Proposed Bill Seeks Major Overhaul of High-Skilled Immigration System
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A group of Republican lawmakers has introduced sweeping legislation that could significantly reshape the United States’ high-skilled immigration framework, including a proposed three-year pause of the H-1B visa program. The measure, titled the End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026, aims to reduce the number of visas issued annually and impose stricter eligibility requirements on both employers and foreign workers.
Led by Congressman Eli Crane of Arizona, the bill proposes cutting the annual H-1B visa cap from 65,000 to 25,000 and setting a minimum salary threshold of USD 200,000 for visa holders. Lawmakers backing the bill argue that the current system disadvantages American workers and allows companies to hire lower-cost foreign labor.
Key Provisions Target Lottery System and Worker Mobility
The proposed legislation outlines a series of structural reforms designed to fundamentally change how H-1B visas are allocated and used. Among the most significant changes is the elimination of the current lottery-based selection process, which would be replaced by a wage-based system prioritizing higher-paying jobs.
Employers would also face tighter restrictions. Companies seeking to hire H-1B workers would need to certify that no qualified American worker is available and confirm that they have not conducted recent layoffs. Additionally, the bill would prohibit H-1B visa holders from working multiple jobs and bar third-party staffing agencies from employing them.
Another major provision is the proposed termination of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which currently allows international students graduating from U.S. institutions to gain temporary work experience.
Restrictions Extend to Federal Hiring and Immigration Status
The legislation goes beyond private-sector employment and introduces new limitations on federal agencies. It proposes banning government entities from sponsoring or employing nonimmigrant workers altogether.
In terms of immigration status, the bill seeks to ensure that H-1B visas remain strictly temporary. It would prevent visa holders from transitioning to permanent residency while in the United States and require them to leave the country before switching to another nonimmigrant visa category.
These provisions reflect a broader effort by the bill’s sponsors to tighten immigration pathways and reinforce the temporary nature of work visas.
Lawmakers Voice Strong Support for Reform
Supporters of the bill have framed it as a necessary step to protect American jobs and curb alleged misuse of the visa system.
Congressman Crane stated that the federal government should serve hardworking citizens rather than corporate profit margins. He emphasized that the bill would provide greater employment access for Americans and strengthen the visa process.
Rep. Brandon Gill expressed support for tightening the H-1B system to ensure it prioritises American workers over foreign applicants. Rep. Paul Gosar described the current programme as one that has been used to replace domestic workers with cheaper alternatives, adding that companies capable of hiring Americans should do so without loopholes.
Rep. Andy Ogles described the H-1B programme as a mechanism that displaces American workers through cheap foreign labour. He called for an end to what he termed the “H-1B scam.”
Rosemary Jenks, Cofounder of the Immigration Accountability Project, called this the strongest H-1B bill ever introduced in Congress. She noted that the programme was originally sold as a short-term visa to fill temporary labour gaps while Americans received training for those roles.
Potential Impact on Indian Professionals and Tech Industry
The proposed changes could have far-reaching implications, particularly for Indian professionals who make up a substantial portion of H-1B visa holders in sectors such as technology and healthcare.
The USD 200,000 minimum salary requirement alone would likely disqualify a large share of current H-1B positions, many of which fall below that threshold. The ban on dependent visas would also affect families, as many H-1B workers relocate with spouses and children under the H-4 visa category.
Furthermore, eliminating the OPT program would reduce opportunities for international students, including many from India, to gain U.S. work experience after completing their studies.
Broader Policy Context and Next Steps
The introduction of the bill comes amid heightened scrutiny of the H-1B program. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently completed the visa selection process for fiscal year 2027, while the Trump administration has called for enhanced vetting of applicants, citing concerns related to free speech and fraud.
The White House has characterized the current system as flawed, though it has also indicated a nuanced stance on the program’s role in the U.S. economy.
As the legislation moves through Congress, it is expected to face debate from both lawmakers and industry stakeholders. The outcome could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of skilled immigration and workforce dynamics in the United States.
