Fronteras.org

It’s not often that we hear about job-based discrimination favoring immigrants, and when we do, it is usually relegated to construction and agricultural work, or associated with out-sourcing and downsizing. However, earlier this week, tech company iGate Mastech, Inc, located in Pittsburgh, PA, settled a discrimination case with the Department of Justice to the tune of $45,000 to avoid other penalties.

The Department of Justice’s case accused iGate of discriminating against United States citizens in their hiring and job posting practices. The case claimed that during the period of May 9, 2006 to June 4, 2006 iGate’s 30 job postings showed a clear preference for H-1B visa holders at the expense of U.S. citizens, legal workers, and permanent residents. The job postings violated the Immigration and Nationality Act.

In addition to the fine, iGate must step up its training and recruitment efforts, as well as tailor its job postings to include candidates of all .

This case makes me ask two questions?

One, were iGate’s actions in this instance motivated by money? Is hiring an H-1B worker better for their profit/loss statements than hiring a legal worker, permanent resident, or U.S. citizen? I’m not sure, as I don’t know the pay breakdown, but if anyone has info, please post it in a comment.

Second, were iGate’s actions motivated by quality control standards? As a former teacher, I’ve seen and interacted first hand with the math and science curriculums that are being used in public and private school classrooms. Some of the science curriculum is laughable at best, and does not adequately prepare our students for a science or technology based career. Many schools throughout the country are without any type of science or computer lab, as well as specialists in the field to provide instruction. In addition, Bill Gates and other tech leaders have continually said that we are losing the tech war to other countries, as they’re skill and knowledge of technological innovations exceeds our own.

So, was iGate giving preferential treatment to H-1B Visa workers because they simply represent the best of the best? Again, I’m not sure. Please leave some comments with your thoughts.