As H-1B debate heats up, Americans say US doesn't need more foreign workers

Amid the heated debate over the H-1B visa program, a new Rasmussen Reports survey reveals that most Americans believe the US already has enough skilled workers to train and hire for white-collar jobs, negating the need for more foreign workers. 

Conducted in November among 1,000 likely voters, the survey highlights widespread public resistance to expanding the H-1B program. 

According to the survey, 60% of Americans believe the U.S. has enough domestic talent to meet the demand for white-collar jobs, negating the need for foreign worker programs. This perspective is strongest among Republicans, with 72% expressing opposition. Similar sentiments were echoed by 63% of swing voters and 47% of Democrats, while only 26% of respondents supported expanding the program. 

Large companies, including Amazon, Google, and Tesla, have relied on H-1B visas to fill key positions, allowing temporary residency and employment for foreign workers in the US. While some argue the program addresses critical labor gaps, others claim it undermines opportunities for American workers and suppresses wages. 

MAGA divide over H-1B policy 
The H-1B program, which allows US companies to hire foreign workers for specialized roles, has sparked intense debate among MAGA leaders. While tech advocates like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy argue for program expansion to address labor shortages, traditional MAGA voices such as Steve Bannon, Nikki Haley, and Laura Loomer oppose the move. 

Musk emphasized the program's role in meeting workforce demands, with companies like Amazon, Google, Meta, and Tesla benefiting significantly from H-1B hires in 2024. However, he has also called for reforms to make H-1B hiring more expensive, ensuring it doesn’t become a pathway for cheap labor. 

Trump’s stand on H-1B visas 
President-elect Donald Trump has reiterated his support for the H-1B program despite earlier restrictions implemented during his first term. “I’ve always liked the visas; I’ve always been in favor of the visas. That’s why we have them,” Trump said, noting that his businesses have extensively used H-1B visas. 

The divide became more pronounced after Trump nominated Musk and Ramaswamy to co-lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), sparking further criticism from immigration hardliners within the MAGA coalition. 

Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/latest-updates/as-h-1b-debate-heats-up-americans-say-us-doesnt-need-more-foreign-workers/articleshow/116846217.cms