The US Department of Labour released a new video accusing companies of abusing the H-1B visa system. It said the misuse of the programme allowed foreign workers to take jobs meant for Americans. The video claimed that the American dream was “stolen” from citizens because of these practices.
The video also mentioned India, which makes up over 70% of all H-1B visa holders. It opened with a message about lost opportunities. “For generations, we’ve told Americans that if they work hard enough, they can achieve the American dream. But many Americans have had this dream stolen from them,” the voiceover said. It blamed “politicians and bureaucrats” for letting companies exploit the visa system.
Young Americans have had the American Dream stolen from them, as jobs have been replaced by foreign workers due to rampant abuse of the H-1B visa.
— U.S. Department of Labor (@USDOL) October 30, 2025
Under @POTUS and @SecretaryLCD’s leadership, we’re holding companies accountable for their abuse—and recapturing the American Dream… pic.twitter.com/x3lqJS9CyG
India Leads in H-1B Workforce
The video showed a pie chart of H-1B workers in the US. India topped the list with 72%, followed by China at 12%. It also revealed that the median salary of an H-1B worker in a computer-related job was $123,000 — higher than the average American worker’s pay.
The narrator then said, “Now, President (Donald) Trump is delivering a new opportunity for young Americans. Through Project Firewall, we are taking action to hold companies accountable for H-1B abuse and ensure they prioritise Americans in the hiring process – recapturing the American Dream for the American People.”
What Is Project Firewall?
Project Firewall is a Trump administration initiative. It aims to protect American workers’ rights, wages, and job opportunities. The project ensures that employers hire qualified Americans before bringing in foreign talent. It also punishes firms that misuse the H-1B system.
The Labour Department will lead investigations under this project. It will check whether employers comply with H-1B rules. It will also work with other federal agencies to stop discrimination against American workers and ensure laws are properly enforced.
Trump’s Crackdown on H-1B Visas
President Donald Trump has tightened rules on H-1B visas. Last month, he signed an executive order introducing a new $100,000 fee for each H-1B petition. The rule, effective October 6, shocked global tech hubs. It aims to make US companies prioritise American citizens for jobs.
The move has already impacted hiring. Many firms have paused or reduced H-1B sponsorships. On Wednesday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis banned state universities from hiring foreign workers on H-1B visas. He said they must prioritise American applicants instead.
India’s Major Stake in the Programme
The H-1B visa, created under the 1990 Immigration Act, lets US employers hire skilled foreign workers for jobs that lack domestic talent. The US issues 65,000 H-1B visas each year, plus 20,000 more for candidates with a US master’s degree or higher.
Indians have long dominated this programme. In 2023, they held around 75% of all H-1B visas. Many work for major tech firms like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon.