Florida Governor Ron DeSantis blasted the H-1B visa programme, calling it a “total scam” and accusing companies of exploiting the system to undercut American workers.

“I think you’re right to say the H-1B, it’s become a total scam,” DeSantis told Fox News host Laura Ingraham.

“These companies game the system. You have some of these companies that are laying off large numbers of Americans while they’re also getting new H-1Bs and renewing existing H-1Bs,” she added.

H-1B visas, allocated by lottery to bring in specialised foreign workers, have long been a flashpoint in US politics. As per federal data, 7,246 beneficiaries have been approved so far this fiscal year.

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION REVIEWS LOTTERY PROGRAM

The Trump administration has already moved to scrutinise the program more closely, and the Department of Homeland Security is weighing a shift from the current lottery system to a “weighted selection process” that would prioritise applicants with higher wages or education levels, reported Newsweek.

DeSantis zeroed in on India’s overwhelming representation in the programme, arguing it has become less about talent and more about cheap labour. “Most of them (H-1Bs) are from one country, India,” he said. “There’s a cottage industry about how all those people make money off this system.”

The governor has consistently criticised the programme. Back in January, he told reporters there are “some big problems” with H-1Bs. Now, with the issue resurfacing on national television, his stance underscores a growing Republican chorus against the visa system.

DeSantis warned that the H-1B programme “hurts American workers,” saying companies exploit the system to cut costs instead of hiring homegrown talent.

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