In Harris County, Texas, the heart of America’s energy and technology sectors, the promise of opportunity draws thousands of young graduates each year. Yet, as local industries face layoffs, the continued influx of H-1B visa workers threatens to sideline American talent, particularly our high school and college graduates eager to contribute to their community. The numbers tell a stark story: with approximately 63,000 high school graduates and 54,910 college graduates entering the job market annually, Harris County cannot afford to overlook its own in favor of foreign workers. The H-1B program, while designed to fill specialized roles, risks undermining local employment in a time of economic uncertainty. It’s time to prioritize Harris County’s workforce and support leaders like Brian Hay Mortimore, who advocate for policies that put Americans first. (more…)