Every flight school I worked had numerous H1B's on staff (not sure the status of that post 9/11)...most of those folks somehow found their way into US airlines. Both regionals I have worked at have plenty of foreign (mostly european) pilots. I know one person personally who was sponsored by a regional (during the boom).

Actually I believe it is now more difficult than before 9/11, but the damage is done. Something to be vigilant about during the next up-cycle.

Again, euros are more than welcome, but we need reciprocal access to their job market.