Trump Administration Proposes Major Changes to H1B and Green Card Programs

The Trump administration is set to overhaul the H1B visa program, which is widely utilized by Indian IT professionals, as well as the Green Card process, according to US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. In an interview with Fox News, Lutnick emphasized the need for change, stating, “We’re going to change that programme, because that’s terrible.”

The H1B visa program allows American companies to hire foreign workers for specialized positions. Each year, there are 65,000 visas available, with an additional 20,000 reserved for individuals who hold advanced degrees from US institutions. Lutnick acknowledged that this program has attracted significant talent from around the world, particularly from India, which has emerged as the primary beneficiary.

Lutnick also indicated that the administration plans to revise the Green Card process, which grants permanent residency in the United States. He highlighted that the average income of Green Card recipients is approximately USD 66,000, compared to the average American salary of USD 75,000. He questioned the logic of admitting individuals from the lower income quartile, stating, “That’s why Donald Trump is going to change it. That’s the Gold Card that’s coming. We’re going to start picking the best people to come into this country.”

In a social media post earlier this week, Lutnick characterized the current H1B visa system as a “scam” that allows foreign workers to occupy jobs that should be filled by Americans. He expressed a strong belief that prioritizing American workers should be the focus of US businesses, urging, “Now is the time to hire American.”

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, also speaking to Fox News, echoed this sentiment, describing the H1B program as a “total scam.” He criticized companies for laying off American workers while simultaneously applying for new H1B visas or renewing existing ones. DeSantis pointed out that the majority of H1B visa holders are from India, challenging the notion that the program attracts the “cream of the crop” from around the globe.

DeSantis highlighted the struggles young Americans face in the current job market, exacerbated by advancements in artificial intelligence. He questioned the rationale behind importing foreign workers when there is a need to support the domestic workforce. “If that’s going to continue to produce dislocations, why would we be importing foreign workers when we have our own people that we need to take care of?” he asked.

The Governor further criticized the restrictive nature of H1B visas, which tie workers to specific employers, likening it to a form of “indentured servitude.” He asserted that this system has been exploited repeatedly, reinforcing the administration’s message of prioritizing American citizens in employment matters.

As these proposed changes unfold, they could significantly reshape the landscape for foreign workers in the United States, particularly affecting those who rely on the H1B visa and Green Card pathways. The administration’s focus on American job opportunities may also lead to increased scrutiny of foreign labor practices within the country.