H-1B visa program
Subtitle: reforms are needed to minimize the risks and costs of current program : report to congressional committees
Contributors: Sherrill, Andrew
Publisher: U.S. Govt. Accountability Office
Published: 2011
Place of publication: Washington, D.C.]
Language: eng
Format: [electronic resource] :
Number of pages: 109
Subjects: Rules and practice; Evaluation; Visas; Foreign workers; Manpower policy; Labor market; United States. Department of Homeland Security; United States; United States. Department of Labor
Other titles: H 1B visa program :; Reforms are needed to minimize the risks and costs of current program
Description: Congress created the H-1B program in 1990 to enable U.S. employers to hire temporary, foreign workers in specialty occupations. The law capped the number of H-1B visas issued per fiscal year at 65,000. Since then, the cap has fluctuated with legislative changes. Congress asked GAO to assess the impact of the cap on the ability of domestic companies to innovate, while ensuring that U.S. workers are not disadvantaged. In response, GAO examined what is known about (1) employer demand for H-1B workers; (2) how the cap affects employer costs and decisions to move operations overseas; (3) H-1B worker characteristics and the potential impact of raising the cap; and (4) how well requirements of the H-1B program protect U.S. workers. GAO analyzed data from 4 federal agencies; interviewed agency officials, experts, and H-1B employers; and reviewed agency documents and literature. This report offers several matters for congressional consideration, including that Congress re-examine key H-1B program provisions and make appropriate changes as needed. GAO also recommends that the Departments of Homeland Security and Labor take steps to improve efficiency, flexibility, and monitoring of the H-1B program.
Notes: Title from cover screen (viewed Jan. 22, 2011).

"January 2011."

"GAO-11-26."

Includes bibliographical references.

Mode of access: World Wide Web.

System requirements: Adobe Reader.