Check this out.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/03/arts/ ... 0&emc=eta1
It used to cost $55US for a H2B work permit. It now costs $320 plus a $125 fraud fee. IDIOTS!!!!
At least they are starting to make some progress. I have recently been on the phone with a lobbyest in Washington D.C. complaining about the outrageous fees that are in place presently for a H2B permit. He claims that the battle is being fought on the national level.
I found and contacted two state senators and one house representative from New Hampshire that are members of the musicians union here in the states. They claim to be working on a fix as well.
I wish my wife would move to Canada. It is embarrassing being even half American these days.