H-1B visa program a scam, will change: US Commerce Secretary

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has called the H-1B visa program as a "scam" that displaces American workers, setting the stage for reforms that could have sweeping consequences for Indian professionals, who make up the overwhelming majority of H-1B holders.Lutnick said in an interview to Fox News, while calling the visa system “terrible”. Lutnick criticised the current green card system, pointing to the income levels of recipients as evidence of misplaced priorities. "We give green cards – the average American makes $75,000 a year and the average green card recipient $66,000 a year. Why are we doing that? It’s like picking the bottom core," he said. He argued that under Donald Trump’s leadership, immigration policy will shift toward attracting wealth and skill. "That’s why Donald Trump is going to change it – that’s where the Gold Card is coming, and with that we’re going to start picking the best people."

The current H1B visa system is a scam that lets foreign workers fill American job opportunities.

Hiring American workers should be the priority of all great American businesses. Now is the time to hire American. pic.twitter.com/l27HEhF7C3

— Howard Lutnick (@howardlutnick) August 26, 2025

Any shake-up to the visa system would have major implications for Indian professionals. In fiscal year 2023, more than 72% of approved H-1B petitions were for Indian nationals, far outpacing China at 11.7%. The cap for H-1B visas currently stands at 65,000, plus 20,000 slots reserved for US advanced-degree holders, all allocated through a lottery system.