Missouri Republican documents companies using foreign worker visas to staff diversity offices, calls practice “outrageous” and demands immediate reform
Senator Eric Schmitt is demanding immediate action to stop U.S. companies from using H-1B visas to hire foreign workers for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion positions, calling the practice “outrageous” and a betrayal of American workers.
The Missouri Republican has compiled extensive documentation showing major corporations, universities, and healthcare systems using the specialized worker visa program to fill administrative roles that he argues should go to American citizens.
“Some U.S. companies are using H-1B visas to staff their DEI offices,” Schmitt wrote in a detailed social media thread exposing the practice. “This is outrageous.”
This is outrageous.
— Senator Eric Schmitt (@SenEricSchmitt) September 25, 2025
Some U.S. companies are using H-1B visas to staff their DEI offices.
I've reviewed numerous examples of hospitals, universities and other employers hiring foreign H-1B workers as DEI bureaucrats.
I'm urging USCIS to work with us to fix this. 🧵
Widespread Abuse Across Industries
Schmitt’s investigation reveals the practice spans multiple sectors. Yale New Haven Health filed a Labor Condition Application for H-1B workers to fill DEI positions, while Dartmouth College sought foreign workers for an “Associate Dean of Diversity, Inclusion and Community” role paying $100,000 annually.
“I’ve reviewed numerous examples of hospitals, universities and other employers hiring foreign H-1B workers to fill their DEI positions,” Schmitt stated.
The senator’s research shows major corporations have also participated in what he characterizes as systematic abuse of the visa system designed to address genuine skill shortages in specialized technical fields.
“The H-1B visa was sold as a way to keep America competitive with foreign talent,” Schmitt said. “Instead, it imported millions of foreign nationals to replace American workers and citizens.”
Direct Challenge to Immigration Agency
Schmitt is taking his concerns directly to federal immigration officials, announcing he is “going USCIS to work with us to fix this” and specifically reaching out to Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Kris Johnson for assistance.
The senator argues that administrative and diversity roles require understanding of American workplace culture and legal frameworks that citizens are best positioned to handle.
“The fact that the program is being used to replace American workers in their own right is shameful, disgusting, traitorous and wrong,” Schmitt declared.
Impact on American Workers
The senator emphasizes the direct harm to citizens competing for these positions. “The people who are running generally exceptional employees/workers now have to compete directly with foreign workers for their livelihoods and their children’s livelihoods,” he said.
Schmitt argues that every H-1B visa used for an administrative role represents a missed opportunity for qualified American workers, particularly as these positions often offer substantial salaries and career advancement opportunities.
The senator noted the scope of the problem extends far beyond his documented cases, stating “This just a few—the list goes on.”
Call for Immediate Reform
Schmitt is pushing for explicit restrictions preventing H-1B visa usage for administrative, human resources, and diversity positions. He advocates limiting the program to genuine specialty occupations requiring technical expertise unavailable among American workers.
The senator connects the practice to broader concerns about immigration policy, noting “The marriage of DEI and the past decade and the H-1B visa scandal” as working together to disadvantage American citizens.
His investigation comes as Congress faces increasing pressure to reform employment-based immigration programs and address concerns about their impact on domestic workers.
Legislative Action Expected
Schmitt’s public exposure of the practice signals potential legislative action to restrict H-1B visa usage for administrative roles. The senator’s documentation provides concrete examples that could support policy reforms limiting visa eligibility to technical positions with demonstrated worker shortages.
The senator’s direct appeal to immigration officials suggests he expects immediate administrative action while longer-term legislative solutions are developed.
Schmitt’s investigation highlights tensions between diversity initiatives and immigration policy, as organizations seek to staff newly created DEI roles while facing scrutiny over their hiring practices and visa usage.
