Labrador backs higher wage requirements for H-1B visa workers

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador is backing a proposal that would increase wage requirements for employers hiring workers through the H-1B visa program.

Labrador joined attorneys general from 12 other states in submitting comments to the U.S. Department of Labor supporting a proposed rule that would raise the minimum wages employers must pay foreign workers under the program.

According to the coalition, increasing wage requirements would reduce incentives for companies to hire foreign workers at lower costs than American employees.

The H-1B visa program allows employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations when qualified American workers are unavailable.

Supporters of the proposed rule argue some companies have used the program to replace American workers while reducing labor costs. The coalition cited examples of major technology companies that have conducted layoffs while continuing to file H-1B visa petitions.

"The H-1B visa program was originally intended to bring in foreign workers only when Americans aren't available. Instead, corporations have exploited it to replace American workers with cheaper foreign labor," Labrador said. "I'm urging the Department of Labor to raise the wage floors that make this abuse profitable. When the financial incentive disappears, so does the scheme."

The coalition also raised national security concerns, noting that a portion of H-1B visas issued in recent years have gone to Chinese nationals working in technology-related fields.

In addition, the attorneys general argue the current wage methodology used by the federal government may not comply with federal administrative law because it was established through agency guidance rather than formal rulemaking.

The Department of Labor is currently considering the proposed changes.