An Internet user has called for the elimination of the H-1B visa program after a recent survey revealed that around 58% of Gen Z graduates are looking for a full-time job as compared to millennials, Gen Xers, and baby boomers. This is not it. The survey, conducted by Kickresume, also noted the never-ending challenges for young job seekers in an increasingly automated market, where entry-level opportunities are shrinking significantly.
“We need to eliminate the H1B program immediately. This is dire,” wrote social media user Andrew Pollack on X (formerly Twitter) while quoting a post on fresh graduates who are unable to land a job, unlike previous generations.
We need to eliminate the H1B program immediately this is dire https://t.co/44TRiRshQW
— Andrew Pollack (@AndrewPollackFL) July 18, 2025
Before looking at how people responded to his idea of eliminating H-1B visas, let us look at the data gathered from the recent survey.
Gen Zs are finding it hard to secure jobs
The study noted that Gen Zs are finding it hard to secure employment. However, it was easier for previous generations to walk straight into a job. Around 40% of previous graduates used to secure full-time jobs ahead of their graduation ceremonies; however, this number is very less for Gen Z grads, which is 12%.
Many recent graduates are resorting to odd jobs to kickstart their careers. This includes waiting tables, working in cafes or taking up delivery jobs. If we look at the data, only 12% of fresh graduates are working full-time jobs, while 11% are in part-time roles and 9% are either doing gig work or are taking up freelance projects.
Around 20% of respondents said that they had been job hunting for over a year. What’s even more alarming is that around 40% of people who were employed last year reported not receiving a single job interview since 2024. Many young professionals say they’re sending out countless resumes, only to be met with silence.
Only 40% fresh grads confident about entering workforce
When asked about their confidence entering the workforce, 40% of Gen Z graduates said they felt ready, despite having their own doubts. Interestingly, this was higher among earlier generations.
Kickresume’s survey, which received responses from 1,277 people, highlighted a worrying trend. While employers want “experienced” candidates, they aren’t ready to offer a chance to fresh graduates to gain one. 65% of Gen Z grads reported facing this barrier, compared to just 44% of previous generations.
Another challenge that the survey underscored was difficulty in creating strong resumes or CVs, something Gen Z graduates admitted struggling with more than older generations.
4.3 million people come under NEET status
A major contributor to the job shortage is automation. With AI and chatbots replacing many entry-level roles, Gen Z faces an uphill battle. Skyrocketing tuition fees and a bleak white-collar job market have pushed an estimated 4.3 million young people into NEET status, which is Not in Education, Employment, or Training, Fortune reported.
The publication also reported that this number has risen by one lakh in the United Kingdom in just one year, adding that the old belief that a college degree guarantees a job no longer exists.
In response to these challenges, Kickresume advised Gen Z to take any job they can get instead of waiting for the “perfect” one. They also recommended thinking creatively when applying, suggesting unconventional methods to stand out in a saturated job market.
For instance, Lukas Yla, who posed as a delivery partner and delivered his resume with the boxes of doughnuts. Nawar M started handing out resumes at traffic signals in Dubai after he failed to land a job on LinkedIn. Soon after, he received numerous job opportunities.
H-1B should be illegal…
While some agreed with the Internet user that H-1B visas must not be given to people, others asked him to do “maths”. Some even raised the question of why fresh graduates are so “incapable” of being hired by companies.
One social media user thinks, “The H-1B has existed in essentially its current form for 35 years, so that doesn’t explain the phenomenon described. Perhaps the problem is Gen Z? I mean, you’ve seen our education system, yes?”
“Sure. Let’s eliminate the H-1B program so when companies can’t get the talent they need, the only option is to outsource to other countries,” commented another.
A third posted, “Graduates aren’t being taught skills that are useful to employers, and AI is changing the nature of work. This goes way deeper than immigration. Don’t be stupid.”
“H-1B should be illegal in 99% of situations,” said yet another social media user.
An X user chimed in, “Why can’t our graduates do a better job than the H1B people?”
“4.1 million students graduate from college every year. 65,000 H1B visas are granted annually. Did you get maths in college?” read yet another comment below his post.