Highlights:
- North Carolina official backs higher H-1B wages
- Proposal aims to match wages with market levels
- Concerns raised over job loss for American workers
- Public comments open until May 25
- Rule targets H-1B, H-1B1, and E-3 visa programs
The top labor official of North Carolina has supported a federal proposal to increase the minimum wages employers must offer to hire foreign workers under H-1B, H-1B1, and E-3 visa programs.
North Carolina Labour Commissioner Luke Farley said that American workers are being harmed by foreign visa programs that lower wages. He made his position clear in a public statement.
“H-1B visas take jobs from American and North Carolina workers. Last week, I submitted official comments in support of a new rule proposed by the Trump Administration to make sure H-1B visa holders don't undercut wages for American workers,” Farley said.
In a letter addressed to Brian Pasternak at the US Department of Labour, Farley outlined what he called long-standing problems in the current system. He pointed to loopholes that allow some employers to hire workers at wages below market rates. According to him, this practice puts downward pressure on wages and reduces opportunities for workers in North Carolina and across the United States.
The proposed federal rule is designed to fix these issues. It aims to ensure that wages paid under these visa programs more accurately reflect real market conditions.
On March 26, the US Department of Labor introduced the proposal to raise wages for foreign workers under H-1B and related visa programs. The department is currently inviting public comments, which will be accepted until May 25.
Farley said the proposal supports core values in North Carolina. “In North Carolina, we believe in the dignity of work, fair competition, and putting our people first. We welcome reform that moves these programmes back toward their proper purpose and away from abuse. I support the proposed rule,” he said.
He also stressed that businesses using these visa programs should meet fair wage standards. “If a business wants to hire through one of these visa programmes, it should be required to pay wages that truly reflect the market and do not undercut qualified American workers.”
Farley added a strong warning about misuse of foreign labor programs. "Our country should never allow foreign labour programmes to become a backdoor way to replace, bypass, or cheapen the value of the American worker,” he said in his letter dated April 21.
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