With the current state of the economy, why do we still offer work visas?

[MercutioATC]

I'm not saying that we shouldn't, but I'm interested in opinions.

U.S. unemployment is near 9%. Except in very rare circumstances, there are U.S. workers who can do these jobs. What ramifications would temporarily canceling the work visa program have and would the negatives outweigh the positives?

(yes, I know it would be disruptive to some projects to suddenly have a key team member lose their work visa...possibly a 6-month phase-out? I'm looking for the overall effect, not individual problems...and I'm willing to allow for modifications that would ease the transition)

[JDPriestly]

1. We should not be offering work visas, and we should not renew

any work visas. In this economy, enough qualified Americans are available even for
"jobs Americans don't want to do."

[robinlynne]

2. To lower wages, of course.

[OhioChick]

3. "why do we still offer work visas?"

Simple: Cheap labor.

Example: "H-1B visa holders are paid less than US counterparts"

http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=cda81c51-7247-4c2a-8e36-2414c5f9686c

With unemployment so high in the U.S. now, I believe that visa programs should be halted.

[ladjf]

4. Because Bill Gates and others don't have enough money. nt

[ChromeFoundry]

5. To keep wages low. n/t

[MercutioATC]

6. ...and I was bracing myself for the screams of "Racist!" and "Xenophobe!"...

I know that canceling work visas would be a "protectionist" move and that other countries might recirpocate by cancelling the visas of U.S. citizens working abroad, but I think the overall positive effects would outweigh the bad for us.

[OhioChick]

7. Protectionism is already happening elsewhere:

India firing foreign workers to give jobs to locals

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Jobs/Expatriate_executives_making_way_for_local_hires/articleshow/4039529.cms