IT'S not often that fashion models are paired with IT workers, except in the lurid fantasies of computer geeks. But because of a decision made back in 1990 they must compete for the same over-subscribed H-1B, a temporary work visa for specialised occupations. Until 2004, when the government lowered the cap on the number of H-1Bs it issued, it didn't matter so much. But now demand has far outstripped the limited number of visas available, and many foreign models are being denied the chance to sashay down America's catwalks.
Anthony Weiner, a New York congressman, wants to fix this tragic glitch. He has proposed a bill amending the rules so that the models will be reclassified into their own special immigration category. This would free up more visas for the nerds; and it would allow 1,000 models to strut their stuff in America each year, compared with just 349 in 2007, half the annual number admitted between 2000 and 2005.
It could be done in one of two ways, either of which I'd support. First, if it were an "earmark" of available visa's (ie carved out of the 65,000 or whatever H1-B's) then congressmen would be fighting to get special classifications for the highly-skilled, top-of-their-game talent businesses in their state need (ag scientists in IA, biotech in MA, finance PhD's in NY, tech in Ca). Then, I would hope, there would be pressure to increase the number of visa's to accommodate everyone. Second, if we'd give visa's to models in addition to the 65,000 available, we've raised the cap by 1000. Then, again, congressmen will try to get exemptions for businesses in their states, etc. Unfortunately, because the request is for models, I expect any proposed legislation will be mocked and not go anywhere.
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