A new bill introduced in the United States is creating strong discussion around the H-1B visa system. The proposal, called the “End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026,” aims to make major changes to how the visa programme works.

What does the “End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026” mean?

The bill has been introduced in the US Congress by Eli Crane, a Republican lawmaker. It is designed to reshape the H-1B visa system, which allows US companies to hire skilled foreign workers when they cannot find suitable local talent.

Supporters of the bill say the current system is being used by big companies to hire cheaper foreign workers instead of Americans. According to Crane, the goal is to protect job opportunities for US citizens and reduce misuse of the programme.

Who Supports This Bill?

The proposal is backed by several Republican lawmakers, including :

  • Brian Babin
  • Brandon Gill
  • Wesley Hunt
  • Keith Self
  • Andy Ogles
  • Paul Gosar
  • Tom McClintock

    • Some of them have openly stated that the programme has been used to replace American workers with lower-cost foreign labour.

    What Changes Does the Bill Propose?

    The bill includes several major changes that could reshape the H-1B visa system :

    1. Fewer Visas Each Year

    The number of H-1B visas could drop from 65,000 to 25,000 annually, making it much harder to secure one.

    2. Higher Salary Requirement

    Companies may need to pay H-1B workers at least $200,000 per year, which is much higher than current levels.

    3. No Family Members Allowed

    Visa holders may not be allowed to bring dependents (spouse or children) with them.

    4. No Green Card Path

    The bill aims to stop H-1B holders from applying for permanent residency in the US.

    5. End of OPT Programme

    The Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, used by many international students after graduation, could be removed.

    6. Visa Switching Restrictions

    Workers may need to leave the US before changing to another visa type.

    7. Limits on Government Hiring

    Federal agencies could be stopped from hiring non-immigrant workers under such visas.

    Why Is This Important for Indian Professionals?

    Indian workers form one of the largest groups using the H-1B visa, especially in IT and tech sectors.

    If this bill becomes law, it could have serious effects :

  • Fewer opportunities: With fewer visas, competition will increase
  • Higher salary requirement: Many jobs may not meet the $200,000 threshold
  • Family impact: Workers may not be able to take their families along
  • Less long-term security: No clear path to permanent residency

    • Overall, the visa may become less attractive and harder to access for Indian professionals.

    How Does This Connect to Earlier Policies?

    This proposal comes after earlier steps taken during the administration of Donald Trump.

    There had already been discussions about increasing visa costs, including a reported plan for a $100,000 fee on new H-1B applications, which raised concerns among applicants and companies.

    How Big Is This Change?

    Immigration expert Rosemary Jenks has described this as one of the strongest bills ever proposed for the H-1B programme.

    The idea behind the bill is to :

  • Make H-1B a short-term option only
  • Encourage companies to hire and train American workers
  • Reduce long-term dependence on foreign talent

    • However, critics believe it could :

  • Increase hiring costs for companies
  • Create talent shortages in specialized fields
  • Impact global workforce mobility

    • Final Thoughts

    The “End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026” is a major proposal that could significantly change how foreign professionals work in the US.

    For Indian workers, especially in the tech industry, this bill could make it more difficult to get jobs, move with family, and settle long-term in the country.

    Whether it becomes law or not, it clearly shows that the future of the H-1B visa system may be heading toward stricter rules and fewer opportunities.

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