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A comment on H-1B Visas: U.S. Lawmaker Re-Introduces Bill to Tighten Rules. Parent comment

Re:H-1B Visas: U.S. Lawmaker Re-Introduces Bill to Tighten R... by wyldfire on Monday January 09, 2017 @09:18PM (#13361994)
> the program is not being used to bring over workers with "specialized knowledge" as they claim--but to drive down wages.

While that might or might not be the intent, it seems like a pretty likely effect, right? Just based on the additional supply alone?

I wonder about the effect of cutting back H1-B visas too much. If it made salaries rise significantly, wouldn't it upset the social hierarchy of these businesses? Software devs being so scarce that they're getting paid more than executives, e.g.? Seems like working with more foreign software firms is almost a given if costs skyrocket like that.

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Re:H-1B Visas: U.S. Lawmaker Re-Introduces Bill to Tighten R... by virmundi on Monday January 09, 2017 @10:19PM (#13362282)
Depends on how the execs' compensation is structured. After a certain level they get paid more in stock than in cash. This should, theoretically, incentivize them to succeed. Many devs, outside of the startup scene, are not paid in stock. They get a working wage. If their commitment causes the companies stock to increase by 20%, they will likely not see a 20% bump in pay the next salary go round.
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