For all the heat generated by the recent discussion among Republicans about H-1B visas, there is much agreement within the conservative coalition on the matter. It shows that the incoming Trump administration has thought these matters through and is prepared to make the immigration system serve Americans once again.
The H-1B visa program was created in 1950 when the United States had a record-low percentage of foreign-born residents. It was designed from the outset to benefit the common good by drawing small numbers of foreign workers needed in various skilled professions. In 1990, the program was reformed, with some occupations being separated from others, and the H-1B program was designed to bring in the most talented scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs from around the world.
Congress initially set an annual cap for new H-1B visas at 85,000, and that number hasn’t…
