Judge supports Trump affirmative action for domestic tech workers

As a PhD molecular biologist, I’ve spent my entire career in tech, albeit academic tech. During that time, I’ve had the privilege to work with many colleagues on H-1B visas. I believe in meritocracy, and my experience is that most of these H-1B visa holders were eminently qualified. Were there more qualified Americans out there? Probably. But they didn’t apply for the job, and these folks did. You recruit from the pool you have, not the pool you wish you had.

America needs bright, highly motivated people to compete in technology innovation. The last thing we need to do is discourage the best and brightest from around the world from coming here. We don’t need affirmative action for homegrown mediocrity. 

“A federal judge said the Trump administration can move ahead with a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, providing a setback for US technology companies that rely on hiring skilled foreign workers.

“US District Judge Beryl Howell said in a ruling Tuesday that President Donald Trump’s effort to radically increase the cost of the popular visa is lawful. The decision gives a boost to the administration’s campaign to restrict immigration and push demand for US workers.”

Lawful? Perhaps. Wise? No.

Why push demand for US workers who couldn’t otherwise compete?

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trump-100-000-h-1b-020043553.html

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