The U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) says that during the initial filing window for H-1B’s it has has received less than half the number of petitions needed to reach the 65,000 H-1B cap.
Charles H. Kuck, President of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) commented on the decrease in applications:
This indicates that H-1B filings really do reflect the realities of the marketplace.
The USCIS said that it has received close to the number needed to fill the 20,000 H-1B advanced degree exemption for those who have earned a U.S. Master’s degree or higher. This will be the first time that the U.S. Master’s degree exemption has filled up before the regular H-1B cap has.
In response to the sharp decrease in filings, Kuck said,
“It is a reflection of how filings track market realities.” “In boom times, when there are shortages of U.S. workers in eligible fields, you see more foreign workers with only bachelor’s degrees in the mix. Now, with shortages only in a few specialized areas, the bulk of the H-1B’s requested are for expertise in highly specific fields that usually require advanced studies or in an overseas target market.”
He concluded that,
“H-1B’s continue to be a fuel for the economy. This development shows that an arbitrary cap is not needed.”
AILA is the national association of immigration lawyers.
It was established to promote justice, advocate fair and reasonable immigration laws and policies, advance the quality of immigration and nationality law practice, and enhance the professional development of its members.
Our firm has been a member of AILA for the past fifteen years and is active in the Orlando and National Chapters in promoting fair and reasonable immigration law and policy.
