US Senator Tom Cotton on Friday voiced strong support for reforming the H-1B visa program, announcing plans to introduce legislation aimed at tightening oversight and prioritizing American workers. In a tweet, Cotton said, “Next week I’m introducing two bills that will bring badly needed changes to this program and put American workers first.”
The announcement comes alongside the US Department of Labor’s launch of Project Firewall, described as one of the most aggressive enforcement initiatives in H-1B history. Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer explained that the initiative will investigate potential employer abuse, enforce fair wages, and ensure H-1B employees receive equal treatment to US workers. Employers found violating rules may face fines, back pay obligations, or temporary bans from the program.
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Project Firewall also requires companies to demonstrate efforts to recruit American workers before hiring foreign talent, with coordinated oversight across multiple federal agencies, including the Justice Department and USCIS.
India, whose professionals dominate H-1B visas, responded cautiously. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of a global workforce, noting that national demographics alone cannot meet international talent demands. He warned that protectionist measures could complicate trade and talent flows, stressing the need for global cooperation while building domestic capacities.
