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As concerns grow over the impact of visa workers on American jobs, this minimalist still life captures the financial and professional uncertainty felt by many white-collar workers.Plano Today
A new poll of 1,004 white-collar workers found that many Americans have already been replaced by H-1B visa workers, and one in five fear their own replacement. The survey, conducted by staffing firm Howdy, revealed that 55% of tech workers have H-1B coworkers who make up an average of 17% of their company’s staff. Nearly two-thirds of these H-1B visa holders occupy jobs previously held by U.S. citizens, leading 27% of tech workers to worry their jobs will be outsourced internationally.
Why it matters
The findings highlight growing concerns among American workers about the impact of visa programs like H-1B on domestic employment, wages, and job security. As the federal government prepares to welcome an additional 110,000 new H-1B workers, the survey suggests these programs are fueling fears of job losses and outsourcing among U.S. professionals.
The details
The Howdy survey found that 34% of tech companies are hiring more H-1B visa holders, and 57% of tech workers have outsourced coworkers who make up about 44% of their employer’s staff. Additionally, 65% of companies engage in ‘nearshoring,’ hiring workers in Canada or Latin America. The survey also noted that 57% of H-1B visa holders said their immigration status had been threatened at some point in their workplace.
The March 2026 survey was conducted by Howdy, a staffing firm that places Latin American professionals into roles needed by the growing number of sidelined American graduates.In October 2025, a poll by Cygnal showed that 44% of likely voters said companies exploit the H-1B visa system.In March 2026, a poll by pro-American groups showed 43% of Americans with college degrees ‘strongly’ support the statement: ‘Immigration policy should serve the interests of American citizens.’
The players
Howdy
A staffing firm that places Latin American professionals into roles needed by the growing number of sidelined American graduates.
Cygnal
A polling firm that found in October 2025 that 44% of likely voters said companies exploit the H-1B visa system.
Progress Solutions Inc.
An IT staffing company based in India and Plano, Texas that is accused of labor trafficking, forced labor, and document servitude against an H-1B visa holder.
Rishikesh Raj Meesala
An Indian plaintiff who was hired by Progress Solutions Inc. and then allegedly threatened with losing his immigration status if he did not pay his own salary.
John Miano
A D.C.-based lawyer who has filed several lawsuits against visa programs and believes the word is starting to get out about their impact, despite misleading coverage in establishment outlets.
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What they’re saying
“I think the word is starting to get out, despite misleading coverage in establishment outlets. But, on Twitter, it is non-stop, but you’re just basically getting people talking and not acting on the problem.”
— John Miano, D.C.-based lawyer
What’s next
The judge in the case against Progress Solutions Inc. will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Rishikesh Raj Meesala out on bail.
The takeaway
This survey highlights the growing concerns among American workers about the impact of visa programs like H-1B on domestic employment, wages, and job security. As the federal government continues to welcome more foreign workers, the findings raise questions about the long-term effects on U.S. competitiveness, innovation, and the livelihoods of American professionals.