[ajug-members] Wipro coming to Atlanta

[Burr Sutter]

That sounds like the right strategy entrance based on merit and no vendor lock in.  

Now how does a simple gathering of elite software developers make enough noise to get the attention of the rest of the nation?

-----Original Message-----
From: "Paul Bemowski" <bemowski at yahoo.com>
To: "General AJUG membership forum (100-200 messages/month)" <ajug-members at ajug.org>
Sent: 8/2/07 8:42 PM
Subject: RE: [ajug-members] Wipro coming to Atlanta

In the UK they have something called the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme - which
attempts to do what you suggest below. As the title indicates, HSMP provides work
visas to qualified applicants who can score enough points on a qualifying test - and
then back up that score with documentation to prove you are qualified.  
http://www.workingintheuk.gov.uk/working_in_the_uk/EN/homepage/schemes_and_programmes/hsmp.html

Australia has a similar program:
http://www.workpermit.com/australia/point_calculator.htm

Not exactly "give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses.." but in terms of
competition in a global economy, it seems to make more sense to qualify people based
on merit.  Over time, if we allow anyone in - and the UK and AU focus on allowing in
only highly skilled immigrants - it will be to their advantage.

Also - because these programs give people unrestricted work visas - they compete
head to head with local talent.  H1Bs are payed very low wages because they are
basically indentured servants to the company owning the visa.  They cannot just
switch companies - if they could, they would for higher rates - and the situation
would be very different.  The companies do not 'own' the talent because of the visa.
 So - programs like HSMP do not lower wages as much, and they definitely raise the
bar in terms of talent.  

My guess is that powerful corporate lobbyists prevent programs like HSMP here.  The
companies love to import cheap talent that cannot easily switch companies,  

Such a program is even more difficult to argue against.  

I have a UK HSMP visa - if anyone is interested in learning about my experience on
the UK visa program, I'm happy to share offline.

Paul


--- Burr Sutter <burrsutter at gmail.com> wrote:

> What would I say to my congressman?
> 
>  
> 
> I've already forgotten which of the visa programs which is based on a
> "lottery" system.  I personally think that stinks.  The best and brightest
> should make the cut first. As we know, a single really talented "A team
> player" can out produce 10 or more "B or C" players.
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
>   _____  
> 
> From: ajug-members-bounces at ajug.org [mailto:ajug-members-bounces at ajug.org]
> On Behalf Of Brian Whitfield / Essential Resources
> Sent: Thursday, August 02, 2007 5:35 PM
> To: 'General AJUG membership forum (100-200 messages/month)'
> Subject: RE: [ajug-members] Wipro coming to Atlanta
> 
>  
> 
> Didn't mean to start a debate.  Just wanted to point it out.  For those of
> you that see it as a negative - contact your congressman.  For those of you
> that don't, then don't.  
> 
>  
> 
> A few good points made.  Be different and better than them.  
> 
>