USCIS Director Proposes Wage-Based Overhaul of H-1B Visa Programme
2 Min Read
The United States may soon see sweeping changes to its H-1B skilled worker visa system, as the new director of US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Joseph Edlow, proposes a shift from the current random lottery to a wage-weighted selection process.
In a recent interview with The New York Times, Edlow said the goal was to ensure the H-1B programme “supplements, not supplants” the American workforce. This follows a proposal submitted by USCIS and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to the Office of Management and Budget on 17 July, signalling a potential policy pivot designed to favour companies offering higher salaries.
The proposed change would mirror a similar initiative introduced during Donald Trump’s presidency, which was later shelved under President Biden. Critics argue that such a move would disadvantage international students and early-career professionals, many of whom graduate from US institutions and enter the workforce through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) route.
Tech leaders and immigration advocates have warned the changes could harm innovation and talent pipelines. Doug Rand, former senior adviser to USCIS, described the shift as “disastrous” for not just major firms like Apple and Google, but also smaller employers and community hospitals that depend on young international talent.
In 2024, over half of all international students graduating in the US came from STEM disciplines, and many go on to apply for H-1B visas. With just 85,000 visas available annually, demand far exceeds supply, leading to increasing scrutiny of the current lottery system.
Ben Waxman, CEO of Intead, suggested a more data-driven approach using labour market and education analytics to match visa allocations to actual workforce needs. “There are simply not enough American STEM graduates to fill existing roles,” he said.
While some hail the wage-based model as a meritocratic fix, others see it as a potential barrier to diversity and inclusion in skilled immigration. The debate continues, as the US looks to balance domestic interests with its longstanding role as a magnet for global talent.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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