New Legislation Aims to Overhaul H-1B Visa Program in the US

A group of Republican lawmakers has introduced the End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026, proposing a three-year freeze on new H-1B visas and significant restrictions. This legislation aims to address concerns about the misuse of the H-1B program, which many believe is being exploited by corporations to replace American workers with cheaper foreign labor. The bill could have profound implications for Indian professionals who rely on H-1B visas, particularly in the tech sector. As the bill progresses through Congress, it faces challenges from the tech industry, which argues that H-1B visas are essential for filling skill shortages. The outcome will be closely watched by various stakeholders.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 27, 2026, 21:16 IST

Introduction of the End H-1B Visa Abuse Act

A coalition of Republican lawmakers in the US Congress has put forward a significant piece of legislation targeting the H-1B visa program. Dubbed the End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026, this bill proposes a complete halt on new H-1B visas for three years, a drastic reduction in the annual cap, and stringent measures aimed at addressing what its proponents claim is rampant misuse of the system. The bill was spearheaded by Arizona Representative Eli Crane and has garnered support from several other Republican members, including Brian Babin, Brandon Gill, Wesley Hunt, Keith Self, Andy Ogles, Paul Gosar, and Tom McClintock.

Key Features of the Proposed Legislation

Three-year freeze: No new H-1B visas would be issued for a period of three years.
Reduced annual cap: The existing cap of 65,000 visas annually would be slashed to just 25,000.
Increased minimum salary: H-1B workers would be required to earn a minimum of $200,000 per year.
No dependents allowed: Visa holders would not be permitted to bring family members to the US.
Pathway to green card eliminated: The bill seeks to prevent H-1B holders from transitioning to permanent residency, emphasizing the temporary nature of the visa.
Federal sponsorship ban: Federal agencies would be prohibited from hiring or sponsoring H-1B or other nonimmigrant workers.
Termination of OPT program: The Optional Practical Training program, which allows foreign students to work post-graduation, would be abolished.
Mandatory departure: H-1B holders would need to leave the US before switching to any other nonimmigrant visa category.

Rationale Behind the Bill

Proponents of the bill argue that the H-1B program is being exploited by large corporations to replace skilled American workers with lower-paid foreign labor. Congressman Eli Crane emphasized that the federal government should prioritize the interests of hardworking citizens over corporate profits. He criticized the current system for sidelining qualified Americans from job opportunities. Immigration policy expert Rosemary Jenks, who contributed to drafting the bill, described it as “the strongest H-1B bill that has ever been introduced in Congress.” She noted that without extensions, many H-1B workers would be forced to return to their home countries after three years, compelling companies to hire and train American workers instead. Congressman Paul Gosar further asserted that the program has been “hijacked to replace American workers with cheaper foreign labor — plain and simple.”

Potential Effects on Indian Professionals

Indian nationals constitute a significant portion of H-1B visa recipients, especially in the technology sector. Numerous Indian software engineers, IT professionals, and medical practitioners depend on this program to work in the United States. The proposed three-year freeze and stricter regulations could lead to considerable uncertainty for both current H-1B holders and those aspiring to apply in the future. This legislative move follows President Donald Trump's announcement of a proposed $100,000 fee on new H-1B applications, which has already raised concerns among visa holders.

Political Landscape and Future Prospects

The drive for stricter H-1B regulations reflects increasing pressure within certain factions of the Republican Party to prioritize American workers, particularly in the tech sector. Notably, one of the bill's co-sponsors, Congressman Brandon Gill, is married to Danielle D’Souza, who has Indian heritage. However, the bill faces a challenging road ahead, needing to navigate through committees in both the House and Senate while overcoming resistance from the tech industry, which argues that H-1B visas are crucial for addressing genuine skill shortages in specialized areas. For now, the End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026 represents the most aggressive legislative effort to reform or significantly restrict this controversial visa program, with its progress being closely monitored by Indian professionals, US tech companies, and immigration experts alike.