Project runway

It8217;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-1B8230; Until 2004 it didn8217;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 America8217;s catwalks. Anthony Weiner, a New York congressman, has proposed a bill amending the rules so that the models will be reclassified into their own special immigration category. It would allow 1,000 models into America each year, compared with just 349 in 20078230;

Only 65,000 H-1B visas are awarded annually8230; most of them going to tech workers. Companies like Infosys and Microsoft were among the top H-1B users in 2007. But even these companies are being constrained8230; Steve King, an Iowa congressman, thinks the bill should be called the 8220;Ugly American Act8221; because it implies there are not enough beautiful people in the US. But Mr Weiner, a bachelor accused of using the visa issue to get himself a glamorous date, says he8217;s only thinking of New York8217;s economy, which is heavily involved in the fashion industry8230; The visas for models bill is still far from becoming reality, and comprehensive immigration reform is a distant dream. Luckily though, supermodels like Gisele Buuml;ndchen are in the clear. They are eligible for O-1 visas, given to those with 8220;extraordinary ability8221;, like Nobel laureates.

Excerpted from an article in 8216;The Economist8217;