Vance says H-1B criticism targeted employers, not workers

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said his criticism of H-1B workers as “indentured servants” was aimed at employers and the visa system, not the foreign professionals holding those visas, acknowledging that his rhetoric had been imperfect. Speaking at a CBS News town hall on October 17, Vance said the visa system can leave workers dependent on their employers because their authorization to remain in the United States is tied to their jobs. He argued that companies can use that dependence to treat workers unfairly, and said his remarks were not a criticism of H-1B holders. Vance also said his goal was not to dehumanize immigrants and called for a balance between welcoming foreign professionals and protecting American workers. He referred to his wife Usha Vance’s parents, who immigrated from South India, saying he loves his in-laws. His personal remarks accompanied, but did not replace, his argument that employers should prioritize eligible American workers when suitable candidates are available. The comments followed criticism from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, which described Vance’s language as deeply offensive and said it overlooked the contributions of Indian...