United States Pickleball Coaches Visa Debate: Companies in the United States are using the H-1B visa program to hire foreign workers as pickleball coaches, offering annual salaries of up to $95,000. The program, meant to bring in skilled workers, is drawing criticism as Americans question why immigrant coaches are needed in a sport enjoyed by millions of U.S. players.
Pushback Over Hiring Foreign Coaches
When news broke that pickleball clubs were applying for H-1B visas to bring in immigrant coaches, online reactions were sharp. “Abuse,” said one commenter. “Beyond absurd,” said another. Critics argued that the program is being misused to fill jobs that could be offered to American workers.
Government Plans New Rules
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced a plan to change how H-1B visas are awarded. She said the government will give priority to higher-wage jobs, which are seen as harder to fill with U.S. workers.
“Ultimately, prioritizing in the previously described manner would incentivize employers to offer higher wages or higher-skilled positions to H-1B workers and disincentivize the existing widespread use of the H-1B program to fill lower-paid or lower-skilled positions without effectively precluding beneficiaries with lower wage levels or entry-level positions,”
Kristi Noem said in the proposal.
Former President Donald Trump also introduced a $100,000 fee on certain H-1B applications. He said the new charge would discourage companies from using the program to replace U.S. workers with cheaper foreign labor.
A Pickleball Club Owner’s Experience
Sam Arnold, co-founder of Slate Pickleball Club in Northbrook, Illinois, tried to hire a foreign coach through the H-1B program.
“I needed coaches I could trust and develop and work with. She’s attracted a lot of business. That’s tough to find in the rackets industry.”(Sam Arnold)
Sam Arnold said he teaches pickleball using a “specific methodology” that is not widely accepted, making it difficult to find the right coach. He received approval from the Labor Department but lost out in the visa lottery. The coach later applied for optional practical training, a temporary work program for foreign students, which allowed him to hire her.
“She’s young, she’s super athletic, she really wants to work. She’s willing to go all out to make things happen,”
Sam Arnold told The Washington Times.
Concerns Over Visa Use
Rosemary Jenks, policy director at the Immigration Accountability Project, argued that the H-1B visa should remain temporary.
“It should actually be a temporary visa instead of a way to stay permanently,” (Rosemary Jenks).
What Comes Next
The new proposals, including the $100,000 fee, will go through a review process before they can take effect. Supporters believe the changes will ensure only highly skilled and high-paying jobs qualify. Critics warn the moves could limit opportunities for foreign workers while raising costs for businesses that rely on specialized talent.
News in Brief: United States Pickleball Coaches Visa Debate
Pickleball clubs are seeking foreign coaches through the H-1B visa program, offering salaries up to $95,000. Critics call it misuse, while Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and former President Donald Trump propose new rules and fees to curb abuse. Sam Arnold of Slate Pickleball Club shared his struggle to hire a trusted coach.
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