Date: Friday, March 16, 2001 7:23 AM
From: Richard Zorger
Subject: New Life for Fired H-1B Workers
I have seen several stories about H-1B visa holders losing their jobs and being worried about being forced to leave the country ("New Life for Fired H-1B Workers," March 16, 2001). I think the INS should make these workers leave the country. They were brought in to the U.S. to fill a specific job that could not be filled by an American. If this job is no longer available they should be forced to leave the country. They are guest workers.
Their non-working presence in the country drives up the unemployment rate and takes jobs from taxpaying US citizens. If there are jobs available in this time of economic downturn, they should go to US citizens, not guest workers who are desperate to stay in the country and willing to take lower compensation because of it. The temptation for companies to hire lower-pay workers is real and will lead to unqualified candidates filling these openings. If they are no longer working in a position that cannot be filled by a US citizen, they should no longer be guests.
