Because the total equity+salary package might have a future value that is much greater than say $200k. Plus, the question really is 'why not?'. Access to H-1Bs

Because the total equity+salary package might have a future value that is much greater than say $200k. Plus, the question really is 'why not?'. Access to H-1Bs could foster early growth in startups and, in the long-term, increase employment.