So I'm assuming their inability to find 'talent' is no longer an issue? Same as Microsoft, IBM, and the numerous other big corps that have had massive layoffs recently, while also claiming an inability to find enough US tech workers?
In other words, I think it's just worth pointing out that Intel's a huge company and it might be that these layoffs are coming from roles where market demand is lower.
The prevailing wage rate is defined as the average wage paid to similarly employed workers in a specific occupation in the area of intended employment.
The posted prevailing wage for an EE with 5 years in Santa Clara county, for example, is about $70k (or at least it was back in 2009); so if H1Bs are paid more than that is compliant with the law.
Where's your data on that? Depending on the company I've been at the public H1B numbers were lower than what I would expect.