US Senator Mike Lee Joins H1B Visa Row Amid Anti-India Rhetoric

US Senator Mike Lee has questioned whether it is “time to pause H1B visas,” the work permits granted to skilled foreign professionals, after reports alleged Walmart paid large bribes to hire Indian tech workers while sidelining Americans.

His remarks follow those of far-right Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who recently demanded an end to H1B visas for Indians, accusing them of “replacing American jobs.” Greene was responding to former President Donald Trump’s warning that he may hike tariffs on Indian goods over New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil.

The debate has intensified amid speculation that Trump could target the H1B system if re-elected. The visa program has long benefited Indian IT engineers, who make up the majority of its recipients. Meanwhile, Trump-aligned “MAGA” supporters have launched a digital campaign against foreign workers, particularly Indians, linking them to US tech layoffs.