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The H1-B Message Board

Mon Apr 16 09:20:41 2001
Name:veena Prasad
Email:veena_prasad22@yahoo.com
Views:It is really a tough time for those who have lost thier jobs and it is really a matter of concern for all of us here in India. It is not fair this uncertainity always prevail when u r in a country which u do not belong to. all this has also affected the in dian market so it equally uncertain here also. but it would e better if they come back and start looking for a job in India where atleast u have yr peole around in ur bad days.

Mon Apr 16 09:42:19 2001
Name:sameer
Email:share_80@hotmail.com
Views:Question of demand and supply.More H1B visas were got approved by US companies to bring salary of software professionals down.I was surprised to know that people in US werenot getting job even after working for 3 years in s/w.I know people in India who did 6 months work on java,C++ and showed it 3 years and flew to U.S (withou working on a project).In such scenario straight and honest people suffer.US companies got more visas to keep there costs down,but since companies have cut down on software spending,since share market is down,jobs will be less.H1B is like getting Bihari labour to work on fields of Punjab where wages are high.Whole game of H1B is on cost effectiveness of Indian labour and they are at mercy of employers till green card.People should understand that and take a plunge.But in US ,you can be fired in one day.

Mon Apr 16 10:03:26 2001
Name:prvinod Aatagadu
Email:prvinod@sifymail.com
Views:let them join as slaves for uncle sam.they left every thing in persuit of a greedy and selfish dream. not realising they were just used for their cheap labour,now there is no need of their services let them settle there as "cheap labourers"

Mon Apr 16 10:06:21 2001
Name:Madhusudhanan
Email:nmsudhanan@rediffmail.com
Views:My H1-B has been approved and now waiting for my ticket to departure. whether it is advisable to land in u.s at this stage, where the software market is getting down.. please give me some advice

Mon Apr 16 10:12:13 2001
Name:k.satish
Email:emailsatish@rediffmail.com
Views:It is not fair. and they has to find another job in america.

Mon Apr 16 10:12:52 2001
Name:Vijay
Email:vij30@hotmail.com
Views:Is it very unfortunate that a situation has arose like this. We indians(on H1-B)were always manipulated both by americans and indians.the consulting companies are like a Hyenas, they make more than 200% of the investestment they have made on the consultant within the first few months s when the consultant is in project. When he comes to bench(without an assignment) they don't pay him, mis-treat and humiliate him which ultimately results in mental stress and affects the consultant physcologically.I have known and experienced the same . i feel this is the time, all the consulting companies should have confidence and retain their sole bread and butter(which represents,we CONSULTANTS). Expecially, the Indian consulting firms should retain all the employees and should not break their hopes,confidence and dreams. This is just a request by a consultant like to me all the organisations. we, consultants, come all the way leaving our parents,family,friends and country to survive and fulfill our hopes and dreams. So please do help us to keep this alive. Just a request from a cheap H1-b worker like me. hope this message reaches to the ears to help us all from this pittyful situation. MERA BHARATH MAHAN!

Mon Apr 16 10:30:39 2001
Name:pankaj shah
Email:jyopan@hotmail.com
Views:They have to come back to India, if they are feeling that their respect for the job is nomore. There is still great jobs waiting in India for such cream skillset. When India produce one IT - expert, govt must be spending more than 1 Lac per person, expecting some return from him inbenefit of nation, when Person decide to work for US, the whole benefit is passed to other country and we are left with un-skilled, poor heads. If Indian develops good software, why can India develop good software and sale to whole world. like Oracle/ OS / RDBMS / ERP / Small size DBMS where lacs of installation still pending within INDIA and for what Indians are paying to FOX and MicrSoft.

Mon Apr 16 10:33:19 2001
Name:Ebby
Email:ebby.raja@usa.net
Views:Those who had toiled hard to be a part of the American dream had left their motherland for selfish reasons. So they should not be allowed to come back.

Mon Apr 16 10:37:30 2001
Name:Annu
Email:annu@rediffmail.com
Views:Is there something like one techonology e.g. Java is suffering more decay than others like embedded? What will be the future of indian IT co.s? What are the other good countries to work in if not US? I have my H-1 B approved and before i land up in US , the recession hit. Should i wait patiently for situation to improve? or start looking for a better job elsewhere? How is the life and racism in Germany, UK and Canada? Are there enough jobs for indian IT professionals?

