Trump Ally Urges H-1B Visa Restrictions After US Action on Indian Travel Agents
Following the US imposing restrictions on Indian travel agents suspected of facilitating illegal immigration, Laura Loomer, a staunch supporter of Donald Trump, has urged the administration to also curtail H-1B visas.
H-1B Visa Program Under Scrutiny
The H-1B program, which allows US companies to employ skilled foreign workers, is under renewed scrutiny. The US immigration authorities have reportedly selected 120,141 H-1B visa applications for fiscal year 2026, despite a decline in registrations due to increased fees.
Calls for Program Reduction
MAGA activists and some US tech workers are advocating for the reduction or elimination of the H-1B program, arguing that it contradicts Trump's 'America First' agenda.
Crackdown on Illegal Immigration
The recent US action against travel agencies involves visa restrictions on owners, executives, and senior officials linked to unauthorized migration. The State Department is working to identify individuals facilitating illegal immigration. Earlier this year, the US Embassy in India canceled 2,000 visa appointments due to fraud concerns. This crackdown has been praised by MAGA activists seeking similar measures against the H-1B visa program.
Concerns Over Job Displacement
The H-1B program has an annual cap of 65,000 new visas, with an additional 20,000 for those with U.S. master's degrees or higher. The selection of over 120,000 H-1B visas has raised concerns about potential job displacement.
