In a move that could significantly affect Indian professionals, US lawmakers have introduced the H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at tightening rules around foreign worker visas.
The legislation, introduced by Republican Senator Chuck Grassley and Democratic Senator Dick Durbin, proposes:
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Prioritizing H-1B visas for STEM graduates
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Stricter wage and recruitment requirements for employers
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Increased penalties for wage violations
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Tighter restrictions on L-1 visas, including limits on outplacement and stronger oversight
The bill is designed to curb “visa fraud and abuse” while ensuring “protections for American workers.” Senator Durbin argued that US firms are “laying off thousands of American workers while filing thousands of visa petitions at depressed wages,” calling for urgent reform.
This development follows President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of a $100,000 H-1B application fee, a move the White House says will deter “systemic abuse.” US agencies are also revamping the H-1B lottery to favour higher-paid workers and have launched Operation Firewall to crack down on fraud.
Immigration experts warn that these combined measures could make hiring foreign professionals far more expensive and compliance-heavy. For companies reliant on contract-based staffing or lower wage levels, the new requirements may prove especially challenging.
“Just 5% of more than 300 immigration bills introduced between 2015–2024 became law,” noted Nicole Gunara, Principal Immigration Attorney at Manifest Law, stressing that the proposal is still in its early stages.
Still, with over 70% of H-1B visas currently going to Indian nationals—many employed in IT services by firms such as Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services—the potential impact is significant. The changes could reshape the hiring landscape for Indian professionals seeking work in the United States.
