The number of H1 B visas issued to IT workers is about 50,000 (out of 65,000) each year

every year about 195,000 jobs in the IT sector open up - 50% of these jobs are not filled.

The problem is 2 fold -
1. lack of skilled personnel
2. lack of company based training/re-training programs

Maybe the numbers dont tell the real tale - it appears that americans do NOT need to compete with H1 B visa holders, they need to compete with everyone - free market economy is based on competition.

An H1 B visa applicant has to go through a 20 point process to get the states, americans do not have to - they are at a distinct advantage. the reasons why H1 B workers are preferrd is because they are willing to work anywhere in the states, where as most americans do not enjoy the prospect of shifting homes. a company hasto go to labour court and pay almost 3,500 USD in fees to get an applicants H1 B processed and EVEN then the applicant is not guaranteed a visa. why would an american company, with american interests hire this applicant? it could be because:
1. the applicant is qualified

thats it - thats the only point

If h1 b workers were not qualified, companies that hire tem should not be in business