Archive · 28 Sep 2026
Vance Signals Tougher H-1B Curbs for Companies Laying Off Americans
The H-1B program lets some US companies hire workers from other countries.
JD Vance says companies should not lay off American workers and then claim they cannot find employees.
He said the government is considering tougher checks for those companies.
The goal is to prevent foreign workers from being used as cheaper replacements for Americans.
President Donald Trump has already ordered agencies to consider layoffs when reviewing H-1B applications.
The Labor, Homeland Security, and State departments will examine employers more closely.
Vance said the administration is also investigating fraud in the system.
He does not expect Congress to make major changes to the law soon.
JD Vance said the administration is examining ways to stop companies from claiming worker shortages after laying off US employees.
Vance argued that H-1B visas should not be used to replace American workers with low-wage foreign workers.
President Donald Trump signed a September 18 executive order directing agencies to consider employer layoffs when reviewing H-1B petitions.
The order directs the Labor, Homeland Security, and State departments to assess layoffs of similarly situated US workers.
Vance said administrative changes were pursued because he does not expect Congress to rewrite the H-1B system soon.
- Who
- US Vice President JD Vance, President Donald Trump, and federal agencies administering the H-1B program.
- What
- The administration is considering tougher scrutiny and possible enforcement against companies that lay off American workers while seeking H-1B employees.
- When
- Vance made the remarks on Sunday; Trump signed the related executive order on September 18.
- Where
- The United States.
- Why
- The administration says H-1B visas should not be used to replace American workers and is seeking to address alleged fraud and inconsistencies in employer claims of worker shortages.
- Program
- H-1B visa program
- Announced measure
- Federal agencies are to consider employer layoffs when reviewing H-1B petitions.
- Executive order
- Signed by Donald Trump on September 18.
- Agencies involved
- The Department of Labor, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of State.
- Vance's position
- H-1B visas should not replace American workers with low-wage foreign workers.
- Policy approach
- The administration is pursuing administrative changes rather than waiting for Congress to rewrite the system.