H-1B Visas Under Fire: Could This Bill Change Everything for Tech Workers?

Republican lawmakers propose a bill to overhaul the H-1B visa program, potentially freezing new visas for three years and imposing strict new rules. Find out how this could impact workers and companies.

A new piece of legislation, the End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026, has been introduced by Republican members of the US Congress, aiming to significantly alter the H-1B visa program. The bill, which is considered one of the most aggressive attempts to reform the program, seeks to implement a three-year moratorium on new H-1B visas, alongside substantial cuts to the annual cap and stricter regulations. The bill was put forward by Representative Eli Crane from Arizona, and has gained support from several other Republican representatives, including Brian Babin, Brandon Gill, Wesley Hunt, Keith Self, Andy Ogles, Paul Gosar, and Tom McClintock. Key provisions of the bill include a complete freeze on the issuance of new H-1B visas for a period of three years. Furthermore, the existing annual cap of 65,000 visas would be reduced to just 25,000. The legislation also proposes that H-1B workers must earn a minimum annual salary of $200,000. Additionally, the bill would prohibit visa holders from bringing their family members (spouses and children) to the US. It also aims to prevent H-1B holders from applying for permanent residency, reinforcing the temporary nature of the visa. Federal agencies would be barred from hiring or sponsoring H-1B or other nonimmigrant workers. The Optional Practical Training program, which allows foreign students to work after graduation, would be terminated. Finally, H-1B holders would be required to leave the US before switching to any other nonimmigrant visa

category. Supporters of the bill argue that the H-1B program is being exploited by large corporations, who are allegedly replacing qualified American workers with lower-paid foreign labor. Congressman Eli Crane stated that the government should prioritize the needs of "hardworking citizens, not the profit margins of massive corporations." He added that the current system is "boxing out" Americans from job opportunities. Immigration policy expert Rosemary Jenks, who assisted in drafting the bill, described it as "the strongest H-1B bill that has ever been introduced in Congress." She explained that, without extensions, many H-1B workers would have to return to their home countries after three years, which would force companies to recruit and train American workers. Congressman Paul Gosar further claimed that the program has been "hijacked to replace American workers with cheaper foreign labour — plain and simple.” Indian nationals are among the largest users of H-1B visas, especially in the technology sector. The proposed changes could create considerable uncertainty for current H-1B holders and those planning to apply in the future. The bill comes shortly after President Donald Trump announced a proposed $100,000 fee on new H-1B applications, which had already caused concern among visa holders. The push for tighter H-1B rules reflects growing pressure within segments of the Republican Party to prioritize American workers, particularly in the tech industry. The bill still faces a lengthy and complex process, needing approval from committees in both the House and Senate. It is also expected to encounter opposition from the tech industry, which claims that H-1B visas are crucial for filling skill gaps in specialized fields. For now, the End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026 represents the most aggressive legislative attempt to overhaul or severely restrict the controversial visa program. Its progress will be closely monitored by Indian professionals, US tech companies, and immigration experts.

📝 Sobre este conteúdo Esta matéria foi adaptada e reescrita pela equipe editorial do TudoAquiUSA com base em reportagem publicada em Timesnownews . O texto foi modificado para melhor atender nosso público, mantendo a precisão factual. Veja o artigo original aqui.