An analysis of federal labor data by LayoffHedge reveals that congressional districts represented by Democrats have seen more than three times the number of certified H-1B labor filings compared to those held by Republicans over the past decade.
Overall Findings
LayoffHedge mapped nearly 6.9 million certified Labor Condition Applications to current congressional districts. From fiscal 2015 to the second quarter of fiscal 2026, Democratic-held districts accounted for 5.17 million filings, while Republican-held districts saw 1.69 million.
Four vacant districts were responsible for 56,596 additional filings. Recent growth patterns, however, do not mirror the overall distribution. From fiscal 2019 to fiscal 2025, the eight fastest-growing districts for H-1B filings were represented by Texas Republicans.
Understanding the Data
The figures track certified Labor Condition Applications, not visas issued or individual workers. Employers must submit these filings to the Department of Labor before petitioning for H-1B workers. A single application can request multiple workers, and one worker may be included in several filings, such as extensions or employer changes.
“The data shows where employers asked to place the work. It does not show that either party causes or drives H-1B usage,” a LayoffHedge spokesperson explained.
Policy and Debate Surrounding H-1B Visas
The findings arise as the Trump administration seeks to tighten legal immigration pathways, including the H-1B program. Changes include a system prioritizing higher-paid workers, expanded biometric fees, and the potential elimination of a grace period for laid-off H-1B workers. A proposal to impose a $100,000 fee on certain new H-1B petitions was blocked by a federal court.
Critics within the MAGA movement argue that the H-1B program replaces or undercuts American workers. Supporters, including technology executives and pro-business conservatives, counter that restricting skilled foreign workers may hinder U.S. companies’ competitiveness.
Regional Distribution of Filings
LayoffHedge mapped filings to congressional districts using work site addresses. Democratic-held districts with major technology and business centers showed the largest concentrations. Leading districts include California’s 17th (323,966 filings) and New York’s 12th (259,001 filings).
Among Republican-held districts, Texas’ 4th led with 106,892 filings. Newsweek has contacted representatives from these districts for comments.
Concentration and Distribution
The top 10 districts recorded 1,727,766 filings, slightly more than all 219 Republican-held districts combined. The concentration suggests that high volumes are not typical across all districts.
Democratic totals include the District of Columbia’s nonvoting at-large district with 38,814 filings. Excluding this district, 212 Democratic-held districts account for 5,133,801 filings.
The findings are based on current congressional boundaries. LayoffHedge said it mapped 99.5% of records, excluding those that could not be matched.
According to LayoffHedge, 40 districts accounted for half of all filings and the 50 largest for 55.3%. Democratic-held districts were mostly in tech and business hubs. IT outsourcing firms were more prevalent in high-volume Republican districts than in Democratic ones.