Gallego Warns H-1B Hiring Displaces Americans Amid Tech Layoffs

• Senator Ruben Gallego warned against US tech firms hiring H-1B workers while laying off American employees, urging tighter federal scrutiny.
• Gallego highlighted "hundreds of thousands" of American tech layoffs contrasted with over 30,000 H-1B approvals for the same companies in FY2025.
• He pressed the administration on how the "Project Firewall" initiative will prevent H-1B abuses, especially by companies with layoffs.
• Former US officials, including Simon Hankinson, also criticized the H-1B program, stating it has deviated from its original purpose and needs reform.
• The Trump administration introduced new H-1B measures, including mandatory social media screening for applicants and dependents from December 15.

Why It Matters: H-1B visa practices threaten US tech jobs and economic opportunity amid layoffs.