The H-1B visa program, long criticized for enabling companies to replace American workers with cheaper foreign labor, may soon face reforms under the Trump administration. A recent notice filed by the Department of Homeland Security suggests the introduction of a “weighted selection process” to prioritize better-qualified applicants. While specifics are not yet disclosed, this could signal the end of the current random lottery system used to distribute the 85,000 annual visas.

The program has come under renewed scrutiny following revelations that Microsoft, while laying off over 10,000 workers—including thousands of software engineers—submitted more than 6,000 H-1B visa applications during the same period. Critics argue this reflects a broader trend where major corporations like Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft exploit the system, displacing American workers with lower-cost labor.

Public opposition to the H-1B program remains strong, even as high-profile figures like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy defend it. Donald Trump, both in past statements and recent policy discussions, has condemned the program as unfair, despite having used it in his businesses. Reforming it has become a renewed focus in his 2024 platform.

In parallel, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins reiterated the Trump administration’s stance against offering amnesty to undocumented migrant workers. Instead, she emphasized efforts to move toward a fully American agricultural workforce, though she acknowledged the need for strategic implementation to avoid disrupting the food supply chain.

Rollins also confirmed that the Labor Department is reviewing the H-2A visa program for seasonal farm labor. While Trump hinted at allowing migrant workers to stay if vouched for by farmers, Rollins firmly stated, “There will be no amnesty.”