My wife had to get a special exemption to sit for the bar exam because the state police couldn't take her fingerprints, which were necessary for conducting the required criminal background check. She has no idea why her fingerprints are virtually nonexistent.

Where did this quote come from? There is no such reference to jury's impression of the evidence in the linked Washington Post article.

just in case anyone else needs to review the definition...
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=horked

My immigration lawyer wife informs me that recent layoffs are not a factor when applying for *new* H1-B applications. HOWEVER, if and when a company decides to petition for permanent residency (aka, green card) for a H1-B holder, the company must prepare a declaration explaining why any recently laid-off employees would be unsuitable for the permanent position that will be filled by the person adjusting from H1-B to permanent resident status. Therefore, there is at least some protection for laid-off employees. I do agree that this protection should be strengthened to eliminate the possibility of abusive employment practices.