Overview
- House Republicans led by Rep. Eli Crane introduced the End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026 on Saturday with seven GOP co-sponsors, proposing a three-year halt to new H-1B visas.
- The bill would cut the annual cap to 25,000, replace the lottery with a wage-based selection that includes a $200,000 minimum salary, and require employers to attest no qualified U.S. worker is available.
- Other measures would bar dependents and third-party staffing, end the OPT work program for international students, block moves to permanent residency, and require leaving the U.S. before changing to another visa status.
- Sponsors argue the plan protects American workers, while immigration attorneys and industry observers warn it could upend pathways used heavily by Indian professionals and students.
- A separate bill from Rep. Greg Steube seeks to end H-1B outright, and analysts note both Republican proposals face significant procedural and political hurdles before they could become law.