Mon Apr 16 10:44:33 2001
Name:Annu
Email:annu@rediffmail.com
Views:Is there something like one techonology e.g. Java is suffering more decay than others like embedded? What will be the future of indian IT co.s? What are the other good countries to work in if not US? I have my H-1 B approved and before i land up in US , the recession hit. Should i wait patiently for situation to improve? or start looking for a better job elsewhere? How is the life and racism in Germany, UK and Canada? Are there enough jobs for indian IT professionals? PLEASE ADVICE

Mon Apr 16 11:14:00 2001
Name:sanjay talwar
Email:sanjaytalwar@hotmail.com
Views:Back to Bench ( forever)is the truth that the sacked IT flock from US have to face. Thier craze for dollars and scorn for such of us who stayed back in India reached all time heights and now back home, it would be a miracle to get a good job - forget a hi paying one.

Mon Apr 16 11:25:26 2001
Name:sonu
Email:apagal01@hotmail.com
Views:they went only to earn in US dollars and very few went to learn technology. majority chunk went for a better lifestyle. so let them pay the price.

Mon Apr 16 11:27:42 2001
Name:vikram
Email:vikramreddyv@hotmail.com
Views:there is no secure jobs in u.s.a. there are alot of IT jobs in India. neednot to worry if there loose jobs in u.s.a.

Mon Apr 16 12:00:42 2001
Name:Rakesh Chawla
Email:rkc@123india.com
Views:Law should be ammended to secure them & provide some sort of time gap relaxation whenever the lost their jobs.

Mon Apr 16 12:03:33 2001
Name:Rajinder Kumar
Email:razeender@hotmail.com
Views:What IT professionals facing today in US, is nothing but other side of the coin. There's always a Blast after boom & viceversa. It's very sick , the way indians are being treated these days. One should run abroad just for sake of money. Have patience,predict things & then work smartly.

Mon Apr 16 12:09:53 2001
Name:harishjaiswal
Email:harishj1808@rediffmail.com
Views:they should do some other field job instead of coming back & shall wait for the IT market to rise & rejoin in US

Mon Apr 16 12:31:35 2001
Name:Durairajan
Email:durai_saf@hotmail.com
Views:This is crap. I am not saying that i don't believe reality. But the same rulez where there 8 months ago when all the papers were buzzing that H1B is a goldmine. U can earn upto $100/hour which means u can earn your 10 years savings in india within a year... Is this all journalism crap or the true reality???...Let the papers be true to everyone and not just look at what people want and give it...

Mon Apr 16 12:42:29 2001
Name:pardeep
Email:coolpara@rediffmail.com
Views:this is a temporary phase.good days will be back again.

Mon Apr 16 12:48:51 2001
Name:kapil hitkari
Email:hitkari1976@rediffmail.com
Views:It is true that every IT proffesional has a dream to go to US but unfortunately the US Economy Slowdown has Spread the water on the dreams and career of the proffesinal and the Us govt. has given them warning to back to there home India but it is not fare that the people working there has to leave there job and some indians are waiting for there H1 approval and some people had also got there approval from INS but they are not getting the stamping from Embassy.

Mon Apr 16 13:00:06 2001
Name:Sriram
Email:ssriram@rediffmail.com
Views:Iam a graduate mech engr currently awaiting my H1 visa stamping.I would landing up at Detroit and i would be placed in ERP/CRM Space.I do not think there is any major threat for geunine candidates.

Mon Apr 16 13:29:57 2001
Name:vikas
Email:v_sawant20@rediffmail.com
Views:I think the recession is temporary for definate , but how long it will take to stabilize is to be seen. As for the people being laid off,I think they should strive hard to sell their skills and have guts to face the situation. I think they can make it in USA itself.

Mon Apr 16 13:31:47 2001
Name:Pramod Parasramka
Email:pramod0@rediffmail.com
Views:I agree with the general consensus that the H1 situation is unfair and lands many of u IT professionals in US in the soup. However, i think it is time that we start looking ahead and take positive action. I have a suggestion that since u'll have been working in the US market for varying lengths of time, u would have formed a fair idea of the market requirements there. Why not come to india, form your own company, and try fulfilling those demands from here. i agree that the remuneration might not be as attractive as in the US, but hey, at least u will be your own man / woman. another thing, i am myself interested in forming such a team to work with me towards the same end, on a partnership basis, wherein i can offer an established infrastructure and banner name for conducting business, which would save u the bother of investing money to setup any necessary infrastructure. I am based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Let me know if any of u guys are interested, and we could work things out.

