US Republicans move to freeze H-1B visas

 

 

 

PP Cherian

Washington: Republican members have introduced a bill in the legislature demanding a three-year moratorium on the issuance of H-1B visas in the US. If this bill, introduced under the name 'End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026', is passed, it will adversely affect Indians in the IT sector in the US.

The number of visas issued annually will be reduced from 65,000 to 25,000. The minimum annual salary to obtain a visa will be increased to $ 200,000 (approximately Rs 1.6 crore).

A ban on bringing family members with H-1B visa holders.

The bill also includes abolishing the lottery system and issuing visas based on salary, and banning hiring through third-party agencies.

Republican members claim that this move is to protect the jobs of American workers. Currently, most of the foreign skilled workers in US companies are Indians.