What is Trump's Plan for the H-1B Visa Program?

Donald Trump, during his presidency, sought to reform the H-1B visa program with the stated aim of prioritizing American workers and ensuring that the program was not misused to displace U.S. citizens or suppress wages. His administration introduced several measures and proposals to tighten the program's regulations. These included increasing scrutiny on H-1B visa petitions, raising the minimum wage requirements for H-1B workers to make it less attractive for companies to hire foreign workers at lower wages, and revising the selection process to prioritize higher-paid and more highly skilled workers. The Trump administration also sought to reduce the use of the program by outsourcing companies, which were accused of bringing in large numbers of foreign workers for low-wage jobs, thereby undermining opportunities for U.S. workers. Proposed changes included limiting H-1B visa extensions and increasing the frequency of site visits to employers to ensure compliance with visa requirements. These efforts faced criticism from some businesses and industry groups, particularly in the tech sector, who argued that such reforms would hinder their ability to attract and retain global talent.