Mon Apr 16 13:43:42 2001
Name:Madhav Kasture
Email:anusha@ip.eth.net
Views:H1 B should ensure 3 years of assured employment with the hiring company.

Mon Apr 16 13:50:59 2001
Name:Rajesh Sujir
Email:sujirr@rediffmail.com
Views:I strongly believe that H1B holders should not be sent back home. It is not fair for them, they should be given some time atleast 6 months to find an alternative job.

Mon Apr 16 14:09:32 2001
Name:Pradeep
Email:pradeep_km@rediffmail.com
Views:Ho..It was a dream for me.I got my H1 visa...resigned from my job in Bangalore and then done all the purchase to fly to my dream land and then the bang came.I got a mail saying sorry you are no longer needed.Now I am in despair...searching for..new openings agian all my dreams squashed..crashed and smashed...!!!!!!!!!I dont know what to do ? what to tell but i am thankful togod that I didnt go there and came back.loosing all my hard earned money.....

Mon Apr 16 14:09:43 2001
Name:Smriti
Email:smriti@indosoftsys.com
Views:I feel bad about the software profesionals as till they were on jobs they had many theing to look for. Moreover these guys are talented and has the potential to contridute a lot towards a better tomorrow. Now out of blue they are receiving pink slips and asked to leave their job immediately. These guys donot belong to the group who just sits at home. For no fault of their own they are suffering now. I hope the market will pick up fast and these guys will have a better tomorrow.

Mon Apr 16 14:09:59 2001
Name:suhail
Email:suhailaqil@rediff.com
Views:not fair at all.

Mon Apr 16 14:16:09 2001
Name:Maju Kuriakose
Email:majukuriakose@rediffmail.com
Views:Hyderabad: News & rumours have been pouring in that thousand of software professionals have been on the bench for months together. Day by day software companies in US are announcing massive cut in its workforce. Since the majority of the US Tech workers are from India and in particular from Hyderabad, this is a news to worry for the relatives and friends of those who have left Hyd on H1 visas to USA. Many of them have given up their jobs and have left for the USA hoping for a better future and all of a sudden like the Dotcom bubble, its now a nightmare for many a professionals to even think of going to the USA. A recent cover story in the "Business world" has mentioned about 1 lakh tech professionals on the bench and about the fear that has gripped Indian software Industry as the slowdown in the US economy begins to take its toll. Motorola axed an alarming 22,000 employees since December 2000 while Oracle, Cisco, Nortel, Hewlett Packard,Intel,i2 have announced massive cut of its workforce like never before. Most companies located in the valley, including Indian promoted ones like Exodus have announced job cuts. Exodus Founder K B Chandrasekhar's new venture Jamcracker has also announced layoffs. The banking sector is yet to begin their layoffs and this is expected in coming quarters. Those software professionals who have managed to hold on to their jobs, have already been warned by their employers that they will have to be prepared for the worst. The US economy which has been achieving dizzy heights is suddenly finding itself in sticky waters. For that matter any economy that goes up, has to catch up with the law of averages and that's exactly what's happening in the US. The growth-rate of the US economy slumped from 5.6 per cent in June 2000 to 2.7 per cent in September ,the lowest in three years-its fallout began to be felt only this March. The writer h

Mon Apr 16 14:31:35 2001
Name:Your Big Brother
Email:big@india.com
Views:There really difficult situation. But don't glorify your deeds and stop this shamelees act of bagging from US Govt. Did u ever remember your old mother saying "Go ahead Beta, Don't sacrifise your life for us. No matter where u live, Our blessings are with you." Can't you see their sacrifises. The companies making layoffs don't want to vanish, they will do there best efforts for there own survival.

Mon Apr 16 14:43:54 2001
Name:DVHPrashanth
Email:dvhp@hyd.cmc.net.in
Views:Every IT Person dreams of Silicon Valley and Silicon Valley has developed to that high with the help of major contribution from Indians.So it is the responsiblility of Govt of USA to stablise the current down fall as it is effecting the economy as well as others. But people without proper view has entered silicon valley. Now they don't know where to go for that people there are other ways to get on. If the trend goes on like this complete IT may be out and BIO will take over. For the employees still in service there is no problem because as the companies now working cannot complete close the shutters and some how are other need some members to continue the work.

