The H-1B visa – a critical immigration programme in the United States – has sparked a fierce debate among President-elect Donald Trump supporters.
The programme which allows US-based companies to hire skilled foreign workers has been a long-standing contention. While some of Trump’s supporters argue that it harms American workers, others defend it as essential for attracting top-tier talent. Here’s a breakdown of the H-1B visa, its controversy, and recent developments.
What Is the H-1B Visa?
The H-1B visa was introduced in 1990 to address the demand for highly skilled professionals in the US. It allows companies to hire foreign workers in specialized fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The visa is typically granted for three years, with the possibility of extension for up to six years.
Since 2004, the number of new H-1B visas issued annually has been capped at 85,000, with 20,000 of those reserved for foreign students with master’s degrees or higher from US universities. However, certain employers such as universities, non-profit research institutions, and think tanks are exempt from this cap.
How does the H-1B visa work?
To apply for an H-1B visa, foreign workers must have a job offer from a US employer who sponsors the application. In 2023, more than 386,000 H-1B visa applications were approved, with 119,000 being new visas and the remaining 267,000 being extensions for workers already in the US.
However, demand for H-1B visas often exceeds the supply, leading to a lottery system to allocate visas when applications surpass the cap. In the 2024 fiscal year, preliminary figures show 758,994 H-1B applications, a sharp increase from 474,421 in 2023. This surge has intensified the debate over the programme’s future.
The divide among Trump supporters
While H-1B supporters argue that the programme attracts the world’s best talent, many of Trump’s supporters believe it undercuts American workers by allowing companies to hire cheaper foreign labour. Some view the programme as a way for big tech firms to bypass the American workforce in favour of cheaper, highly skilled foreign professionals.
