From student visas to H-1B, US Bill seeks immigration overhaul, Pg19

Key Highlights:

• Congressman Eli Crane introduced the End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026, proposing significant changes to the H-1B visa program.
• The Bill suggests a three-year pause on new H-1B visas, reduced annual caps, and a $200,000 salary threshold.
• The proposed legislation seeks to eliminate the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program and restrict pathways to permanent residency (Green Card).
• Immigration attorneys suggest the Bill could dismantle the skilled worker pipeline and push talent towards countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia.

Detailed Insights:

• The H-1B visa is a crucial pathway for Indian students and professionals seeking opportunities in the US, following education and practical training.
• The proposed Bill aims to replace the H-1B lottery system with a wage-based system, potentially excluding sectors like academia and healthcare due to the high salary threshold.
• Experts suggest that companies may choose to relocate jobs to countries with available talent rather than hiring US workers at the mandated high salaries.
• The OPT program serves as a bridge between education and employment, and its elimination could deter international students from investing in US education.
• While Congress has the authority to freeze visa categories, legal challenges are possible if provisions retroactively affect individuals in the Green Card queue.
• The O-1 visa, reserved for individuals with extraordinary ability, is an alternative but inaccessible for most seeking to work in the US.

Key Concepts Involved:

• H-1B Visa: A non-immigrant visa that allows US employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations.
• OPT (Optional Practical Training): Temporary employment authorization for eligible students on F-1 visas, allowing them to work in the US for a limited time.
• Green Card: A permanent resident card allowing foreign nationals to live and work permanently in the United States.