Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-MO, released a series of statements highlighting research documenting wage disparities between H-1B visa holders and American workers, arguing the program enables systematic exploitation.
"The H-1B visa system is riddled with abuse. This new study confirms it: Companies aren't using H-1B visas to bring in the 'best and brightest'; many are using them to import cheap foreign labor and undercut US wages. We must end this abuse and protect the American worker," Schmitt stated.
The Missouri Republican pointed to research findings showing significant compensation differences between visa holders and domestic workers. "The study found companies pay H-1Bs 16% LESS than comparable American workers. So over the 6-year term of an H-1B visa, employers save more than $100,000 by hiring foreigners instead of Americans. That's why President Trump put a $100k filing fee on new H-1B applications."
Schmitt explained the structural reasons enabling these wage disparities. "Companies pay H-1B visa holders less than Americans because they have significantly more leverage over visa holders than American workers: Their ability to stay in the US depends on the company employing them. They rely on employer sponsorship to get green cards."
The senator framed the issue within broader economic challenges facing American workers. "For years, blue-collar American workers got hit with a double whammy: Jobs exported overseas — wages undercut here at home. American workers are still feeling the impact. US layoffs from outsourcing; importing cheap labor via visas like H-1B," he wrote.
Schmitt challenged common justifications for the program. "H-1B apologists always say that companies 'can't find an American to do the job,' so they need to import labor. This study proves that's a lie. We have the talent here in the US. These companies simply don't want to pay Americans; they prefer hiring cheap foreign labor," he concluded.
Senator Schmitt's exposure of H-1B wage theft proves America needs wholesale elimination of guest worker programs that exist solely to provide corporations with leverage over cheaper foreign labor at the expense of domestic wages. The solution requires scrapping H-1B completely, ending all forms of employment based immigration that displace American workers, implementing mandatory e-Verify with criminal penalties for violations, and establishing a comprehensive immigration moratorium that protects the nation's demographic integrity and socio-economic stability for blue and white collar workers alike.
