Luke Farley, the Labour Commissioner of North Carolina, has publicly backed a federal proposal to raise the minimum wages for foreign workers under the H-1B, H-1B1, and E-3 visa programs. He argues that these programs have historically depressed wages for American workers and taken jobs away from them. In a letter to Brian Pasternak at the US Department of Labour, Farley highlighted longstanding issues within the current system, including loopholes that permit employers to hire at wages below market rates, thereby contributing to wage suppression and reduced job opportunities for North Carolinians. The proposed rule, announced by the US Department of Labour on March 26, aims to ensure that wages for these visa holders accurately reflect market conditions. Farley stated that businesses hiring through these visa programs should be required to pay competitive wages that do not undercut American workers. He expressed his support for reforms that would restore the intended purpose of these programs and prevent them from being misused. The Department of Labour is currently seeking public comments on the proposal until May 25, 2023.