The Department of Homeland Security is changing the H-1B visa selection process from a random lottery to a weighted system that favors higher-skilled and higher-paid foreign workers to better protect American workers' wages and job opportunities, effective February 27, 2026.
The article highlights systemic issues and fraud within the U.S. H-1B visa program, emphasizing its impact on American jobs, security, and economic welfare, and calls for policy reforms to prioritize American workers and enforce stricter vetting and penalties.
A Goldman Sachs study reveals that more Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, with 42% of younger workers having no savings after expenses, making retirement savings increasingly difficult due to rising costs of essentials like housing and healthcare. The shift from pensions to 401(k)s has placed more responsibility on individuals, many of whom feel unprepared for retirement, highlighting the need for new strategies and policy changes to address the growing financial insecurity.
President Trump is highlighting his administration's achievements in boosting employment, wages, and economic growth for American workers through job creation, deregulation, trade deals, and workforce development initiatives, positioning himself as a champion of the American labor force.
The article examines whether President Trump has fulfilled his campaign promises to American workers, highlighting mixed outcomes: wage growth and low unemployment contrast with concerns over immigration crackdowns, halted infrastructure projects, and federal workforce reductions, leading to ongoing uncertainty and tension within the labor sector.
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated outgoing Oregon U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer as U.S. Labor Secretary. Despite lacking extensive experience in big business or unions, her ties with the Teamsters Union are seen as significant, especially since the union did not support Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. Chavez-DeRemer, who lost her reelection bid, will not affect the Republican majority in the House. Her nomination is viewed as a strategic move to strengthen ties with labor groups and enhance opportunities for American workers.
Trump allies argue that immigration negatively impacts American workers by increasing competition for jobs and driving down wages, advocating for stricter immigration policies to protect domestic employment.
President Joe Biden announced plans to urge the U.S. trade representative to consider tripling tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum imports, citing unfair competition and anti-competitive trade practices. He emphasized his support for American steelworkers and criticized former President Donald Trump's trade policies. Biden's announcement comes as he campaigns in Pennsylvania, a battleground state, and opposes the planned sale of U.S. Steel to a Japanese-owned company.
Tyson Foods is facing backlash for firing over 1,200 American employees at its Iowa facility and partnering with a nonprofit refugee group to hire thousands of migrants. The company has set aside funds for migrants' legal support, housing, childcare, transportation, and paid time off, sparking criticism for prioritizing illegal workers over citizens. This move reflects broader concerns about the impact of immigration policies on American jobs and resources, leading to public outcry and the trending hashtag #BanTyson.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stated that American workers are now better off as their wages are rising faster than inflation, despite discomfort caused by higher prices. Inflation, the top concern for Americans, has cooled since reaching a 40-year high in June 2022, with hourly earnings now outpacing inflation. Yellen highlighted strong economic indicators such as robust consumer spending and low unemployment, but acknowledged that many Americans still face economic burdens, including expensive childcare and education. She expressed confidence that President Biden's policies will address these concerns and predicted a further decline in inflation, while also stating that a recession is unlikely at this point.
Labor is once again a prominent issue in the United States, with public support for unions reaching almost an all-time high. Various industries, including Hollywood writers, autoworkers, and assistant professors, are organizing and standing up for their rights as workers. The rise in labor activism can be attributed to a greater awareness of economic inequality and exploitation, as well as lessons learned from past organizing movements. The Biden administration has made pro-labor appointments and is working to create a more level playing field for unions and workers. However, challenges remain, including low-wage competition both domestically and internationally.
President Joe Biden mourns the passing of Thomas Conway, describing him as an extraordinary champion for American workers and a trusted friend. Conway, the president of the United Steelworkers, dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of steelworkers and union workers across the country. Biden praises Conway's knowledge of workers' challenges, his commitment to fairness and equality, and his relentless efforts to protect workers' wages, pensions, and safety. The president emphasizes the importance of unions in building the middle class and expresses his condolences to the Conway family and all the Steelworkers affected by the loss.
The United States lost 4.1 million days of work last month due to strikes, marking the highest level of work stoppages in over two decades. The recent walkout by the United Auto Workers union at three factories is part of a trend of increased strike activity among American workers.
Martha Stewart expressed her opposition to remote work, stating that employees cannot get everything done working three days a week in the office and two days remotely. She cited France's work schedule as an example of an unthriving country. However, a recent Deloitte survey found that younger workers prefer a hybrid work schedule. Elon Musk is also strictly opposed to remote setups.
Former US President Barack Obama has released a trailer for his new Netflix documentary series, "Working: What We Do All Day," which follows his experiences with everyday American workers and touches on issues of race, democracy, and civil rights. The four-part series, produced by Obama's private studio Higher Ground, launches in May and is his first film production. The Obamas' partnership with Netflix is valued at around $100 million, and their content will be available to all 125 million members in 190 countries.