Political commentator and Rasmussen Reports CEO Mark Mitchell claimed that deporting a senior H-1B tech worker, such as a developer at Apple, has the same economic impact as deporting ten undocumented workers. He criticized the H-1B visa program during a discussion with former Trump adviser Steve Bannon, arguing that it allows companies to replace older American engineers with cheaper foreign labor.
Mitchell pointed out that about two-thirds of Silicon Valley’s tech workforce is foreign-born, with some buildings consisting of 85–95% Indian nationals. He referred to them as “third-world engineers,” suggesting companies exploit the visa system to reduce labor costs. He emphasized that these workers often earn around $90,000 annually, which he equated to the combined wages of ten undocumented workers making $9 an hour each.
He also raised concerns about ageism in the tech industry. According to Mitchell, companies prefer hiring younger, lower-cost engineers from abroad rather than retaining experienced American workers who demand higher salaries and come with added healthcare costs.
Mitchell’s comments align with longstanding criticism that the H-1B program contributes to job displacement and wage suppression among U.S. tech professionals. Recent figures support his claims, showing that roughly 66% of Silicon Valley’s tech roles are held by foreign-born professionals — with Indian and Chinese nationals making up a significant portion of that workforce.
