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Thank you for your compliment. The reason I'm on an H1B is for permanent immigration. I was hired on a TN visa (under NAFTA, I'm from Canada). However, it is strictly non-immigrant. The first step for permanent residencey was to adjust status to the H1B, then proceed with an employment based green card application. As the system stands right now, it takes several years to be approved for an employment-based immigrant visa if you are outside the U.S. Most employers and potential recruits can't wait years for a job. By coming in on a temprorary work visa, employment can start upon approval, which is a few months for the H1B, or immediately at the port of entry for Canadians on a TN visa. So for Canadians, the route is TN --> H1B --> green card --> citizenship. NAFTA allows Americans and Canadians (professional degree holders) work relatively easily in each others countries.

You're welcome.

Your post reiterates my contention that our "system" on many levels is broken, and that includes immigration policy.

It should not take years for a qualified and capable individual such as yourself to immigrate to this country. I suspect the fact that you are not from one of the more 'favored' nations may be a factor.

This is why amnesty in any form for those who have gone around the system is a nonstarter for me. Its an insult not only to you, but to myself as well, a native born American and a descendant of legal immigrants.