Congress Passed legislation in 2000 that increased the H1-B program to 195,000 for 2001-2003. At the time this claim was written, the H1-B quota is scheduled to be automatically to revert to 65,000 in 2004. This claim will be judged yes, if the official quota for H1-B visas is raised beyond 65,000 for the year 2004 by 2003-12-31.
Background
Over 80% of the American public opposed expansion of the H1-B program..
Even former Intel CEO Andy Grove has said (Washington Post, April 24, 1998), ``I don't buy into the hyperventilated description of the technology worker shortage.''
The H1-B program was expanded in 2001, in the middle of a tech recession. HR-3222, legislation that would satisfy conditions of this claim is now before congress.
Aspects HR 3222 has been supported by various diverse groups that include: the National Urban League, Ralph Nader supporters and Buchanan supporters-the bill is opposed largely by corporate interests represented through the NTAA.
You can look at H1-B visa use by company, state, city. If you have a problem with how the H1-B program is being used, you can write your congressional representatives
According to Information Week the quota in each year was: 34,000 1932 58,000 1976 65,000 1990 115,000 1998 195,000 2001
If the the 2004 H1-B Quota is raised above 65,000 at any time before 2004(i.e. even if it is raised and then brought back to 65,000) I intend to judge this claim yes. The H1-B Quota is different than the actual number of Visas issued. The number of Visas issued is not directly relevent to this claim.
Key features of the H1-B program include Visas being awarded to specific "specialty occupations"(i.e. software development and administration), and visas being granted for a period of up to 6 years without guarentee of permanent residency. In the event congress changes the terms used, I will look to see if non-immigrant visas are being granted under other programs with the same results as the H1-B program.
RJB