Mon Apr 16 14:56:20 2001
Name:Rajesh Bait
Email:rbait@rediff.com
Views:Its a very hard time for those who has been laid off. Most of the ppl would be knowing this new rule. According to this rule anybody who has been laid off, they can still leaglly stay in the USA but their status will be "OUT OF STATUS". They can stay in the USA till the time they have an H1 valid visa or the date on the I-94 and seach for the new jobs/projects. All the Best...And Wish u goodLuck

Mon Apr 16 15:03:43 2001
Name:MPVSAMY
Email:MPVSAMY@REDIFF.COM
Views:They should be able to get a job there itself.No chance of getting adjusted in India.

Mon Apr 16 15:05:18 2001
Name:shailesh
Email:shailesh23@vsnl.com
Views:can anyone tell about the H1B cancelation process. If an employer cancel your H1, what you have to do. How much tim,e it takes to cancel the H1.

Mon Apr 16 15:15:54 2001
Name:srinivas kandem
Email:kskandem@usa.net
Views:How is the future of IT in USA. 2)Actually what is the present postion in USA 3)What is your suggestion for aspirants who wants to go usa.

Mon Apr 16 15:20:28 2001
Name:Kumar
Email:yahai@yahoo.com
Views:It is better to stay some how there ( even by illegal means) there only in US.

Mon Apr 16 15:25:47 2001
Name:Raj
Email:raj@usa.net
Views:Hi... I chanced upon this message board. And all I see is most of you have cribbed. I understand ur positions. Btw, this is not for people who have not cribbed. U get into some shit college.. pay money for a shitty degree.. grab a job for shitty US... and still u crib ? And in the process , u confuse the better and more sensible folks , too. Get real guys...if u r not tough , take a walk to India !! Get married...have a life.. and wish others ur kind of success.. Bcoz. if u can't sell somebody ( you , in this case) u r a nobody.. and if u don't know that , well , eat a piece of bad pizza , grow a conscience and take a flight back. No hard feelings...I am Jerry Maguire !!

Mon Apr 16 15:33:24 2001
Name:Ateesh Dwivedi
Email:ateesh@rediffmail.com
Views:This is surely a tragic situation.The primary cause for this H1-B sorry story is the slowdown in Dot coms.The good part is that cheap body-shoppers would no more be able to send almost anyone to US on the promise of a lucrative life.

Mon Apr 16 15:44:52 2001
Name:Satish
Email:spintl@hotmail.com
Views:Some of the messages on this board is appalling. Yes, the US Economy is in a downward spiral and a lot of people are loosing jobs. What makes these H-1 people think that they are the ONLY ones who are loosing jobs. Maybe not in the I-T sector but in various other industries people are loosing jobs. U.S will first safeguard their citizens than worry about foreign workers. When these computer professionals came from India, a lot of them had inadequate skills, some did not even know how to talk to people. These same people were given exhorbitant salaries which were unheard of before, and now it is balancing time. All these H-1 workers should go back and help India become a super power. The opportunities are there only if people are willing to look for. There is no reason to feel sorry for these H-1 people. It is like one project is over, they got to pick up their bags and move on to the next!!!

Mon Apr 16 15:48:32 2001
Name:subashini R
Email:subashini_r@excite.com
Views:what is the exact status of US market now ,especially the contract jobs for H1B Visa holders?.will this condition remain the same?,if for how many days? when will it get back to the original state?

Mon Apr 16 15:51:13 2001
Name:jancs
Email:jancs@rediffmail.com
Views:What US is doing is quite natural and acceptable. This is the same thing everybody does when it comes to business. Business is not for charity. They have to take care of their citizens first. The nation works for the best interest of their nations We are no body to tell them to change their immigration law. If you don't like it don't go there or stay there. This is what even we do when we are in problems.

Mon Apr 16 16:00:47 2001
Name:balasubramanian
Email:gnbalu@usa.net
Views:People now a days want fat salaries and that too in the US so that they can earn in dollars. they should realise that all is a part if a cycle. if there is an up there is a low too.Thereore a person whos demandng hefty a hefty salary must expect such problems also

Mon Apr 16 16:16:14 2001
Name:Navatha
Email:navi26_10@yahoo.com
Views:Ofcource the Indians had made a choice on their own to Land in the country of opportunities but isn't it mean to show them the door? I think they need to be given a thought.

Mon Apr 16 16:29:00 2001
Name:Bevin
Email:bevinoys@rediffmail.com
Views:Play slow, win slow; play fast, lose fast.

