US Congresswoman Proposes Ending H-1B Visas Amidst Concerns Over Displacement of American Workers

Washington D.C. – A Republican Congresswoman, Marjorie Taylor Greene, has announced plans to introduce a bill aimed at eliminating the H-1B visa program in the United States. This move comes amidst growing concerns that American companies are misusing the program to replace American workers with cheaper foreign labor. Greene argues that the H-1B visa leads to the "mass replacement of American workers".

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. It is often used by companies in the tech, healthcare, engineering, and manufacturing sectors to bring in skilled workers from other countries.

Greene's proposal involves phasing out the H-1B program entirely. The bill also seeks to block a pathway to citizenship for H-1B holders, which would force visa holders to return to their home countries once their visas expire. The proposal includes a temporary exemption of 10,000 medical visas per year for 10 years. Greene stated this exemption would be phased out after 10 years to allow time to develop a domestic pipeline of American doctors and physicians. She claims over 9,000 U.S. medical graduates were left without residency placement last year while more than 5,000 foreign-born doctors received spots, calling it unfair.

The Congresswoman has been vocal about her disapproval of the H-1B program, stating that it harms American workers. "Big Tech, AI giants, hospitals, and industries across the board have abused the H-1B system to cut out our own people," she said in a post on X. She argues that ending the program and prioritizing American workers would stimulate the economy and ensure future generations can achieve the American Dream.

Data indicates that Indian nationals are the largest beneficiaries of the H-1B visa program. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), approximately 70% of H-1B visas approved in fiscal year 2024 were granted to Indian nationals. Many begin their journey on F-1 student visas, transitioning to Optional Practical Training (OPT) and then applying for H-1B sponsorship. This has led to some critics framing the debate around the H-1B visa program as a matter of "Indian H-1B visas replacing American jobs".

Greene's announcement comes shortly after former President Donald Trump defended the need for skilled foreign workers, stating that the U.S. needs "talented people" from abroad, sparking some backlash. The Trump administration has moved quickly to mitigate the H-1B visa culture in the country.

The potential consequences of eliminating the H-1B program are far-reaching. Supporters of the program argue that it allows U.S. companies to access specialized talent and remain competitive in the global economy, contributing significantly to the U.S. economy and innovation. Critics, however, argue that it drives down wages for American workers and displaces them from their jobs. If the bill passes, it may give an edge to American workers, but questions remain about its long-term economic consequences.