West Virginia Lawmaker Calls for End to Guest Worker Program
A lawmaker from West Virginia has expressed frustration over popular work visas, indicating that there’s a rising number of Republicans who share his sentiments regarding the elimination of the guest worker program.
“I think the H-1B visa program is a bit of a fraud, honestly. It’s been a scheme against American workers for too long,” said Rep. Riley Moore, a Republican from Virginia, in a recent interview.
He reflected on how we’ve moved manufacturing jobs overseas, urging people to “learn to code.” But now, even those coding positions are being taken by H-1B workers. “So, when exactly do American workers get a break?” he questioned.
The H-1B visa is designed as temporary work authorization for qualified foreign workers in fields that American workers might not cover. However, companies are not required to demonstrate an inability to find qualified American candidates for those roles. This loophole has sparked criticism from those aiming to curb the outsourcing of jobs.
Major companies utilizing H-1B visas include Amazon, Cognizant, Infosys, IBM, and Microsoft. The latter recently ignited controversy after laying off 1,600 employees in its Xbox division, despite being approved for 2,273 H-1B visas this year.
Moore lamented, “We send our kids to college or trade schools for advanced skills, yet they’re being replaced by lower-skilled workers on H-1B visas. Many end up unemployed, working as baristas, or drowning in student debt.”
Typically, an H-1B visa lasts three years but can be extended to six. During their stay, foreign workers can also pursue permanent residency.
Data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services suggests that 80% of H-1B visa holders ultimately secure permanent residency via employment-based green cards, which may lead to naturalization later.
Moore insists that the notion of H-1B workers being inherently more skilled is misleading. “They’re here primarily because they can be paid less than American workers,” he argued, calling the market unfair. “The system isn’t truly capitalist; the government controls visa distribution and limits,” he added, expressing concern over business lobbyists advocating for more H-1B visas.
Recent analyses estimate around 619,000 H-1B workers in the U.S., a figure that could be even greater today. Moore also raised concerns regarding Optional Practical Training (OPT) work permits, suggesting those may be even more detrimental than the H-1B program.
“The OPT program is where the real training takes place,” he noted, mentioning that many international students transition through this stage before applying for H-1B visas.
His ambition is to eliminate both the H-1B and OPT programs entirely. He believes there’s a quiet but growing support for his cause among his colleagues.
“I’m not the only one speaking out. Since I’ve raised the topic, I’ve had discussions with multiple colleagues who agree with me. There’s a noticeable shift in support,” he stated.
Moore highlighted a recent attempt by President Trump to limit the H-1B program with a hefty application fee, but that order was overturned by a federal judge.
Ultimately, for Moore, the focus is on the protection of American workers. “American employees are uniquely competing against a global workforce in their own country. It’s a disadvantage for our youth,” he concluded.
