US Congressman Claims H-1B Workers From India and China Are Used as Cheaper Labour

US Congressman Riley Moore has reignited debate over skilled-worker immigration after alleging that American graduates are losing job opportunities to foreign professionals hired through the H-1B visa programme. In remarks reported on October 17, 2026, Moore criticised both the H-1B visa system and the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, claiming that employers use them to recruit workers at lower wages.

Moore argued that the programmes were intended to help US employers access specialised skills but, in his view, have instead contributed to competition for entry-level jobs. His comments have drawn attention because Indian and Chinese professionals feature prominently in discussions about the American technology workforce.

What Did Riley Moore Claim?

In a post on social media, Moore described the H-1B and OPT programmes as mechanisms that he believes undercut American workers. During an interview on The Scott Jennings Show, he cited figures of approximately 650,000 US graduates with computer-science-related degrees and more than 500,000 H-1B visa holders to support his argument.

Moore alleged that companies were choosing foreign workers because they were willing to accept lower pay, leaving some American graduates struggling to enter the workforce. He also criticised the potential family-immigration consequences associated with employment-based visas.

These statements represent Moore's position in the wider immigration debate. The figures he cited do not, by themselves, establish that H-1B workers are directly replacing an equivalent number of American graduates. H-1B approvals cover a range of specialised occupations and employment situations, so the comparison requires additional context.

What Are H-1B and OPT Programmes?

The H-1B programme allows US employers to hire eligible foreign nationals for specialised occupations that generally require highly specialised knowledge and a relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification. The programme is widely used in technology, engineering, research and other professional fields.

OPT, meanwhile, allows eligible international students in the United States on F-1 status to gain practical work experience related to their field of study. Standard post-completion OPT can last up to 12 months, while qualifying science, technology, engineering and mathematics graduates may apply for a 24-month extension.

Although the two programmes are often discussed together, they serve different purposes. H-1B is an employment-based non-immigrant visa category, whereas OPT is a form of employment authorisation linked to a student's F-1 status.

Why Indian Professionals Are Closely Watching the Debate

Indian nationals account for a substantial share of H-1B beneficiaries, making changes to the programme particularly important for Indian technology professionals and international graduates. According to reporting based on US Citizenship and Immigration Services data, Indian nationals represented roughly 70 per cent of H-1B beneficiaries in fiscal year 2025.

For students planning to study in the United States, the debate also highlights the importance of understanding post-study employment rules. An American degree does not automatically guarantee employment, OPT approval or a subsequent H-1B visa. Graduates must meet the applicable eligibility requirements, and employers must comply with immigration and employment regulations.

Could US Immigration Rules Become Stricter?

Moore's comments come amid broader scrutiny of the H-1B system. On September 18, 2026, the White House issued an executive order focused on programme integrity and interagency coordination. The order called for stronger consideration of compliance and potential effects on US workers during relevant immigration processes.

Separately, the Department of Homeland Security has proposed changes that could affect how certain applications to extend temporary work status are reviewed. Proposed measures should not be confused with rules that have already taken effect; applicants and employers should check official government announcements for the latest implementation details.

What This Means for Students and Job Seekers

The controversy highlights a continuing policy question: how can the United States protect domestic workers while allowing employers to recruit international talent when specialised skills are needed? Supporters of skilled immigration argue that foreign professionals contribute to innovation and help fill workforce needs, while critics raise concerns about wage competition, recruitment practices and the availability of opportunities for new graduates.

For international students and professionals, the practical priority is to follow official immigration guidance, understand the conditions attached to employment authorisation and avoid treating political statements as confirmed changes to visa eligibility.

Moore's remarks have added momentum to an already contentious debate, but his allegations should be distinguished from independently verified labour-market evidence. The long-term impact on American graduates and foreign professionals will depend on employment data, enforcement practices and any immigration rules ultimately adopted.