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America Losing Technology Workers Denied in Visa Lottery

Bloomberg (03/28/13) Jeanna Smialek

Demand for H-1B visas is so high this year that 65,000 of the visas may be awarded via a lottery. The lottery system means more risk for the companies seeking the visas, and may also mean a long wait to learn if their employees are selected. The cap on this year’s allotment of H-1B visas could be reached by April 5. If applications exceed the limit by April 5, the visas will be awarded by lottery instead of by order of filing.

Demand for skilled talent from overseas is growing, because companies have drained the U.S. talent pool, says Emily Lam, senior director of health care and federal issues at Silicon Valley Leadership Group. “The economy is picking up,” Lam says. “Many of our employers are saying that hiring is robust.”

Many of the H-1B visas go to technology companies. Computer, engineering, and science jobs are expected to grow by 17% between 2010 and 2020, compared with 14.3% for all U.S. jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Meanwhile, Congress is considering a bill that would raise the H-1B cap to 115,000 and permit it to rise to 300,000 based on demand.

Free ASAPro Webinars Next Month—ASA Awards; Harassment Claims; Family-Owned Businesses

April means more free education from ASA. These upcoming ASAPro webinars can help you get an edge on ASA award entries, handle harassment claims against a client, and more.

Thursday, April 11—”Tips on Submitting ASA Award Entries: Care, VOICE, and National Staffing Employee of the Year

ASA provides a number of ways for staffing and recruiting firms, industry suppliers, and affiliated chapters to recognize contributions made by their colleagues while connecting with their communities and local media outlets. Find out about the association’s awards programs and how to prepare your entries. This webinar does not qualify for continuing education hours toward ASA certification renewal.

Thursday, April 18—”Conducting Harassment Investigations With Clients

Would you know what to do if a temporary worker on assignment made a harassment claim against your firm’s client? Employment law expert Gerald L. Maatman Jr., Esq., will explain staffing firms’ and their clients’ legal obligations when investigating harassment claims, how to effectively conduct a coordinated investigation with clients, and more.

Thursday, April 25—”All in the Family—Best Practices for Family-Owned Staffing Firms

Managers at a family-owned staffing firm may face some unique challenges. Learn about the special circumstances of family-owned business, and how to overcome some common obstacles, during this ASAPro webinar.

ASAPro webinars are free for ASA members and most qualify for continuing education hours toward ASA certification renewal. To learn more and to register, visit americanstaffing.net.

Welcome New ASA Members

Please join the ASA board of directors and staff in welcoming the following new members, which joined during the week of March 18.

Additional Personnel Inc.

Pawtucket, RI

APA Aviation Services

Fort Worth, TX

Century Group Professionals LLC

El Segundo, CA

DPA Services Inc.

Peoria, IL

HG Staffing LLC

Lascassas, TN

Key Resources

Greensboro, NC

Life Style Staffing

Madison, WI

OnStaff Group

Portage, MI

Rangam Consultants Inc.

Somerset, NJ

Reliance One

Auburn Hills, MI

Worksmart Inc.

Greenville, SC

Xcel Staffing Solutions LLC

Waukegan, IL