James Fishback Slams “H-1B Visa Scam,” Calls for Complete Immigration Moratorium:

In a fiery post on X (formerly Twitter) on October 26, James Fishback — CEO of Arizona-based investment firm and former official in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) — accused major U.S. companies of abusing the H-1B visa system. Fishback called the program a “scam,” claiming it allows corporations to replace qualified American workers with what he called “cheap foreign labor,” mainly from India and China. What Is the “H-1B Visa Scam”? The H-1B visa program is designed to let U.S. companies hire foreign professionals for specialized roles when there are no qualified Americans available. However, Fishback argues that many firms are exploiting loopholes in the system instead of genuinely seeking American talent. “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,’” Fishback wrote. “But the ugly truth is—they’re not even looking. They hide job postings in obscure places just to ‘check the box,’ and when no one applies, they bring in foreign workers.” He added that this practice robs qualified U.S. citizens of job opportunities, fair wages, and the dignity of meaningful work. Criticism of Corporate Hiring Practices Fishback’s criticism goes beyond corporate hiring policies. In a video accompanying his post, he claimed that American workers are being replaced by less-paid foreign employees, leading to widespread underemployment in the U.S. “The companies are no better off by replacing Americans who are far more qualified with cheap foreign labor,” he said. “Those jobs should go to Americans who deserve the opportunity to earn an income and contribute to the economy.” He also suggested that while Indian and Chinese workers may seem to benefit, they too end up exploited by the system. “They think they’re better off, but they end up being used. I have no sympathy for them because they’re active participants in treating Americans like second-class citizens,” he said. Rising Costs and Political Backdrop Fishback’s remarks come shortly after the Trump administration announced a major hike in H-1B visa application fees — reportedly up to $100,000 — as part of its continued crackdown on immigration. Each year, the U.S. grants 65,000 H-1B visas to foreign professionals, most of whom work in tech and engineering roles. Indians account for over 70% of all H-1B approvals in fiscal year 2024, according to official data. The debate over H-1B visas is not new. Critics say the system depresses wages for American workers and enables outsourcing companies to flood the job market with lower-paid foreign talent. Supporters, however, argue that the program fills critical skill gaps and keeps the U.S. competitive in technology and innovation. Fishback’s Call for a “Total Immigration Moratorium” Taking an even stronger stance, Fishback rejected not only the misuse of the H-1B program but legal immigration altogether. “I don’t support legal immigration,” he said. “I support a complete immigration moratorium. America doesn’t need to import talent — we already have it right here.” He emphasized that millions of Americans remain underemployed or overlooked despite having the skills and determination to succeed. “This nation is overflowing with talent, grit, and brilliance,” he wrote. “It’s time to put American workers first.” In summary: James Fishback’s explosive comments have reignited the debate over the H-1B visa system and immigration policy. While his critics call the remarks divisive, his supporters argue he’s highlighting a long-ignored truth about how corporate hiring practices are reshaping the American workforce.

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