do the same for its citizens. I also know that immigration service is a booming business for many American law firms and they have their own agenda to go against any further regulations towards H1B. However, in a long run, if done properly, a more merit-based/restricted H1B visa could actually be beneficial to outstanding individuals who follow the rules.

As someone that love American culture but also have pride in his academic/career accomplishment, I stay in the US because I like this place, not that I have to, and I am more than happy to go back to my homeland or somewhere welcoming if I am not welcomed here anymore. H1B has never been the last straw of my life and it's true for many folks I know. I am all for making H1B more accessible for accomplished individuals and more restrictive towards those who cheat the game, but do it properly so that America doesn't give an image of Xenophobia to the world.

Re: USCIS is challenging an unusually large number of H-1B applications

#353

Post by hjlkashd »

throwkgaj wrote: post #63
sumitgt wrote: post #18

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It's not like that. Most top companies do detailed paperwork. This causes other side effects and stress. For example, you could be working at Google / Facebook earning top $$$$ every year and you paperwork could be spotless. But the stress of having to go through an uncertain renewal process every 3 years prevents you from investing in big things like buying a house or having kids. You are always worried about being…

This was me. Working at big tech firm, $190+ salary, 6 years. Green card applied and approved in 2014. But Indians have to wait at least 5years for a green card(EB-2). And this was before the current admin. I’m now in Canada. Permanent Resident (took 8 months), $180k+ salary, big tech company. Going to buy a house in the summer.

This is my comment. Addressing some of the questions

1. I took a pay cut. I went from 190K+ USD (~250k+ CAD) to 180k CAD (this includes my bonus. My base is lower, say around ~150k CAD). Numbers are fuzzed but close enough to reality.

This is a significant drop, but of course it's still a very good salary for Canada. I'm satisfied with my decision.

2. I'm in Marketing, reasonably senior. Couple levels down from the CMO.

3. Same company. Essentially got transferred with a pay cut. This made it easy for the company as well. It helped that I've been here for a longish time and have built relationships within the company. They were very supportive.

Re: USCIS is challenging an unusually large number of H-1B applications

#354

Post by hjlkashd »

dmode wrote: post #212
throwkgaj wrote: post #63

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This was me. Working at big tech firm, $190+ salary, 6 years. Green card applied and approved in 2014. But Indians have to wait at least 5years for a green card(EB-2). And this was before the current admin. I’m now in Canada. Permanent Resident (took 8 months), $180k+ salary, big tech company. Going to buy a house in the summer.

You really need to spill the beans on how to move to Canada and retain that kind of pay. All I hear is that Canadian pay is abysmal.

Replied above.

Re: USCIS is challenging an unusually large number of H-1B applications

#355

Post by hjlkashd »

melonhack wrote: post #226
throwkgaj wrote: post #63

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This was me. Working at big tech firm, $190+ salary, 6 years. Green card applied and approved in 2014. But Indians have to wait at least 5years for a green card(EB-2). And this was before the current admin. I’m now in Canada. Permanent Resident (took 8 months), $180k+ salary, big tech company. Going to buy a house in the summer.

Whoa. That CDN salary seems unreal. What is your position there?

Replied above

Re: USCIS is challenging an unusually large number of H-1B applications

#356

Post by kamaal »

bischofs wrote: post #36
komali2 wrote: post #13

Conservatives may generally view this as "good" regardless of the impact because (according to arguments I've heard) "the less globalization, the better." In my mind, however, it boils down to two pretty simple points: Given that (1) the US is lagging far behind every developed nation in education, and higher education in the US is prohibitively expensive compared to other developed nations, (2) the only way for the…

To play devils advocate, at this point in time with the highest rate of immigration in the history of the country (i think 13%) "conservatives" are looking out for the american citizens that are losing out to these high skilled (and low skilled) immigrants. Why is it that we cannot compete with foreign companies with native workers? Why should those countries be okay with losing their top talent? Shoudnt we solve the…

>>Why should those countries be okay with losing their top talent?

They are not. But the people there have no options. In my country(India), despite a level of free market reforms, there is still a huge cancer of socialism at large.

Socialist spending, affirmative action policies and corruption are extremely rampant. Public apathy is at peak. Almost anybody smart enough to make genuine difference has only one life style, where he/she has to earn all life to pay nearly 50% of all earned money in taxes and yet live a third world quality life.

So there is only one option. Just immigrate and save yourself the trouble.

>>How much immigration can a society take before it is unrecognizable to the people that live there.

