> AC21 is not free, there are legal fees and processing times involved. There is a non-zero cost involved. If this cost did not exist, if an employee could just

> AC21 is not free, there are legal fees and processing times involved. There is a non-zero cost involved. If this cost did not exist, if an employee could just switch jobs WITHOUT needing the receiving company to do anything, then obviously there would be no wage suppression. Employee can ask for a raise, and simply leave if refused. In the tech industry, most companies are willing to do an H1B transfer. The cost of doing it is small compared to what they'll be paying you. You can start working right away, as AC21 states that you don't have to wait for USCIS to process and approve the petition before starting work. (A caveat to this is that if USCIS denies your company's petition for you, then you'll effectively be deported. This is unlikely though, if you work for a reputable company.)