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House Republicans Unveil Bill to Freeze New H-1B Visas for Three Years

The measure faces steep odds in Congress.

Overview

  • Rep. Eli Crane introduced the End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026 with seven Republican co-sponsors, proposing a pause on new H-1B visas and sweeping changes to the program.
  • The plan lowers the annual visa cap from 65,000 to 25,000 and sets a $200,000 minimum salary for H-1B workers.
  • It blocks dependents, ends the post‑study OPT work program used by international graduates, and stops H-1B holders from moving to a green card.
  • Backers say the overhaul would protect American workers from being replaced by lower‑paid foreign labor, while Indian tech workers and students would face tougher paths to U.S. jobs.
  • The bill is at an early stage and must pass House committees and the Senate, and coverage points to likely pushback from tech employers that rely on H-1B hiring.