US lawmaker to introduce bill seeking complete termination of H-1B visa programme

New York/Washington: A US lawmaker has announced plans to introduce a bill aimed at completely ending the H-1B visa programme and eliminating the pathway to citizenship associated with it. The move is intended to ensure that visa holders return to their home countries once their visa period expires, as per agency report.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia shared a video on Thursday stating that she would be bringing forward legislation to fully dismantle the H-1B system. She claimed that the programme has long been affected by fraud and misuse and has, for decades, displaced American workers from their jobs. Her proposal includes a single exemption that would allow a limited annual quota of 10,000 visas for medical professionals such as doctors and nurses who provide lifesaving services to Americans.

Greene further stated that even this medical exemption would be gradually phased out over the next ten years. She added that her bill would end any route to citizenship for H-1B visa holders, making it mandatory for them to return to their home country once their visa term ends.

According to her, the original purpose of the H-1B visa was to address temporary gaps in specialised skills, not to allow individuals to settle permanently in the United States. She said that while the expertise of foreign professionals is appreciated, they must eventually return to their countries.

The administration of President Donald Trump has already undertaken strict measures to curb misuse of the H-1B visa, particularly concerning its widespread use by technology companies. Indian nationals, especially those working in technology and the medical field, form the largest group of H-1B visa holders.