The US has come very close to real pilot shortages in 2000-2001 and 2006-2007. Both times, recession in the industry was the only reason that the wheels kept turning. Some of the guys I trained with back in 2004-2005 joined regional airlines on RJ's with 1000hrs and were in the left seat 18 months down the line. In 2006, 250hr pilots were being hired over the phone without even having there CPL issued. It all sounds like a paradise but.....many of the jobs were ultra low pay and those who got fast left seats were often bumped back to the right when the economy slowed.
The US has also come very close to hiring foreigners on occasions. If you have a degree and the employer is desperate enough, they can sponsor you for a H-1 visa. The fly in the ointment is that the fact that the employer is desperate means the job is probably not a good one. So 2000hrs of medium jet time, with some command would probably get you a job flying all night, single crew in a autopilotless Metroliner for $15,000pa. The good jobs (Fedex, Southwest etc) will all be reserved for the locals.
Last edited by Fair_Weather_Flyer; 14th Nov 2012 at 19:11.