H-1B Workers Seen as Cheap Labor

As the recession continues to deepen, idling millions, I would have thought the Information Technology Assn. of America would tone down its pitch [“Industry Downturn Hasn’t Killed Tech’s Big Appetite for Top Talent,” Dec. 9]. Instead, they are peddling the same skills-shortage song and dance.

Does Richard Spitz really believe that the “ton of people available” are unable to retool and acquire “hot” skills? Does he really believe that what these technology workers already know is of no value? I’ll bet not.

Spitz and others know that H-1Bs [visa holders] are beholden to their employers for immigration sponsorship. During the Internet boom, they got half of what native-born workers were paid because leaving their present employer meant they would lose sponsorship. They don’t have the “hot” skills he refers to.

It’s a smokescreen. They are young, cheap and easy to take advantage of.

Dana Trantham

Cary, N.C.