Microsoft and the immigration laws

So the talk is all over town. Microsoft is looking to build right here in the vicinity of Vancouver but not sure where just yet. The reason they are coming up here?? Our immigration laws - or lack there of. Microsoft claims that the US has a lack of skilled workers who are up the Microsoft standard so it's coming up North because Canada will let anyone in. Apparently Microsoft is accepting applications for anywhere around the world and since Canada will say "Come on down", this location seems the perfect fit.

Also in the newscast I heard this morning was Microsoft's claim that building here won't necessarily mean that it will provide jobs for the locals. What????? :eek: What that is saying to me is that Microsoft would rather employ an immigrant than a local.

Canada also has it's share of immigrants who refuse to work, refuse to learn the language.....in general, refuse to make a contribution "period". Yet there are others who strive to work and make a better life for themselves and their families. I applaud Microsoft for their diversity but on the other hand I feel badly for the skilled workers who reside here already.

I have not researched our recent unemployment rate but I guarantee that if you drive by any "Welfare Wednesday" office the lineup will be around the block.

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The Vancouver area is a global gateway with a diverse population, is close to Microsoft’s corporate offices in Redmond and allows the company to recruit and retain highly skilled people affected by immigration issues in the U.S.

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A quote from Microsoft's website....I think this says it all.
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/p...ess%20Releases

It probably has more to do with the idea that immigrant workers will work for a lower salary. Bill Gates is probably the smartest businessman on the planet. So, why not hire GREAT talent for a cheaper cost?

We could probably get into a discussion about mass immigration and how it leads to stupid socialist policies, but I doubt that is your intent here. :)

I will be keeping an eye on this story as it greatly effects our business in the long run.

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Originally Posted by slick

What I heard this morning was Microsoft's claim that building here won't necessarily mean that it will provide jobs for the locals. What????? :eek: What that is saying to me is that Microsoft would rather employ an immigrant than a local.

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Oh yes, I'm not surprized. They must have cheap labour, even though they're one of the richest companies in the world! What do they care about unemployed people in Canada! :rolleyes:

Glad I'm on a Mac!

There are a number of reasons for Microsoft doing this move. One of them being that this year all the H1B visas were distributed within the first day the season was open. The ICE doesn't start accepting applications until April for an October distribution, but it is next to impossible to get a H1B visa if you are a for-profit company.

Microsoft will likely hire a number of Canadians (they certainly have imported quite a few into the US facilities).

If nothing else it is alot of well paying jobs...

Bill Gates is not a man to do something very illogical. And it is illogical to import workers to Canada if there are skilled workers in Canada. There is an expense associated with importing people. I am also willing to bet the Canadian government...although more willing to allow immigration, still has a rule that you must pay them the same as nationals. To do otherwise is to discriminate based on national origin.

And...I suspect very few of those standing in the unemployment line are highly skilled technology employees.

If what Microsoft wants is a facility full of people from India...or China...it would be cheaper to build the facility there than in Canada.
Microsoft is very picky. They get 25,000 unsolicited resumes per year.

It is also a well-run business that simply by locating somewhere will add jobs to the economy. They will not import secretaries and other support staff... Groundskeepers, etc.

But when a huge foriegn company comes to town I think there is suspicion and concern about what they will do and how they will do it.

The 1 article I could find on this said that the move hoped to locate more
skilled software design people to add to their staff. Less skilled workers
they could get most anywhere. They can do that faster in Canada where
the immigration laws are easier for them to deal with.

Very well said..................

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Originally Posted by Edwina's Secretary

Bill Gates is not a man to do something very illogical. And it is illogical to import workers to Canada if there are skilled workers in Canada. There is an expense associated with importing people. I am also willing to bet the Canadian government...although more willing to allow immigration, still has a rule that you must pay them the same as nationals. To do otherwise is to discriminate based on national origin.

And...I suspect very few of those standing in the unemployment line are highly skilled technology employees.

If what Microsoft wants is a facility full of people from India...or China...it would be cheaper to build the facility there than in Canada.
Microsoft is very picky. They get 25,000 unsolicited resumes per year.

It is also a well-run business that simply by locating somewhere will add jobs to the economy. They will not import secretaries and other support staff... Groundskeepers, etc.

But when a huge foriegn company comes to town I think there is suspicion and concern about what they will do and how they will do it.

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Originally Posted by Randi

Oh yes, I'm not surprized. They must have cheap labour, even though they're one of the richest companies in the world! What do they care about unemployed people in Canada! :rolleyes:

Glad I'm on a Mac!

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SHOULD they care about unemployed people in Canada?

Also, why do you think he is one of the richest men on Earth? Why do you think Microsoft is so successful?

Better yet, why is Apple with its superior technology not as successful?