A new proposal to reform the H-1B visa program could have significant implications for Indian nationals, who make up approximately 70% of H-1B visa holders in the US.
The American White-Collar Worker Jobs Act of 2026 aims to replace the current lottery system with a wage-based selection process, mandates that employers make genuine efforts to hire American workers first, and prohibits companies that have recently laid off employees from hiring H-1B workers.
The bill also terminates the use of H-1B visas as a means to achieve permanent residency and abolishes the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, thereby prioritizing job opportunities for American professionals in STEM fields.
Indian professionals may face longer waiting periods for a Green Card, potentially extending to 10-20 years or even longer due to country-specific limitations on Green Cards.
The bill requires majority support in Congress to advance and receive the President's signature, but the pressure surrounding the H-1B visa is unlikely to dissipate in the near future.
