Cause and effect

Some articles in the latest round of debate over the future of the computing profession:

• An InformationWeek article on how the Senate bill to almost double the number of H-1B visas has risen from the dead.
• News flash: women are leaving the profession and it will take special measures by universities to get them back.

Which is cause and which is effect? Decreasing numbers of students interested in computing? Unpleasant working conditions, compared to other professions, many of which having less onerous coursework? Increasing immigration and outsourcing preventing salaries from increasing? Likely, this involves at least one feedback loop; I am concerned that the feedback will make matters worse, not better.