US bill seeks three-year pause on H-1B visas, triggers debate
HYDERABAD : A Bill introduced in the United States Congress by Republican lawmakers seeks a three-year pause on the H-1B visa programme, sparking debate over its intent and likelihood of passage.
Titled the “End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026”, the legislation was introduced by Eli Crane and backed by lawmakers including Keith Self. It proposes halting the issuance of new H-1B visas temporarily while introducing wider structural reforms.
Wage-based selection to replace current lottery system
The Bill suggests replacing the existing lottery system with a wage-based selection process. It also proposes cutting the annual visa cap from 65,000 to 25,000 and removing current exemptions.
Under the proposal, H-1B visa holders would be limited to a single three-year term, instead of the existing two-term system. Applicants would also need to prove they have a foreign residence to return to after their visa period ends.
The Bill further recommends ending pathways such as Optional Practical Training (OPT) and restricting dependents of visa holders from entering the United States.
Stricter employer conditions and higher salary threshold
The legislation introduces stringent conditions for employers hiring foreign workers. Companies would need to offer a minimum annual salary of $2,00,000 and certify that no qualified American worker was available for the role.
Employers would also have to confirm that hiring foreign workers would not affect domestic employees and that no layoffs occurred in the past year, with a commitment to avoid layoffs in the following year.
Supporters argue that the current system disadvantages American workers. Crane said the reforms aim to ensure the government “prioritises the livelihoods of Americans” over corporate interests.
Analysts call proposal unlikely to pass Congress
Immigration experts and analysts, however, expressed scepticism over the Bill’s prospects. Similar proposals in the past have failed to secure bipartisan support in Congress.
Rajeswar Rao, an immigration expert based in the United States, said the move appears politically motivated. “This bill is unlikely to pass in its current form. It is curated as an election-season stunt, rather than an actual policy shift. Major immigration changes require broad support, which this proposal does not appear to have,” he said.
The timing of the Bill has drawn attention, with mid-term elections approaching in the United States. Analysts noted that immigration remains a key campaign issue, often used to appeal to domestic concerns over jobs and economic security.
If implemented, the proposed changes could significantly affect Indian professionals. According to the Pew Research Center, 73 per cent of approved H-1B workers in the fiscal year 2023 were from India, with Indians accounting for the majority of approvals since 2010.
