North Carolina Stands Firm on Prioritizing Local Labor
In a significant move to align state interests with federal immigration reform, North Carolina Labor Commissioner Luke Farley has officially voiced his support for a proposed federal rule designed to elevate the minimum wage requirements for high-skilled foreign workers. The proposal, spearheaded by the Trump Administration, seeks to recalibrate the pay scales for individuals entering the United States under H-1B, H-1B1, and E-3 visa programs. By raising the financial bar for employers seeking overseas talent, the rule aims to ensure that foreign labor is not used as a tool to depress the domestic job market.
Commissioner Farley emphasized that the current framework contains systemic flaws and “loopholes” that allow businesses to bypass fair market rates. According to Farley, these discrepancies create an environment where American professionals—particularly those in North Carolina’s burgeoning tech and industrial sectors—are forced to compete with lower-cost foreign labor. “H-1B visas take jobs from American and North Carolina workers,” Farley stated, arguing that the influx of foreign workers at lower pay grades exerts a downward pressure on the entire region’s economic health.
In a formal letter addressed to Brian Pasternak at the U.S. Department of Labor, dated April 21, Farley underscored the necessity of “fair competition.” He argued that the H-1B program has drifted from its original intent—filling genuine specialized labor shortages—and has instead been co-opted by some employers to reduce overhead costs. By mandating higher wages that more accurately reflect the true market conditions of 2026, the proposed rule seeks to eliminate the financial incentive for companies to overlook qualified local candidates in favor of cheaper international alternatives.
This endorsement comes during a critical public comment period, which remains open until May 25. The U.S. Department of Labor’s initiative represents a broader effort to tighten the labor market and prioritize the “dignity of work” for the domestic workforce. For North Carolina, a state that has seen rapid growth in professional services, Farley’s stance signals a protective approach toward local talent. As the federal government reviews public feedback, the support from a key labor official in a high-growth state adds significant momentum to the push for comprehensive visa reform.