A new bill introduced in the U.S. Congress has brought the H-1B visa program back into the spotlight. Republican Representative Greg Steube from Florida introduced a proposal called the EXILE Act (Ending Exploitative Imported Labour Exemptions Act). The goal of this bill is to end the H-1B visa program completely by the year 2027.
What Does the EXILE Act Propose?
The EXILE Act aims to change existing immigration law so that no new H-1B visas would be issued starting in 2027. Instead of slowly reducing the number of visas, the bill suggests bringing the annual cap down to zero, which would effectively shut down the program.
Today, the H-1B visa allows U.S. companies to hire foreign professionals in specialized fields such as technology, healthcare, engineering, and research when they cannot find suitable workers locally. It is one of the most commonly used work visas in the U.S.
Why Was This Bill Introduced?
Supporters of the bill believe that the H-1B system is sometimes used by companies to hire cheaper foreign workers instead of investing in American talent. Their main arguments include:
- The program may reduce job opportunities for U.S. workers.
- It can put pressure on wages in certain industries.
- Some companies may use it mainly for cost savings rather than genuine skill shortages.
Representative Steube has pointed to examples where layoffs were followed by hiring foreign workers on H-1B visas, especially in the IT sector.
The Bigger Political Picture
The EXILE Act is part of a larger political conversation in the U.S. about protecting domestic jobs and reviewing immigration policies. In recent years, there have already been stricter rules and higher fees for certain work visas.
However, critics of the bill argue that ending the H-1B program could hurt U.S. innovation and competitiveness, especially in industries that depend on highly skilled global talent.
Who Could Be Affected?
Foreign Professionals
Many skilled workers, especially from countries like India and China, rely on the H-1B visa to work in the U.S. Ending the program would significantly limit this pathway.
U.S. Employers
Technology firms, healthcare providers, engineering companies, and research organizations often depend on H-1B workers to fill skill gaps. Without the visa, companies may need to explore other hiring options or move certain operations overseas.
Families of Visa Holders
Although the bill focuses on the main visa category, families of H-1B workers could also feel indirect effects if new visas stop being issued.
What Happens Next?
Right now, the EXILE Act is only a proposal. For it to become law, it must pass both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and then be signed by the President. Many experts believe it is unlikely to pass in its current form, but it still shows that skilled immigration remains a sensitive and debated topic in U.S. politics.
Bottom Line
The EXILE Act does not change the H-1B program today, but it sends a strong signal about future policy discussions. Even if it never becomes law, it highlights the ongoing debate between protecting local jobs and attracting global talent, a conversation that is likely to continue for years to come.
Keep track of Imagility’s blog for more key updates on the H-1B visa.
