H-1B visa holders race against time to stay in the United States

The San Jose Mercury News has a report on the plight of H-1B visa holders who were laid off due to the worsening economy. Such workers are technically required to leave the country immediately upon being let go, though news reports indicate that they can probably squeeze in a week, or two at the maximum, of additional time in which to find a new job.

As even profitable companies start pruning their workforce in preparation for a prolonged recession, the holders of these H-1B visas are concerned over the very real possibility of being let go.

It is a perennially contentious issue, to say the least. Senator Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, has told Microsoft that it should lay off these workers before "similarly qualified American employees." He is trying to push through a law to give priority in hiring to American workers.

Indeed, the pressure will only be ratcheted up as the number of layoffs multiply in the face of the weak economy, and already unhappy citizens lament that jobs are being given out to outsiders. Allegations of fraud in the H-1B process do nothing to help either. On the other hand, Silicon Valley companies have long lobbied for the ability of labor contracting firms to remain in the country--as long as the firm continues paying them.

Vish Mishra, President of the Silicon Valley networking group The Indus Entrepreneur summarized his opinion of the situation, "It's a sad situation because politicians cannot distinguish a guy with skills so badly needed in this country from people whose skills are really not needed."

To read more about this story:
- check out this article at San Jose Mercury News

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