US tech firms need H-1B visas as Americans shun 'flyover cities,' founder says

Apoorva Govind, an Indian-origin tech leader with 15 years of experience, argues that the reliance on H-1B visas by U.S. tech companies is often a necessity driven by American workers' preferences. She observes that many Americans value proximity to family and friends, making them unwilling to move to coastal cities where tech jobs are concentrated. This reluctance leaves employers with limited options, often compelling them to hire foreign nationals.

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They don't want to move to the coastal cities where all the tech jobs are concentrated. So sometimes the employers are left with no choice but to hire foreign nationals.

Govind categorizes tech companies into three types. The first includes giants like Apple and Google, which offer numerous positions but require candidates to secure interviews and relocate. H-1B visa holders in these companies typically constitute a small percentage of the workforce, often possessing advanced degrees from U.S. universities and commanding premium salaries. The second category comprises startups, which face challenges attracting both American applicants and H-1B workers due to inherent uncertainties.

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If startups are hiring H1Bs it's because there is no other option (It's 100% not the cheap option). The cheaper option is to hire remote.

Govind's analysis highlights that approximately 60% of tech jobs fall into the third category: tech roles within non-tech companies such as banks, healthcare, and retail. She contends that this sector is where H-1B visa abuse is most rampant. Companies in this category often outsource work to firms like Wipro or Infosys, which then import software engineers from abroad, allegedly underpaying them. Govind asserts that there is no justification for importing talent for these roles when domestic options exist.

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THIS is the category that's rife with H1B abuse. The employees are not nearly as talented or risk-taking as the other categories. There is no reason why we import people from abroad for these roles.

She criticizes recent commentary that dismisses "flyover cities" as elitist and unhelpful in addressing the core issue. Govind believes that focusing on Silicon Valley CEOs is misguided; instead, the Trump administration should pressure CEOs in the banking, healthcare, and retail sectors to curb H-1B abuse. She emphasizes that the first two categories of companies require highly specialized talent, unlike the third category, which she argues should be the primary target for reform.

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The recent post that spoke derisively about "flyover cities" is despicable and as an immigrant I found it to be disgustingly elitist. It doesn't help address the real problem which is abuse of H1 by certain employers while there is shortage of talent elsewhere.