Andrew Torba, an American businessman and founder of the social media platform Gab, has slammed the idea of letting H-1B visa holders work in American artificial intelligence (AI) research. Torba called it a “massive national security issue” and questioned, “No one is talking about this. You may as well let them work on our nuclear bombs if you're allowing that.” Torba’s comments reflect a segment of MAGA supporters urging a complete ban on H-1B visa holders, part of the 'America First' movement focused on reclaiming jobs they believe are taken by foreign workers. H-1B visas legally allow skilled foreign professionals, including those in AI, computer science, and engineering, to work in the US if sponsored by an employer. Most H-1B visas go to Indian and Chinese workers in tech and defense sectors. Many US AI companies hire H-1B workers, offering high salaries to attract top talent, though some Republicans argue foreign workers settle as "cheap labour." Recent changes to H-1B rules prioritize higher-paid, specialized roles in AI research and development. The Trump administration in 2023 set $100,000 fees for H-1B applicants, making it harder to apply. According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), around 440,000 H-1B visa holders work in the US as of late 2025, mainly in technology, engineering, healthcare, and research. This group makes up less than 0.5% of the total US workforce. In fiscal 2024, about 400,000 H-1B approvals were issued, including renewals, with an annual cap of 85,000 visas. Andrew Torba is known for his Christian conservative views and has authored several books on Christian nationalism. He founded Gab in 2016 to offer an alternative to mainstream social media platforms, attracting far-right users.