A Republican lawmaker from Florida has introduced a new bill in the US Congress seeking to abolish the H-1B visa programme, reigniting debate over skilled immigration and its role in the American workforce.
Representative Greg Steube, who represents Florida’s 17th congressional district, unveiled legislation titled the Ending Exploitative Imported Labour Exemptions (EXILE) Act. The proposal aims to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the H-1B visa category entirely.
Lawmaker Criticises Skilled Visa System
The H-1B visa programme allows American companies to recruit foreign professionals in specialised fields such as information technology, engineering, finance and healthcare. The system has long been supported by industry leaders, who argue that it helps address talent shortages and strengthens the country’s global competitiveness.
However, Steube has alleged that the programme has been exploited by corporations to reduce labour costs and displace American workers. Announcing the bill on social media, he claimed that the system has suppressed wages and limited job opportunities for domestic employees.
According to his office, the EXILE Act is designed to prioritise American workers and reform immigration laws in a way that protects national economic interests.
Part of a Wider Political Push
The move follows earlier efforts by former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who had introduced separate legislation seeking to dismantle the H-1B programme. Her proposal included limited exemptions for certain medical professionals but similarly called for broad restrictions on employment-based visas.
The renewed push reflects growing scepticism among some Republican lawmakers toward skilled worker visas, particularly amid ongoing debates about immigration reform, labour protections and domestic job creation.
What It Means for Indian Professionals
Indian nationals are the largest beneficiaries of the H-1B visa programme, accounting for over 70 percent of approvals in recent years. The visa has served as a primary pathway for Indian technology professionals seeking employment and long-term residency in the United States.
If the EXILE Act were to become law, it could significantly disrupt recruitment pipelines for US technology firms and multinational corporations that depend on global talent.
For Indian professionals, the potential repeal raises uncertainty around career mobility, immigration prospects and future work opportunities in the US.
Broader Immigration Debate
The introduction of the bill comes at a time when employment-based visa policies, including H-1B and dependent H-4 categories, are under increasing scrutiny.
While the proposal faces legislative hurdles before becoming law, it is expected to intensify national discussions around balancing workforce protection with economic growth and innovation.
Industry leaders, immigration advocates and business groups are likely to closely monitor the bill’s progress, given its potential impact on both the American labour market and international talent mobility.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
