Guest Worker Program & H1B (Policy Proposal #6)

Proposed Policy

A) To implement a fair guest worker program and continue the H1B1 program we need to implement the following employer wage guidelines. The employer must pay 1.75 times the prevailing wages or the wages established by a government survey, which ever is higher. The H1B1 or guest worker would receive the established base wage rate. Normal taxes would apply. The remaining wage above the base wage would be split in three ways. Social Security, education, and administration of this program.

B) All guest workers must pass appropriate screening and be issued an electronic identity card. All US residents should have an electronic identity card.

What would this accomplish?

A) This is a self regulating policy that can allow any labor shortage to be filled. This policy should guarantee that the employer will not be using this program only as a method to lower wages.

B) Having an electronic identity card will create a “no excuse” method for employers to validate an employees employment status.

Commentary

I always hear business claims that there is a labor shortage, but I wonder if what they are really saying is “we can’t find cheap labor”. I am all for keeping America competitive. Our companies need access to talented people and a qualified labor pool. However, we must make sure to protect the US worker first. This policy should take care of both sides of the aisle. In addition this is another potential Social Security revenue source that would benefit American workers!