JD Vance on Tuesday praised the contributions of his Indian-origin in-laws while voicing concerns about alleged misuse of the H-1B visa system.
Speaking at an event organised by Turning Point USA in Georgia, the US Vice President said immigrants such as his wife’s family have strengthened the country through education and professional contributions.
Vance is married to Usha Vance, whose family traces its roots to Vadluru village in Andhra Pradesh. He described his in-laws as examples of immigrants who have made meaningful contributions to American society.
“I’m married to the daughter of immigrants from India. I love my in-laws. They’re great people, and they have been great contributors to the United States of America,” he said during the interaction.
Vice President Raises Concerns About Fraud In H-1B Visa System
While praising lawful immigrants, Vance said there were concerns about fraudulent practices within the H-1B system, which is widely used by American companies to hire foreign professionals.
The H-1B visa programme is particularly popular among Indian professionals working in sectors such as technology and healthcare. Many visa holders eventually apply for a Green Card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, allowing long-term residence in the United States.
Responding to a question about difficulties faced by H-1B workers seeking permanent residency, Vance said it was possible to acknowledge both the contributions of immigrants and the existence of fraud within the system.
“I think you can believe on the one hand that there’s a lot of fraud in the H-1B system, while also believing that there are people who have come to the United States in the past who have enriched this country,” he said.
Emphasis On Assimilation Into American Identity
Vance also stressed that immigrants who become citizens should prioritise American national interests.
He recalled discussions with his father-in-law, whom he described as an example of successful assimilation into American society.
“The system only works if everybody thinks of themselves as an American,” he said, adding that his father-in-law had never encouraged actions based on the interests of his country of origin.
According to Vance, this mindset of integration is key to maintaining public support for immigration programmes.
Changes To H-1B Visa Programme Under Donald Trump
Recent changes introduced under Donald Trump have significantly altered how companies hire foreign workers through the H-1B visa system.
One of the most debated measures includes a proposed fee of $100,000 on certain new H-1B visas, which critics say could make it harder for smaller companies to participate in the programme.
Additional rules introduced in February 2026 give preference to higher-paying job roles during visa selection and propose raising minimum salary thresholds for H-1B workers.
The Trump administration has defended these measures, saying they are necessary to protect domestic workers and improve wage standards within the US labour market.
Why The H-1B Debate Matters For Indian Professionals
Indian professionals form one of the largest groups of H-1B visa holders, particularly in the technology sector. Any changes to visa policies therefore have direct consequences for thousands of skilled workers and companies that rely on global talent.
Vance’s remarks reflect a broader political debate in the United States — balancing recognition of immigrant contributions with efforts to tighten visa regulations.