The Fight Against H-1B and OPT Programs

Introduction

“This is a crusade,” Steve Bannon said about joining in on Rosemary Jenks’ work. 

In a Saturday WarRoom discussion, Steve Bannon and Rosemary Jenks dissected the critical issue of the H-1B visa and Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs, exposing their painful results on American tech workers. Jenks provided an in-depth analysis of how these programs systematically displace domestic professionals in favor of foreign labor.

Rosemary Jenks On H1B Program Used To Box Out American Workershttps://t.co/37wRBu7EGr pic.twitter.com/PizbKpGko0

— Bannon’s WarRoom (@Bannons_WarRoom) March 8, 2025

Resources for this report: 

Immigration Accountability Project

Members of the Judiciary Committee

The Pipeline Affecting American Workers

Jenks described a “pipeline” that funnels foreign workers into U.S. tech jobs, often at the expense of American workers. This process begins with F-1 student visas, transitions into the OPT program, and ultimately leads to H-1B visas, frequently resulting in green card status. “It’s a rigged system designed to replace American workers with cheaper alternatives,” Jenks emphasized.

The Optional Practical Training (OPT) Program

The OPT program permits foreign graduates to work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation. Employers benefit financially because they are exempt from paying Social Security and Medicare taxes for these workers, making foreign hires significantly cheaper than American graduates.

KEY POINT: “OPT was never authorized by Congress,” Jenks pointed out. “It was created by executive action to benefit corporations at the expense of American workers.” She called for its immediate elimination, arguing that it unfairly disadvantages American graduates forced to compete against subsidized foreign labor.

The H-1B Visa Program

The H-1B program allows U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations, but Jenks argued that it has been manipulated to displace experienced American professionals with cheaper, entry-level foreign labor. “It’s not about qualifications—it’s about cheap labor, period,” she stated.

Bannon agreed, calling the program “a complete sellout by the corporate class.” He accused major tech companies of exploiting the system to suppress wages and avoid hiring American citizens. “This is not about merit. It’s about control,” he added. “These workers are trapped in indentured servitude.”

Jenks also exposed the tech industry’s false narrative about a “skills shortage.” “That’s a lie,” she declared. “We have plenty of skilled Americans, but they won’t work for pennies. That’s the real issue.”

Bannon’s Perspective: A Fight Against Corporate Greed

Bannon didn’t hold back in his criticism of the corporations benefiting from these programs. “This is a con and a scam,” he said. “It destroys American citizens and hands power to Silicon Valley.” He warned that the influx of foreign workers is not only an economic problem but also a national security threat. “If we don’t stop this, we will become a nation of serfs working for tech overlords.”

Trump Must Act Decisively

Both Bannon and Jenks agreed that minor reforms won’t solve the problem. “We need full termination of OPT immediately. H-1B must be phased out entirely,” Bannon declared.

Bannon vowed to fight until these policies are abolished. “This is a national security issue, an economic issue, and a sovereignty issue. We’re digging in on this. No more compromises.”

Call to Action

Jenks urged grassroots activists to mobilize and demand an end to these harmful programs. “If you care about your job, your kids’ future, or your country, you need to get involved,” she said.

The discussion underscored the urgency of immigration reform that prioritizes American workers over corporate interests. Advocates like Bannon and Jenks are leading the charge, ensuring that policymakers and the public recognize the devastating consequences of these visa programs.

Bannon left the conversation with a stark warning: “This fight is everything. And we are not backing down.”

For more context, watch this whole segment featuring Rosemary Jenks:

Rosemary Jenks: American Tech Workers Have Been Excluded From American Tech Jobs By Foreign Workers