the problem with the "extremely expensive" claim is that you do get a worker who is somewhat captive in a tight labor market. It is inaccurate to claim, as some people do, that H1B holders can't switch jobs, but they do face much greater barriers (they can't just quit, enter a new field, start up their own business or consultancy... even changing to a nearly identical job in the same field requires new sponsorship).
If the visa were awarded directly to the immigrant in such a way that an H1B holder had essentially the same job mobility as a green card holder, I'd be more inclined to agree that the process is expensive. After all, you'd be paying big $$ to hire someone who has the right to quit the first day on the job.
If the visa were awarded directly to the immigrant in such a way that an H1B holder had essentially the same job mobility as a green card holder, I'd be more inclined to agree that the process is expensive. After all, you'd be paying big $$ to hire someone who has the right to quit the first day on the job.