WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — A new Republican-backed bill aims to dramatically reshape the U.S. H-1B visa program, raising concerns across the tech industry and immigrant communities. The proposed legislation, titled the End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026, would significantly cut visa numbers, tighten hiring rules, and restrict pathways to long-term residency. Introduced by Arizona Republican Rep. Eli Crane, the bill reflects a broader push to prioritize American workers amid ongoing immigration debates.

The proposed law would reduce the annual H-1B visa cap from 65,000 to 25,000. It would also remove existing exemptions that currently allow additional visas for advanced degree holders and certain employers.

The bill replaces the current lottery system with a wage-based selection model. Employers would need to offer higher salaries to secure visas, with a new minimum salary set at $200,000 per year. Supporters argue this change would favor highly skilled workers and discourage low-cost labor practices. The legislation also requires employers to prove they cannot find a qualified American worker before hiring a foreign employee. Companies must also confirm they have not recently laid off U.S. workers.

The proposal introduces strict limits on how companies can use H-1B workers. It bans third-party staffing agencies from employing visa holders. It also prevents H-1B workers from holding multiple jobs. Employers would face higher costs. The bill sets a $100,000 fee for each H-1B petition and applies it to workers changing jobs. Lawmakers say this measure will discourage overuse of the program.

The bill also bars H-1B workers from bringing dependents to the United States. It prohibits federal agencies from hiring non-immigrant workers. In another major shift, the legislation seeks to end the Optional Practical Training program. This program currently allows international students to work in the U.S. after graduation.

The bill would limit H-1B visas to a single three-year term. It would also prevent visa holders from transitioning to permanent residency. Nonimmigrant workers would need to leave the United States before switching to another visa category. Supporters say this step ensures temporary visas remain temporary.

Immigration policy expert Rosemary Jenks, who helped draft the bill, said the changes could push companies to hire more Americans. She noted that firms would face higher costs if they had to repeatedly train new foreign workers every three years.

Several Republican lawmakers have backed the bill. Co-sponsors include Reps. Brian Babin, Brandon Gill, Paul Gosar, Wesley Hunt, Tom McClintock, Keith Self, and Andy Ogles. Crane said the bill aims to protect American workers. “The federal government should work for hardworking citizens, not the profit margins of massive corporations,” he said. He added that the legislation would strengthen visa rules and improve job access for Americans.

Gill echoed that view, saying the reforms would ensure the immigration system serves U.S. workers first. Gosar criticized the current program, calling it a tool that replaces American workers with cheaper foreign labor. Ogles described the system as flawed and in need of strict oversight.

The proposal comes as the H-1B visa program faces increased scrutiny. Lawmakers have introduced several bills in recent years to reform the system. The debate has intensified during discussions around immigration policy under the current administration. The H-1B visa program was created under the Immigration Act of 1990. It allows U.S. companies to hire foreign workers in specialized fields such as technology, engineering, and medicine. Indian nationals make up the largest share of H-1B visa recipients.

Critics of the new bill warn that strict limits could hurt innovation and global competitiveness. Many U.S. companies rely on foreign talent to fill skill gaps, especially in the tech sector. Supporters argue the reforms will reduce abuse and ensure fair wages. They believe the changes will push companies to invest more in domestic hiring.

The bill still faces a long path in Congress. Lawmakers will debate its economic impact and its effect on the labor market.