US Lawmaker introduces bill to overhaul H-1B Visa program, hit Indian tech workers hard

Washington: A Republican lawmaker in the United States has introduced a bill proposing significant changes to the H-1B visa program, including removing its pathway to permanent residency.

Congressman Chip Roy tabled the proposed “American White-Collar Worker Jobs Act” in the House of Representatives on Thursday.

Bill targets H-1B, OPT programs

The legislation seeks to restructure the H-1B visa system, which allows US employers to hire skilled foreign workers in specialized fields. A key provision of the Bill aims to end its use as a route to permanent residency.

The proposal also calls for the termination of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which currently allows international students to work in the United States for a limited period after completing their studies.

‘System has been abused,’ says Roy

Explaining the rationale behind the Bill, Roy said the H-1B system has been misused over several years.

“For its nearly forty-year history, the H-1B visa has been abused, allowing employers to sideline American workers,” he said, according to PTI.

He further argued that the existing lottery-based system should be replaced with a merit-focused framework that prioritizes higher wages and protects domestic employment opportunities.

Immigration debate likely to intensify

The proposed legislation is expected to intensify ongoing political debate in the US over skilled immigration, particularly in the technology and education sectors, where H-1B visa holders form a significant portion of the workforce.