US, Oct 27 : James Fishback, CEO of investment firm Arizona and a former member of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has launched a scathing attack on what he calls the “H-1B visa scam,” accusing American companies of exploiting the system by hiring “cheap foreign labour” instead of qualified American workers.
In a post on social media platform X, Fishback alleged that major US firms misuse the H-1B visa program which allows foreign professionals to work in specialised fields by deliberately avoiding American candidates.
“So-called American companies say they have no choice but to use the H-1B program because they can’t find Americans for these jobs,” he wrote. “Here’s the ugly truth: they’re not even looking for Americans. They hide job postings in obscure newspapers to ‘check the box,’ and when no one applies, they import another foreign worker denying yet another qualified American a job, a wage, and the dignity and purpose that come with both. It’s disgraceful.”
Fishback’s remarks come amid the Trump administration’s latest immigration crackdown, which recently increased H-1B visa application fees to $100,000. The program grants 65,000 visas each year, mostly used by tech companies with Indians making up over 70% of total approved applications in FY24.
“Indians and Chinese are also exploited”
While criticising companies for favouring foreign labour, Fishback said the practice harms both American workers and the foreign employees themselves.
“The companies are no better off by replacing Americans who are far more qualified with cheap foreign labor from India,” he said. “The Indians and the Chinese think they’re better off, but they, too, end up getting exploited — although I have no sympathy for them, because they are active participants in second-classing American citizens.”
Calls for complete immigration moratorium
Fishback also rejected the notion of supporting “legal immigration,” arguing that the US already has sufficient talent and capability within its borders.
“I don’t support legal immigration. I support a complete immigration moratorium,” he stated. “This nation is overflowing with talent, grit, and brilliance. Millions of Americans are underemployed, underpaid, or overlooked. They are eager to work hard and contribute.”
Fishback’s comments have sparked strong reactions online, reigniting debates over the role of the H-1B program and the balance between protecting domestic jobs and sustaining America’s global competitiveness.