Washington DC, USA: The Trump administration has turned its attention to the H-1B visa program, a key pathway for foreign workers in the United States. Following concerns about irregularities in the hiring process, the U.S. Department of Justice has intensified its monitoring of these visas. Officials have also cautioned companies against favoring foreign workers over American citizens, warning of strict action for violations.
The review is being led by Harmeet Dhillon, an Indian-origin attorney serving as Assistant Attorney General, who was appointed by President Donald Trump in December last year. On Thursday, Dhillon confirmed that legal action had already been taken against some firms, while others remain under investigation. She urged the public to report cases where U.S. workers are being unfairly overlooked, noting that several senior officials in the administration are dissatisfied with the current H-1B framework.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik also criticized the visa program in an interview with Fox News, calling it a “major scam” and emphasizing that companies should prioritize hiring Americans. He further revealed his involvement in efforts to reform the policy. Meanwhile, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis described the H-1B system as resembling a “cottage industry.” In response, the Department of Homeland Security has drafted significant reforms, including scrapping the lottery system and introducing a “weighted selection process.”
Each year, about 85,000 H-1B visas are issued, and more than 70 percent of them go to Indian nationals. Alongside these changes, the Trump administration has also unveiled new rules for international student visas. Under the proposed policy, student visas will be capped at a maximum validity of four years. This move could particularly affect Indian students, who made up the largest group of international students in the U.S. in 2024, with over 3,30,000 enrolled. Experts warn that the decision could have a considerable impact on both Indian students and professionals aspiring to work in America.
