Ask HN: What would you replace the H1-B program with?

3 points by josephby 5 years ago | 2 comments

Whatever your feelings about Trump's suspension of H1-B admissions you've got to believe that America can do better than the H1-B program. What would you replace it with?

mikece 5 years ago |

Replace it with a program based on skills and ability. I forget who said it but I like the idea: if you're a PhD (or equivalent) and want to come to the US for work you get a temporary Green Card upon submission of your academic credentials and a permanent one upon verification. The idea is that we actively want to encourage the best and brightest from around the world to come here and contribute to our excellence. The problem with basing it on a degree is that some degrees aren't worth the paper on which they are written... and what about master artisans who are essential to manufacturing and industry? Machinists, welders, carpenters, plumbers: we needs those too, arguably more so.

What we should NOT do is waste all of the H1B slots on workers who could contribute from abroad, specifically programmers. Aren't all programmers working in the US right now doing so remotely?

RNeff 5 years ago |

Charge the sponsoring company a fee of $70K to $ 100K a year for each visa. Then use the money to make STEM college degrees free or very low cost for US students.