In a sharp escalation of its immigration stance, the Trump administration has alleged that several US companies misused H-1B visas by hiring low-paid foreign workers and denying fair opportunities to young American professionals. The US Department of Labor has released a new video claiming that the misuse of the visa program has “stolen the American Dream from American youth”.
According to the video, companies deliberately preferred low-wage foreign workers over qualified Americans, which the administration says undermines the purpose of the H-1B visas program. The video further alleges that politicians and officials allowed this “systemic exploitation” to continue for years.
One of the key revelations highlighted in the video is that 72% of H-1B visa holders are Indian, while 12% are Chinese, raising questions about the long-standing dominance of foreign workers in America’s skilled workforce.
Young Americans have had the American Dream stolen from them, as jobs have been replaced by foreign workers due to rampant abuse of the H-1B visa.
— U.S. Department of Labor (@USDOL) October 30, 2025
Under @POTUS and @SecretaryLCD’s leadership, we’re holding companies accountable for their abuse—and recapturing the American Dream… pic.twitter.com/x3lqJS9CyG
‘We Are Bringing Back the American Dream’: Trump Administration
In the video, the narrator states that under the leadership of the President and Labor Secretary Julie Chavez-Dermer, the administration is holding companies accountable for abusing H-1B visas. The message is clear: “We are bringing the American Dream back to the American people.”
The video also includes black-and-white clips from the 1950s featuring happy families, homes, and workers—symbolic imagery suggesting the era when the American middle class was thriving.
The video references the government’s new initiative called Project Firewall, aimed at tightening oversight over companies using H-1B visas and restoring employment priority to American workers.
What Is Project Firewall?
Project Firewall, launched by the Labor Department in September 2025, is a strict monitoring program designed to prevent the misuse of H-1B visas, protect wages, and safeguard job opportunities for American workers.
Under this initiative:
- Companies must give hiring preference to US citizens.
- Employers will undergo strict inspections.
- If violations are discovered, companies may be forced to repay wages to affected workers.
- They may face civil penalties and may even be barred from accessing the H-1B program for a set period.
The initiative aims to ensure that no American worker is unfairly sidelined for low-paid foreign labor—a major criticism directed at the visa system for over a decade.
H-1B Visa Fee Increased to ₹88 Lakh (US $100,000)
In a widely debated move, the US government recently increased the H-1B visa application fee to $100,000—approximately ₹8.8 million. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that this new fee is a one-time fee that applicants will have to pay at the time of submitting their petition.
The government says that the steep fee hike will:
- Reduce dependency on foreign workers
- Encourage companies to hire locally
- Make it harder for companies to misuse H-1B visas
The revised fee will apply only to new applicants starting 21 September 2025. Existing H-1B workers will not be affected.
Earlier, an H-1B visa for a three-year stay cost between ₹5.5 lakh and ₹6.7 lakh, with renewal possible for another three years. This meant that the total cost for a six-year stay in the US was ₹11–13 lakh. The new fee marks an unprecedented jump and signals a dramatic tightening of US immigration policy.
What the American Dream Really Means
The debate surrounding H-1B visas often circles back to the idea of the “American Dream”. Historically, the American Dream represents equal opportunities for anyone who works hard—regardless of background, wealth, or birthplace.
The concept traces back to 1776, when America’s founders declared that all individuals are born equal and are entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
In 1931, author James Truslow Adams described the American Dream in his book, noting that it is not about owning a car or becoming wealthy. Instead, it is about giving every boy and girl the chance to realize their full potential based on ability—not family status.
The Trump administration argues that the over-reliance on foreign workers via H-1B visas undermines this ideal by limiting opportunities for Americans themselves.
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Florida Universities Ordered Not to Hire H-1B Workers
Adding to the nationwide debate, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis made headlines after ordering state universities to stop hiring foreign workers on H-1B visas. He stated that American workers must be given hiring preference and criticized institutions that rely on foreign talent.
DeSantis said universities across the country have been hiring H-1B workers instead of “qualified and available American citizens”. He added, “In Florida, we will not tolerate H-1B abuse. I have directed the Florida Board of Governors to end this practice.”
He further argued that if universities claim they cannot find qualified Americans, they must examine their own education programs and understand why their graduates do not meet industry requirements.
Florida has around 7,200 H-1B visa holders, many working in private companies, but a notable portion are employed by universities—something DeSantis now wants to restrict.
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What This Means for the Future of H-1B Visas
The increasing political pressure, combined with fee hikes and stricter investigations, indicates a significant shift in how H-1B visas will function going forward.
Key future possibilities include:
- Tougher eligibility checks for foreign workers
- Higher financial burden on sponsoring companies
- More opportunities for US citizens in tech and academia
- Reduced intake of foreign workers, especially from India and China
- Stronger scrutiny on wage levels and job authenticity
Industry experts believe that while these actions aim to protect American workers, they may also create a shortage of skilled talent—especially in technology sectors that heavily rely on Indian professionals.
Conclusion
The Trump administration’s aggressive push to reform the H-1B visas program has ignited a nationwide debate about fair hiring, wages, and America’s long-standing immigrant workforce. While supporters argue these steps will restore the American Dream, critics fear skill shortages and rising costs for US companies.
What remains clear is that the landscape of H-1B visas is undergoing its most dramatic transformation in years—one that will impact immigrants, employers, universities, and the American economy for a long time to come.
