The H-1B system exists as a way to bring in skilled workers into the US from outside. The rules state that it can be used only when no equivalent workers are available within the country.
However, over the decades, the H-1B system has become synonymous with workers who use loopholes to enter the US. Considering that 70% of H-1B workers are Indians, it has lead to a serious rise in negatively viewing NRIs in the US.
Unfortunately, the negativity isn’t entirely without reason. There exist many desi consultants who bring in workers from India without an actual job.
These workers are then hired by companies seeking low wage foreign workers. The H-1B lottery, according to the USCIS, has been exploited by such consultancies, who submit thousands of petitions.
As a result, most H-1B slots are filled by workers from consultancies. This makes it nearly impossible for legit graduates to continue working in the US.
Genuine companies also struggle to hire truly skilled workers, as most H-1B workers in the US turn out to be such consultancy-hired workers.
This fuels the stereotype against Indians, as a demographic who “game” the system and exploit it. We are seen as the culprits who have ruined the H-1B system.
As a result, honest workers cannot get jobs in the US. While such consultancies create a network of bringing in low-wage workers with promises of US placements.
