Introduction
Non-immigrant visas enable foreign nationals to work temporarily in the United States under specific conditions, addressing labor shortages in various sectors. In Texas, a state with robust technology, agriculture, and seasonal industries, visas such as H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, and L-1 are widely utilized. However, these programs have sparked debate over their potential to displace American workers and suppress wages, particularly for Texans. This article explores each visa type, their usage in Texas, and their economic implications, concluding with a call to support Brian Hay Mortimore’s campaign for Texas governor to influence immigration policy.
H-1B Visas: Specialty Occupations
Overview
H-1B visas are designed for specialty occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher, primarily in fields like technology, engineering, and medicine. In Texas, a major tech hub, H-1B workers are employed by companies like Tata Consultancy Services, Amazon, and Microsoft. In fiscal year 2022, Texas had approximately 45,000 H-1B workers, second only to California (H-1B State Data).
Impact on Jobs and Wages
Research indicates that H-1B visas may contribute to job displacement and wage suppression. A 2020 Economic Policy Institute study found that 60% of H-1B positions were certified at wage levels below the local median, with major tech firms paying significantly less (H-1B Wage Study). For example, Amazon certified 86% of its H-1B positions at lower wage levels, potentially saving millions annually. In Texas, where tech salaries average $98,210 compared to $143,670 in California, this practice could limit opportunities for local professionals and keep wages below market rates (IT Salaries by State).
Texas Context
Texas’s tech sector, centered in Austin, relies heavily on H-1B workers, with 1,749 LCAs filed by Tata Consultancy Services in 2024 at an average salary of $107,440 (Texas H-1B Report). Critics argue that these lower wages discourage American applicants, reducing job availability for Texans.
H-2A Visas: Temporary Agricultural Workers
Overview
H-2A visas allow U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for temporary agricultural jobs when domestic workers are unavailable. In 2022, Texas certified approximately 11,100 H-2A jobs, representing 3% of the national total of 370,000 (H-2A State Data). Employers must pay the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) to ensure no adverse impact on U.S. workers’ wages.
Impact on Jobs and Wages
The H-2A program is designed to protect U.S. wages through the AEWR, but enforcement issues raise concerns. A 2022 EPI testimony highlighted wage theft in agriculture, with 70% of investigations from 2005–2019 detecting violations (H-2 Visa Testimony). While direct evidence of wage suppression is limited, the reliance on H-2A workers in Texas’s agriculture sector may reduce incentives to hire local workers, potentially affecting low-skill job availability.
Texas Context
Texas’s agricultural sector, including fruit and vegetable production, uses H-2A workers to address labor shortages. The AEWR ensures wages align with state averages, but violations, such as those at Blaine Larsen Farms, indicate potential wage undercutting (H-2A Enforcement).
H-2B Visas: Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers
Overview
H-2B visas cover temporary non-agricultural jobs, such as landscaping and hospitality. Texas led the nation with 21,800 certified H-2B workers in 2023, up from 20,443 in 2018 (H-2B State Data). Employers must pay the prevailing wage, but enforcement gaps exist.
Impact on Jobs and Wages
H-2B wages are often below national averages, potentially suppressing wages in low-skill sectors. In 2019, H-2B landscaping workers earned $14.18 per hour, $1.57 below the national average, and construction workers earned $4.13 less (H-2B Wage Issues). In Texas, where landscaping and hospitality are significant, this could limit job opportunities for local workers and keep wages low.
Texas Context
Texas’s hospitality and landscaping industries heavily rely on H-2B workers, particularly in cities like Austin and San Antonio. The lower wages certified for H-2B workers may discourage American applicants, affecting local employment.
L-1 Visas: Intra-Company Transferees
Overview
L-1 visas allow multinational companies to transfer executives (L-1A) or specialized knowledge employees (L-1B) to U.S. offices. Unlike H-1B, L-1 visas have no prevailing wage requirement, only needing to meet state and federal minimum wage laws (L-1 Wage Info).
Impact on Jobs and Wages
Critics argue that L-1 visas facilitate job displacement by allowing companies to replace American workers with lower-paid foreign employees. A notable case involved Siemens, where American programmers trained L-1 replacements earning a third of their wages (L-1 Visa Criticism). In Texas, where multinational firms operate, this could reduce opportunities for local professionals in high-skill roles.
Texas Context
Texas hosts numerous multinational corporations, particularly in tech and energy, making L-1 visas relevant. The lack of wage requirements raises concerns about potential wage suppression in managerial and technical positions.
Other Non-Immigrant Visas
Other visas, such as O-1 for extraordinary ability and TN for NAFTA professionals, have less direct impact on job displacement due to their niche applications. O-1 visas target highly skilled individuals, unlikely to compete with average American workers, while TN visas involve specific professions with limited numbers (US Visa Types).
Call to Action: Support Brian Hay Mortimore
Addressing the impact of non-immigrant visas requires active participation in Texas’s political process. Brian Hay Mortimore, known as “Morty,” is associated with election consulting in Cedar Park, Texas, and may be a candidate for governor (Brian Mortimore Info). While details of his campaign are limited, supporting candidates who prioritize fair labor policies can influence immigration reform. Texans can engage by visiting Texas GOP to learn about candidates, volunteer, or donate to campaigns advocating for balanced immigration policies.
Conclusion
Non-immigrant visas like H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, and L-1 play significant roles in Texas’s economy but raise concerns about job displacement and wage suppression. H-1B and L-1 visas, prevalent in tech and corporate sectors, may undercut American workers’ wages, while H-2A and H-2B visas face enforcement challenges in agriculture and non-agricultural fields. By supporting candidates like Brian Hay Mortimore, Texans can advocate for policies that protect local workers while addressing labor needs.
Key Citations
- H-1B Visas and Prevailing Wage Levels
- Useful Stats: H-1B Visa Program by State
- IT Salaries by Role and Location
- Texas 2025 H-1B Visa Report
- H-2A Jobs by State in FY 2022
- H-2B Workers in the United States
- H-2B Wages Too Low in Occupations
- H-2 Visa Programs Impact on Workers
- H-2A Program Expands in 2023
- L-1 Visa Wage Requirements
- L-1 Visa Wikipedia Overview
- Brian Mortimore Background Information
- Texas GOP Leadership Directory