As an immigrant myself, I welcome this move. Please note that this change impacts issuance of fresh H1Bs and does not relate to or assist/impact existing H1B holders in any way.
Against common misconception, it's important to know that H1B also compete for an open job requisition like everyone else. Sadly, H1Bs are eligible to apply only for a small percentage of the open requisitions which often read - only W2 need apply (implying people with green cards / work authorizations or citizens) and sometimes explicitly as - 'accepting applications from green card holders and citizens only'.
H1B are also mostly 'stuck' to their current jobs / positions and do not have the flexibility to switch jobs (until they reach a certain stage in their visa). They're allowed to switch but this requires the hiring org to reprocess their green card application from scratch in majority of the cases. This is especially true from people from India and China.
It's one thing to say - you're allowed to switch, it another to be able to actually do it without getting penalized or expect your hiring org to invest into your green card process.
I could go on but i'd sum this up as there's more to h1b than meets the eye and what's out there isn't a true and complete representation of an Indian or Chinese h1b worker. It's tough to be in the shoes of an H1B who's worked and lived here and made a life for his family, yet lives in fear and uncertainty of losing his job or work authorization everyday.
Selection for a job should be based on merit and your personal / professional qualifications among other factors, and not with a bias towards your visa status. The best man for the job.
Against common misconception, it's important to know that H1B also compete for an open job requisition like everyone else. Sadly, H1Bs are eligible to apply only for a small percentage of the open requisitions which often read - only W2 need apply (implying people with green cards / work authorizations or citizens) and sometimes explicitly as - 'accepting applications from green card holders and citizens only'.
H1B are also mostly 'stuck' to their current jobs / positions and do not have the flexibility to switch jobs (until they reach a certain stage in their visa). They're allowed to switch but this requires the hiring org to reprocess their green card application from scratch in majority of the cases. This is especially true from people from India and China.
It's one thing to say - you're allowed to switch, it another to be able to actually do it without getting penalized or expect your hiring org to invest into your green card process.
I could go on but i'd sum this up as there's more to h1b than meets the eye and what's out there isn't a true and complete representation of an Indian or Chinese h1b worker. It's tough to be in the shoes of an H1B who's worked and lived here and made a life for his family, yet lives in fear and uncertainty of losing his job or work authorization everyday.
Selection for a job should be based on merit and your personal / professional qualifications among other factors, and not with a bias towards your visa status. The best man for the job.