Amazon, Microsoft, Apple face Senate questions on H-1B hiring practices

US lawmakers have asked major companies, including Apple, Amazon and JPMorgan, to explain why they are hiring thousands of foreign workers on H-1B visas while cutting other jobs.

Republican Senator Chuck Grassley and Democrat Senator Dick Durbin sent letters to 10 companies requesting details on the number of H-1B workers they employ, the wages paid, and whether American workers have been displaced.

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The inquiry follows a recent US government move to tighten H-1B visa rules. Last week, the Trump administration announced that companies would have to pay $100,000 per year for each H-1B visa. Officials also proposed changing the H-1B selection process to favour higher-paid and higher-skilled foreign workers. The aim is to ensure that US companies hire Americans first and prevent visa “abuse” by replacing domestic workers with cheaper foreign labor.

"With all of the homegrown American talent relegated to the sidelines, we find it hard to believe that Amazon cannot find qualified American tech workers to fill these positions," the senators wrote to Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, according to the Wall Street Journal.

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Big Tech firms, including Meta, Amazon and Microsoft, have announced job cuts this year even as they expand work in artificial intelligence. Other companies that received the letter include Deloitte, Google, Walmart, Cognizant Technology Solutions and Tata Consultancy Services.

Data shows India received 71% of H-1B visas last year, followed by China with 11.7%. In the first half of 2025, Amazon and its cloud unit AWS received approval for more than 12,000 H-1B visas. Microsoft and Meta had approvals for more than 5,000 each.

Microsoft declined to comment. Walmart, Amazon, Apple, Alphabet, Meta and Cognizant did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests.

Also Read| Trump administration to get tough on companies that 'abuse' H-1B visaThe Trump administration has proposed a new rule that would require US companies to pay $100,000 per year for each H-1B visa. The fee is aimed at limiting the number of foreign workers being hired in specialty jobs and ensuring companies prioritize American employees.

Officials have said the fee will apply to large firms that heavily rely on H-1B workers, particularly in technology and consulting sectors. Small businesses and startups may face lower charges or exemptions under the proposal.

The $100,000 fee comes alongside a plan to overhaul the H-1B selection system. Currently, visas are awarded through a lottery system. The new approach would prioritize applicants with higher salaries and specialized skills, making it harder for companies to use the program to hire cheaper foreign labor.

Industry groups have warned that the fee could increase costs for US companies and slow growth in areas like artificial intelligence and cloud computing, where skilled foreign workers play a key role. Companies are expected to respond to the government’s plan before it is finalized.