A bill seeking important changes to the H-1B US visa program, which enables high-skilled workers from overseas countries, including India, to take tech positions in the US, has been introduced to Congress by two lawmakers. They claim to want to crack down on the abuse of the work US visa scheme.
Important alterations to eligibility requirements for H-1B US visa exemptions are included in the Protect and Grow American Jobs Act, introduced for the second time by California Republicans, Scott Peters and Darrell Issa, on Wednesday. Among other things, the bill increases the H-1B US visa’s minimum salary requirements to $100,000 per year and eliminates the exemption for those with a Master’s Degree.
The Republicans argue that the legislation will help stop the abuse of the system and make certain that only the world’s brightest and best talents are eligible for such jobs. The bill follows criticism of several companies, including SoCal Edison and Disney, for abusing the H-1B US visa program by having immigrant workers replace American workers.
Issa says that ensuring the best and brightest in the world are retained by America is vital to making the US great again. He added that steps should be taken to ensure that programs are not misused to allow companies to hire cheaper foreign workers instead of Americans. Issa said that the new legislation will be able to do both and that raising the minimum salary to be in line with average US salaries will remove much of the temptation for companies.