The American Spectator has published a commentary asserting that the H-1B visa program is detrimental to American workers and undermines national identity.
The commentary, authored by Jacob Grandstaff, frames the H-1B visa issue as a conflict between globalist economic policies and national loyalty. It argues that bipartisan political elites have shifted away from the traditional nation-state concept in favor of a global labor market. Grandstaff contends that the influx of foreign workers through the H-1B system displaces qualified American graduates, weakens domestic labor incentives, and transforms American culture towards economic utilitarianism rather than civic unity. The essay positions this as part of post-Cold War globalism prioritizing capital mobility and international recruitment over domestic workforce development.
According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), more than 580,000 H-1B workers were active in the United States as of 2025, with approximately 85,000 new visas issued annually under the statutory cap. Critics argue this concentration creates a labor imbalance and suppresses wages in technology sectors where younger American graduates struggle to compete. Supporters counter that the program addresses critical skill shortages, though evidence suggests companies often use it to reduce labor costs rather than fill genuine talent gaps.
A 2024 report from the Economic Policy Institute found that the median H-1B wage in the tech industry was 17% below the median wage for comparable U.S. workers in similar positions. Further analysis revealed that only 12% of H-1B jobs qualified as "Level 4" high-wage roles, contradicting claims that the program primarily attracts top-tier global talent. These findings have led to bipartisan calls for reform or elimination of the visa category, echoing concerns raised by former President Trump and several Republican lawmakers who argue that American workers are being displaced by lower-paid foreign professionals.
Founded in 1967 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, The American Spectator is a conservative political magazine known for its commentary and investigative reporting supporting free-market principles, limited government, and American cultural preservation. The publication gained national prominence in the 1990s for its coverage of political scandals and remains influential in shaping right-leaning policy debates. Its contributors frequently advocate for nationalist economic positions, constitutional originalism, and protecting traditional American institutions.
