Jobs being given to foreigners and immigrants has always been a touchy subject but the issue escalates to new heights especially with the mounting job losses suffered by American workers across industries.
US lawmakers are busy putting forward new policies restricting H1-B (primary temporary work visas), however, a National Foundation for American Policy (NAFP) report indicates that new H-1B only account for 0.07% or 7 in 10,000 civilian workers in the US.
As part of the whole recovery plan, the US senate cleared a bill restricting the hiring of H1-B visa holders by financial firms who received bailout money.
However, IT outsourcing firms are fearing the backlash. This restriction can create a huge impact on possible foreign and trade relations. The Indian IT industry, one of top H1-B recepients, argue that the number of H1-B users cannot be responsible for the millions of unemployed Americans.
Again, issues of class and racism factor into these issues with some pundits looking at a mob-like reaction of the public to descriminate against foreigners.
Source: Business Week
