Should the federal government raise the cap on H-1B visas and allow more foreign workers to be temporarily employed in the U.S.? Almost three fourths of employers disagree with the idea for multiple reasons, according to a new poll of human resources managers. Over a quarter say yes, however - citing concerns about skills shortages in the U.S.
And the numbers:
73 percent of U.S. employers oppose issuing more H-1B visas that allow foreign workers temporary employment in America.
55 percent of this group say focus should instead be on re-skilling American-born workers.
54 percent say an increase in the H-1B visas takes jobs away from American workers.
32 percent say the increase would result in the U.S. offshoring more jobs.
30 percent say the increase would foster lower wages if foreign-born works are willing to accept less money on the job.
27 percent of employers overall say the cap for H-1B visas should be changed to allow more visas.
54 percent of that number cite a need to address the skills shortage in the U.S.
51 percent say it would help increase progress in science, technology, engineering and math.
44 percent say it would encourage foreign-born entrepreneurs to start companies in the U.S.
Source: A CareerBuilder/Harris Poll of 2,321 hiring and human resources managers conducted May 14-June 3 and released Thursday.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.
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