Among companies in New England states, those in Connecticut have shown the most intense demand for foreign worker visas to fill computer and math-related positions, according to a report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.
Between 2010 and 2012, Connecticut companies submitted requests for so-called H-1B visas that exceeded 5 percent of its computer and math workforce, according to the report, which determined demand “intensity” by the number of visa applications submitted by companies to the federal government per 1,000 payroll employees.
The Danbury metropolitan area ranked highest in the state for computer and math-related visas, while the Bridgeport area was highest for overall STEM visa demand. Both metro areas were in the top 10 in the country in those respective categories.
Meanwhile, Greater Hartford’s demand for STEM workers ranked 20th in the country, with 21.6 applications per 1,000 workers. Its demand for computer and math visas was greater, at nearly 75 applications per 1,000 workers.
Though Connecticut’s foreign worker demand is high compared to its workforce size, the state lags behind Massachusetts in total annual H-1B visa requests. Massachusetts accounts for 60 percent of all New England requests, while Connecticut accounts for 25 percent.
The Fed said it issued the report to give a better sense of the H-1B visa program’s intended use in the region.
While proponents of the program argue the number of visas should be increased because of a shortage of skilled U.S. workers and the need for the best possible talent, opponents say companies are trying to hire cheaper labor.
The report found that the reality is likely somewhere in between. It recommends that if the goal is to bring the “best and brightest” to the U.S. to work, that there should be a merit-based rating system to evaluate candidates. And if the goal is to address a skills shortage, the report recommends that the program should have a varying cap on the number of visas it issues based on job vacancies or unemployment rates.
