A bill has been introduced in the US to ban H-1B visas for three years.

News Topical, Digital Desk : A group of Republican lawmakers in the US has proposed a three-year moratorium on H-1B visas and major changes to the system. The bill, titled the End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026, was introduced by Congressman Eli Crane. They argue that the visa system has harmed American workers.

Eli Crane said the government should work in the best interests of ordinary citizens, not for the profits of large corporations. He said the bill would provide more employment opportunities for Americans and streamline the visa process. The proposal has also received support from several Republican lawmakers, including Brandon Gill, Paul Gosar, and Andy Ogles.

Brandon Gill said the bill would ensure the US immigration system works in the best interests of American workers first. Paul Gosar and Andy Ogles alleged that the H-1B system is being used to bring in cheap foreign labor, harming American workers.

What are the proposed changes?

This bill proposes several major changes. It proposes reducing the number of H-1B visas issued annually from 65,000 to 25,000 and eliminating all exemptions. It also proposes eliminating the lottery system and selecting applicants based on salary, and setting a minimum salary of $200,000 annually.

Employers will be required to provide proof that they have not found any qualified U.S. workers and have not recently laid off employees. H-1B workers will also be barred from holding multiple jobs and will not be permitted to be placed by third-party staffing agencies.

Other strict provisions

The bill also proposes to prevent H-1B visa holders from bringing their families with them, end the OPT program, and block their path to permanent citizenship (green cards). They will be required to leave the United States before their visas can be converted, and government agencies will be barred from sponsoring such workers.

Rosemary Jencks, co-founder of the Immigration Accountability Project, called it the most stringent H-1B bill ever. She said the visa was originally intended to meet temporary needs, and this bill would re-enforce that purpose.

The H-1B visa allows US companies to hire foreign specialists, particularly in fields such as technology and engineering. Indian citizens have been among the biggest beneficiaries of this visa.

People's reaction

However, this has been a long-standing debate, with some arguing that it impacts the salaries of local employees, while industry believes it fills the skills gap and promotes innovation.

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