IMMIGRATION RESTRICTIONS HURTING MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY?

 

H1B Visa:

This is a non-immigrant visa the federal government allows U.S. employers to use. This visa allows immigrants to be employed for up to six years by a U.S. company. This is not something the immigrant themselves can apply for, but instead, the employer must petition for the immigrant to be given an H1B Visa. The visa is typically used for "specialty" professions, those requiring a specific knowledge, such as engineers, or scientists. The federal government further regulates the use of the H1B Visa by setting a numerical cap, which is currently set at 20,000 per year. Last year, the allotment for these visas was reached in a mere ten days.

Manufactures in Need:

There is no doubt that President Obama's recent state of the union address was centered around the U.S. economy and economic growth. The need for constant expansion and prosperity is a goal of both the government and manufacturers. Although it is a common goal, manufacturers are struggling to reach it. There are not enough qualified U.S. born citizens to fill all of the positions needed and there are not enough H1B Visas to go around. Many of the visas are allotted to technological companies such as Intel or Microsoft, but companies like Caterpillar and Cummins are in need as well. In order for our economy to be the most successful, corporations need to hire the best individual for the job, which may involve hiring from outside the U.S. In recent years, manufacturers have been forced to let go, or pass over immigrants because of a lack in visas and other documentation. These companies are planning on hiring thousands of individuals to boost production, which means these companies may have to look outside the U.S. Immigration reform is not only wanted by these companies, but it seems to be a necessity, which will hopefully be answered.

http://www.green-cards.com/company/h1b_visa.htm

http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/12ce6d3c-740e-11e2-a27c-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2LGuBtap6

http://www.immigrationdirect.com/immigration-news/green-card/manufacturing-companies-need-higher-cap-on-work-visas/index.html

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