A national debate over skilled-worker visas has intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump publicly defended the H-1B programme, prompting strong opposition from several Republican lawmakers and conservative commentators. While critics argue the visas displace American workers, leading economists, policy researchers, and immigration lawyers say eliminating the programme would weaken the U.S. economy and undermine national interests.

On Friday, Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene reignited the controversy by reiterating her plan to introduce a bill that would “ban H-1B visas in all sectors” except for medical professionals. In a series of posts on X, she claimed that ending the programme would improve the housing market and expand job opportunities for Americans by reducing “imported labor.” Greene’s proposal would slash annual H-1B allocations from 85,000 to just 10,000—while phasing out even that reduced quota over ten years. Her bill would also remove a pathway to citizenship and require visa holders to return to their home countries.

Her remarks were echoed by Republican Congressman Andy Ogles, who posted, “No more H-1Bs is a no-brainer.” Conservative host Laura Ingraham also weighed in, questioning the notion that America needs to “import an endless stream of foreign workers.”

The criticism stands in contrast to Trump’s recent comments defending the programme. In an interview with Fox News’ Laura Ingraham earlier this week, Trump rejected claims that the U.S. has sufficient domestic talent, arguing that certain high-skilled roles cannot be filled by the existing workforce. “You do have to bring in talent,” he said.

The White House later clarified that the administration intends to curb abuses within the system, not eliminate the programme entirely. In a statement to the Daily Wire, White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said Trump remains committed to immigration reforms that prioritize American workers, emphasizing the new $100,000 fee imposed on H-1B applications as a measure to discourage misuse.

Meanwhile, experts argue that the backlash is misguided. A new Manhattan Institute study found that H-1B visa holders contribute significantly to U.S. economic growth—boosting GDP by an average of $500,000 over 30 years and reducing national debt by $2.3 million. The report identified Indian immigrants as the “most economically beneficial immigrant group,” with India-born professionals receiving over 70 percent of approved H-1B visas in 2024.

Immigration attorney Anna K. Gorisch called the GOP attacks “peak stupidity,” warning that targeting legal skilled immigrants undermines America’s economic competitiveness and could cost Republicans political support in 2026.