Are American Jobs at Risk Because of H-1B Hiring?

A new survey has revealed deep divisions in the American workforce over the presence of H-1B visa holders in the job market. While foreign-born professionals overwhelmingly support the program, a majority of U.S. citizens believe it reduces opportunities for domestic workers.

Blind, a professional networking platform, surveyed 4,230 employees across the United States between Aug. 25 and Sept. 3, 2025. The results show that 56 percent of U.S. citizens think H-1B workers are displacing them in the labor market. By comparison, just 9 percent of H-1B visa holders and 27 percent of permanent residents shared that view.

The responses highlight a sharp divide on whether foreign workers benefit U.S. companies. Overall, 70 percent of participants agreed that H-1B professionals are essential to corporate growth. However, only 49 percent of American citizens supported that position, while 87 percent of foreign-born respondents said the program strengthens U.S. businesses.

When asked about hiring priorities, 63 percent of respondents favored selecting talent without regard to immigration status. Yet, within that group, 60 percent of U.S. citizens preferred prioritizing citizens and green card holders. In contrast, just 11 percent of H-1B holders and 35 percent of permanent residents supported that stance.

The findings come as political debate over the visa program intensifies. Public criticism has grown after recent corporate layoffs, with lawmakers including Sen. JD Vance accusing technology firms of replacing American staff with foreign hires. Cases such as the Jobs.Now PERM sabotage investigation and Walmart’s workforce controversy have fueled further scrutiny

Employee reactions on Blind reflected the same polarization. A Microsoft engineer argued that visa programs “hand America’s top jobs to foreigners” and said they should be scaled back. Others disagreed. One Amazon professional warned that ending renewals would shift innovation overseas, while a PayPal respondent emphasized that once admitted to the labor pool, visa holders are equal to any U.S. worker.

The survey also examined immigration status among respondents: 41 percent were on H-1B or similar visas, 13 percent were green card holders, and 46 percent were U.S. citizens.

The Blind survey was conducted online among 4,230 verified professionals in the U.S. between Aug. 25 and Sept. 3, 2025. Participants included H-1B workers, permanent residents, and U.S. citizens.