Jake Merrick, the Republican candidate for governor in Oklahoma, has made a commitment to limit the state’s use of H-1B visas for immigrants seeking jobs.
This promise reflects increasing worries among middle-class voters who feel sidelined as federal visa programs are utilized locally.
Merrick has voiced his support for President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and intends to fight against the issuance of additional H-1B visas to immigrants who might take jobs from Oklahomans.
“As Oklahoma’s next governor, I will prioritize Oklahoma families and American workers,” Merrick stated in his Statement on Immigrants and Protecting Oklahoma Workers.
“I believe every individual who entered the country illegally should be deported. Immigration is primarily a federal issue, and if President Trump initiates mass deportations, Oklahoma will be fully prepared to assist,” he added. Merrick also mentioned his support for revoking non-citizens’ commercial truck licenses and enabling local law enforcement to collaborate with federal immigration authorities.
He is strongly against the excess of H-1B visas for foreigners taking jobs from local Oklahomans.
“We will also safeguard Oklahoma jobs. H-1B and OPT visas may remain available, but only if it’s clearly demonstrated that no qualified Americans or Oklahomans are available for those positions,” he wrote.
“I will obstruct state agencies and universities from using these programs instead of hiring Oklahoma graduates and American workers. I will also stop state contracts from being given to firms that bring in cheaper foreign labor instead of employing Oklahomans,” Merrick asserted. “Our tax dollars should benefit Oklahomans, not replace them. No exceptions.”
“This isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s about prioritizing Oklahoma and America,” he concluded.
Oklahoma stands out as one of the few states actively working with the Trump administration to revoke commercial truck driver (CDL) licenses for nonresident aliens.
