US to End H-1B Visa Program? US Lawmaker Greg Steube Introduces EXILE ACT - How It May Impact Indians

A

lawmaker in the United States has introduced a bill to end the H-1B visa program, saying corporations have repeatedly abused this system and imported cheaper foreign labour into America. US Representative Greg Steube, a Republican from Florida, introduced the ‘Ending Exploitative Imported Labour Exemptions Act or EXILE Act', which would eventually end the H-1B visa program. H-1B visas are most commonly used by the technology sector to employ skilled professionals in fields like science, math and computing.

What is EXILE ACT?

The 'Ending Exploitative Imported Labour Exemptions Act or EXILE Act' is introduced by Greg Steube seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act by ending the H-1B visa program. The lawmaker alleges that American workers are constantly being displaced by H-1B workers in the workplace. “Our workers and young people continue to be displaced and disenfranchised by the H-1B visa program that awards corporations and foreign competitors at the expense of our workforce. We cannot preserve the American dream for our children while forfeiting their share to non-citizens. That is why I am introducing the EXILE Act to put working Americans first again,” he said.“Prioritising foreign labour over the well-being and prosperity of American citizens undermines our values and national interests,” Steube said in a statement.

How Will It Impact Indians?

H-1B visas are used by a large number of Indian professionals to live and work in the US. According to an official statement of the US, more than 80% of recipients of H-1B visas are Indian or Chinese nationals, with priority given to younger workers.Also Read - Why Are Indian Professionals Facing a Backlash in the US After Trump’s H-1B Overhaul?The Donald Trump administration has intensified its crackdown on immigration, both legal and illegal, imposing new and stringent restrictions on visas such as H-1B. Trump had signed a proclamation imposing a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas last year. He alleged that the H-1B program was being abused, saying it was a national security threat. The move had caused widespread panic, confusion and concern among Indian professionals. From December 15 last year, the State Department has also begun an enhanced screening and vetting of H-1B and its dependent H-4 visas, checking the social media profiles of the applicants. As a result of this guideline, several H1B visa interviews scheduled across India have been postponed and pushed months ahead, leaving many visa holders who had travelled to India for their visa stamping stranded.