most of the H1 ppl are ppl who went to school here. and the economy thing is now, however even in current situation ppl are getting h1s depending on what they bring to the table.
desperation can be a factor, as could be others. There are those who have come here because it was a way out for them, a way to build a better life for themselves and their families.
A gentleman on this site who I will not name because thats his info to share, not only left for overseas after his father passed away to make a better life for himself, but while paying for his own way through uni, supported his younger brothers education in top institutions in Pakistan, sisters education and marriage, mother’s household expenses and healthcare etc etc. (dude, btw if you are reading this call me, i lost your number after a cellphone mishap)
another good pal of mine who was one of my party animal sidekick, had a different side to him too, he helped his folks back home, and once his dad passed away, his bros came to US, he did not finish his masters instead opting for putting his brothers through undergrad..and he while was the oldest brother…was the last to get married. had his first baby just this year, while his brothers who are 3 and 5 years younger than him have 5 year olds.
There are those guys around too..all I am saying is please dont shortchange these guys just because some are bad, or some are primarily concerned with greencard and who the girl is become a secondary issue. it is however not much different than local desi girls parents looking for docs or successful lawyers and corporate types. it can be a criteria for many reasons, but the intent has to be right and it should not be just means to an end.
at some point all of our families came overseas for a better life in some aspect, intellectual challenge, financial benefits, personal safety etc etc, so we cant really look down at other peoples’ desire to do the same