JD Vance Backs Scrapping H-1B Visa Programme
US Vice President JD Vance has called the H-1B visa programme “completely broken” and said he would support scrapping it entirely, arguing that some companies use the system to replace American workers with lower-paid foreign employees.
JD Vance Calls for H-1B Visa Programme to End
Vance said the programme had been widely misused across technology, accounting and other industries instead of being limited to recruiting highly specialised global talent.
He argued that hiring a foreign worker at a substantially lower salary to replace an American employee was inconsistent with the original purpose of the programme.
Vance said that while the H-1B system remains in place, the Trump administration would continue focusing on protecting American workers from what it considers unfair labour substitution.
Vance Defends $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee
The Vice President also defended the administration’s $100,000 fee on certain new H-1B petitions, saying it was intended to discourage companies from using the visa programme simply to obtain cheaper labour.
The fee has faced multiple legal challenges, with federal courts blocking its enforcement after finding procedural problems with how it was introduced.
The administration has also increased scrutiny of companies sponsoring foreign workers, including examining whether employers recently laid off similarly placed American employees.
Indian Professionals Could Face Major Impact
Any move to abolish or significantly restrict the H-1B programme would have major implications for Indian technology and engineering professionals, who account for a large proportion of visa beneficiaries.
However, abolishing the programme would require broader legislative action and Vance’s remarks do not themselves change existing H-1B law.
The debate is expected to continue as the administration pursues wider reforms to skilled-worker immigration.
