A group of Republican lawmakers, led by Congressman Eli Crane of Arizona, has introduced the “End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026,” a sweeping legislative proposal that seeks to halt the H-1B visa program for three years. Contending that the current system is “misused” by corporations to replace American workers with lower-cost foreign labor, the bill proposes radical structural changes. Key provisions include slashing the annual visa cap from 65,000 to just 25,000 and implementing a staggering minimum salary threshold of $200,000 per year for all H-1B applicants, effectively pricing out entry-level and mid-tier foreign professionals.
The proposed legislation aims to eliminate the current lottery-based allocation system in favor of a wage-based selection process, prioritizing only the highest earners. Furthermore, the bill seeks to bar H-1B holders from bringing dependents (H-4 visa holders) to the United States and would prohibit them from ever adjusting their status to permanent residency (Green Cards). Employers would also face stricter hurdles, including a mandatory certification that no qualified American worker is available and a ban on using third-party staffing firms for H-1B placements.
Additionally, the bill targets the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, seeking its complete termination, and would prohibit federal agencies from hiring or sponsoring non-immigrant workers. While the proposal is in its early stages and faces significant hurdles in Congress, it marks a major escalation in the push for a “Hire American” policy. If passed, the law would fundamentally disrupt the global talent pipeline, particularly impacting Indian professionals who currently constitute the largest share of H-1B visa holders. Supporters argue the move is essential to protecting domestic wages, while tech industry leaders warn of a potential “brain drain” and a severe blow to U.S. innovation.
