Post by : Rameen Ariff

The debate over America’s immigration and work visa system has once again turned fierce. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik have openly criticized the current H-1B visa programme, calling it unfair and harmful to American workers. Both leaders said the system has been “gamed” by companies, with the biggest share of visas going to workers from India.

The H-1B visa is a special permit that allows skilled foreign professionals, often in fields like information technology and engineering, to work in the United States. For decades, American companies have used it to bring in workers from countries like India and China. But critics argue that many firms use the programme to save money by hiring foreign workers at lower wages instead of employing U.S. citizens.

DeSantis: "It Has Become a Total Scam"

Speaking during an interview with television host Laura Ingraham on Fox News, Governor DeSantis did not hold back.

“I think you’re right to say the H-1B has become a total scam. These companies have learned how to play the system,” he said.

He explained that some corporations were laying off large numbers of American employees while at the same time bringing in new H-1B workers or renewing their visas. “Most of them are from one country, India. There’s now a whole cottage industry that profits from this system,” DeSantis added.

His comments came at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has already taken steps to make immigration tougher, including for students and professionals who wish to stay in the country.

Commerce Secretary Lutnik: "Hire Americans First"

A day before DeSantis’ remarks, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik also attacked the programme. In an online post and later in a Fox News interview, he said the current H-1B system was a scam because it let foreign workers take jobs that should go to American citizens.

“Hiring American workers should be the first duty of every great American company. Now is the time to give jobs to Americans,” Lutnik wrote.

He also spoke about the gap in wages between American citizens and green card holders, saying that the system created an uneven playing field where companies had a financial incentive to bring in foreign talent rather than pay higher salaries to locals.

Lutnik confirmed that he was part of a larger reform plan that will change both the H-1B visa and green card programme in a big way. He said the upcoming changes were meant to protect American workers and close loopholes that businesses had been using for years.

What Changes Are Coming?

The U.S. government has already approved a draft plan that would remove the current H-1B lottery system. At present, companies submit applications and visas are picked randomly when demand is greater than supply. This method has long been criticized as unfair but has given young workers from India a big share of the visas.

The new proposal suggests a wage-based system. Under this rule, applicants with higher salaries or specialized skills would be given priority. Supporters say this would prevent companies from hiring cheaper workers from abroad simply to cut costs.

If this becomes law, it could have a major impact on Indian professionals and students. Indians currently make up about 70 percent of all H-1B visa holders, a figure that shows just how much India has benefited from the programme over the years. Many Indian workers begin their careers in the U.S. through the H-1B, hoping later to move to a permanent green card.

But under a wage-based system, younger applicants and entry-level workers may lose out to higher-paid, more experienced professionals, making it much harder for fresh graduates to get jobs in America.

Political and Economic Background

Since taking office in January, President Trump has made immigration restrictions a centerpiece of his economic policy. He argues that protecting U.S. borders and jobs is key to rebuilding the American middle class. His administration has already tightened student visa rules, raised scrutiny on work visa renewals, and reduced pathways to permanent residency.

These actions have been widely welcomed by his supporters, who believe American citizens are losing out in the job market. But critics say such policies damage innovation, reduce diversity, and hurt industries like technology that rely heavily on global talent.

The H-1B debate especially hits the technology sector in Silicon Valley, where Indian engineers, software developers, and data experts form a large part of the workforce. Many big tech companies, including Google, Microsoft, and Meta, have repeatedly defended the need for H-1B workers, saying they fill critical roles that cannot easily be replaced.

Impact on India

India stands at the center of this debate because of its heavy presence in the H-1B programme. For years, Indian students and workers have seen the U.S. as a land of opportunity, with entire families depending on the chance of securing an American job and eventually citizenship.

Indian IT companies like Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, and Wipro also rely on H-1B visas to send staff to the U.S. for projects. A stricter system could hurt these firms financially and make it harder for Indian talent to enter the American job market.

At the same time, the growing resentment in the U.S. could spark diplomatic tensions between Washington and New Delhi. India has often pushed for more visa opportunities, calling its workers highly skilled and essential to the U.S. economy. But with American leaders now openly attacking the programme, relations could become strained.

The H-1B issue is far from over. With both the Commerce Secretary and a leading Republican governor taking a hard line, it is clear that America is moving toward a new visa structure. If the wage-based plan becomes law, it will change the lives of millions of workers and students, particularly Indians, who dream of building careers in the United States.

For now, American officials say their focus is on protecting domestic workers. But the long-term effects on technology, education, and U.S.-India relations remain uncertain.