I am a software project manager. I read about all of the unemployment among our young people. What I don't understand is why more American citizens don't become computer programmers. The current unemployment rate for Java language programmers is 2%. I know from long-standing personal experience that as an employer, it is ridiculously hard to find even a barely adequate Java programmer. Someone with a community college programming degree is still likely to find work. Starting salaries for computer programmers can reach $65,000 a year, though someone who is minimally qualified will start substantially lower.
However, programming is a total meritocracy. If you are decent, with 5 years of experience you are making $70K to $80K a year. If you are a top 20%, you are making six figures, easily.
I work with a network operations engineer who have about 8 years of experience. They came to the US from India about 3 years ago. His skills are in such high demand that he is making $125,000 a year working in Silicon Valley.
I know children of talented programmers who decided to study humanities at private universities. Their college degrees have led them to $20K a year jobs at non-profits or part-time employment. These are smart people who are not happy in their success. But, these under- or unemployed young people aren't deciding to do what is hard and needed in the employment market. Why?
I'm telling you guys, employers are desperate for these skills. For programming, they aren't hiring H1B Indians because they are cheaper.
I just spoke with a person from our India technical support. He says that college graduates with technical degrees generally have their job offer 1 semester before graduation.