The purpose of H-1Bs, while understandable, definitely does cause problems at times. I think the US should be taking a multi-pronged approach:
1. Put together treaties with some countries - Canada and most of those in Europe, for example, or at least with any of those that want to participate, to allow workers to cross over without the need of a visa.
2. For other countries, such as India, China, Mexico, and others, switch to a skills-based immigration policy, and make sure rules are in place to prevent them from being underpaid relative to US workers.
Countries like Canada and the UK, for example, probably have some people who would love the opportunity to work in the States, but it's not like we'd be opening up the floodgates. And using a skills-based scheme for people from developing countries would help make sure that smart people who are likely to have significant contributions to society would also be able to come over and make their mark.
I'd love to see the US and UK sign some sort of pact allowing completely free movement of people, but it'll never happen while the UK's borders are so porous. Historically tho' the UK has never bothered with strong border controls because we're an island, but these days that doesn't matter.
1. Put together treaties with some countries - Canada and most of those in Europe, for example, or at least with any of those that want to participate, to allow workers to cross over without the need of a visa.
2. For other countries, such as India, China, Mexico, and others, switch to a skills-based immigration policy, and make sure rules are in place to prevent them from being underpaid relative to US workers.
Countries like Canada and the UK, for example, probably have some people who would love the opportunity to work in the States, but it's not like we'd be opening up the floodgates. And using a skills-based scheme for people from developing countries would help make sure that smart people who are likely to have significant contributions to society would also be able to come over and make their mark.