Vice President J.D. Vance is urging young Americans to advocate against visa worker programs like the H-1B, which he claims allow companies to replace American workers with foreign graduates willing to pay kickbacks.
“We have a Senate primary happening right now,” he mentioned to students at the University of Georgia on Tuesday.
You should ask Senate candidates your thoughts on H-1B visas. Would you support the bill to eliminate this program that primarily benefits big tech companies? These are actions you all should take. I can’t keep politicians in check alone—your engagement is essential. It’s quite a responsibility.
His remarks highlight a rising concern that these visa programs are hindering many American graduates from entering white-collar jobs.
About 2 million foreign graduates are employed in white-collar roles in the U.S. through programs like the H-1B and optional practical training. This substantial workforce exists even as many young American graduates feel pushed aside by a harsh mix of artificial intelligence, the global trade of American white-collar jobs, and investor urges to shift jobs to lower-cost countries such as India.
“When you graduate, we don’t want you competing for your first position with someone who is underpaid,” Vance said, adding:
I hope companies will offer you a fair wage for your work. It just makes sense. But achieving that will require changes to the H-1B and other visa systems.
Vance further added:
One of my first proposals in Congress was to effectively end the H-1B visa. I was genuinely worried about its implications when I served as a senator. Yes, Congress hasn’t acted much on it. But there is definitely more support for that bill now than a decade ago. Still, it isn’t enough to make it happen.
“There’s a lot that can be done from the White House,” he said, “but for real change… Congress needs to enforce it.”
Since January 2025, the administration has largely curtailed illegal immigration, reduced refugee entries, and decreased legal immigration, along with notable deportations. It has tightened the management of white-collar visa programs, yet not proposed any measures to protect American jobs from being transferred overseas amid the influx of H-1B and OPT workers.
Major corporations and investor bodies have staunchly defended the visa program, noting that for every dollar saved in payroll, they can enhance their company’s stock value significantly.
This issue has sparked heated debates within the Republican primary.
For instance, Representative Mike Collins (R-Ga.) has criticized the H-1B program and is currently leading the Republican Senate race in Georgia. In his campaign video, he stated:
This election is about legal immigration taking away jobs, making life pricier, and changing our nation fundamentally. Think about it: students hear, “If you study hard, you’ll land a good job!” only to see companies turning to H-1B workers to fill those positions.
Families struggle to afford homes because of excessive competition. The solution? Stop the influx of immigrants. Want to create more opportunities for young Americans? Simple! Halt endless immigration.
Democrats and ineffective Republicans have long undercut our jobs and prospects. We need to halt the continuous immigration stream and prioritize Americans once more.
American industry isn’t a collection of interchangeable parts. We need to nurture our workforce and ensure that the youth have opportunities similar to what I experienced under President Trump.
In other areas of Georgia, some leading Republican gubernatorial candidates operate businesses that bring in foreign workers for white-collar positions. For instance, one candidate runs a medical staffing firm that utilizes various visa categories, including H-1B, to fill positions with foreign nationals.
