Republican lawmaker has introduced a new bill in the U.S. Congress that would permanently end the H-1B visa program, a system that allows American companies to hire foreign workers for specialized roles.
Supporters of the program argue that H-1B visas help fill vital labor shortages in fields like technology, health care, and engineering, while critics contend the system often displaces U.S. workers and drives down wages.
The proposal, known as the Ending Exploitative Imported Labor Exemptions (EXILE) Act, was introduced by Representative Greg Steube of Florida. Steube claims the visa program gives priority to foreign labor over American citizens, leading to fewer opportunities for U.S. professionals.
“Prioritizing foreign labor over the well-being and prosperity of American citizens undermines our values and national interests,” Steube said in a press release.
Several Republican lawmakers share similar views. Rep. Beth Van Duyne of Texas has called for a total ban or complete redesign of the H-1B system, while former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Rep. Andy Ogles, and Rep. Chip Roy have each proposed measures to suspend or eliminate the program. Sen. Mike Lee of Utah has also questioned its future without major reforms.
The Trump administration has tightened restrictions on H-1B visa distribution, including a new $100,000 petition fee for certain applications. Officials say the fee aims to reduce dependency on foreign labor and encourage companies to hire higher-paid U.S. workers.
Republican-led states have also joined the crackdown. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has frozen new H-1B petitions through May 2027, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis directed state universities to halt H-1B hiring.
Tech giants have faced increasing scrutiny as well. Microsoft, for instance, laid off nearly 16,000 employees in 2025 while continuing to file thousands of visa applications—a move critics say undermines American workers, though the company denies any link between layoffs and visa usage.
The H-1B visa program, managed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, currently offers 65,000 regular visas annually, plus 20,000 slots for applicants with U.S. graduate degrees.
“Our workers and young people continue to be displaced by a program that favors corporations and foreign competitors,” Steube said. “The EXILE Act will help restore the American dream by putting U.S. workers first.”
Industry experts warn the legislation could have global implications. Jim McCoy, CEO of Atlas, a global employment firm, told Newsweek that rising costs and tighter restrictions could push companies to recruit remote international talent or relocate operations to more visa-friendly countries.
The proposed EXILE Act will now move to committee review before it can be scheduled for a full congressional vote.
