Republican lawmaker Marjorie Taylor Greene has introduced a bill in the US House of Representatives seeking to abolish the H-1B visa programme, a major route for skilled foreign professionals to work in the United States. The move has triggered fresh debate on skilled immigration, especially among industries dependent on global talent.
The bill was introduced just days before Greene stepped down from Congress. It proposes changes to the Immigration and Nationality Act that would completely eliminate the H-1B visa category, which currently allows US companies to hire foreign workers in specialised occupations.
Greene has argued that the H-1B programme hurts American workers by allowing companies to hire foreign professionals at lower wages. She claims that abolishing the visa would protect domestic jobs and reduce wage suppression in sectors such as technology and engineering.
The H-1B visa is particularly important for Indian professionals, who make up a significant share of visa holders, especially in the IT and technology sectors. Many US companies rely on this programme to fill skill gaps that are difficult to meet locally.
Experts believe the bill faces significant hurdles in Congress, as previous attempts to eliminate or drastically alter the H-1B programme have failed. Any such move would require broad political support, which remains uncertain given business and industry opposition.
The proposal comes amid wider scrutiny of US immigration policies, with ongoing debates balancing economic competitiveness and domestic employment concerns. While the bill may not pass, it has reignited discussions on the future of skilled immigration in the US.