A common misconception of H-1B visa workers is that they are “cheap.” However, data comparing H-1B wages to those of all U.S. workers proves otherwise. Out of all U.S. wage earners, the 90th percentile wage is $102,810 (Bureau of Labor Statistics); the median income for H-1B wages is $108,000 (Department of Homeland Security). This puts the median wage for H-1B earners at more than double the median wage for all U.S. earners, which is $45,760 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Not only are H-1B wages higher, but they also show higher growth than the wages of all U.S. earners. These statistics go to show that H-1B employees are not low-value.
Following a consistent pattern over recent years, there were significantly more employer registrations submitted than H-1B visas awarded in the 2021 lottery. More than 300,000 registrations were submitted, and only 85,000 visas were awarded, which was the arbitrary cap for this lottery. There is no reason to have this cap in place: there is clearly a much higher demand for H-1B visas than is currently being met, and considering the statistics described above, H-1B visa workers contribute significantly to revenue generation and U.S. competitiveness in the global market. Having such a low cap on the number of H-1B visas awarded in a year only hurts our economy. The cap should be more heavily influenced by the demand for workers in the U.S.
Additionally, the proven benefits of H-1B visa workers to the country’s economy suggest a need for reforms in the legislature surrounding H-1B visas. For instance, it should be easier for these workers to get promoted, start new jobs, and start their own businesses. The process of getting a green card should also be made easier for those who have been awarded H-1B visas, instead of requiring recipients to go through yet another arduous process to be allowed to live and work in the U.S. Awarding more H-1B visas per year, allowing H-1B visa workers more flexibility in the workforce, and facilitating their transition into living in the U.S. only make sense as ways to benefit both the recipients of the visas and the country at large.
If you have questions about the H-1B visa or any other immigration-related issue, contact us at ILBSG. Our team is dedicated to helping individuals with all of their U.S. immigration opportunities and ensuring they get the right advice.
