H-1B visa under fire: Heritage Foundation flags corruption and calls for H-4 work ban

Heritage Foundation targets H-1B abuses

The Heritage Foundation has stepped forcefully into the growing political storm over the H-1B visa programme, urging the Donald Trump administration to pursue sweeping reforms to what it describes as a broken system. The conservative think tank, widely known for shaping the controversial Project 2025 agenda, warned that the visa scheme in its current form “cannot go on”.

Speaking on the issue, Heritage President Kevin Roberts accused the programme of being riddled with systemic abuse. “Fraud, nepotism, and corruption affect every stage of the H-1B visa process. The program cannot go on in its current form. Putting American workers first is necessary to make the American Dream attainable again,” he said.

The H-1B visa allows US companies to employ foreign professionals, particularly in specialised sectors. Critics argue, however, that firms increasingly favour overseas workers because they can be paid lower wages than American employees. The visa has now become one of the most divisive issues within President Donald Trump’s political base. While the administration recently imposed a $100,000 fee on H-1B sponsors, the president has insisted the programme will not be scrapped entirely, saying the US still requires certain foreign talents. That position triggered significant backlash inside the MAGA movement and exposed deep internal divisions.

Fraud, nepotism, and corruption affect every stage of the H-1B visa process. The program cannot go on in its current form. Putting American workers first is necessary to make the American Dream attainable again. https://t.co/CillHbdVA8

— Kevin Roberts (@KevinRobertsTX) November 25, 2025

Amid this political firefight, Heritage has escalated its pressure on policymakers. In a detailed report cited by Daily Caller, senior research fellow Simon Hankinson called for Congress to eliminate exemptions for research institutions and non-profits, replace the visa lottery with a wage-based ranking system, and explicitly bar spouses of H-1B holders from working under the H-4 visa.

The report also urges the Department of Homeland Security to “limit the number of H1-B applicants each company can petition for annually” and permanently disqualify any company or entity found knowingly violating immigration law.

Heritage further argues the programme must return to its original purpose. “To prioritize American students and workers first, the program should be scaled back to its original intent and scope but revised to account for increased salaries, a changed job market, and AI labor disruption,” the report said.

Additionally, it calls on the Department of Labour to publish transparent monthly data on H-1B petitions, layoffs, complaints and investigations, while urging the Department of Justice to fully probe all credible allegations of visa fraud and worker displacement.