The H1B Visa was created to fill skill shortages in specialized fields. Do you think the program is still serving its original purpose, or has it deviated from its intent?

In my opinion, the program has partially deviated. Yes, it still brings in highly skilled workers, but the system is often gamed by large outsourcing firms that flood applications to secure a majority of slots. This reduces opportunities for smaller companies and truly specialized candidates. That said, we can’t deny that H1Bs continue to bring critical talent in AI, biotech, and engineering. Without them, many research labs and startups would be crippled. The intent is still there, but the implementation needs reform. Maybe a skill-based prioritization or wage-level criteria could bring it back closer to its original purpose.

Honestly, it’s a mixed bag. For big tech companies, H1Bs are a way to bring in elite researchers. But for outsourcing companies, it’s often about cheap labor rather than specialized expertise. So has it deviated? Yes and no. It still fills gaps, but it also creates distortions in the labor market. The solution isn’t scrapping it, but modernizing the framework—for example, prioritizing candidates with unique skills, advanced degrees, or experience in emerging industries. That way, the program realigns with its original mission.

The H1B program definitely still serves its purpose. The reality is that American universities graduate fewer STEM majors than the tech industry demands. Until that gap closes, H1Bs are essential. Critics often point to misuse, but every system has loopholes. That doesn’t erase the fact that thousands of brilliant scientists, engineers, and doctors contribute through this visa. If anything, I’d say the program should be expanded, not reduced, because the global competition for talent is fiercer than ever.