Why H1B visa to green card?

[VAisforlovers]

I'm not arguing the reason for H1B visas. I have many coworkers who are on H1Bs. I'm also aware of the many opposing reasons against hiring foreign workers over a US citizen.
I'm wondering, why do companies sponsor H1B visa holders for permanent residence in the US though? These H1B workers are hired for their specific skill set right?

I can tell you right now, a lot of H1B visa holders that I work with are currently holding onto their jobs until they get their employer sponsored green card, and they are looking to bolt. They are looking to switch job functions or even industries completely which makes the whole reason that they are given H1B visa in the first place invalid.

Wouldn't it make more sense to allow H1B visa extensions after each 6 years but not given a permanent residence?

 

[Braznor]

Oh you want second class residents who just contribute to social security and get nothing in turn? Why would they want to stay in your country then?

Good idea, write this to Obama. I'm sure he will appreciate your thoughtful contribution for consolidation of American intellectual capital and civil rights status in this century.

 

[sunzt]

I'm not arguing the reason for H1B visas. I have many coworkers who are on H1Bs. I'm also aware of the many opposing reasons against hiring foreign workers over a US citizen.
I'm wondering, why do companies sponsor H1B visa holders for permanent residence in the US though? These H1B workers are hired for their specific skill set right?

I can tell you right now, a lot of H1B visa holders that I work with are currently holding onto their jobs until they get their employer sponsored green card, and they are looking to bolt. They are looking to switch job functions or even industries completely which makes the whole reason that they are given H1B visa in the first place invalid.

Wouldn't it make more sense to allow H1B visa extensions after each 6 years but not given a permanent residence?

It's not that rosy to get a green card from H1B visa. Not only are you tied to the same company that sponsors you for almost 5-10 years, they can treat you and pay you like crap because they know that you're stuck with them and they don't really have to give you any promotions, accommodations, or wage increases because of it. When switching companies is typically the only way these days to get a decent wage increase then why not if you've been with the company for 10 years without any increase in pay/benefits or treatment? The employee may also just want to move to a different area that the company isn't at. Or maybe because the company just treats them as sh*t compared to what they're supposed to be treated like.

It's not like the US is losing the person's skill, the person will still be able to contribute to the workforce, but with an employer who matches their needs better.

 

[piasabird]

No reason to Hire Americans.