The value of the H-1B program isn’t only being debated in the world of office parks and cubicles. It’s a topic being argued in academia, as well, with the focus on the needs and merits of increasing the visa cap and enticing both American and foreign students to pursue STEM degrees here, particularly master’s and doctorates. One of the most vocal opponents of the program is Computer Science Professor Norman Matloff of the University of California at Davis. He questions not only the intentions of employers, but also the reasons why academic institutions often work hard to increase caps. The Special Report:

• How 800,000 H-1B Workers Came to the U.S.
• The Picture in Washington
• Current Laws and Policies
• Programmers Guild: The American Worker Needs Protection  
• Industry Group: More STEM Grads, But H-1B Reform, Too  
• The Corporate Perspective: Intel’s Approach to H-1Bs 
• The Opponent: H-1Bs Pressure U.S. Wages
• The Economist: H-1Bs Are Important to the Economy  
• A Guest Worker’s Perspective on H-1Bs

Here’s what he had to say when I sat down with him. Why don’t more computer science and engineering majors, particularly those who are U.S. citizens, want to pursue advanced degrees? What role do universities play in efforts to increase the H-1B cap, such as Stanford with its Gates Hall and Hewlett Hall? If an employer is considering hiring H-1Bs because they’re skilled and young, why can’t they hire recent U.S. college graduates? They’re skilled and young, too. Is the prevailing wage H-1Bs are paid a fair wage?