You ask a great question: If a business isn't able to employ American workers at competitive pay, what purpose does it serve for the country? Why should it be here or exist?

I have sympathy for cash poor startup founders, but offering substantial equity works wonders. Like a real amount, not something that rounds to 0. It's hard to feel bad for someone who wants to keep all the upside and not pay a good salary. Someone making 500k elsewhere should be a key hire, so spend or dilute yourself accordingly.

Instead of fighting over the same people for a decade, they could try hiring some junior people and letting them take on increasing responsibility. The guy who made Stardew Valley lived in Seattle, had a CS degree, and couldn't get a job! It worked out for him in the end, but not for the companies constantly whining that they can't find workers.

> So if they cannot afford half a million in wages they should either close or move offshore?

Unironically yes. Thats is what they should do. If you pay below market wages, well sucks to be you, I don't care if you complain.

But to give an actual good face alternative, they could hire lower skilled employees from non-traditional backgrounds, and train them up.