US Lawmakers Push to Double H-1B Visas Amid Trump's Immigration Clampdown
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A bipartisan bill to double the number of H-1B visas available to skilled foreign workers has been reintroduced in Congress, sparking debate on the impact of President Trump's recent immigration crackdown.The High-Skilled Immigration Reform for Employment (HIRE) Act, proposed by Democratic Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi from Illinois, aims to boost America's economic and technological competitiveness by increasing the annual limit on new H-1B visas from 65,000 to 130,000.The move comes as Trump's administration has tightened its grip on the H-1B program, introducing stricter enforcement protocols and a $100,000 application fee for new visas, which has been challenged in court by business organizations.The HIRE Act also seeks to enhance federal funding for STEM education in primary and secondary schools nationwide, a key component of the proposal to improve the domestic talent pipeline and reduce reliance on foreign workers.The bill's passage is uncertain, as it will undergo a lengthy process in Congress, involving committee review, modifications, and votes in both the House and Senate.Industry experts argue that doubling H-1B visas is crucial to preserving US competitiveness globally, while also benefiting the technology, healthcare, and research industries, which are facing persistent labor shortages.The ITServe Alliance, the nation's largest association of IT service providers, has expressed support for the bill, stating that it represents a significant advancement in modernizing the US high-skilled immigration system and ensuring that skilled professionals can continue to contribute to America's innovation-driven economy.
