Alexis Wilkins, the partner of former FBI official Kash Patel, has entered the heated debate surrounding the H-1B visa program, a critical pathway for Indian professionals seeking to work in the United States. Her public opposition to a new legislative proposal has ignited fresh controversy and drawn attention to the complex political dynamics shaping US immigration policy.
Wilkins's Firm Stance Against Visa Expansion
Reacting to news of a bill that seeks to significantly increase the annual cap on H-1B visas, Wilkins made her position unequivocally clear. In a direct response, she wrote, "No we do not want this goodbye." This statement places her firmly against efforts to expand the program, which is heavily utilized by Indian tech talent and other highly skilled foreign workers.
The proposal in question is the HIRE Act (High-Skilled Immigration Reform for Employment), reintroduced by Democratic Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, who is of Indian origin. His bill aims to double the annual H-1B visa cap from the current 65,000 to 130,000. Krishnamoorthi argues that this expansion is essential for America's economic competitiveness and innovation leadership.
A Clash of Perspectives in Washington
The reintroduction of the HIRE Act comes at a time of conflicting signals from different quarters of the US government. While the proposal seeks to welcome more skilled workers, the Trump administration has recently implemented measures perceived as restrictive. Notably, the administration announced a $100,000 visa fee for H-1B hiring, a move seen as discouraging companies from sponsoring foreign talent due to the substantial financial burden.
This policy tension was further highlighted by statements from the White House. Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt explained that while President Trump acknowledges the need for specific foreign talents to kickstart specialized industries, the ultimate goal is to fill those jobs with American workers. "He wants to see that at the beginning, to get those manufacturing facilities and those factories up and running, but ultimately, the President always wants to see American workers in those jobs," Leavitt stated.
Political Backlash and the Road Ahead
Congressman Krishnamoorthi's proposal has faced immediate and severe backlash, particularly from conservative circles aligned with the MAGA movement, who broadly call for stricter immigration controls. In defending his bill, Krishnamoorthi emphasized a dual approach: strengthening domestic STEM education while also increasing access to global top talent.
"To build the jobs and industries of tomorrow, America must stay at the forefront of innovation... The HIRE Act advances both goals by boosting STEM education... and by expanding the annual supply of H-1B visas," he argued, connecting the visa expansion to future job creation and technological leadership.
Wilkins's intervention adds a personal and politically charged dimension to this policy debate. Already a figure of controversy due to her relationship with Kash Patel and past unfounded allegations about her background—which she has denied—her foray into the H-1B discussion underscores how the visa program remains a deeply polarizing issue in American politics, with significant implications for the Indian diaspora and bilateral relations.
