New Delhi. Uncertainty may increase for foreign professionals working in the United States, particularly Indian H-1B visa holders, as a new bill has been introduced in the US Congress proposing the termination of the Green Card pathway under the H-1B visa system. The move is expected to have a direct impact on thousands of Indian IT professionals and students currently working or studying in the United States.
Bill Targets H-1B Green Card Route
The bill has been introduced by Republican lawmaker Chip Roy and is titled the “American White-Collar Worker Jobs Act.” The proposal claims that the H-1B visa system has been misused over several decades, with large corporations allegedly hiring foreign workers at lower wages, thereby affecting employment opportunities for American workers.
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According to the proposal, if enacted into law, the pathway for H-1B visa holders to obtain permanent residency (Green Card) would be nearly eliminated. At present, foreign professionals working under the H-1B category can apply for a Green Card, allowing them to eventually settle permanently in the United States.
Indian Professionals May Face Impact
The proposed change could have the most significant impact on Indian professionals working in the IT, engineering, and technology sectors, as Indians form the largest group of H-1B visa holders in the United States. A large number of Indian workers rely on this visa route not only for employment but also for long-term settlement prospects.
In addition to ending the Green Card pathway, the bill also proposes several other major reforms. One of the key recommendations is to eliminate the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which currently allows international students to work in the US for a limited period after completing their studies. A significant number of Indian students benefit from this program as it helps them gain work experience and transition into long-term employment.
OPT And Visa Duration Under Review
The proposal also suggests reducing the duration of the H-1B visa from six years to just two years. Furthermore, it recommends replacing the current lottery-based selection system with a wage-based priority system, where higher-paying job offers would receive preference in the visa allocation process.
Another key provision in the bill requires applicants to demonstrate that their permanent residence is outside the United States and that they intend to maintain it abroad. It also proposes discontinuing extensions of visa duration based on pending Green Card applications, a provision currently available to many H-1B holders.
Immigration Debate Intensifies
The move comes amid ongoing political debate in the United States over immigration policy, with increasing calls for stricter controls on skilled worker visas. The current administration has also been considering measures such as higher wage thresholds and increased application fees for H-1B visas.
Experts suggest that if the bill is passed, it could deal a major setback to the Indian IT industry, technology firms, and students pursuing education in the United States. It may not only reduce employment opportunities but also significantly weaken the prospects of permanent settlement in the US.
Overall, the proposed legislation could mark a major shift in US immigration policy, with far-reaching consequences for Indian professionals and students planning their future in the country.