Mon Apr 16 16:38:26 2001
Name:sanjay
Email:sanp65@hotmail.com
Views:A correction is going on and the people who still have jobs need not worry about being laid off. Things will perk up after 6 months or so.

Mon Apr 16 16:39:37 2001
Name:Raj
Email:rxk@hotmail.com
Views:The main problem for H1's in this market is that companies are not willing to sponsor as they have more candidates (GC holders and citizens) to choose from. Recruiters tell me that their clients who used to hire H1 visa holders do not do so now.

Mon Apr 16 17:11:41 2001
Name:Partha Sarathi Bhattacharyya
Email:partha_s_b@rediffmail.com
Views:It is no doubt a big blow to the dreams of many Indian IT professionals working in US under H1B. In this way I lost a chance of working in US after securing job as a Oracle professional in NY. But what are the scopes of the software people in other places specially in Canada ,Europe or in Australia and New Zealand? I am keenly waiting for a reply to this question and would be obliged if I receive any information about the openings in the aforementioned places.

Mon Apr 16 17:15:01 2001
Name:rajesh
Email:nayyarrajesh@yahoo.com
Views:they shold try to seek another job in u.s .because in india also there is no surety of job

Mon Apr 16 17:15:04 2001
Name:K V Narasimhan
Email:kvnarasimhan@rediffmail.com
Views:It is true. The consolidation phase in technological growth or many thought that ecommerce will replace the traditional supplier- consumer chain and have based their plans on that have accelerated the doom and downfall. Nothing is lost for customer relationship and sharing of more information on clients dealing with any supplier of services/ products will not abate and the technology is going to make it that easier only. The good guys with grounding in the basic languages have nothing to fear for applications have to be refined and all the business/ commercial transactions are yet captured in software in any sense. K V Narasimhan

Mon Apr 16 17:15:39 2001
Name:pavushetty
Email:pavushetty_2000@yahoo.com
Views:every industry has ups& downs this is the bad time for I T industry

Mon Apr 16 17:28:03 2001
Name:Jayraj
Email:Jaysp10@yahoo.com
Views:H1b holder should have enough time to find suitable job.Say at least min.of 6 months grace.Its just difficult for any fellow to retun back.H1b holders should be someway or other way should be protected.I feel Canada Immigration pattern mix should be followed.

Mon Apr 16 17:43:35 2001
Name:Ganesh
Email:gvs_2000@yahoo.com
Views:I think. all Indians who have lost jobs in USA should return back immediately and look for a job in Indian company( again do not go for MNC who has set up a shop in India). At this point of time, nobody is in a position to challange the INS rules. If Indians lose time in deceiding whether to return or not, they will lose a chance of grabbing a job in India also. As per current situation all major indian companies have virtually stopped recruitment. And What is use of hard earned dollers if you are going become 'Na Ghar ka, na Ghat ka' So, all laid off Indians , come back to your home country without losing a second.

Mon Apr 16 17:47:39 2001
Name:k.c.madhusudhan rao
Email:madhusudhan@capricornsys-global.com
Views:Yea I think its Really bad situation But hope Things would work out soon

Mon Apr 16 17:54:42 2001
Name:Ajay Kumar
Email:akc001@rediffmail.com
Views:I was planning to come there this feb. but the picture which I can see from here is not very promising what I can suggest to my dear Indinan Pros to search for job in Europe and Australia. And also it is never too late to come back to India. You will definitely find a job here or can start any non tech field job. here. These were my very own personal views so do not take it by heart. regards ajay

Mon Apr 16 18:00:06 2001
Name:Prashant Kr Patel
Email:prashant.corpn@usa.net
Views:If you don't get jobs out there come here. you will be in great you are moreknowledgeable than yuor indian counterparts as you have worked with advance technology and moreover you can share your ideas with us so that we can make india an It Paradise

Mon Apr 16 18:18:23 2001
Name:Kishwes
Email:sundancer@rediff.com
Views:Will this lead to a recession? Maybe, but this has lessons to all of us in the IT Industry. We made some assumptions, which in hindsight were off course. 1. US jobs are safer than India jobs - No guarantee there as we very well know. With an Indian job at least you are sure that no one can kick you out of the country. 2. Desirable US work status - not so as most of those sw persons who have returned and are looking at jobs in India, are being asked to look at the harsh reality of salary cuts. 3. Loyalty? - This may come into question from Indian employers as they may feel that the newly returned US recruits may desert them the moment the US economy shows signs of picking up, thereby leading to a hands off situation Is all the above a small price to pay? Weel, I am not a US returned SW engineer nor am I a US based sw engineer, but from my view point as an interested bystander, India is a better choice for me.

