US Vice President JD Vance has once again spoken out in favor of President Donald Trump’s reforms to the H-1B visa program, asserting that the system has been exploited to drive down wages for American employees by hiring foreign workers at reduced pay.
During his address at the Turning Point USA event in Mississippi on Wednesday, Vance stated that the administration’s reform efforts are designed to ensure fairness for domestic workers while preserving the program’s original intent — attracting exceptional global talent rather than replacing qualified Americans.
“Legal immigration is complex,” Vance said. “We bring in nearly one million legal immigrants every year, and there’s clear evidence that many of them end up undercutting the wages of Americans.” He explained that the H-1B visa was intended for highly skilled individuals, such as top researchers or innovators, but has instead become a way to hire foreign professionals at steep discounts. “We shouldn’t be hiring accountants from abroad when capable Americans are here and eager to earn a fair wage,” he added.
His comments come as the Trump administration prepares to enforce a $100,000 application fee for all new H-1B petitions — a massive increase from the previous cost of around $1,500. The fee, effective for petitions filed after September 21, applies to new applicants and those entering the 2026 H-1B lottery, though existing visa holders and prior applications remain unaffected.
The administration argues that this steep hike will deter misuse and ensure that only employers seeking truly specialized talent participate. Critics, however, fear it will severely impact Indian tech professionals, who account for about 72% of all H-1B holders, and could reduce remittance flows to India.
Vance also tied the reform to the government’s broader immigration goals, stressing that both legal and illegal immigration levels are unsustainable. “There are many people who can contribute to America, but we need to lower the overall numbers,” he said.
When asked about his personal life, Vance briefly addressed his interfaith marriage to Usha Vance, who is Hindu. He remarked that while he hopes his wife embraces Christianity, faith is ultimately a personal choice — reflecting a tone of respect and balance amid an otherwise policy-driven speech.
Through his remarks, Vance positioned the H-1B overhaul as part of Trump’s wider effort to protect American labor, reform immigration policy, and promote national fairness.
