H-1B visa program is currently facing significant scrutiny, with debates heating up on social media about its impact on job prospects for American workers. Many argue that the program puts US citizens at a disadvantage, and online forums are full with discussions about why resentment toward H-1B workers appears so widespread.
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US employers to hire foreign professionals in specialised fields requiring at least a bachelor’s degree. Sponsored by the employer, the visa is initially valid for three years and can be extended. H-1B holders may also pursue permanent residency under the visa’s dual intent provision.
As of 2025, there are roughly 442,000 H-1B visa holders in the United States, according to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A social media forum is discussing why there is a lot of resentment towards H-1B visa holders.
Criticism against H-1B
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has reportedly launched investigations into potential discrimination linked to the H-1B visa program, amid signals from Trump-era officials that the skilled worker visa may face tighter oversight.
Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon stated that the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division is examining hiring practices alleged to favour H-1B visa holders over American employees, according to Newsweek.
“Through our Protecting U.S. Workers Initiative, the Civil Rights Division’s Immigrant and Employee Rights section has numerous open investigations into hiring practices that discriminate against American citizens, and the list continues to grow. We encourage anyone aware of such practices to notify the Civil Rights Division so we can determine if an investigation and enforcement action is needed,” Dhillon told Infowars.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick criticised the H-1B visa system during an appearance on Fox News’ ‘The Ingraham Angle,’ saying, “I am working to change the H-1B program because it is terrible.” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has slammed H-1B visas in a TV interview.
“I think you’re right to say the H-1B, it’s become a total scam,” he said. These companies game the system. You have some of these companies that are laying off large numbers of Americans while they’re also getting new H-1 Bs and renewing existing H-1 Bs. “
He continued, “A lot of times people used to say: ‘well you know we’re getting the cream of the crop from all around the world.’ The reality is that’s not actually what H1Bs are, most of them (H-1Bs) are from one country, India, there’s a cottage industry about how all those people make money off this system”.
‘Indian have destroyed the tech industry’
Netizens poured their opinion on the post. A user noted, “H1B visa is not a sensitive topic. The assumption that H1 folks are low quality, low paid is a dumb rhetoric that has gone for too long. If companies saved money, they would have hired only H1. But then if you look at any of the FAANG companies, you will realize there is a substantial number of H1 in these companies. Truth be told, B graders hire C graders. If you think the vast majority of H1s are horrible, you were responsible for getting it there. End of the day, no one cares about fellow employees. If they bother you so much, you either remove yourself from working with them or remove them.”
Another claimed, “The whole “H1Bs are taking jobs” thing honestly comes down to shady consultancies that exploit the system, not the actual workers. In industries like banking and IT, there are plenty of capable people out there. And yeah, wanting to put your own country and people first isn’t wrong, but blaming individuals just because they’re on a visa misses the point.”
“Americans should be always prioritized during recruiting process. Most of the doors are closed to citizens not because they are lack of skills but the nepotism hiring conducted by one “you know who” race,” noted a user.
A netizen noted, “Companies are trying to hire and keep h1bs even when there are qualified American workers. H1B’s can apply for perm as long as the company has “attempted” to fill the position with a qualified American but couldn’t.”
“American talent isn’t migrating anywhere. That’s not the point. The point is that most talent isn’t American. There’s a big world out there. 6% of the world population can’t compete with 94% forever,” added a user.