Mon Apr 16 18:32:52 2001
Name:Rajendra Prasad.K
Email:rprasad_k_2000@yahoo.com
Views:Why the situation there in US is that bad when the same is not in India? Even many say that the hype in India is more than in any part of the world. I believe that I have enough skills to survive in Us. Can U suggest me any better option weather to go to US or remain In India? What r the tech. req there right now?

Mon Apr 16 18:35:26 2001
Name:Anil Pundhir
Email:anilpundhir@hotmail.com
Views:I am working in US since last six months. I have seen this tragic period. It has been very bad for the people who had to leave but the real thing is the people who are still here do not feel secure. The Industry where job secrurity was the least concern has now become the first. Would continue to give feedback. With love n regards, Anil Pundhir

Mon Apr 16 18:36:45 2001
Name:sudeep
Email:sudeepmahalanabis@rediffmail.com
Views:They can try to find other job may not be in software.it may not give same money like software but it will be reasonable amount to live through and save thanx sudeep

Mon Apr 16 18:47:36 2001
Name:sure
Email:vaddepalli@rediffmail.com
Views:there should be body regulating the migration. Without having basic standard in IT, people think of US. Jobs are still there , but for the people who has expertise.

Mon Apr 16 18:48:03 2001
Name:yogesh
Email:yogesh_komal@yahoo.com
Views:i think this is rediculous to send back anybody who possess h -1 they should be given chsnce to get anthoer job

Mon Apr 16 19:01:58 2001
Name:Shiva
Email:stillu@boeing.com
Views:Quit Whining. Each one of this guys knew what they were stepping into when they made their journey here. This is an use and throw land, and if they dont find use for you, you are OUT. This country doesnt have to promise you a green card when you are on H-1, it is a symbiotic relationship, if there is no job, go home - do something there and come back again when there is a job. STOP WHINING for god's sake and get on with your lives.

Mon Apr 16 19:12:25 2001
Name:G Ravi
Email:rgod@yahoo.net
Views:Several of these laid-off workers were not qualified in the first place. They did some funky course and showed fake certificates and came here. I meet several "programmers" and "SAP" experts and wonder how they get a job anywhere?! Many qualified people who have worked hard and upgraded their skills will get new jobs. The crisis is blown out of proportion as people have to keep in mind the dangers of this road. H1-B visa holder

Mon Apr 16 20:35:27 2001
Name:Krishna
Email:kpothucuchi@yahoo.com
Views:if a guy is on h-1b visa and got laid off , is he out of status and is it ok if he stays in u.s without a job.

Mon Apr 16 20:36:20 2001
Name:jayprakash
Email:jp400@rediff.com
Views:I think the media is unnecessarily creating the hype. there is no need to worry about this slag. Since this is a temporary phase and it will be normail in the coming days.

Mon Apr 16 20:40:59 2001
Name:kishore
Email:abc@xyz.com
Views:hi all, It's been quite disgusting to find the American H1 policy really posing a major stress on people who were on a sweet song till six months back. I think people who might have stayed there for say two to three years must have saved 20K dollars or even more , so you can come back to India and mind u , you cannot get a job in Wipro, Infosys or other good companies unless u are exceptionally talented and meet their HR expectations. So please come back with your money which would be a decent amount and have a good living back home and when the economy rises elsewhere some body shopper will be there to put u there. So now patience is needed and u should adjust to the Indian pollution and take good care of your expenses and give good reasons to the relatives who will ask poking questions. So do not be in despair and oppurtunities will come in other parts of the world.

Mon Apr 16 20:43:14 2001
Name:venkat
Email:puv70@hotmail.com
Views:I think it is only a slow down which every economy goes through and for a country like america it is not going to take much time to bounce back.But being through all this for the H1 B visa holders is new and this experience is only going to help the people who are going to go to america in the future

Mon Apr 16 21:19:44 2001
Name:Satyendra Trivedi
Email:shubhamt@hotmail.com
Views:The dependency of H-1B visa to a company should be scrapped.

