Heated debates about worker visas tend to appear typically during times of trouble and during election. While the demand for H1-B (temporary worker) visas in USA seem to have slowed down (at last count, there are still 20,000 visas up for grabs this year), I think the current economic crisis and even job downturn seems like a good time to think about the impact of these visas on the US economy.
As a foreigner from a developing nation who came to USA for better opportunities and growth, I can relate to the standard (sometimes even stereotypical) path that a non-immigrant worker takes in search of a better life. While I focus on India and US, as I relate to them personally, I believe the same applies to the visa relationship between any developing nation and developed nation.
I have tried to depict the typical road taken by a non-immigrant worker to achieve the elusive 'American Dream' in the picture below.
The journey typically begins with a (hopefully) bright, young individual who wants better education and career that he does not believe might be available in his home country. As a result he applies for an F1 (education) visa, hopefully gets a grant or scholarship, and comes to USA.
After 2 years of studies, he gets a Master's degree, gets an EAD (Employment Authorization Document) to work in the country for up to a year. In this time period, he gets a job and gets the company to sponsor his H1-B (temporary worker) visa, which would allow him to work for a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 years.
After a few years, some may opt to get back to their home country for personal reasons, which may include caring for aging parents, personal choice, or a stronger social group in the home country. Others continue down the road.
The willingness to stay on course may be strengthened by marriage (want to have some quality time with the wife and show her around the natural and artificial beauties in the country). Another boost might be the birth of a child.
Eventually, the individual may apply for a Green Card through his company. While the card is being processed, there may be other boosts such as buying a house which would further extend the willingness to pursue the eventual dream.
The Green Card (permanent residence) eventually arrives, giving more flexibility to the individual in terms of career growth, which may extend his stay for a few more years. In the meanwhile, the kid(s) may grow up to be young adults. At this point, another reality check happens. Torn between the comfort of the new life and the culture in which he lived (which often may conflict with the culture he currently experiences), he may decide to go back after all. Factors such as economic prosperity in the home country may aid in this decision.
Another check might be the perception (or reality) of a glass ceiling in the work environment - he may feel that he is not getting anywhere in his career and may opt to move back, hopefully getting a more senior position based on his experience in USA.
Alternately, he may decide to stay on and after 5 years, may opt for citizenship. At this point, his 'American Dream' has come true - he has a home, kids, and good income... or, has it?
All this sounds great; some might even say, obvious. However, what about this path hampering the citizens of the developed country, who are otherwise robbed off their own dream because of these newcomers? Does it really hurt them? Why the perception? That's for the next post.
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