You might want to take a look at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ship_of_Theseus

Re: USCIS is challenging an unusually large number of H-1B applications

#357

Post by hjlkashd »

sumitgt wrote: post #108
throwkgaj wrote: post #63

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This was me. Working at big tech firm, $190+ salary, 6 years. Green card applied and approved in 2014. But Indians have to wait at least 5years for a green card(EB-2). And this was before the current admin. I’m now in Canada. Permanent Resident (took 8 months), $180k+ salary, big tech company. Going to buy a house in the summer.

Actually it's currently looking more like 15 years. People with priority dates in 2009 are just getting in. So if you account for the number (plus consider the fact the people in EB-3 become eligible for EB-2 after a few years), it looking more like 15. The silly thing is, there is bipartisan bill in congress and Senate to fix it (HR 392). But it is stuck is legislative limbo.

Yes, this was also a major reason for leaving.

Re: USCIS is challenging an unusually large number of H-1B applications

#358

Post by anigbrowl »

gozur88 wrote: post #350
anigbrowl wrote: post #346

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It's a factual description of how European sttlers treated the indigenous tribes, and you can find plenty of people who continue to express animus towards Indian tribes. Don't dish it out if you can't take it.

Why is it people on the left are so intent on having a civil war?

I made a tart comment pointing out what I see as the hypocrisy of the nativist position, and suddenly I'm 'intent on having a civil war'? For people who complain so loudly about political correctness y'all seem pretty damn sensitive to any sort of criticism.

This is really reminding me of how supporters of the Confederacy insist on talking about the 'War of Northern Aggression' despite being the ones that started the conflict. Perhaps you could consider matters from a less absolutist perspective.

Re: USCIS is challenging an unusually large number of H-1B applications

#359

Post by hjlkashd »

refurb wrote: post #307
sumitgt wrote: post #18

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It's not like that. Most top companies do detailed paperwork. This causes other side effects and stress. For example, you could be working at Google / Facebook earning top $$$$ every year and you paperwork could be spotless. But the stress of having to go through an uncertain renewal process every 3 years prevents you from investing in big things like buying a house or having kids. You are always worried about being…

the "country of birth" based green limits ensure that you have to remain in H1-B status for 15 - 20 years (if you happen to be born in India) You don't wait in H1B status, you get advanced parole which means you can stay and work until you green card has been processed.

Yes, but if you lose your job for any reason, you have to leave the country in a matter of days (I think you have 30 days, it might be a little more).

So, sell your house, all your belongings, take the kids out of school, move all investments... uproot your whole life in 2 months, maybe 1 month. That's not an easy thing to do, especially with children. It's not fair to my family - the kids would hate moving from the US back to India. Canada is much closer, culturally, and it's easier to adjust.

We decided to move as a family, and planned everything for more than a year.

This is personal, of course. Everyone has to make their own decision.

Re: USCIS is challenging an unusually large number of H-1B applications

#360

Post by kamaal »

ashleyn wrote: post #32
komali2 wrote: post #13

Conservatives may generally view this as "good" regardless of the impact because (according to arguments I've heard) "the less globalization, the better." In my mind, however, it boils down to two pretty simple points: Given that (1) the US is lagging far behind every developed nation in education, and higher education in the US is prohibitively expensive compared to other developed nations, (2) the only way for the…

Paleoconservatism/populism isn't concerned about the economic benefits of immigration; it's concerned about "protecting" culture so that immigrants don't have the opportunity to reshape it in any capacity. A sizeable portion of Trump's base believes that they are in danger of becoming a minority in "their own" country and will sidestep the economic benefits of immigration to retain a demographic majority. To these vo…

>>A sizeable portion of Trump's base believes that they are in danger of becoming a minority in "their own" country and will sidestep the economic benefits of immigration to retain a demographic majority.

Actually they are simply pissed at that fact- since the end of slavery and colonialism, life has gotten simply too hard.

Also you have to live in the situation now where you are continually reminded you are no racial superman, and some one you thought was way beneath your station is now routinely beating you in highly intellectual activities.

This is not new to the US. Bulk of Indias current social friction problems happen because the previously lower caste people are doing well off in life now. Now economy might be a growing pie on the longer run, but on the shorter run, its just competition for limited resources at the end. If you previously were a upper caste person albeit not very capable, you could still succeed easily, given only your castes were allowed to study and prosper. Today with more people having an opportunity to compete, you just don't stand a chance. Now imagine being a upper caste person who only until recently had to merely exist to succeed to now having to compete and routinely be beaten by people whom you think are beneath you.

Things don't work well.

To those seasoned to privilege, equality feels like oppression - Internet Quote

Post reply on HN