Bill targeting H1-B Visa reintroduced in US Congress

A bill backing key changes in the H1-B programme that allows skilled workers from countries like India to fill high-tech jobs in the US has been re-introduced in the US Congress by two lawmakers who claim that that it will help crack down on the work visa abuse. 

The 'Protect and Grow American Jobs Act' makes important changes to the eligibility requirements for H1-B Visa exemptions was re-introduced by Republican Darrell Issa and Scott Peters - both from California. 

The bill among other things increases the minimum salary of H-1B visa to one lakh US dollar per annum and eliminate the Masters Degree exemption. The legislation, they argued, will help crack down on abuse and ensure that these jobs remain available for the best and brightest talent from around the world.The



bill comes after a number of companies -- Disney, SoCal Edison and others -- have come under fire for abusing the H1B Visa programme to replace American workers with foreign workers. 

Issa said, in order for America to lead again, the US needs to ensure it can retain the world's best and brightest talent. At the same time, the country also need to make sure programs are not abused to allow companies to outsource and hire cheap foreign labour from abroad to replace American workers, he said. 

By raising the salary to a level more in-line with the average American salary for these positions, it would help cut down on abuse by removing the profit incentive and ensuring these positions remain available for companies who truly need them, a media release said.