US Bill aims to cull abuse of H1B visa programme

An American Senator has introduced a legislation he claims is aimed at eliminating fraud and abuse of the H-1B visa programme but the provisions would make it tougher for Indian-Americans to get this popular work visa. The H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act of 2013, introduced by Chuck Grassley, a ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, recommends all companies make a good-faith effort to hire Americans first. The bill asks prospective H-1B employers to list available positions on a Department of Labor-sponsored website for 30 days prior to petitioning for foreign labour. It prohibits employers from advertising only to H-1B visa holders. "The programme was never meant to replace qualified American workers but was intended as a means to fill gaps in highly specialised areas of employment. When times are tough, like they are now, it's especially important that Americans get every consideration before an employer looks to hire from abroad," Grassley said.