Many Americans (including us) on occasion get angry over the issue of H1B work visas at a time when unemployment in the U.S. is rising (11% in California now) and approaching 10% in other states.
But what seems like an abstract problem at a distance becomes a disturbing tragedy at close quarters.
Sad Story
We just returned from a visit to a desi grocery store.
As we were making small talk at the Indian grocery store with a desi stranger, we heard a sorry tale. The desi person’s spouse is an SAP consultant on H1B visa with the green card processing in the final stages.
Then disaster struck six months back. Our desi’s spouse was laid off and has been on the bench since.
Being on the bench usually means no salary until the consultant finds a new project.
But finding a new SAP project is easier said than done in the current economic climate. Despite sending over 100 resumes, our desi’s spouse has been unable to find a new project.
End result – Grim financial scenario on the home front.
Bad to Worse
Now add another disturbing element to the no-salary-for-six-months-situation – the desi and spouse are in the final stages of Green Card processing.
A bad situation now becomes terrible. Continue reading »
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