United Nations Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has criticised the H-1B visa programme, accusing it of replacing well-paying American jobs with lower-wage foreign workers.
The H-1B visa programme allows 65,000 highly skilled workers to immigrate to the US each year to fill specific jobs and grants another 20,000 visas to such workers who have received an advanced degree in the US.
In a post on X, Sanders called out Elon Musk for supporting the programme, claiming it benefits billionaires at the expense of American workers.
Sanders’ remarks sparked backlash from tech leaders and industry experts. They argued that the H-1B programme is crucial for filling labour gaps and keeping the US competitive. Supporters also pointed out that H-1B workers must legally be paid fair wages, challenging Sanders’ claims of exploitation.
Musk defended the programme, saying it helps bring in the best global talent, especially in fields where the US lacks skilled workers. Indian-American lawmakers like Ro Khanna and Raja Krishnamoorthi supported the programme but agreed it needs reforms to prevent abuse and ensure fair treatment for all workers.
Sanders highlighted layoffs at Tesla, Musk’s company, and questioned why some H-1B workers are hired for roles with starting salaries below $80,000. He proposed raising fees for hiring guest workers and tightening rules to prioritise American jobs.
The debate has reignited a larger conversation about the role of immigration in the U.S. economy, dividing opinions in both political and tech circles.
