Catherwood LibraryILR School

A recent study has estimated that H-1B visas created a net gain of $431 million for U.S. workers across all sectors in 2010, and that the program has resulted in net gains for both the US and India. The $431 million figure largely amounts from the increased productivity and innovation within the tech sector, which in turn leads to increased productivity in other parts of the economy. Although the IT sector saw greater growth in India than in the US, the combined incomes of both countries rose by 0.36% during the period from the early 1990s to 2010. The researchers have conceded that the H-1B visa program is not ideal for all workers, particularly American computer science employees, but argue that the benefits of bringing in foreign workers are widespread and far outweigh the costs.