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Backlash Against Worker Visas

Amid calls for expanding the nation's temporary skilled worker program, some Americans are pushing back. They argue the so-called H-1B program has been hijacked by staffing companies that import cheaper, lower-level workers to replace more expensive U.S. employees.

Lawsuits have cropped up around the country. And some tech worker groups are calling for a boycott of firms that they say are ignoring qualified U.S. workers.

The H-1B program allows employers to temporarily hire workers in specialty occupations. Experts say at least 600,000 are here at any one time. An immigration bill passed in the U.S. Senate last year would have increased the number of annually available H-1B visas to 180,000 and responded to some criticisms. The House never acted on the measure.

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