A recent report issued by the Institute for the Study of Labor in Bonn, Germany compared H-1b employees to native workers in regards to age, salary, and education level.  This study, called H-1bs: How do they stack up to US Born Workers, noted that the H-1b visa system is often criticized for harming opportunities for native workers and allowing employers to take advantage of H-1b employees.  However, the study found that H-1b workers on average are younger and more highly educated than U.S. born workers. In addition, they earn a salary that is comparable, if not higher, than the amount earned by native workers.  To reach these conclusions, the authors obtained data on individuals from USCIS for 2000 to 2010 through a Freedom of Information Act request.  This data was compared to the information provided about U.S. born workers in the American Community Survey: 2009.  The report confirms that H-1b workers come to the United States with an advanced level of education, earn high incomes, and participate meaningfully in the U.S. workforce.