Marketplace Tech Worry over worker visas goes viral in Silicon Valley
Apr 2, 2025
Gerrit De Vynck, a tech reporter for The Washington Post, sheds light on the precarious status of the H-1B visa program, crucial for Silicon Valley. He discusses how recent immigration policies have created uncertainty for skilled workers, despite their legal status. Companies are now advising H-1B holders not to travel due to fears of not being allowed back in. De Vynck also highlights potential implications for innovation and how the changing landscape could affect the U.S.'s competitiveness in the tech industry.
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H-1B Visa Overview
- H-1B visa demand is high, with about 65,000 awarded annually through a lottery system.
- Big tech companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are primary beneficiaries.
Controversy Surrounding H-1B Visas
- IT consulting firms, major H-1B users, face controversy.
- Some argue they hire foreign workers at lower salaries, undercutting American workers.
H-1B Salaries and Perceptions
- H-1B workers, often from India, are sometimes perceived as undercutting American wages.
- However, salaries typically range from $70,000 to $90,000, considered solid, especially in states like Texas.