On the Future of the H-1B Immigrant Visa Program

Abstract

Dating back to its inception in 1990, the United States? H-1B visa program has been marked by intense debate. Through this program, companies are allowed to bring in non-immigrant workers with special skills for temporary employment in specialized occupations. The program?s intent has been to drive higher-level industries within the US by attracting the brightest, most talented workers globally. The first objective of this investigation is to determine the central issues regarding H-1B policy which affect the economic development and homeland security of the US. Since these are non-immigrant workers being allowed to enter the US, H-1B visas directly affect industry wages and domestic employment, and they can also potentially pose a threat to homeland security. This investigation will offer a brief history of the H-1B visa program before isolating the key issues which will guide future reform. The second objective of this investigation is to formulate potential areas for improvement. The determination of reform proposals will be guided by both literature review as well as expert interviews. Through a series of proposals, this thesis seeks to present ideas which strengthen the original intent of the H-1B program by fostering economic development and protecting homeland security through regulation and enforcement.