There has been a lot of talk about immigration on the inter webs of late. While much of it is well meaning, a lot of it is misinformed. Yes, the H1B1 visa system does seem rife for abuse. As a non-American, I do think it needs reform. However, one cannot simply just rock up in a foreign country and start living and working there as some seem to believe.
I lived as a temporary migrant in South Africa for 10 years and most recently had my Schengen visa approved(France) for 3 months at the start of the lockdowns. The visa was cancelled as part of France's lockdown protocol similar to most other countries at the time. It does seem to me that many are making the assumption that one can just walk across the border into the American sunset. This is far from being true. Immigrating anywhere, even on a temporary basis, is a complete nightmare. The background checks done are extensive. I have had to supply bank statements dating back years, had to prove I can sustain myself financially over the intended duration of my stay, provide travel plans, pay deportation fees, submit multiple police clearance certificates, etc. Even with all of this one of my visa applications was still not successful.
From the running pitch battles between MAGA loyalists and the Tech Bros a lot of what can be said has been said. People can follow the respective arguments (good faith) on X and come to their own conclusions. I do think that many in the MAGA movement are right in pointing out that the H1B1 visa program has been gamed to unjustly favour cheaper labour from India/China over American labour. They are right in pointing out that corporations would rather outsource jobs(call centres abroad) than hire locally to save on costs/maximise profits. However, I think they are partially right with regard to not raising the cap on legal immigration. I think they are completely wrong when it comes to immigration moratoriums and creating stricter requirements for immigration. The existing laws are good enough if implemented justly and do seem to be well thought-out for the most part. In fact, the tech bros are right in pointing out that there is an overzealous rejection of applicants from bureaucrats.
The overwhelming argument from the MAGA folk is that the requisite talent and skill needed to fill positions at companies can be gleaned locally. While this may be true in certain fields, it is not true of all fields. Many countries do have a list of critical skills in fields that are usually understaffed and do require foreign input. As an example, in South Africa, plumbing is considered to be a critical skill. There are simply not enough qualified plumbers in the country to sustain the needs of the country. Not enough people study and qualify for the skillset required. The difference between this and say the H1B1 visa in America is that this is not advertised or even encouraged. Only those looking to apply for said visa know of the need.
A key assumption being made by a lot of MAGA (& non-MAGA) folk is that one can just rock up in America, get a visa and after a few years of work find some path to citizenship and thus dilute the American bloodstream. Getting a visa is not a guarantee of permanent residency leave alone citizenship. H1B1 visa aside, visa application processes are also incredibly complicated and more often than not are unsuccessful. Sometimes visas are rejected for dubious reasons other times for genuine ones. Many Americans who've never left the country don't realise what a gift the American passport is. One can simply rock up at a port of entry in most countries in the world and be given unfettered access(tourism, hospital visits, visiting family). For most other residents of other countries, apart from where special treaties are in place, one has to apply for a visa. It is an arduous process that often includes having to prove financial ability, criminal checks, proof of limited duration of stay, etc.
There is an argument that immigrants displace local talent. This isn't an argument unique to the Americans, it is an all too familiar argument in other parts of the world. The MAGA loyalists on X are right in pointing out that a country isn't just another company where personnel can be replaced at whim for more efficient alternatives.They are however wrong in assuming that there is always a pool of local talent for companies/individuals to draw from. In addition, labour laws in most countries guarantee that the locals are the premier pick of the litter before considerations are given to foreign alternatives, though, this can be gamed if there is enough of a financial incentive.
Finally, immigration is not an easy task. It is arduous, capital intensive and stressful and many cases unsuccessful. Part of the reason why I have not emigrated or sought out a visa for temporary migrant status in any foreign country is that I hate being a second class citizen. Always having to worry about my papers being rejected or visas not being renewed. One can't simply settle down if the near future is uncertain leave alone the distant future. Also, a visa often has one locked it to do one particular thing in a foreign country such as study at just the particular institution applied to or work for the particular company that hired said individual. In my view, this is not a way to live.
