The H-1B high-tech visa programme is in need of better
governmental monitoring, according to engineering association
IEEE-USA.
Citing governmental reports documenting employers' abuses of the
program, the IEEE said that many H-1B workers have not been paid
wages they have been promised. Because of the Department of Labor's
limited authority to investigate such claims, the extent of these
violations is unknown.
"It's time to blow away the myth that the H-1B program protects
foreign workers," IEEE-USA v-p Ron Hira said in a statement. "Many
H-1B holders are treated like indentured servants."
The H-1B visa programme is a lightning rod for controversy and
criticism within the tech industry, particularly from the IEEE-USA.
Currently, Congress is considering upping the number of visas
granted annually; the government has already reached the limit on
high-tech worker visas for fiscal 2007, which does not begin until
October 1.
The IEEE said that before Congress considers raising the H-1B
cap, it should give the Labor Department broader enforcement
authority to investigate claims of workplace and wage abuse.
"Because companies know their use of the H-1B programme will
never be scrutinised, some exploit H-1B workers with little worry
of being caught," Hira said in a statement. "Congress should enact
an auditing system for the H-1B programme to improve the
programme's integrity and ensure foreign workers are not
exploited."