H-1B Visa Under Threat: GOP Congresswoman to Introduce Ending Bill
Proposed legislation seeks to phase out H-1B visas over a decade, with limited exemptions for medical professionals
Washington, Nov 14: Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene announced plans to introduce a bill aimed at eliminating the H-1B visa program, citing concerns that it has been used by U.S. companies to replace American workers with cheaper foreign labor. The bill targets sectors including technology, healthcare, engineering, and manufacturing.
Greene criticized Big Tech, AI companies, hospitals, and other industries for allegedly abusing the program, writing on X (formerly Twitter), “Big Tech, AI giants, hospitals, and industries across the board have abused the H-1B system to cut out our own people.”
Key Provisions of the Proposed Bill
Phasing Out H-1B Visas: The program would be gradually eliminated, with a focus on prioritizing domestic workers.
Limited Medical Exemptions: Up to 10,000 visas annually would be allowed for doctors and nurses, phased out over 10 years to build a stronger domestic talent pipeline.
Targeted Industries: Technology, healthcare, engineering, and critical infrastructure sectors would see American workers prioritized over foreign hires.
Context and Controversy
The bill comes shortly after former President Donald Trump defended the H-1B program, citing shortages of specialized talent in tech and defense. Trump argued that the U.S. lacks enough domestic skilled workers for certain roles, contrasting with Greene’s call to end the program.
Greene stated, “If we want the next generation to have the American Dream, we must stop replacing them and start investing in them.”
Currently, over 70% of H-1B visa holders are Indian nationals, making the program a critical pathway for Indian professionals seeking employment in the U.S. The proposed legislation could significantly affect this demographic, intensifying the ongoing debate over immigration reform and the H-1B visa’s role in the U.S. economy.
