Washington: The debate over America’s H1-B visa programme has deepened, with fresh political voices questioning its impact on local jobs. The latest to join the discussion is US Senator Mike Lee, who has suggested whether the visa should be put on hold, sparking further controversy.

Responding to online claims linking Walmart to alleged misuse of the visa system, Utah Senator Mike Lee posted on X: “Is it time to pause H1-B visas?”

His remark has intensified an already heated conversation around foreign workers, especially Indians, in the American tech industry.

What is the Walmart visa scandal?

The controversy started after an anonymous user on Blind, a workplace discussion platform, alleged that a “massive fraud” had taken place inside Walmart.

According to the unverified claim, a senior Walmart executive was accused of accepting “huge bribes” to hire Indian H1-B tech workers while removing American employees.

As the rumours gained traction on social media, Walmart issued a clarification: “Following an investigation, Walmart recently terminated one vendor and a small number of US-based associates. This investigation had nothing to do with H1-B visas.”

How are other US politicians reacting?

Mike Lee’s comment came just days after far-right Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene called for an end to Indian H1-B visas. She claimed that American jobs were being replaced and tied her statement to US foreign policy.

“End Indian H1-B visas to replace American jobs and stop sending money and weapons to the Obama/Biden/Neocon Ukraine Russia war,” Greene wrote on X.

Her remark followed former President Donald Trump’s post threatening higher tariffs on Indian goods and services over New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil.

Why are H1-B visas under fire?

The H1-B visa programme has long allowed skilled foreign professionals, mainly from India, to work in the United States. But with widespread layoffs in the tech sector, Trump’s Make America Great Again (MAGA) supporters have been campaigning online against foreign workers. They argue that the system is taking away opportunities from Americans.

At present, Indian nationals account for more than 70 percent of all H1-B visas issued, while Chinese nationals hold around 12 percent. With Trump signalling that visas may be his next target, pressure around the programme is growing.