Putting Americans First?

Bob was quoted in a recent article posted on Human Resource Executive Online [hreonline.com]. The article discusses the ongoing issue of how companies should manage layoffs when they have employees working for them under the H-1B visa program. Bob explains that reducing H1-B workers first during layoffs -- and limiting H-1B visas in general -- will force global providers such as Microsoft, IBM and others to perform the work remotely when the economy recovers. He goes on to say; "It is extremely unlikely that limiting or reducing H-1B visa workers will redirect work back to U.S. workers solely," he says. "The logic is that Indian nationals [or those from other developing countries] can do the work more cheaply and often more effectively." To read the entire article please click on the above link.

Industry Updates - March 4, 2009

Survey: U.S. Gains Favor as Outsourcing Location:
This article posted in ZDNet.com takes a different perspective on where the U.S. stands in the outsourcing arena. Chief financial officers at technology companies are increasingly seeing the US as one of their most favored outsourcing destinations in 2009, according to a survey by consulting firm BDO Seidman.

India: Worries Grow about Obama Outsourcing Policies
This article from Business Week.com discusses President Obama's position on offshoring and H-1B visas. Indians are worried that President Obama's new Administration—and the slowdown in the global economy—will cast a shadow over one of the fastest-growing sectors of their economy. Obama's $787 billion stimulus plan will make it increasingly difficult for U.S. companies receiving bailout money to hire foreigners on temporary work permits known as H-1B visas.