Vance advises Oregon AG to ’employ Americans’ during H-1B visa fee debate

Vice President Vance Engages in Dispute Over Visa Fee

Vice President JD Vance recently clashed with Oregon Attorney General Dan Layfield regarding a lawsuit involving the Trump administration. The lawsuit challenges President Donald Trump’s directive, which imposes a $100,000 fee on H-1B skilled worker visas.

In September, Trump instructed the Department of Homeland Security to restrict decisions on applications for H-1B visas from non-U.S. applicants for a year. However, current visa holders can still renew their visas under the existing, lower-cost guidelines.

Layfield, representing Oregon and 18 other states, asserted on Friday that the $100,000 fee exceeds legal boundaries and goes against the intentions of Congress in creating the visa program.

In response to Layfield’s statements, Vance suggested, “Maybe we should try hiring some Americans.”

Layfield noted that the H-1B program allows employers, including universities in Oregon, to bring in “skilled foreign workers in specialized roles such as doctors, researchers, and nurses.” This aspect of the program invites debate on the balance between utilizing foreign expertise and supporting domestic workers.

Vance has echoed sentiments previously expressed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who labeled the H-1B system as a “fraud” designed to import cheaper labor, which ultimately harms American workers.

Vance remarked that the controversy surrounding visas is indicative of broader immigration issues. He mentioned, “I know there are many in our coalition who are understandably angry about immigration fraud in our visa system, but it seems both parties are resistant to addressing these challenges.”

Layfield’s office claims that the new fee exceeds what the executive branch is authorized to impose, based on the Administrative Procedure Act of 1946, a law seen as a protective measure for federally regulated entities.

According to estimates, the usual fee for H-1B visas typically ranges from $960 to $7,600. Layfield criticized the lack of a formal announcement regarding the fee, claiming it undermines President Trump’s goals of alleviating labor shortages in key sectors.

Rayfield’s office emphasized that institutions in Oregon depend on skilled foreign labor to maintain educational standards and foster innovation. He described the new fee as an obstacle to hiring necessary professionals, saying, “This massive cost makes it nearly impossible for these institutions to hire the professionals they need.”

The White House previously stated that the H-1B visa program was established to bring in temporary workers for high-skilled roles but is being misused to displace American workers.

States like Delaware and California have also joined the lawsuit, with Delaware’s Attorney General Kathy Jennings deeming Trump’s decree as a concerning threat to serious issues in the job market.