Official Data Shows H-1B Median Salary at $118,000 Amidst Lutnick's Green Card Wage Claims

Washington D.C. – A recent statement by U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, asserting that the average green card recipient earns $66,000 annually, has drawn scrutiny from immigration policy commentators. Andrew Kreighbaum, an observer of immigration trends, questioned the source of Lutnick's figures, contrasting them with official data on H-1B visa holder salaries. The debate highlights differing perspectives on the economic contributions and compensation of foreign workers in the United States.

Secretary Lutnick, a key figure in the current administration's immigration policy discussions, claimed that "the average American makes $75,000 a year, and the average green card recipient $66,000." He cited this perceived wage disparity as a rationale for overhauling the current green card and H-1B visa systems, advocating for a new "Gold Card" program designed to attract wealthier immigrants. Lutnick has also publicly criticized the existing H-1B visa system, labeling it "terrible" and a "scam."

In response to Lutnick's assertions, Kreighbaum stated in a tweet, > "I'm at a loss on where Secretary Lutnick is pulling these salary numbers for green card holders from. FWIW, the average salary of H-1B recipients in most recent fiscal year was $114k." This figure aligns closely with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Report to Congress, which indicates the median compensation for H-1B beneficiaries remained at $118,000 in both FY 2022 and FY 2023.

The administration's proposed changes to the H-1B program aim to shift from a lottery-based selection to a wage-based system, prioritizing higher-earning applicants. This reform, which came into effect for the FY 2025 application process, seeks to curb fraudulent practices and ensure a more equitable system. The USCIS reported a 38% reduction in eligible H-1B registrations following these changes, suggesting a move towards more targeted immigration.

Complementing these reforms, Secretary Lutnick has been a vocal proponent of the "Gold Card" initiative. This program, priced at a $5 million investment, is intended to replace the existing EB-5 immigrant investor visa program, offering a pathway to permanent residency for high-net-worth foreign nationals. The administration suggests this will attract "the best people" and generate significant revenue for the U.S. economy.

The ongoing discussion underscores a broader policy shift towards attracting high-skilled and high-investment immigrants, while simultaneously scrutinizing the economic impact of existing visa categories. The discrepancy in reported salary figures for green card holders versus H-1B visa holders remains a point of contention as these immigration reforms take shape.