Chandigarh, April 28: A new legislative proposal introduced in the United States Congress, titled the “End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026,” threatens to significantly alter the landscape for foreign professionals and the technology sector. Congressman Eli Crane, who introduced the bill, stated that the measure is intended to prioritize domestic workers by closing perceived loopholes in the current immigration system.
The proposed legislation suggests a three-year freeze on the issuance of new H-1B visas and a drastic reduction in the annual cap from 65,000 to 25,000. Additionally, the bill proposes a minimum salary threshold of $200,000 for visa holders. Supporters of the bill maintained that these changes are necessary to prevent corporations from replacing American staff with lower-paid foreign labor. Congressman Crane affirmed that the government must place the interests of American citizens above corporate profits.
The bill also includes provisions to eliminate the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program for students and would ban visa holders from bringing family members as dependents. Furthermore, it seeks to close existing pathways to permanent residency for those on H-1B status. Lawmakers aligned with the proposal noted that these steps mirror a broader push for stricter employment-based immigration policies.
Industry experts stated that the bill could have a profound impact on Indian professionals, particularly in the healthcare and information technology sectors. The high salary requirement and the removal of the green card route may significantly decrease the incentive for skilled talent to seek employment in the U.S. While the bill faces support from various Republican legislators, it is expected to meet strong resistance from major technology firms that rely on global expertise.
