A group of Republican lawmakers has put forth a bill to halt the issuance of H-1B visas for three years, aiming to revamp the program due to concerns about its impact on American workers. The proposed legislation, known as the “End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026” and spearheaded by Eli Crane, intends to reset the visa system with stricter regulations before resuming its operation.
Crane emphasized the need for the government to prioritize American citizens over corporate interests, stating that the bill aims to enhance job opportunities for Americans by improving the visa process and emphasizing their job security. Several Republican legislators, including Brandon Gill, Paul Gosar, and Andy Ogles, have expressed their support for the bill’s objectives.
The bill outlines significant changes, including reducing the annual H-1B visa cap from 65,000 to 25,000, implementing a wage-based selection process instead of a lottery system, and establishing a minimum salary requirement of $200,000 per year. Additionally, it mandates that employers certify the unavailability of qualified American workers, refrain from layoffs, and restrict H-1B visa holders from engaging in multiple jobs.
The proposed legislation also addresses various other aspects, such as prohibiting H-1B visa holders from bringing dependents, ending the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, and preventing visa holders from transitioning to permanent residency status. The bill aims to ensure that nonimmigrant visas remain temporary by mandating holders to depart the US before changing their visa status.
