The H-1B visa lottery system has resulted in abuse and fraud, according to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. In a statement, the agency said the lottery has led to an increase in the number of applications filed by individuals or companies hoping to increase their chances of being selected. It also said some companies have used the H-1B program to hire foreign workers at below-market wages. While others have filed fraudulent applications. The agency added that it will take action against those who violate H-1B rules. Also, including denying or revoking visas, imposing fines, and pursuing criminal charges.
The H-1B visa program allows US employers to hire foreign workers in specialized occupations, such as IT, engineering, and science. The program has been controversial. As some arguing that it allows US companies to hire foreign workers at lower wages and displaces American workers. The Trump administration tightened restrictions on the program. Further, including raising the minimum wage for H-1B workers. And suspended the program for several months during the pandemic. The Biden administration has said it will review and reform the program. And to ensure that it is used to fill critical skill gaps in the US workforce.
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The USCIS said it is working to improve the H-1B lottery system by increasing transparency and ensuring that visas are awarded to the most qualified applicants. The agency also said it is considering ways to modify the lottery process to reduce fraud and abuse. Like prioritizing applications from employers that pay higher wages or have a demonstrated need for the specialized skills of H-1B workers.
Critics of the H-1B program argue that it has been used by companies to outsource jobs and suppress wages for US workers. Some have called for the program to be eliminated entirely. While others have advocated for reforms to ensure that it is used to fill critical skill gaps in the US workforce.
The USCIS’s statement comes as the H-1B lottery for fiscal year 2022 opened on March 9. The agency received more than 308,000 H-1B registrations for the 85,000 available visas. The agency conducted a random selection process to determine which applications would be selected.
