Outlook Business Desk
A new immigration bill introduced on Wednesday by Congressman Eli Crane has sparked fresh debate over the H-1B visa programme. Backed by several Republicans it proposes a pause on new visas and plans to change the system.
The bill proposes a full three-year pause on issuing new H-1B visas. During this time lawmakers plan to rebuild the programme while current visa holders would gradually leave the United States, marking a significant shift in immigration rules .
According to a report by Financial Express at present 65,000 H-1B visas are issued each year under the regular cap. The bill proposes cutting this to 25,000 and removing exemptions, reducing the intake of skilled foreign workers and more.
Currently workers can stay for multiple three-year terms under the H-1B visa. The bill proposes limiting this to just one three-year period while requiring applicants to maintain a foreign residence and show intent to return home after their stay.
Employers would need to confirm that no qualified American worker is available before hiring foreign talent. They must also ensure no layoffs occur within a year before or after hiring and prove that hiring foreign workers will not harm domestic workers.
A key condition in the bill requires companies to pay H-1B workers at least $200,000 per year. This high salary requirement could restrict hiring to senior roles and reduce opportunities for mid-level skilled professionals in the United States.
On the other hand, the current random lottery system for selecting H-1B applicants would be removed. Instead visas would be allocated based on the highest salary offers, meaning higher paying jobs would receive priority under the proposed system for skilled foreign workers in the US.
The bill proposes that H-1B workers cannot work for multiple employers and bans staffing agencies from hiring them. It also adds a $100,000 fee per foreign hire and restricts family members from joining many temporary visa holders.
The proposal also affects other programmes by ending Optional Practical Training and H-4 work permits. It would require visa holders to leave the US before changing status. Senator Mike Lee of Utah has also expressed support for a temporary pause on the H-1B visa programme.