Judging by his handle, Lifeafteraviation has changed careers. As have I. It's simply not worth it anymore. The shortage is also not limited to the regionals. I friend of mine flies for Kalitta, and he also reports flights getting canceled for lack of crews.
I would disagree on one minor point with Life, though. The gov't didn't act to stop the abuse, it acted in order to be seen to be doing something after the Buffalo Colgan crash. The irony is that the low time FO had nothing to do with that crash, aside from failing to alert the Captain to the impending problem. It's hard to say what would have been, but I'm guessing the current labor situation would have occurred with or without the latest regs. Things have been going downhill for a long time. Perhaps the regionals would still be able to fill their classes with 250 hour pilots, but I think even those kids would quickly become disillusioned and leave. Although, judging by the OP, perhaps I'm wrong. And yes, Avieh7, if there is any possible way I'm sure any of the regionals would love to have you. I don't know how the green card system works, but I do know there are lots of foreigners flying here. Can't hurt to apply.