Why do CEOs want more H1Bs during downtimes?

I can see when companies like Microsoft want increase of H1B workers when the labor market is tight. But what I've noticed is that they tend to want it when the labor market has a surplus too.

When there are unemployed American tech workers, how can we justify increasing H1Bs?

I read an article a few days ago about some CEO (not ATT) who wanted to increase the H1B workers because he wasn't finding enough skilled workers. I'm not sure if he wasn't finding enough skilled workers or enough skilled workers willing to work at the salary he was offering.

Shouldn't the cap on H1Bs be adjusted based on the unemployment rate?

POST A COMMENTCK(03/28/2008)
I saw a report how the tech shortage is a lie. I wish I can find that report again - If I do I'll post the link.

The reason they want more H1bs is because they are in it for profit - and wages are easiest to cut. But of course Americans are not so willing to cut their wages easily.

For companies to make their point they often state the requirements that are bloated with upper skill-sets, low wages, and sometimes set in the cow pasture with the cows and the horseflies! And when they state they can't find anyone they go crying to the Federal Government saying they just can't find anyone.

I had read how GREAT the tech field is in different articles. When the readers responded by flaming the author. Programmers with several years experience in high-level programming skills are unable to find work. These are people over 40 and sometimes 50 plus.

Several years ago in a paper that employers are seeking employees who are;
1) Young - Because they are willing to take less pay less and are often inexperienced.
2) Single - Because they have no family obligations and can work any where, any time.
3) A new college graduate - Because they have been trained in the latest technology.

Would I recommend someone go into IT - no!

We have become a throw-away society for many years and we, as people are disposable. It is a sad world we have created.

SouthernProgrammer(03/30/2008)
I read the same article, AT&T claims they cannot find skilled workers. What they aren't saying is they can't find skilled workers at $6.50 an hour so they want to outsource. Oddly enough, AT&T has NO problems finding incompetant managers making millions per year...

I agree about not recommending IT, while I do have a good job now I would not start in IT these days. In many cases, the "IT dept" is seen as a black hole where money gets poured into it and no-one sees the return on investment. Oh sure, every now and then there is the "hot sector" of IT where they are willing to pay 6 figure salaries for people with "skill X" and then once those projects are finished they boot the people to the curb. You are also correct in stating most companies want 'young single' IT workers for the exact reasons you mention. But I have also seen a willingness to hire experienced people, a lot of people I know hired people with 'paper diplomas' and got burned really bad so they are looking for people with actual experience.

CK(03/30/2008)
Problem is that since the economy is in the dumps (56% think it's going towards an economic depression) some people are willing to take less and thus driving the wages lower. Not just in IT but other occupations

CK(04/01/2008)
I am now hearing that companies can bypass H1b and are using L1

BonusOnus(04/02/2008)
L1s are a little harder. The L1B is for people below executive positions. They have to be with the company for 1 year. And unlike H1Bs, it's not as easy to get a greencard using an L1B as it is with an H1B.

L1s should be restricted too. But I'm hearing that politicians from both sides want to increase the H1B cap.

CK(04/02/2008)
I had read that they are easier. They have to have to be employed bythe company for one year is correct. But that doesn't mean it has to be here!

Trust me when I say that big corporate will try to find a loophole to exploit.

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