A new legislative proposal in the United States is putting the spotlight back on the H-1B visa system, widely used by skilled foreign workers. Titled the 'End H-1B Visa Abuse Act' of 2026, the Bill has been introduced by Eli Crane and is being seen as a significant push to tighten employment-linked immigration rules.
The move aligns with earlier signals from Donald Trump indicating stricter scrutiny of such programmes.
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Key proposals in the Bill
The proposed legislation outlines sweeping changes. It calls for a three-year freeze on new H-1B visas and seeks to reduce the annual cap from 65,000 to 25,000. A minimum salary threshold of $200,000 has also been proposed, which would limit eligibility to top-tier, high-paying roles.
The Bill further suggests barring visa holders from bringing dependents and blocks any pathway to permanent residency. It also includes provisions to prevent federal agencies from hiring non-immigrant workers and proposes eliminating the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme.
Together, these changes indicate a shift toward a more restrictive and temporary framework for the visa.
Support and rationale
The proposal has backing from several Republican lawmakers, including Brian Babin, Brandon Gill, Wesley Hunt, Keith Self, Andy Ogles, Paul Gosar and Tom McClintock.
Explaining the intent, Crane said the government should prioritise American workers over corporate interests. Supporters argue that the current system disadvantages domestic job seekers and has been used by companies to replace American workers with lower-cost foreign labour.
Immigration policy expert Rosemary Jenks, who helped draft the bill, described it as one of the most comprehensive efforts to reform the programme. She noted that the visa was originally intended as a short-term solution but has expanded beyond its initial purpose.
Impact on Indian professionals
Indian workers, particularly in technology and healthcare sectors, form a large share of H-1B visa holders. The proposed salary threshold, reduced cap and restrictions on dependents could significantly limit opportunities.
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The changes may also make the programme less attractive due to the removal of a pathway to permanent residency. The Bill follows earlier measures, including a $100,000 fee on new H-1B applications, which had already raised concerns among applicants.
The introduction of the Bill marks the start of a broader debate in the US Congress. While it has strong backing from some lawmakers, it is likely to face opposition from industries dependent on global talent. For now, the proposal signals a clear shift toward tighter immigration controls and a stronger emphasis on domestic employment.
