H-1B visa program overhaul required to increase opportunities for American workers

The H-1B visa program has come under fire because many policy experts believe it is being abused to hire foreign workers at the expense of American workers. As estimated, more than 7,00,000 H-1B holders are within the U.S. with an additional 5,00,000 dependents contributing over $85 billion annually to the U.S. economy.

The H-1B visa category is a temporary visa program that allows American companies to employ highly educated foreign professionals to work in ‘specialty occupations’ requiring at least a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent. Jobs in subjects like mathematics, engineering, technology, and medical sciences qualify for H-1B visas.