hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Pauses H-1B visas for 3 years, adds restrictions.
Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) and 7 cosponsors.
Introduced in House, referred to Judiciary Committee.
This bill would immediately stop all new H-1B visas for three years. After that, it would cut the annual cap from 65,000 to 25,000, raise minimum wage to $200,000, require employers to prove no US workers are available, and ban H-1B holders from bringing spouses or children. Sponsor Rep. Crane is a Republican from Arizona. The bill is now in the House Judiciary Committee, which will decide whether to hold hearings or a vote.
Introduced Apr 22, 2026
This bill is under review by a committee. The committee holds hearings, gathers testimony from experts and stakeholders, and may propose amendments. If the committee votes to advance it, the bill moves to the full chamber for debate and a vote.
The bill would stop new H-1B visas for three years, so companies like Google or Microsoft would have a harder time hiring foreign engineers. After the pause, only 25,000 H-1B visas would be issued each year, mostly to workers paid at least $200,000. The bill also ends the Optional Practical Training program, meaning international students would not be allowed to work for one to three years after graduation.
Supporters Say
Supporters say it protects American workers from unfair competition and prevents visa abuse by outsourcing firms.
Critics Say
Critics argue it would hurt US innovation and make it harder for companies to hire top global talent.
Supporters point to the $100,000 employer fee and higher wage floor as ways to stop companies from replacing US workers with cheaper labor. Critics, including many tech firms and universities, say the bill goes too far and would push skilled workers to other countries. Some economists note it could reduce startup growth and research output.