US Vice President JD Vance has defended restrictions on the H-1B visa programme, arguing that limiting the hiring of foreign workers is central to what he described as a “true Christian politics” that prioritises American labour and economic dignity.
Speaking at Turning Point USA’s annual convention, Vance said Christian values must inform the government’s broader approach to economics and labour, not just social issues.
“A true Christian politics, it cannot just be about the protection of the unborn or the promotion of the family, as important as those things absolutely are,” Vance said.
“It must be at the heart of our full understanding of government,” he added.
Framing immigration and employment policy as a moral issue, Vance questioned why the administration has acted to penalise companies that move jobs overseas.
“Why do we penalise corporations that ship American jobs overseas?” he asked.
“Because we believe in the inherent dignity of human work and every person who works a good job in this country,” he added.
He directly linked that philosophy to the administration’s actions on skilled worker visas.
“Why have we worked, without the help of Congress, to restrict H-1B visas, for example?” Vance said.
“Because we believe it is wrong for companies to bypass American labour just to go for cheaper options in the third world,” he said.
The comments came as the Republican Party and the broader conservative movement debate their future in a post-Trump era, with immigration and “America First” economic policies remaining core pillars, the Associated Press reported.
Vance has emerged as a prominent figure within that movement, with Turning Point USA endorsing him as a potential successor to President Donald Trump.
While Vance defended tighter visa rules as a moral and economic necessity, Indian H-1B visa holders are facing growing uncertainty and disruption under the same policies, according to an ANI report citing The Washington Post.
Indian professionals who travelled home this month to renew their US work permits have been stranded after their visa appointments were abruptly rescheduled by US consular offices, immigration lawyers told the newspaper.
Appointments were cancelled between December 15 and 26, a period that coincided with the US holiday season.
Emails reviewed by The Washington Post showed the US State Department informing visa holders that interviews were being delayed following the implementation of a new social media vetting policy introduced under the Trump administration, aimed at ensuring that applicants do not pose a threat to US national security or public safety.
On December 10, the US Embassy in India had said that the review of online presence has been expanded to include all H-1B speciality occupation workers and their H-4 dependents.
Previously, such checks were conducted for student and exchange visitor visa categories.
Speaking at the Turning Point USA convention, Vance also declined to condemn antisemitic figures who have sparked controversy within conservative circles, instead arguing against what he called “purity tests.”
“I didn’t bring a list of conservatives to denounce or to de-platform,” Vance said, adding that the movement should be open to anyone who “loves America.”
Vance also reiterated his belief that the United States “always will be a Christian nation,” drawing applause from supporters.
He praised the administration’s record on border enforcement, economic policy and efforts to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, saying they had been relegated to the “dustbin of history.”
