How H-1B Visas Impact the American Dream for Young Americans

Amid a wider crackdown on illegal immigration, the Trump administration’s Department of Labor has accused companies of misusing the H-1B visa program to replace young American workers with foreign talent, primarily from India. In a campaign video, the department claimed that this practice has led to many Americans losing out on job opportunities and the dream of upward mobility.

The video contrasts post-war prosperity with present-day scenes of workplace shifts, stating that 72% of H-1B visa applications come from India. It emphasizes the administration’s goal of “putting America first” and praises President Donald Trump and Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer for taking a strong stance on this issue.

In September 2025, the Labor Department introduced “Project Firewall,” an initiative aimed at ensuring companies do not use the H-1B program to undercut American workers by hiring lower-paid foreign employees in tech and engineering roles. The initiative involves auditing firms suspected of such practices.

However, some critics argue that the scale of the problem is overstated. They point out that there are about 730,000 H-1B visa holders in the U.S., which constitutes a very small percentage of the total labor force. Many H-1B workers have lived in the U.S. for years, contribute to the economy, and have U.S.-born children.

Despite differing viewpoints, the campaign aligns with the Trump administration’s broader emphasis on job protection, visa regulation, and prioritizing American workers. The video concludes with the message that the government is reclaiming the American Dream for its citizens.

H-1B visa, Project Firewall, Trump administration, American Dream, foreign workers