PJ,
"Unemployable pilots", you hit the nail on the head.
I agree with you in saying that the Pilots Union should be addressing their demands to the Immigration autorities. But don´t you think that the airline has the right to choose who are they going to hire?.
IMHO this is not a matter of nationality but a matter of the need for "employable pilots" who have some experience and are willing to work hard to maintain a good balance of responsabilities in the cockpit.
I´d like to know your thoughts about this. Having a low timer flying with you a heavy (if we can call a 737 NG a heavy). Technology is making most things idiot-proof, but I think you still need to have some "callo" to fly a steel dragon. I´m still working on mine BTW.
DÍAZ