Debate over foreign worker program intensifies as Trump announces new tariffs on Indian goods linked to Russian oil trade
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has called for reductions to the H-1B visa program, asserting that it leads to the displacement of American workers.
The H-1B program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in specialty occupations, particularly in sectors such as technology, engineering, and healthcare.
Greene’s remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of the program’s economic and labor market implications.
The call for visa restrictions coincides with a broader escalation in trade tensions between the United States and India.
Former President
Donald Trump announced plans to impose increased tariffs on Indian goods, citing India’s continued purchase of oil from Russia.
Trump claimed that India has been profiting from resale of the oil on the global market while not taking sufficient action regarding the conflict in Ukraine.
On his social media platform, Trump stated that India is buying significant volumes of Russian oil and selling portions of it on the open market for profit.
He announced an intention to substantially raise tariffs on Indian imports into the United States as a result.
The statement also referenced the ongoing war in Ukraine, which Trump described as being fueled by Russian military actions.
The H-1B visa program, which is capped annually and primarily used by technology firms and multinational corporations, has long been a topic of political debate.
Critics argue that it may be used to undercut wages or bypass domestic hiring, while supporters highlight its role in addressing skilled labor shortages and fostering innovation.
According to U.S. immigration data, a significant proportion of H-1B visa holders in recent years have been Indian nationals.
The renewed attention on the program and trade policy occurs in the context of shifting geopolitical alliances, evolving U.S. foreign policy positions, and ongoing discussions about the structure of the global labor market.
The Biden administration has not issued a formal response to the latest tariff announcement or Greene’s visa proposal.