This guy’s facial expression is a bit angry throughout the video. But he makes some very good points and describes what has been happening with the H-1B visa program that brings in “skilled” immigrant workers to compete with American college graduates:
How does the H-1B visa system really work? pic.twitter.com/JeluZBDvGq
— American Renaissance (@realAmRen) January 10, 2025
I am sure that gentleman’s numbers are correct and I am honestly trying to understand the dilemma . In order to do that I searched for the arguments in favor and against H-1B visas.
Here is a little of what I found:
Arguments In Favor of H-1B Visas
H-1B visas are critical for attracting global talent, who can help drive innovation and keep American companies at the forefront of their industries. This perspective, championed by tech leaders and supported by economic research, suggests that the program is not just beneficial but essential for maintaining the U.S.’ position as a global leader in innovation and technological advancement.
Supporters of the H-1B program, like Musk and Ramaswamy, point to a significant skills gap in the U.S. labor market, particularly in STEM fields. They argue that there is a genuine shortage of highly skilled workers in certain specialized areas, such as software development, engineering and scientific research. The H-1B visa is seen as a vital tool for filling these critical gaps, allowing companies to recruit top talent from around the world when domestic supply falls short. This influx of skilled professionals is viewed as necessary for maintaining the pace of innovation and economic growth in key industries.
The economic impact of H-1B workers extends beyond filling immediate job openings. Research indicates that these skilled immigrants often complement rather than compete with U.S. workers, creating new job opportunities and expanding economic activity.
A study by the American Enterprise Institute and the Partnership for a New American Economy found that each H-1B visa holder creates 1.83 jobs for Americans. Additionally, increasing the H-1B visa cap could potentially create an estimated 1.3 million new jobs and add around $158 billion to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product by 2045, according to the American Immigration Council.
Arguments Against H-1B Visas
Critics argue that the program, rather than addressing genuine skill shortages, is being exploited by companies to reduce labor costs and displace American workers. This perspective has gained traction among those who view the H-1B visa as a tool for wage suppression and outsourcing, rather than a means of attracting global talent to drive innovation and economic growth.
One of the primary concerns raised by opponents of the H-1B program is its alleged misuse by companies to undercut the American job market. Some contend that these companies use the visa program to hire foreign workers at lower wages, effectively bypassing qualified American candidates who command higher salaries. This practice, they argue, not only displaces U.S. workers, but also creates a race to the bottom in terms of wages and working conditions in high-skill industries.
Moreover, the system has been accused of putting foreign workers in vulnerable positions, with limited ability to change employers, leading to comparisons with “indentured servitude.”
Fred, when Ramaswamy took a shot at American mediocrity, it set off shock waves. But there is some basis for the premise that the Indian and Chinese workers are more committed and prepared and goal-directed. Does this justify American-educated workers being given the shaft? I don’t think so, but obviously others disagree.