Trump administration recently made major changes to the H-1B visa system, including a massive new $100k application fee that employers must pay.
This move is being told as a way to protect American jobs and stop the supposed abuse of the visa system. The idea is that by making it more expensive for companies to hire foreign workers, there will be more opportunities for Americans.
But while the government claims this will help, it is creating a dangerous situation for H-1B workers. Social media is now flooded with hate and hostility toward these workers, many of whom are just trying to build a better life in the US.
They are being blamed for taking jobs or “stealing” opportunities.
What does the post explain?
A social media post resonates this emotion. The post reads, “You’re all blaming the victims here. The US government is the one issuing these visas, and it’s the tech companies that benefit the most from H-1B workers.
Let’s look at the facts: companies hire H-1B employees because they’ll often work longer hours and are afraid of being laid off or deported.”
It continued, “So, who’s really profiting from this system? From the H-1B worker’s perspective, they’re simply trying to make a better living and improve their future.
If anyone deserves blame for the exploitation, it’s the government and the corporations. Not the workers. In a capitalist world, it’s only natural for people to pursue better financial opportunities.”
What is an H-1B visa?
H-1B visa program, designed to bring skilled workers from abroad to fill gaps in the US labour market, has become a central figure in discussions about immigration and labour rights.
Many see it as an opportunity for foreign nationals to pursue careers in tech, engineering, and healthcare. An individual may spend a maximum of 6 years in H-1B status in the United States.
‘We just want you to go home’
Netizens responded to the post. A user noted, “We don’t blame you. We just want you to go home.” Another added, “H-1B often works longer hours because they need 72 hours to get a 40-hour task done. That’s why some countries have 996 yet still a very low GDP per capita.”
“I personally think a lot of anti and pro h1b are just trolls. Majority of Americans imho don’t really dislike people on h1b, they have an issue with the program itself. H1b people are just collateral damage,” stated another user. “I think the H1B program needs to be sunsetted for SWEs because there is no longer a shortage of coders. The OP is right that the legislature crested this problem and needs to solve it,” claimed a user.
“I don’t hate anyone. I just want the fraud to stop and for lawbreakers to be punished. If that requires ending the program and starting over, so be it,” stated a netizen.
(This story is based on a post shared by a social media user. The details, opinions, and statements quoted herein belong solely to the original poster and do not reflect the views of Financialexpress.com. We have not independently verified the claims.)