JD Vance Acknowledges Wording May Have Been Inappropriate in H-1B Visa Controversy, Defends American Workers

US Vice President JD Vance has acknowledged that his choice of words may have been inappropriate after describing H-1B visa workers as “indentured servants,” but has maintained that American workers should not lose their jobs to foreign employees when qualified US workers are available.

Responding to questions from journalists about his earlier remarks, Vance also expressed his love for his Indian in-laws, who immigrated to the United States from South India. His comments came amid a heated debate over the role of foreign workers in the American labor market.

“You know where my family comes from. I love my mother-in-law and father-in-law, who immigrated to the United States from South India. Their daughter, who was born in the United States, is now the second lady of the United States. I am incredibly proud of her and love her very much,” Vance said.

The vice president emphasized that the US immigration system must strike a balance between respecting foreign workers and protecting employment opportunities for American citizens.

He argued that companies should not replace qualified American employees with foreign workers when suitable domestic candidates are available.

Using the example of a large corporation, Vance questioned the fairness of a company claiming it could not find an accountant in the existing US labor market and subsequently bringing in a foreign worker while dismissing an accountant already on its payroll.

“If a trillion-dollar company says it cannot find an accountant in the current labor market and brings someone in from another country while firing the accountant already on its payroll, that is not fair,” he argued.

Vance said such practices could disadvantage American workers while also placing foreign employees in an uncertain position.

The H-1B visa allows US employers to hire foreign professionals temporarily for specialized roles in fields such as technology, engineering, science and medicine. Employers generally must sponsor applicants and comply with applicable eligibility requirements and labor regulations.

The visa program is particularly popular among Indian technology professionals, many of whom work in the US technology sector.

However, the program has long been the subject of debate over whether hiring foreign workers affects employment opportunities and wages for American workers.

Vance's remarks reflect his position that the United States should welcome foreign professionals who contribute to the country while ensuring that employers do not use overseas recruitment to displace qualified American employees.

Although he conceded that his earlier wording may not have been appropriate, he stood by his broader argument that protecting American workers should remain a priority in US immigration and employment policy.