In a video posted to X, Vance accused technology companies and accounting firms of abusing the H‑1B visa system to sideline U.S. workers.
He contrasted hiring "geniuses" with replacing a $60,000‑a‑year accountant with a $45,000 foreign worker, calling the latter a "job destroyer."
Vance defended the $100,000 fee introduced in September 2025 and extended in September 2026, arguing it would deter companies from exploiting the visa for cheaper labor.
Yet a federal judge in California blocked enforcement of the fee, citing the administration's failure to follow required rule‑making procedures.
The Trump administration has also issued a September 18 executive order directing labor departments to scrutinize recent layoffs before approving H‑1B applications, and it has rolled out a weighted selection system favoring higher‑paid roles.
Vance's comments come as lawmakers weigh potential reforms, and the White House may now face mounting pressure to revisit the H‑1B framework.