Replace it with a program based on skills and ability. I forget who said it but I like the idea: if you're a PhD (or equivalent) and want to come to the US for work you get a temporary Green Card upon submission of your academic credentials and a permanent one upon verification. The idea is that we actively want to encourage the best and brightest from around the world to come here and contribute to our excellence. The problem with basing it on a degree is that some degrees aren't worth the paper on which they are written... and what about master artisans who are essential to manufacturing and industry? Machinists, welders, carpenters, plumbers: we needs those too, arguably more so.
What we should NOT do is waste all of the H1B slots on workers who could contribute from abroad, specifically programmers. Aren't all programmers working in the US right now doing so remotely?
