H1Bs (and O-visas, etc.) tend to be more expensive than otherwise just hiring someone local. I'm not looking for someone cheap, as other commenters have infuriatingly speculated. In fact, I actually think that's a very dangerous path to go down, as you'll either find

1. Someone who isn't very good (or else they wouldn't work for sub-market rates) 2. Someone who is very good, but doesn't know their value - in which case, you'll lose out on your investment once they find you've been screwing them over.

I also don't understand why - if I like someone enough - I can't just hire them to come work in the US, regardless of national origin, assuming I pay enough. I suppose there's a danger of pay-for-play there, but I can't believe the trouble I've had working with amazingly talented people because they didn't have a recognized masters degree.

Finally, `exercise your duty to your own country` is an inherently suspect phrase that makes me suspicious about the thought process behind that lead up to it.