Trump official calls H1B visa system a scam, vows changes

The US Commerce Secretary said the current green card system is flawed, citing recipient income levels as evidence of misplaced priorities.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has described the current H-1B visa programme as a scam that displaces American workers, signalling major reforms that could have sweeping consequences for Indian professionals, who account for the majority of H-1B holders.

The current H-1B visa system is a scam that lets foreign workers fill American job opportunities. Hiring American workers should be the priority of all great American businesses, Lutnick said.

Lutnick confirmed that he is directly involved in proposals to replace the existing lottery-based H-1B allocation with a more selective, wage-based model. Were going to change that programme because thats terrible. Were going to change the green card, he said while in conversation with Fox News.

The secretary also criticised the current green card system, arguing that it rewards the wrong candidates. We give green cards - the average American makes USD 75,000 a year and the average green card recipient USD 66,000 a year. Why are we doing that? Its like picking the bottom core, he remarked.

He said that under Donald Trumps leadership, US immigration policy would be reshaped to attract greater wealth and skill. Thats why Donald Trump is going to change it - thats where the Gold Card is coming, and with that were going to start picking the best people.

Lutnick disclosed details of the proposed Gold Card scheme, under which permanent residency would be granted to foreigners who invest at least USD 5 million in the United States. He claimed demand is already sky-high, with as many as 250,000 potential applicants lined up, which could bring in USD 1.25 trillion in investment.

Thats the gold card thats coming. And thats where were gonna start picking the best people to come into this country. Its time for that to change, Lutnick reiterated.

The remarks come even as Donald Trump himself has previously defended the H-1B programme, calling it essential for bringing competent and great individuals to the US. In January, Trump told reporters: You got to get the best people. We have to have the quality people coming in. By doing that, were expanding businesses, and that takes care of everybody.

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