US Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday said his Indian-origin in-laws have contributed significantly to the United States, even as he raised concerns about misuse of the H-1B visa programme.
Vance is married to Usha Vance, whose family traces its roots to Vadluru village in Andhra Pradesh.
The H-1B visa programme is widely used by US companies, especially in the technology sector, to hire foreign professionals.
A large number of these visa holders are Indian nationals working in fields such as IT and healthcare.
Speaking at a Turning Point USA event in Georgia, Vance was asked about the challenges H-1B visa holders face in obtaining a Green Card, or permanent residency in the US.
He acknowledged that there is “a lot of fraud” in the H-1B system but also emphasized that many immigrants have made valuable contributions to the country.
“I think you can believe that there is a lot of fraud in the H-1B system while also recognizing that many people who have come to the United States have enriched this country,” he said.
Referring to his personal life, Vance added, “I’m married to the daughter of immigrants from India. I love my in-laws—they are great people and have been great contributors to the United States.”
He also stressed that once individuals become American citizens, they should prioritize the interests of the United States over those of their country of origin.
“The system works only when people think of themselves as Americans,” he said, recalling conversations with his father-in-law.
Vance noted that his father-in-law, who moved from India to the US, pursued education, became a citizen, and never pushed any agenda related to his country of origin.
Meanwhile, changes to the H-1B visa programme under former President Donald Trump have significantly impacted hiring practices. These include a proposed $100,000 fee on certain H-1B visas and new rules prioritizing higher-paid positions.
The administration has said these measures aim to protect American workers and improve wage standards, though they have sparked debate among employers and immigration advocates.