A bill proposing radical changes to the H1-B visa program, which allows skilled workers from other countries to be employed in the U.S., has been reintroduced in Congress by two lawmakers who claim that the measures would curb abuses that they assert are occurring.
The bill, among other things, raises the minimum salary for H-1B visa holders to $100,000 per year and eliminates the exemption for professionals with a master’s degree.
The legislation, its creators argue, will help curb abuse and ensure that jobs remain available for the best and brightest talent from around the world. Several companies, such as Disney, SoCal Edison, and others, have been investigated for abuses in the program.
“Controlling the abuse of the H1-B system will protect American jobs and help ensure that visas are available for the innovators who need them to maintain a competitive workforce,” said Congressman Scott Peter.
Immigration law reform is a central principle of President Donald Trump’s administration, which seeks to encourage companies to invest and hire more in the United States rather than offshore.
The Trump Administration has already made a series of proposals to change the H1B rules. If approved by Congress, the changes could take effect as early as the next fiscal year.