There is a widespread belief that H-1B workers are “stealing jobs” from U.S. workers. This narrative has been repeated so often that many people accept it as fact. But when you look at how the H-1B program actually works, this claim does not hold up.
The H-1B visa is designed for specialty occupations — jobs that require at least a bachelor’s degree in a specific field, such as engineering, technology, healthcare, finance, and scientific research. These are not general labor positions. An individual cannot obtain an H-1B visa to work in just any job; the position itself must require specialized knowledge and education.
Another major misconception is that employers hire H-1B workers because they are cheaper. In reality, U.S. law requires employers to pay H-1B workers the prevailing wage for the position in the geographic area where they will work. This means they must be paid the same as, or more than, similarly qualified U.S. workers. Employers are not allowed to underpay H-1B workers to save money.
In addition to wage requirements, employers must pay thousands of dollars in government filing fees just to apply for an H-1B visa. These fees are required regardless of whether the worker is selected in the H-1B lottery or approved. Employers often also incur legal and administrative costs and must invest months of time preparing and submitting the application.
Because of these high costs and strict requirements, hiring an H-1B worker is not a shortcut or an easy alternative to hiring a U.S. worker. No employer would choose to spend this amount of time and money if there were enough qualified U.S. workers readily available to fill these specialized roles.
Another important reality is that the H-1B program is subject to a strict annual cap and a random lottery system. Each year, there are far more applicants than available visas. This means that many qualified workers are never selected, even when employers genuinely need them. The idea that H-1B workers are “flooding the system” ignores the fact that the government severely limits how many can be approved each year.
It is also important to understand that H-1B workers do not have an easy or secure situation. Their legal status is tied to their employer. If they lose their job, they may quickly lose their lawful status and be forced to leave the country unless another employer is able to sponsor them in time. This makes their employment far more fragile than that of most U.S. workers.
The purpose of the H-1B program is to help fill gaps in the U.S. labor market where there are not enough workers with the necessary specialized skills. These workers contribute to the economy, pay taxes, and often help U.S. businesses grow and remain competitive. Many later go on to create businesses and jobs of their own.
The narrative that H-1B workers are taking jobs from Americans oversimplifies a complex system and fuels unnecessary fear. The reality is that the H-1B program is highly regulated, expensive for employers, and limited in scope. It is not about replacing U.S. workers — it is about addressing shortages in specialized fields where qualified workers are needed.
Understanding how the H-1B program actually works is essential to having an honest conversation about employment, immigration, and the U.S. economy. Facts matter, and when it comes to H-1B workers, the facts tell a very different story than the myths.