The H-1B Boom: Which Companies Are Hiring the Most Foreigners—and What It Means for American Jobs
A closer look at the companies reshaping the U.S. workforce with foreign talent and the growing impact on IT professionals and recent grads.
The H-1B visa program has long been a lightning rod for debate in the U.S., praised for attracting skilled talent from around the world but criticized for its unintended consequences on American workers. At its core, the program is designed to help companies fill specialized roles when no qualified domestic workers are available. However, as the latest data shows, some of the largest employers in the U.S.—particularly in the tech industry—are increasingly dependent on H-1B workers, raising questions about its broader implications.
In fiscal year 2024 alone, Amazon topped the list with 3,871 H-1B petitions approved for initial employment. Tesla, which previously didn’t rank in the top 25, made a surprising leap to 16th place, more than doubling its H-1B hires from the previous year. These numbers reflect the growing reliance of companies on foreign talent, especially in the IT sector.
Which Companies Are Hiring the Most H-1B Workers?
According to the National Foundation for American Policy, these were the top 20 companies in fiscal-year 2024 based on the number of H-1B petitions approved for initial employment:
Amazon: 3,871 petitions (down from 4,000 in 2023 and nearly 6,400 in 2022).
Cognizant: 2,837 petitions.
Infosys: 2,504 petitions.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS): 1,452 petitions.
IBM: 1,348 petitions.
Microsoft: 1,264 petitions.
HCL America: 1,248 petitions.
Google: 1,058 petitions.
Capgemini: 1,041 petitions.
Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook): 920 petitions.
Deloitte: 891 petitions.
Apple: 864 petitions.
Intel: 851 petitions.
Accenture: 833 petitions.
LTIMindtree: 798 petitions.
Tesla: 742 petitions (up from 328 in 2023).
Ernst & Young: 741 petitions.
Goldman Sachs: 678 petitions.
Wipro: 609 petitions.
Walmart: 654 petitions.
Source: CBS News - Which companies have the most employees working on an H-1B visa?
This data from CBS News highlights the sheer scale of H-1B employment among leading companies, particularly in the tech sector. While these numbers represent only initial employment approvals, they shed light on the growing trend of corporations relying on foreign labor.
The Impact on American Workers
For many Americans, especially recent graduates in IT and computer science, the H-1B program feels like a double-edged sword. On one hand, it brings skilled talent to the U.S. and fosters innovation. On the other hand, it creates intense competition for jobs and, in many cases, drives down wages.
The increasing number of foreign workers in IT—reportedly over 50% of the sector—is alarming for job seekers. Recent layoffs among major tech companies have only added to the challenges, leaving many Americans wondering how to compete in a labor market that seems increasingly stacked against them.
Why Companies Favor H-1B Workers
Corporations argue that the H-1B program allows them to fill critical roles that require specialized skills. However, critics point to systemic abuses of the program, such as:
Wage suppression: Many H-1B workers accept lower salaries compared to their American counterparts.
Tied employment: H-1B workers are dependent on their sponsoring employer, making them less likely to negotiate for higher wages or seek better opportunities.
Outsourcing dominance: Consulting firms like Cognizant, Infosys, and TCS use H-1B workers to facilitate large-scale outsourcing, displacing American jobs.
What We Can Do
Despite the challenges, there are proactive steps job seekers can take to thrive in this competitive landscape:
Upskill Continuously:
Stay ahead by learning in-demand skills and technologies, such as cloud computing, AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity.
Pursue certifications and advanced training to stand out in a crowded job market.
Network Strategically:
Leverage platforms like LinkedIn and attend industry events to connect with hiring managers and peers.
Build relationships with mentors and professionals who can help open doors to opportunities.
Target Niche Roles:
Focus on jobs that require unique combinations of skills, where competition may be less intense.
Seek roles in industries that are less saturated by outsourcing firms, such as healthcare IT or government sectors.
Advocate for Reform:
Join advocacy groups and initiatives pushing for H-1B reform to prioritize local talent.
Write to policymakers about the need for fair labor practices and tighter controls on H-1B misuse.
Explore Alternative Opportunities:
Consider freelance or contract work to build experience and earn income while job hunting.
Explore opportunities outside major tech hubs, where competition may be lower.
A Call for Change
The H-1B program, while beneficial in certain contexts, needs reform to strike a balance between attracting global talent and protecting American workers. By staying informed, upskilling, and advocating for change, job seekers can navigate this challenging environment and find ways to thrive.
The future of the American workforce depends on finding solutions that ensure fairness and opportunity for all.
Legal Disclaimer:
The content provided in this post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, no guarantee is made regarding its completeness or applicability to any individual situation. Readers are encouraged to seek independent legal counsel or consult with qualified professionals for specific advice related to their circumstances. This post does not intend to accuse or defame any specific company or individual, and all information regarding companies, practices, and processes is based on publicly available resources at the time of writing. The author and publisher assume no liability for actions taken or decisions made based on the information contained herein.
This article was written by ChatGPT.