A clash over the H-1B visa programme has been brewing within the Trump coalition, threatening the alliance between the Republican administration and big tech. The debate over the renewable three-year specialist visa, popular in the tech world, has intensified between prominent tech leaders and the xenophobic MAGA wing.
In December, tech industry backers Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy argued the programme was 'essential' because many Americans were not smart enough for the jobs. Musk said he would 'go to war' on the issue. Far-right figures like Laura Loomer criticised the programme and demeaned people from India as 'third-world invaders'.
This summer, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick called the programme a 'scam' in August, and Vice President JD Vance criticised tech companies for claiming they cannot find enough American workers. Amazon, the largest sponsor of H-1Bs in 2025, donated $1m to Trump's inaugural fund.
Former Democratic Rep Bruce Morrison, who led the 1990 law creating H-1Bs, said tech companies have intentionally relied on the programme for lower costs and greater control, as H-1B holders are paid 10 to 20 per cent less.
Trump's position has shifted: he vowed to 'end forever' the programme in 2016 but reversed in 2024, promising more H-1B visas for top talent.
