One thing I've noticed in the tech industry is an unwillingness to train new employees. A huge part of the reason they're over-reliant on H1B visas, is not only because they're cheaper labor, but many require little training.
Meanwhile, large segments of the US are underemployed
Meanwhile, large segments of the US are underemployed
In my job, I had professional certificates and work experience from the Army. We trained everyone to certain standards so they could do their job. Everyone knows, if you're not fighting or doing inventory, you're training in the Army.
But once I arrived at my civilian job, I discovered they're unwilling to pay for training even for professional development. I offered to learn linux to fill a job slot they spent 18 months trying to fill (linux is really in demand). <1 month of training fixes their problem.
Most tech jobs are really quite niche. If someone is already tech savvy, it doesn't take much to get them up to speed. Still, many companies are simply unwilling to train people to fill rolls, and import them instead. This is leading to a massive skills gap in the US.
In most cases, a college education isn't needed. Professional certifications suffice, & required skills take weeks to learn to be competent enough to start working. They rest is gained through experience and professional development. H1B visas suppress investment in human capital
H1B visas are understandable for short term needs where rolls simply can't be filled, but they should not last for years, after which that person returns to their home country and takes all their skills with them. What good does that do in the long run?