Lawmaker Introduces Bill to Restrict H-1B Visa Program

A Republican lawmaker has introduced legislation to tighten eligibility and oversight for the H-1B visa program, which allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations. The measure responds to concerns that the program has been used to displace American workers in professional fields.

The sponsor stated that the visa category has operated for nearly forty years with documented cases of abuse.

H-1B visas are issued for up to six years and require employers to attest that no qualified U.S. worker is available for the position. Current rules set an annual cap and include wage and education requirements. The proposed changes would add new restrictions on employer practices and increase scrutiny of applications.

No timeline for committee consideration has been announced. The legislation would apply to new petitions and does not retroactively affect existing visa holders.