Bernie Sanders hits out at H-1B visa program for replacing American jobs with ‘indentured servants’

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., has once again targeted the controversial H-1B visa program, claiming that it replaces American jobs with lower-wage foreign workers. This criticism comes as the program is at the center of a debate within the Republican Party.

Sanders has consistently opposed the H-1B visa program, which allows U.S. companies to hire foreign workers for specialized occupations, primarily in the tech industry. Critics on the right argue that the program brings in cheap labor from abroad to replace American workers.

Recently, prominent figures like Elon Musk have defended the program, emphasizing its importance for tech companies. Musk credited the H-1B visa program for attracting critical talent to companies like SpaceX and Tesla, which have contributed to America’s strength.

However, Sanders cited statistics showing that top corporations using the H-1B program laid off over 85,000 American workers while hiring over 34,000 H-1B workers in 2022 and 2023. He also pointed out that 33% of new IT jobs are filled by foreign guest workers. Sanders questioned why H-1B workers are employed in non-specialized roles like dog trainers, massage therapists, cooks, and English teachers, instead of highly skilled positions.

While acknowledging potential labor shortages that could be filled by H-1B workers, Sanders called for increased guest worker fees to fund opportunities for American workers. He also advocated for reforms such as higher minimum wages and job mobility for workers.

Sanders criticized the economic elite for promising that the loss of blue-collar jobs due to free trade agreements would be offset by white-collar IT jobs. He argued that this promise has not materialized, with corporations exporting blue-collar jobs while importing low-paid foreign workers for white-collar positions.

These comments from Sanders come in the wake of President-elect Trump’s shift in stance on the H-1B program. Despite previously denouncing H-1B abuse, Trump stated that he has always supported the program and has utilized it on his properties.

In conclusion, the debate over the H-1B visa program continues to be a contentious issue, with politicians, industry leaders, and advocates offering differing perspectives on its impact on American workers and the economy.