Hard to believe that there is no way for USCIS to get the actual count. Is this the best they can arrive at given all the technology these H1-Bs develop.
USCIS should hire a couple of H1-Bs to develop techonolgy that tracks tech workers in real time.
They can get the actual count. Passport numbers are unique and foreigners have their assigned alien number in their I-94 record.
They probably just don't know how to do it.
they are with different departments. for security reasons(?) i-94 details may not be available to USCIS.