If we're talking about H-1Bs, the main reason the US is 'strict' is that nobody has the political will to do anything about the cap. Ten years ago, there was a

If we're talking about H-1Bs, the main reason the US is 'strict' is that nobody has the political will to do anything about the cap. Ten years ago, there was a 195,000 cap for H-1B visas - this year, thanks to legislation expiring, it was 65,000. Politicians aren't really prepared to handle legislation around increasing the number of visas available or comprehensive immigration reform because their support could be used against them when campaigning ("my opponent supported non-Americans taking your jobs!").