DeSantis Calls H-1B Visa a ‘Total Scam,’ Claims System Benefits Mostly Indians

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Wednesday labelled the H-1B visa program a “total scam”, asserting that it primarily benefits workers from India and certain companies that profit from the system.

In an interview with Fox News, DeSantis disputed the notion that H-1B visas attract the world’s top talent, arguing instead that the program has become a tool for companies to hire cheaper foreign labor while sidelining American workers. “Some of these companies are laying off large numbers of Americans while also hiring new H-1B workers and renewing existing visas,” he said. He described the program as “indentured servitude” and criticised its exploitation over time.

DeSantis also tied the H-1B debate to broader workforce challenges, including AI-driven job displacement, urging that American workers should be prioritised. “The overall message from the time President Trump ran for office was to put American people first… I think it should apply to these visa programs as well,” he said.

His comments come shortly after U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicated plans to reform the H-1B and green card system. Lutnick announced a new ‘gold card’ program, offering permanent residency to foreigners who invest $5 million in the U.S., with an estimated 250,000 applicants already interested and projected revenue of $1.25 trillion.