> The existing policy (assessed as it works in practice) lowers wages for high-skilled roles Sure, not because of the law, but because of loopholes around the

> The existing policy (assessed as it works in practice) lowers wages for high-skilled roles Sure, not because of the law, but because of loopholes around the spirit of the law. >For the roles I am familiar with the progression is (1) foreigner ineligable to work in US (2) OPT visa (3) H1B visa (4) Permanent resident (5) US citizen. well yes, that's the point. They don't want international workers to be as easily hired as domestic ones. That's just common policy. Your workaround is just that, a way for the company to get what they want while "complying with law". AKA a loophole that breaks the spirit of the law. Remember, the US isn't necessarily concerned with the best talent in the world. It ultimately wants to make sure the economy circulates from within. >While under OPT or H1B visa, you MUST have a job or be deported. Timeframes to find an initial or a new job are very short. This is what gives employers increased power in the relationship, lowering wages and creating the nearly indentured status. Yes, and I think we can lightly rework this as well. Basically let the H1b "own" the Visa. They find other work in the industry they have a visa in, they are still valid. Breaks all the chains while gaining from their talent.