Mon Apr 16 21:28:04 2001
Name:Eswaran Krishnan
Email:keswaran@yahoo.com
Views:he point being missed here is that most of the software professionals in trouble are the ones working on Java or other Net based applications. Packages like Siebel and AS400 are still very much in demand, as ERP and eCRM packages will continue to be in demand. In a country like the US, where all companies and government organizations are computer dependent, It would be foolish of one to expects that the bubble will burst totally. Hence, I feel that the scare of software professionals getting a raw deal in the US is more of a media hype than a actual reality.

Mon Apr 16 21:32:09 2001
Name:syamsundar
Email:ssrk123@rediffmail.com
Views:I got H1-B visa four days back.Please advise whether I can go to USA in the present situation or not.Presently I am working in PSU as engineer.

Mon Apr 16 21:32:10 2001
Name:Pankaj Shah
Email:pankaj_shah@figroup.co.uk
Views:Definitely our people in the IT industry are facing hard times in US. But I feel its the fault of our IT professionals who themselves leave the permanent jobs in India and run after some bodyshoppers for some few extra bucks. People with such attitide will surely face such problems. Why does people with some good organisation like Tatas do not face such a problem ??

Mon Apr 16 21:32:20 2001
Name:Anil Sivakumaran
Email:asivakumaran@hotmail.com
Views: One issue that few people are mentioning about returning H1 folk is this: They paid SOCIAL SECURITY. They are not getting back the money. This is incorrect both in terms of international monetary principles as well as US law but implemented through various legal catch-22s. Even if the Social Security administration honestly gave back the tax money to the H1 folk getting expelled, it would be a cushion for them to pick up the pieces of their lives in India and move on. Also, so many people seem to be delaying marriage, kids, etc because of their status uncertainties. Think twice about this. These intelligent folk are committing genetic suicide. Ten or fifteen years from now, this whole H-1 bullshit will be a faded memory. Not having had family life, children, etc will hurt. This reverse brain drain will be good for India and Indians eventually. America's H-1 scheme is unfair as well as irrational. In the long term, US economy will suffer more from this as Indians (and others) will become more wiser and careful before jumping to jobs in USA. Friends, life is long. And US economy is not indispensable to the world or our lives in the long run.

Mon Apr 16 21:42:17 2001
Name:Devarajan
Email:kmdeva132@yahoo.com
Views:Job Safety for any Indians in US is 0%..that's what the environment in US is all about..everybody knows that before hand. Practically, speaking everybody playing a gamble,winner and loser its all matter of time.. If you want job safety and then one has to get a job in India and settle..if u want to take risk and see what happens next,stay in US and look at the life..

Mon Apr 16 21:56:00 2001
Name:Sudha Badri
Email:sudha_narasimhan@hotmail.com
Views:It is definitely not fair for the indians to leave america when they are retrenched. I mean they have a family and tons of dreams and aspirations and it is not fair at all for them to be kicked out of the country.

Mon Apr 16 22:02:07 2001
Name:Raj Ln
Email:rajin2001@hotmail.com
Views:Thanx to rediff, for giving us a chance to express our views. I've been following all the articles in rediff.com. unfortunately most of the H1-B visa holders take things for granted. In one of the rediff articles, it was a quoted as saying, a H1-B visa holder wanted to go to Canada,UK or India and work for the company that competes with US firm. What is he thinking? What about the fortune he made in the US. I'm not talking for corporate America, but its worth to note that India is still his third choice after Canada and UK. We think that we're good and any country in the world should accomodate us. Most of the H1 visa holders knew their status in temporary, then why in a world they opt for jobs in .coms?. It's the lure of money and stocks. When you're ready to take the risks equal to US citizens or GC holders, then you should also be ready to face the reality of Non-Immigrant visa status. Even in India, none of these people had job gaurantee. They kept jumping ships until they land up here. Now you want the american job to be as secure as Indian goverment job. Actually now, even the Indian Govt. job is insecure. I still don't understand, what made a H1-B visa holder think he/she is so secure. What happend to the go-for-it attitude you developed while in Indian jobs?, what happend to the contacts?, what happend to your plans of keeping yourself up-to-date with technology?. I understand the efforts you had put in the work place and taxes you paid, but as a non-immigrant you should've considered the risks when you opt for .com jobs and stock options that came with. No one came to your door and presented the opportunities. You took chances, you took the risk, and now you have to face it. Just think, on the flip side, would Indian Govt. be able accomodate foreign workers in B'lore or H'bad during the economic slowdown. Even you as an Indian citizen, have to struggle to keep yourself afloat in

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