Trump Ally Calls for Restrictions on H-1B Visas Amid US Crackdown on Indian Travel Agents

Strategic Insights -

The US government has implemented visa restrictions on travel agencies linked to illegal immigration, prompting a call from Donald Trump's ally Laura Loomer to restrict H-1B visas. Loomer, a vocal critic of immigrant employment, has posted on X, suggesting that the US should now focus on H-1B visas, which allow US firms to hire highly skilled foreign workers. This move comes as the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) received 3,43,981 eligible H-1B cap registrations for the 2026 fiscal year, with Indian beneficiaries making up nearly 60% of new registrations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US Department of State has imposed visa restrictions on travel agencies, including their owners, executives, and senior officials, linked to illegal immigration.
  • Laura Loomer, a Trump ally, has called for restrictions on H-1B visas, arguing that they threaten American jobs and contradict Trump's "America First" promise.
  • For the fiscal year 2026, 120,141 H-1B visa applications were selected, the lowest number since 2021, mainly due to higher fees causing a drop in registrations.
  • The number of eligible registrations for the 2026 fiscal year decreased by 27% year-over-year, while multiple-registration beneficiaries dropped by 83%.
  • The US Embassy in India had cancelled 2,000 visa appointments in April, citing fraud, and the latest restrictions build on this, targeting travel agencies involved in illegal migration schemes.
  • MAGA supporters have praised the action, requesting similar measures for H-1B visa programmes.

Statistics:

  • 120,141 H-1B visa applications were selected for the fiscal year 2026.
  • 3,43,981 eligible H-1B cap registrations were received by USCIS for the 2026 fiscal year.
  • Indian beneficiaries account for nearly 60% of new registrations.
  • Eligible registrations for the 2026 fiscal year decreased by 27% year-over-year.
  • Multiple-registration beneficiaries dropped by 83% in the 2026 fiscal year.
  • 2,000 visa appointments were cancelled by the US Embassy in India in April, citing fraud.

Sources:

  • The US Department of State
  • USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services)
  • Times of India (ToI)
  • X (social media platform)