Republican Senator Tim Sheehy of Montana has introduced a bill to halt new H‑1B visas for three years and codify the $100,000 fee. The proposal aims to protect American workers and tighten national security safeguards.

Key Takeaways

  • Three‑year moratorium on issuing new H‑1B visas.
  • Codifies the Trump administration’s $100,000 fee per petition.
  • Replaces the random lottery with a wage‑based selection system.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that a prolonged pause could reshape the U.S. tech talent pipeline and force companies to rethink offshore hiring strategies.

Senator Tim Sheehy stated, "The H‑1B programme was created to address workforce shortages for specialised, difficult‑to‑fill positions – not to displace qualified, hardworking Americans with cheaper, foreign labour." He introduced the legislation as the "End H‑1B Abuse Act."

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The bill proposes to eliminate the lottery, instituting a merit‑based, wage‑driven selection process, and to end the "dual intent" provision, barring visa holders from bringing dependents.

Supported by the Immigration Accountability Project and the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), the measure faces opposition from tech industry groups that warn of talent shortages.

Historical Background

The H‑1B visa, created in the early 1990s, allows U.S. firms to hire highly skilled foreign workers for specialty occupations. Over the decades, demand surged, especially from India and China, leading to the implementation of a lottery system. Recent concerns over abuse and national security have prompted calls for reform.

"If the H‑1B program continues without stricter oversight, it undermines American workers and poses security risks," says immigration law expert Dr. Sarah Mitchell.
Did You Know?: In 2020, over 275,000 H‑1B petitions were filed, but only about 85,000 were selected through the lottery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What happens to existing H‑1B visa holders if the bill passes?

A: Current holders retain their status for the duration of their approved stay, but new applications will be halted.

Q2: Will the $100,000 fee apply to all future H‑1B petitions?

A: Yes, the legislation seeks to permanently codify the fee, generating additional revenue for the government.