JD Vance Defends H-1B Workers Remark, Says Criticism Was Aimed at Employers

US Vice President JD Vance has defended his controversial description of foreign professionals working in the United States on H-1B visas as “indentured servants”, while acknowledging that his choice of words may not have been appropriate.

Speaking at a CBS News town hall, Vance clarified that his criticism was directed at companies employing foreign workers and the visa system itself, rather than the professionals who come to the US for employment.

His comments followed strong objections from India, which described the terminology as deeply offensive and highlighted its painful historical and colonial associations.

Vance Says His Criticism Was Directed at Companies

During the town hall, Vance explained that H-1B workers can become heavily dependent on their employers because their immigration status is closely tied to their employment.

He argued that losing a job can place foreign professionals in a difficult position, potentially forcing them to leave the United States if they cannot secure another qualifying job within the required period.

According to Vance, this dependence gives employers considerable influence over workers who have come to the country to pursue professional opportunities.

He accepted responsibility for the language he had used, acknowledging that his remarks could have been expressed differently. However, he maintained that his underlying concern was about the structure of the visa programme and the power it gives employers, rather than an attempt to criticise foreign professionals.

Vance also argued that companies should demonstrate a genuine need for foreign workers instead of using immigration programmes to avoid hiring qualified American candidates.

Vice President Refers to His Indian Family Connections

Vance also spoke about his personal connection to India while discussing immigration policy and the need to balance the interests of American workers with the contributions of skilled foreign professionals.

He referred to his mother-in-law and father-in-law, who immigrated to the United States from South India, and expressed his affection for them.

His wife, Usha Vance, is the daughter of Indian immigrants.

The vice president said he did not intend to dehumanise immigrants and maintained that the United States should welcome people who contribute to the country. At the same time, he argued that immigration policies should protect domestic workers and ensure that employers follow fair hiring practices.

His remarks sought to distinguish his criticism of the visa system from his views on immigrants themselves.

India Objects to the Description of H-1B Professionals

India had strongly criticised Vance's earlier remarks about H-1B visa holders, calling the description unwarranted and deeply offensive.

The Indian government also emphasised the contributions of Indian professionals to the American economy, particularly in technology, research, and innovation.

Indian nationals represent more than 70% of approved H-1B petitions annually, making the programme particularly important for skilled workers from India seeking employment in the United States.

The controversy has drawn attention to the broader debate over immigration, employment opportunities, and the treatment of foreign professionals in the American labour market.

US Suspends Green Card Sponsorship Activities at Several Companies

The dispute comes amid wider changes to US immigration policy.

Earlier in October, the Trump administration suspended several companies from participating in the Permanent Labor Certification programme, commonly known as PERM. The programme is an important step in the process through which employers sponsor eligible foreign workers for employment-based permanent residency, commonly referred to as a green card.

The affected companies include major technology businesses and Indian IT service providers.

The administration argued that some employers had used immigration programmes in ways that disadvantaged American workers. Vance had called on companies to prioritise qualified domestic candidates where appropriate.

The move has raised concerns among foreign professionals who depend on employer sponsorship to pursue permanent residency in the United States.

Debate Over H-1B Visas Continues

The H-1B programme allows US employers to hire foreign professionals for certain specialised occupations. It is widely used by technology companies seeking workers in areas such as software development, engineering, and other technical fields.

Supporters argue that the programme helps businesses access specialised skills and compete globally. Critics, however, contend that some employers may use it to reduce labour costs or limit opportunities for American workers.

Vance's comments reflect the administration's emphasis on protecting domestic employment while maintaining that immigration should serve the country's economic interests.

His clarification has not ended the wider debate over his original wording or the administration's immigration policies.

As the discussion continues, the central questions remain how the United States can protect workers, ensure fair employment practices, and retain access to the skilled professionals needed by its economy.