Post by : Rameen Ariff

A U.S. lawmaker has introduced a bill that seeks to fully eliminate the H-1B visa program, which has been crucial for foreign workers in specialized jobs, particularly from India. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene made the announcement on Thursday, aiming to end the pathway to American citizenship for these workers.

The H-1B visa program allows companies in the U.S. to hire foreign experts in specialized fields and provides a route to permanent residency through the Green Card system. In the past few years, Indian applicants have made up over 70% of the approved H-1B petitions, mainly in STEM sectors, enjoying opportunities in technology, healthcare, and various in-demand areas.

Greene's proposed legislation would abolish the H-1B visa program entirely, with a sole exemption allowing only 10,000 visas per year for medical professionals—including doctors and nurses—who serve vital healthcare needs in the U.S. This limited cap is planned to be gradually reduced over the next decade, part of a strategy to increase the number of U.S.-educated healthcare providers.

The bill would also bar non-citizen medical students from joining residency programs funded by Medicare. Greene pointed out that in 2023, over 5,000 foreign-born physicians were awarded residency spots while more than 9,000 home-trained doctors did not secure placements. “This is completely inequitable, and it’s putting Americans last,” she asserted, underlining that the initiative is focused on supporting American medical professionals.

Moreover, the bill mandates that H-1B visa holders must return to their countries once their visas expire, effectively eliminating the pathway to U.S. citizenship. Greene maintains that the legislation aims to return the H-1B program to its intended purpose as a temporary measure for workforce shortages in specialized fields.

Previous reforms and rollbacks under the Trump administration showed efforts to curtail misuse of the H-1B process. In September 2025, former President Trump imposed an additional $100,000 fee on specific H-1B applicants to ensure program integrity, reflecting ongoing concerns over potential abuse.

Nonetheless, Trump has indicated the necessity for foreign expertise in particular sectors where domestic workers lack the requisite specialized skills. “It’s essential to bring in talented individuals,” he expressed, acknowledging that roles in areas such as defense and technology require skills that are not easily developed within the U.S.

If passed, Greene's bill could have a profound effect on Indian professionals and other foreign nationals who depend on the H-1B visa for career growth and long-term success in the U.S. This legislation highlights the ongoing debate in Washington concerning immigration, workforce policy, and the delicate balance between safeguarding local employment and attracting international talent.

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