Harvard University, a cornerstone of American academia, is increasingly relying on foreign workers through programs like H-1B visas and Optional Practical Training (OPT), often at the expense of American white-collar workers. As American professionals face growing challenges in securing jobs, Harvard’s hiring practices raise serious concerns about economic fairness and ideological influence. We, the American workers, are calling for bold action to ensure that these opportunities go to those who built this nation.
Harvard’s H-1B Hiring: The Numbers Don’t Lie
Data from MyVisaJobs.com shows Harvard’s consistent use of H-1B visas to employ foreign workers. From 2019 to 2024, Harvard filed hundreds of Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) for H-1B jobs:
Over six years, Harvard secured approvals for over 1,200 H-1B positions, peaking at 240 in 2024. These roles—ranging from research to teaching positions—represent opportunities that could have gone to American workers. The H-1B program is meant to fill specialized roles when no Americans are available, but with such high numbers, it’s clear that institutions like Harvard are prioritizing foreign labor over domestic talent.
Harvard’s OPT Program: A Growing Threat to American Jobs
While precise historical data on OPT participants at Harvard over the last six years is not publicly available, we can infer the scale based on Harvard’s international student enrollment and OPT trends. In the 2024-2025 academic year, Harvard hosted nearly 7,000 international students, over 25% of its total enrollment, as reported by NPR. Given that approximately 40-50% of international students at top universities like Harvard participate in OPT, especially in STEM fields, we can estimate significant OPT usage.
- 2024-2025: With 7,000 international students, and assuming 45% participation (a conservative estimate based on national trends), approximately 3,150 students were eligible for OPT.
- 2023-2024: Harvard’s international student numbers were likely slightly lower, around 6,500, suggesting about 2,925 OPT participants.
- 2022-2023: Approximately 6,000 international students, with 2,700 OPT participants.
- 2021-2022: Around 5,500 international students, with 2,475 OPT participants.
- 2020-2021: Approximately 5,000 international students, with 2,250 OPT participants.
- 2019-2020: About 4,500 international students, with 2,025 OPT participants.
Over six years, this totals approximately 15,525 OPT positions, a conservative estimate based on the growing international student population and national OPT participation rates. These positions represent opportunities that could have gone to American graduates, further exacerbating the displacement of American workers.
The Toll on American Workers
American white-collar workers are struggling, and Harvard’s hiring practices are part of the problem. Social media discussions have highlighted how Harvard employs hundreds of foreign workers on visas while Americans struggle to find jobs, often supporting a globalist agenda that undermines American values. This reflects the frustration of many Americans who see elite institutions favoring foreign hires while local talent is overlooked.
The issue isn’t new. Over the past 30 years, American workers in fields like academia, tech, and research have faced displacement due to H-1B visas and ageism. Programs like OPT, which allow foreign students to work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation, further exacerbate the problem. For example, companies like Miles Education partner with universities to facilitate OPT for foreign graduates, often in STEM fields, allowing them to work without visa sponsorship for extended periods. This creates a pipeline that prioritizes foreign workers over Americans, leaving many skilled U.S. professionals unemployed.
Foreign Workers and Harvard’s Ideological Shift
Beyond economics, there’s a deeper issue: the ideological influence of foreign workers at Harvard. Online commentators have noted that Harvard has become a breeding ground for anti-American sentiment, often amplified by foreign workers who align with its progressive, globalist ideology. These workers, brought in through H-1B visas and OPT, contribute to an academic culture that often prioritizes globalism over American interests.
Harvard’s influence shapes national discourse through its research, alumni, and policy recommendations. When foreign workers play a significant role in this ecosystem, their perspectives can amplify Harvard’s shift away from patriotism and toward a globalist agenda. This isn’t about rejecting diversity—it’s about ensuring that American institutions reflect the values of the nation they serve.
American Workers’ Plea: End OPT and H-1B Programs
We, the American workers, first want to thank President Trump for his bold and entertaining move to revoke Harvard’s license to teach foreign students. On May 23, 2025, the Trump administration barred Harvard from enrolling international students, a decision that has brought much-needed attention to the struggles of American professionals. We applaud his commitment to putting America first by ensuring our educational institutions prioritize American students and workers.
Now, we are calling on President Trump to take further action: terminate the OPT and H-1B programs. These initiatives, while marketed as solutions for talent shortages, have been exploited by universities like Harvard to favor foreign labor over American workers. The data speaks for itself—Harvard’s 1,200+ H-1B certifications and approximately 15,525 OPT positions over six years could have been opportunities for American graduates. OPT, with its three-year work authorization for foreign students, further tilts the playing field, as seen in partnerships like Miles Education’s with universities.
Extend the Rule to All American Colleges
President Trump, we ask you to take this bold step further: apply the rule revoking Harvard’s license to teach foreign students to all American colleges. In the age of Zoom and AI, foreign students can attend colleges virtually, eliminating the need for them to be physically present in the U.S. This would reduce the stress on our cities and neighborhoods, which often bear the burden of housing and supporting these students. Most importantly, it would prevent foreign students from taking American jobs. Many of these students come from poverty and need jobs to survive while here, competing directly with American workers who are struggling to find employment. By requiring virtual attendance, we can ensure that American jobs remain for Americans, while still allowing global access to education through technology.
Indian Politicians Mock Trump While Stealing American Jobs
Another compelling reason to cancel all H-1B and OPT programs is the disdainful attitude of Indian politicians and diplomats toward President Trump, as evidenced by a recent public statement. A prominent Indian politician, while in the U.S., criticized Trump’s personal manner and intellectual quality, dismissing him as lacking the gravitas expected of an American political figure. This mockery reveals a deeper disrespect for American leadership and values. As detailed in our article, “India fakes innovation, dismisses American workers, and mocks Trump as jealous—all while stealing U.S. jobs via H-1B visas”, Indian entities not only displace American workers but also undermine the respect due to our nation’s leaders.
This disrespect, combined with the economic theft of American jobs, is a betrayal of the trust we place in international partnerships. It’s time to end this deception and protect American jobs by terminating these programs, ensuring that our workforce and our values are prioritized.
A Call to Action
Harvard’s reliance on foreign workers through H-1B visas and OPT is a disservice to American talent and values. We cannot allow elite institutions to prioritize globalism over the needs of our workers. The American spirit—built on freedom, opportunity, and national pride—demands that we put our people first. We call on President Trump to terminate OPT and H-1B programs, extend the revocation of licenses to teach foreign students to all colleges, and on Harvard to hire American workers for the roles they deserve. At White-Collar-Workers-of-America.org, we stand for the hardworking men and women who have earned these opportunities. Let’s reclaim American jobs for Americans.
As we celebrate Memorial Day on May 26, 2025, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all Americans who have sacrificed for our nation’s freedom. This sacred holiday reminds us of the brave heroes who gave their lives to protect the opportunities we fight for today—opportunities that every American worker deserves. Let’s honor their legacy by ensuring that the jobs they fought for remain in American hands. We wish you a meaningful Memorial Day filled with reflection, pride, and unity as we celebrate the enduring spirit of our great nation. 
White-Collar Workers of America 