India, Aug. 14 -- The H-1B visa programme in the United States is under renewed criticism from those who say it pushes out American workers, drives down wages, and allows for exploitative labour conditions. Supporters of an "America First" approach argue the programme, meant to fill real skill shortages, is now being used mainly to cut costs at the expense of local staff.

US immigration lawyer Joseph Bovino has called for reforms, noting that H-1B visa holders are tied to one employer and risk losing their legal status if their job ends early. Critics also say a large share of H-1B visas go to outsourcing firms, which they believe undermines the programme's original purpose of filling roles that require specialised skills.

In a recent p...