By Rachel Konrad
Staff Writer, CNET News.com
August 13, 2001, 4:00 a.m. PT

They can't vote. They rarely own property. Many don't speak English, and about half leave the United States after only a few years.

But in the few short years since arriving under the H-1B visa program, foreign engineers and other workers have become permanent fixtures in Silicon Valley and other centers of high technology. They have skewed demographic trends for overall U.S. immigration through higher levels of education, wages, corporate influence and career ambition.

Even as they become an increasingly powerful political and cultural force, however, H-1B visa holders are facing a backlash among those who question the need to import labor in the midst of today's economic slowdown. Opponents are preparing to challenge the immigration program in Washington, lobbying for more technology education among U.S. citizens in what they call a critical need to keep foreigners from stealing American jobs.

Model of new immigration threatened
Critics say companies hire H-1B employees because they will work for lower wages and not cause trouble for fear of losing their visas. Such opposition, if successful, could undo what many believe to be a model of U.S. immigration in the new millennium.

Cultural transformation in the suburbs
While playing an instrumental role in the industry's boom, foreign workers have literally changed the face of their communities. Many are transforming regional culture through businesses, politics and school systems by sheer numbers and involvement.

Surveys point to fear, resentment
H-1B workers may be better educated and make more money than their immigrant predecessors, but surveys show that they face problems encountered by generations before them: ethnic stereotyping and workplace hostility.

The myths and realities of H-1B visas
Many Americans think H-1B visa holders take jobs from U.S. citizens, while some H-1B visa holders themselves think they must flee the country if they are laid off. Here are some of the most common misperceptions about H-1B visas.

Model of new immigration threatened

Foreign workers alienated by layoffs April 6, 2001 H1-B visa bill goes to Clinton Internet.com  U.S. slump poses threat to India's programmers EE Times  The new brain game The Industry Standard  High-tech immigrants see dreams deflating The Associated Press  India's tech workers feel squeeze Wired News Appeal denied in H-1B visa case Speedier H-1B visa program under fire "Body shop" must pay fees in H-1B lawsuit Ruling could be a boon to H-1B workers The H-1B visa battle

Editors: Mike Yamamoto,
Noel Wilson, Royce Hall, Dina Gachman
Design: Ellen Ng
Production: Ben Helm