In Washington, DC, President-elect Donald Trump has appointed immigration hardliner Stephen Miller as White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy. Known for his uncompromising stance on immigration, Miller’s new role may bring significant changes to US immigration policies, potentially affecting the H-1B visa program. Vice President-elect JD Vance praised Miller’s appointment, calling it “another fantastic pick by the president.”
Miller, a close aide from Trump’s first administration, played a central role in shaping restrictive immigration policies, including the controversial Muslim travel ban and the 2018 family separation policy. His history with immigration reform could signal renewed limitations on both legal and illegal immigration, including H-1B visas—a popular work visa for skilled foreign workers in the US tech industry.
Miller’s H-1B Visa Stance
Miller’s stance on the H-1B visa program is clear: he believes it can displace American workers and lower wages. During the Trump 2024 campaign, Miller frequently reiterated his “America First” stance. At a packed rally at Madison Square Garden, he pledged to “restore America to the true Americans.”
In the past, Miller contributed to drafting the Cruz-Sessions bill, which aimed to limit international students from obtaining H-1B status for up to a decade. Many anticipate that Miller will advocate for similar restrictive policies in Trump’s new administration, possibly affecting H-1B visa eligibility.
Trump Administration’s Record on Immigration and H-1B Visas
The Trump administration’s past immigration policies included an increase in H-1B visa denials and a narrower definition of “specialty occupation,” resulting in fewer job categories qualifying for the visa. In 2020, Trump’s administration attempted to implement a restrictive H-1B rule that was ultimately blocked by a federal court. Reports suggest that if President Biden’s proposed “modernizing” rule for H-1B visas isn’t finalized before he leaves office, Trump’s administration could replace it with more restrictive measures.
A Decline in H-1B Visa Approvals
During Trump’s first term, policies and memos contributed to a rise in H-1B visa petition denials, with rates increasing from 6% in 2015 to 24% in 2018. Following legal settlements, these denial rates fell to 4% in 2021 and 2.2% in 2022. However, experts believe Miller’s reappointment could bring new challenges for H-1B applicants.
The Role of Border Czar Tom Homan
In a related move, Trump has appointed former acting ICE director Tom Homan as “Border Czar.” Homan’s role will focus on securing the US border and overseeing deportation policies, working closely with Miller to enforce restrictive immigration measures.
For Indian tech workers and H-1B visa hopefuls, Miller’s appointment signals a potential shift in US immigration policies, with stricter visa restrictions on the horizon.
