The US Department of Labor has released a new public advertisement campaign alleging widespread misuse of the H-1B work visa programme, claiming it has contributed to the displacement of American workers. The advertisement asserts that the “American Dream” has been undermined as companies hired foreign professionals at lower wages in place of domestic employees. It prominently highlights that India accounts for the largest share of H-1B visa recipients.
The ad features a chart showing India with 72% of H-1B approvals, followed by China at 12%, Canada and the Philippines at 1% each, and other countries collectively at 14%. The message accompanies the rollout of Project Firewall, an initiative launched in September to audit H-1B hiring practices and ensure employers prioritise American workers.
“The administration is holding companies accountable for H-1B abuse and recapturing opportunities for the American people,” the Department of Labor stated. The campaign echoes President Donald Trump’s long-standing position that the H-1B programme has been misused to cut labour costs.
The ad follows several recent policy changes affecting foreign workers. Earlier, the administration raised H-1B visa filing fees to nearly $100,000, significantly increasing costs for employers seeking skilled overseas hires. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security announced it will end the automatic extension of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for individuals renewing work permits after October 30, 2025.
These changes are expected to impact a substantial number of Indian professionals, who constitute the largest segment of the H-1B workforce in the United States.
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