Republicans Introduce Bill to Pause H-1B Visa Program

Representative Eli Crane and seven Republican co-sponsors introduced the End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026 in the U.S. Congress in late April 2026. The legislation proposes a three-year pause on the issuance of new H-1B visas to allow for a comprehensive overhaul of the program. Once resumed, the bill would reduce the annual visa cap from 65,000 to 25,000, eliminate existing exemptions, and replace the current lottery system with a selection process based on the highest wages offered.

To prioritize domestic labor, the bill mandates a minimum annual salary of $200,000 for visa holders and requires employers to certify that no qualified American workers were available and no recent layoffs occurred. Additional restrictions include banning third-party staffing agencies from employing H-1B workers, ending the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, and prohibiting visa holders from bringing dependents to the U.S. or adjusting their status to permanent residency.

The proposal aligns with broader Republican efforts to restrict skilled migration, including the Assimilation Act and the Exile Act. It also codifies a $100,000 fee for H-1B hires established by a September 2025 proclamation from President Donald Trump. Supporters argue the current system is a "scam" used to replace Americans with cheaper foreign labor, while critics warn the measures could disrupt the healthcare and technology sectors and drive global talent toward Canada and Australia.