What is US’ ‘End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026’ and how could it impact Indians?

A group of Republican lawmakers in the US have introduced the 'End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026', which proposes significant changes to the H-1B visa programme, including a reduction in the annual visa cap and a high minimum salary requirement. The bill could severely impact Indian workers in the technology sector, reducing opportunities and changing long-term plans for thousands of workers.
The US Congress has been presented with a bill that seeks to overhaul the H-1B visa programme, a key pathway for skilled foreign workers. Introduced by US Representative Eli Crane, the 'End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026' proposes a range of changes, including cutting the annual H-1B visa cap from 65,000 to 25,000 and setting a minimum salary requirement of $200,000 for visa holders. The bill also aims to prevent H-1B workers from bringing family members to the US and removes the pathway to permanent residency. The proposal has sparked concern among immigration experts and industry leaders, who see it as a significant challenge to the programme. Indian workers, who form one of the largest groups of H-1B visa beneficiaries, could be severely impacted by the changes. The bill's supporters argue that the system has been misused by corporations to replace American workers with cheaper foreign labour.
This content was automatically generated and/or translated by AI. It may contain inaccuracies. Please refer to the original sources for verification.