Great post studenteconomist, that’s a good summary of my position.
As ybc just mentioned, most H1-B holders have a US diploma, a lot of them Masters or Phds. I got my MBA from an Ivy League in NYC, and feel that I contribute plenty to the US economy.
I moved to the US when I was 25, all grown up(zero education cost to the US economy, I guess the French government should be pissed at me), with some prior international experience, ready and willing to work hard. I chose to stay in the US for the opportunities available to foreign nationals.
Like you said, I don’t know of many countries where foreigners can climb the corporate ladder to be CEO of top companies (Cola-Cola, etc.). In order to do so, I personally believe it is more difficult than for a nationals, and you need to be that much better for the company to justify the cost and paperwork of sponsoring a visa.
Another point on the tax implication: if I lose my job, I have to leave the country, and cannot claim unemployment, although I am paying for it as par of my taxes. So, as a foreigner, you don’t have the right to make any mistake, but it is a risk willingly taken to gain a great experience, get great exposure, and possibly get permanent residency.
