New Bill Introduced
A significant legislative proposal has emerged from the US, aiming to dismantle the H-1B visa program, which has historically served as a crucial avenue
for American companies to bring in highly skilled international talent. Representative Greg Steube, representing Florida's 17th Congressional District, is the proponent behind this initiative, dubbed the Ending Exploitative Imported Labour Exemptions (EXILE) Act. According to Steube, the current H-1B system has been misused, effectively undermining the employment prospects and wages of American citizens. He articulated his stance on social media, stating his intention to file legislation to end the H-1B visa program, asserting that American workers have been disadvantaged by what he described as a "corrupt" system for an extended period. The core argument presented by the Congressman is that corporations have leveraged this visa category to hire foreign workers at lower salary rates, thereby increasing their profit margins while simultaneously depressing domestic wages and leading to the displacement of the existing American workforce. The bill explicitly targets Section 214(g)(1)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, with the objective of reducing the annual allocation of H-1B visas to zero, commencing in the year 2027.
Concerns Over H-1B
The lawmaker's office has pointed to several specific instances that they claim demonstrate the detrimental effects of the H-1B visa program on the American labor market. One notable concern highlighted is the impact on the medical field, where it is alleged that over 10,000 positions in US residency programs were purportedly made unavailable to American physicians, while concurrently, more than 5,000 foreign doctors were admitted into the country through H-1B pathways. Furthermore, the statement from the Congressman's office draws a connection between the H-1B visa usage and significant workforce reductions experienced by major corporations such as Microsoft and Disney. The energy sector has also been cited as an area where job losses have allegedly occurred due to the employment of H-1B visa holders. These examples are presented as evidence to support the claim that the program has led to adverse outcomes for domestic employees across various industries.
Legislative Precedents
This current legislative push to terminate the H-1B visa program is not an isolated event; it follows a pattern of similar attempts made by other Republican leaders in recent years. For instance, former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene had previously introduced legislation known as the End H-1B Now Act. Her proposal also aimed to cease the program's operations, although it included provisions for certain limited exceptions, particularly for professionals in the medical field. Given the nature of such proposals, the EXILE Act is anticipated to undergo rigorous examination and face considerable debate as it navigates the complex legislative process within the United States Congress. The political landscape surrounding immigration and skilled labor policies often leads to contentious discussions, and this bill is expected to be no exception, requiring substantial support and compromise to advance.
Recent Program Adjustments
The H-1B visa is fundamentally designed to enable US employers to recruit foreign nationals possessing specialized skills, most commonly within sectors like technology, healthcare, and engineering. However, the program has already undergone substantial modifications in its recent history, reflecting an increased stringency in regulations and a rise in associated costs for companies utilizing it. A significant shift involves the move away from the traditional random lottery system for selecting H-1B applicants. This method is slated to be replaced by a wage-based selection process that will prioritize candidates receiving higher salaries. Specifically, individuals offered Level IV wages are expected to have the most favorable chances of selection, while those applying for entry-level positions will face considerably reduced odds. In addition to these selection process changes, a new fee of $100,000 has been instituted for certain new H-1B petitions submitted on or after September 21, 2025, further increasing the financial burden on employers.
