It's good that this is being highlighted, but I don't think the author really understands how this works. H1Bs are "nonimmigrant" visas. And, if you lose your H

It's good that this is being highlighted, but I don't think the author really understands how this works. H1Bs are "nonimmigrant" visas. And, if you lose your H1B because you're laid off and can't find another sponsor, then the "citizenship" stuff discussed isn't an option for you. It's not a question of a long waiting period. You simply won't be eligible. What these workers really need are greencards. Usually, they get the sponsoring employer to sponsor them for a greencard (really hard to get, long wait etc.). Meantime, the employer also files for a H1B (relatively easy to get, no wait). That way they can come to the US and start working while they wait years for the greencard application to move along. But if the sponsoring employer lets them go and they can't find another sponsor, I doubt they're going to be able to keep the green card application alive either. With a greencard, they can live in US the more or less unconditionally (at least as far as employment is concerned). Then, eligibility for citizenship is only a question of waiting. First hand, it's tough to live in a country for years and years on a visa that's totally dependent on your job, knowing you could wake up to an email any day that basically says you're fired and you have days to get out of the country!