US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has sharply criticized the H-1B visa program, describing it as a “scam” that harms American workers. His remarks point to sweeping reforms that could directly impact Indian professionals, who hold the majority of these visas.

Speaking on Fox News with Laura Ingraham, Lutnick said, “The current H-1B 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.” He stressed that the administration is preparing changes to move away from the existing lottery-based system toward a wage-based model that favors higher-skilled applicants.

“We’re going to change that program because that’s terrible. We’re going to change the green card,” Lutnick declared, making it clear that both temporary and permanent residency rules will see major changes.

Criticism of the Green Card System

Lutnick also targeted the US green card process, questioning whether it truly serves national interests. He compared salaries to argue that the system is flawed. “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 added that under Donald Trump, immigration policy will no longer focus on numbers but on skills and wealth. “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 Gold Card Proposal

Lutnick outlined a new “Gold Card” program that the Trump administration plans to introduce. This initiative would give permanent residency to foreigners willing to invest at least $5 million in the US. According to him, interest in the program is already high, with around 250,000 potential applicants, which could bring in as much as $1.25 trillion in investments.

“That’s the gold card that’s coming. And that’s where we’re gonna start picking the best people to come into this country. It’s time for that to change,” Lutnick said, presenting it as a bold alternative to the current immigration system