Washington, February 10: A Republican representative has introduced a new bill aimed at abolishing the H-1B visa program in the United States. The representative argues that the program prioritizes foreign workers over American citizens, adversely affecting local job seekers.
U.S. Representative Greg Steube announced the proposed legislation, titled the “Ending Exploitative Imported Labor Exemptions Act,” commonly referred to as the Exile Act.
The bill proposes amendments to the Immigration and Nationality Act to completely eliminate the H-1B visa program, which currently allows American companies to hire foreign workers in specialized fields such as technology, engineering, medicine, and finance.
Steube stated, “Prioritizing foreign workers over the welfare and prosperity of American citizens undermines our values and national interests. Our employees and youth are continually displaced and disenfranchised by the H-1B visa program, benefiting companies and foreign competitors at the expense of our workforce.”
He further emphasized, “We cannot safeguard the American dream for our children while continuing to give their opportunities to non-citizens. Therefore, I am introducing the Exile Act to prioritize working Americans once again.”
According to information released by his office, the implementation of this law would lead to the complete termination of the H-1B visa program. It was also noted that over 80% of H-1B visa recipients are Indian or Chinese nationals, often favoring younger employees.
The draft of the bill states that starting in 2027, the number of H-1B visas will be reduced to zero each fiscal year, effectively ending the program.
Originally, the H-1B visa program was established to allow highly skilled foreign professionals to work in the U.S. Over time, it has become a significant pathway for professionals from countries like India and China to work in America, but it has also remained a contentious topic in political debates regarding jobs, wages, and immigration policy.