A new bill introduced in the United States Congress proposes a three-year suspension of the H-1B visa programme, potentially affecting thousands of foreign professionals, particularly from India.
The proposed legislation, titled the End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026, was introduced by Eli Crane and is backed by several Republican lawmakers. The move comes amid ongoing debates over immigration policies and job protection for American workers.
Key Provisions of the Proposed Bill
The bill outlines significant changes to the current H-1B visa system, including:
- A three-year pause on issuing new H-1B visas
- Reduction of the annual cap from 65,000 to 25,000 visas
- Introduction of a minimum salary threshold of $200,000 per year
- Replacement of the lottery system with a wage-based selection process
- Restrictions on dependents accompanying visa holders
- Ban on third-party staffing agencies hiring H-1B workers
Additionally, the bill proposes ending the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme and restricting pathways for visa holders to transition to permanent residency.
Impact on Indian Professionals
The H-1B visa programme has long been a key pathway for skilled professionals from India, particularly in sectors such as technology and healthcare.
Indian nationals form one of the largest groups of H-1B visa recipients. If implemented, the proposed changes could significantly affect:
- IT professionals working in US-based companies
- Students relying on OPT after graduation
- Individuals waiting in long green card backlogs
Experts suggest that those currently on H-1B visas may be required to leave the United States or shift to alternative visa categories if the programme is paused.
Legal and Practical Considerations
Immigration experts note that the US Congress has the authority to suspend visa programmes. However, implementing such sweeping changes could face legal scrutiny and logistical challenges.
Concerns have also been raised about individuals who have been waiting for permanent residency for years, especially those affected by employment-based green card backlogs.
Political Rationale Behind the Bill
Supporters of the bill argue that the H-1B system has been misused by corporations to hire lower-cost foreign labour instead of American workers.
Lawmakers backing the legislation have emphasised the need to prioritise domestic employment and reform what they describe as a “broken” visa system.
