US Republicans Propose Three-Year Suspension of H-1B Visas to Protect American Jobs

Republican lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at suspending the H-1B visa program for three years and overhauling its structure. The “End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026” was proposed by Republican lawmaker Eli Crane, who claims the current system is flawed and requires major reform to prioritize American workers.

Supporters argue that the visa system has allowed large companies to hire cheaper foreign labor at the expense of Americans, leading to job displacement concerns. The legislation would reduce the annual cap on H-1B visas from 65,000 to 25,000 and replace the lottery system with a selection process based on salary levels.

It also proposes setting a minimum annual salary of $200,000 for foreign workers under the program. Employers would be required to prove they could not hire qualified American workers before recruiting foreigners and confirm they have not recently laid off US staff in the same roles.

The proposal includes further restrictions such as limiting H-1B holders to one job, blocking pathways to permanent residency, ending the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program for foreign graduates, and preventing visa holders from bringing family members into the country. Critics argue that the program has been misused to replace domestic workers with cheaper foreign labor, while supporters say it helps fill critical skill gaps in sectors like technology and engineering.

The H-1B program remains a politically sensitive issue in the US, particularly due to its significant use by Indian workers and its role in the tech sector. The bill has not yet been debated in Congress.