I am an IT veteran and was on H1B working for a long time.
Let me share my experience with H1B atleast w.r.t big companies like MSoft/CSCO/Intel as I worked for few of these big MNCs.
Usually, I know companies do not like to hire H1Bs because of additonal baggage like H1B processing/GreenCard processing etc etc. So, whenever I get an offer from these companies, I am in a better position to negotiate as I know that they have come to offer me as last resort. So, I am always able to negotiate for more. Simple supply and demand right ?
But, if you talk about people working for bodyshop companies like TCS/WIPRO/Indian-Consultancies they are definitely not paid that much. Saying it a modern day slavery would be a bit exaggeration though.
Usually, big consultancy companies like TCS/WiPro they pay you less but small companies pay on hourly basis..
Most of my friends are on H1B working for american companies ( not for bodyshoppers ) and their salaries are definitely a lot ($100Ks).
But few of my companies doing independent projects through small bodyshopper companies are getting at an average of $60/hr. Not bad huh..
I am not sure if the modern day slaves can earn this much!
Mind it, these words are coming straight from the horse’s mouth.
Honestly, for big american companies, hiring H1Bs is a very costly proposition but they have to do it. I am a living example as I have been hired few times at a premium or I just got lucky all the times??
If you talk about L1 visa and offshoring, its a different story…..