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Vance Defends H-1B Remarks, Says Criticism Targets Exploitative Companies
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Firstpost•18-10-2026, 10:41
Vance Defends H-1B Remarks, Says Criticism Targets Exploitative Companies
- •Vice President JD Vance clarified that his past comments comparing H-1B visa holders to indentured servants targeted exploitative companies, not the visa holders themselves.
- •During a CBS Town Hall, Vance expressed pride in his South Indian in-laws and emphasized that productive immigrants should be welcomed.
- •Vance criticized the power dynamic where employers can threaten foreign workers with deportation if they complain or disagree with management.
- •India's Ministry of External Affairs previously condemned Vance's rhetoric as deeply offensive and carrying colonial legacy connotations.
- •Vance reiterated the administration's stance that companies should prioritize American workers rather than replacing them with cheaper foreign labor.
Key Questions Answered
Vice President JD Vance clarified that his criticism was aimed at companies exploiting the H-1B visa program rather than the visa holders themselves. He admitted that some of his rhetoric was imperfect.
India's Ministry of External Affairs strongly condemned Vance's remarks as deeply offensive and carrying painful colonial legacy connotations. The government emphasized that highly educated and skilled Indian professionals are vital contributors to the American economy and innovation ecosystem.
The Trump administration suspended major technology and IT companies from the Permanent Labour Certification (PERM) program. This crackdown targets alleged abuse and fraud within the H-1B and green card sponsorship systems to protect American workers.
