Post by : Raina
Al-Fahim
Washington D.C.: A prominent immigration authority has cautioned that Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene’s proposed legislation to prohibit H-1B visas across most sectors could significantly jeopardize Americans' well-being, potentially leading to unnecessary deaths from decreased healthcare access.
In a statement on X, Greene reiterated her intention to eliminate H-1B visas in all industries except healthcare. Her proposal seeks to limit visas to a mere 10,000 per year, a drastic cut from the current limit of 85,000, with plans to eventually phase out this exemption within the next ten years. The bill aims to eliminate the pathway to citizenship for visa holders, compelling them to leave the U.S.
Sarah Pierce, the Director of Social Policy at the think tank Third Way, criticized Greene's plan, asserting it would “deprive communities of necessary medical care instantly” by shrinking the roster of foreign healthcare workers. She explained, “The H-1B program currently allows for many more healthcare professionals than her proposed limit of 10,000. This legislation would leave families in the U.S., particularly in rural regions, with fewer medical providers, longer wait times, and an increase in preventable fatalities. It's a cruel tactic disguised as policy.”
While some tech workers in the U.S. have faced job losses attributed to H-1B visa issuances, Pierce pointed out that abolishing the program entirely is “misleading and harmful.” She contended that reducing visa numbers or implementing substantial penalties, such as the $100,000 fee introduced in September, could devastate the economy and essential sectors reliant on skilled labor.
Former President Trump has defended the H-1B visa program, highlighting its significance in obtaining high-skilled labor for the nation. During a Fox News interview, he stated, “You cannot just take any unemployed person and put them into a specialized job. Our industries need skilled professionals to manage advanced systems and technologies.”
The White House has indicated that its priority is to address abuse within the visa framework rather than eliminate it outright. Recently, the Department of Labor initiated at least 175 investigations into possible abuses of the H-1B program.
In 2024, applicants from India received over 70% of approved H-1B visas, highlighting a significant backlog and the contribution of skilled Indian professionals to the U.S. workforce.
Experts like Pierce advocate for Congressional reform of the H-1B program to maintain its benefits for American families and businesses while ensuring fairness and proper oversight.
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