Gates: H-1B Limits A 'Big Mistake'

[OhioChick]

Microsoft chairman says curbs on foreign tech workers could damage U.S. competitiveness.

July 24, 2009 10:30 AM

Microsoft chairman Bill Gates said Friday that that the U.S. could jeopardize its prospects for economic growth if it imposes stricter limits on the number of skilled immigrants allowed to enter the country each year.

"The U.S. Congress is tough on immigration, but why not make an exception for smart people," said Gates, speaking in New Delhi.

The H-1B visa program allows foreign nationals with advanced degrees or special skills to enter the U.S. for three years. The visas can be renewed for an additional three years. A number of legislators have criticized the program in recent years, claiming it displaces American workers.

Gates and other tech industry leaders, however, insist the program is essential to their ability to recruit the individuals they need for high-level jobs in programming, engineering, and other advanced disciplines.

A good portion of H-1B workers are from India. Gates said the country needs to be more than just a source of cheap tech labor. "You don't want to have that as the only differentiator and it's not a sustainable thing, because others can come along with that as well," said Gates, according to the Reuters news agency.

Indeed, a number of countries—including China, the Philippines, and Brazil—have seen an increase in work offshored from the U.S. in recent years as Western companies look to diversify their labor sources.

Gates said India could ensure its future competitiveness by offering tax breaks that encourage local research and development and by committing more funds to PhD programs in math and science. The private sector must also play a role, said Gates.

"Leading companies here are contributing a lot of ideas and techniques. Even more of that has to happen," said Gates.

http://www.informationweek.com/news/global-cio/h1b/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=218600542

Gates can go fuck himself.

[ihavenobias]

1. Gates just wants what's best for the American middle class.

;)

[D-Lee]

5. Is the "sarcasm" tag missing on the above post? n/t

[ihavenobias]

10. No, that's what the 'wink' face is for.

:)

IMO, the sarcasm tag is too in your face and takes away some of the bite of the sarcasm.

[FreakinDJ]

2. "but why not make an exception for smart people,"

Or people who steal the technology from their friends and make an enormous amount of wealth from it

Bill Gates sold out America long ago. The Electronics Manufacturer's Association created, lobbied for, and paid for the H1B program. It is a visa program for the sole purpose of displacing "Highly Educated" American workers

[Generic Other]

3. The US could do this too if we cared about our future wellbeing

"Gates said India could ensure its future competitiveness by offering tax breaks that encourage local research and development and by committing more funds to PhD programs in math and science. The private sector must also play a role, said Gates."

FUCK YOU Mr. Monopoly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLafPXYXHzE&feature=channel_page

[Deja Q]

8. Why not play a role in EVERY country?

Is there an ulterior motive afoot, or is it just about short-term greed...

[cornermouse]

16. Bill Gates should move to India if he thinks its so wonderful.

I've never said that before but it seems appropriate in this particular case.

[stray cat]

4. Why not keep the best and brightest if they want to stay

Why should someone else get to hire the best people instead of me?

[Deja Q]

7. Because that costs him money. That's why. Paying good people well is a thing of the past...

then they whine when profits are down.

So much for money being an incentive, but only bankers who get stipulations tied to their bailouts are allowed to say that, yes?

:dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce::dunce:

[Deja Q]

6. Yeah, if Vista is one of MANY examples as a result of this, I'm glad I ditched their slop.

[ChromeFoundry]

9. Gates is an asshole. n/t

[girl gone mad]

11. You got that, India?

It's not enough just to give these multinational corporations your labor at a deep discount. In order to stay competitive, you'll need to start funneling your tax money to them, too. Microsoft's sales are down, and Bill needs to find some new sources of revenue. If you want to keep those shiny new jobs, be prepared to pay.

[Chisox08]

12. I guess having American workers is bad for America

Is Bill Gates saying that Americans aren't smart enough to work for him. Then again he may be right because we keep on buying Windows updates and his poorly designed xbox 360.

[OhioChick]

13. Nah....we're not cheap enough. n/t

[lexanman]

14. Gates should have his wealth

confiscated.

[h1ndoo]

15. Thanks

Repost it in EndH1b dot com

[Skittles]

17. FUCK OFF, GATES

I KNOW TONS OF "SMART PEOPLE" WHO ARE AMERICNS WHO CANNOT FIND IT JOBS BECAUSE OF CHEAPSHORING, INSHORE OR OFF

[OhioChick]

18. You tell him, sister!

:fistbump: