Republican bill seeks total ban on foreign worker visas.
Significant anxiety has gripped the Indian expatriate community following a bold legislative move in the United States Congress. A Republican lawmaker has introduced the Ending Exploitative Imported Labour Exemptions (EXILE) Act, a bill specifically designed to dismantle the H-1B visa program. This visa category is crucial for US companies hiring foreign talent and has long been dominated by Indian professionals.
Representative Greg Steube, serving Florida’s 17th Congressional District, championed the proposal. He argues that major corporations are utilizing the current immigration system to sideline American citizens in favor of cheaper workforce alternatives from abroad. Steube explicitly stated that the EXILE Act intends to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to terminate the H-1B system entirely, aiming to restore employment opportunities for US nationals.
"Our workers and young people continue to be displaced," Steube remarked, emphasizing that preserving the American dream requires prioritizing local citizens over non-citizens.
This legislative push arrives during a period of intense scrutiny regarding US immigration. President Donald Trump has already signaled a tougher stance, previously categorizing the H-1B program's alleged misuse as a national security issue. Recent policy shifts have already introduced a steep $100,000 fee for new visas, causing financial strain and uncertainty for companies and applicants alike.
For India, the stakes are exceptionally high. Government data indicates that Indian nationals have secured over 70% of all H-1B petitions approved annually since 2015. In contrast, Chinese nationals account for only about 13%. The proposed ban would disproportionately affect Indian techies and healthcare workers who form the backbone of many specialized US sectors.
Compounding these legislative threats are procedural hurdles. The US State Department has tightened vetting protocols since mid-December 2025, mandating comprehensive background checks that include social media audits. Consequently, many professionals returning to India for routine visa stamping have found themselves stranded due to interview delays, further fueling concerns among the Odia and broader Indian diaspora working stateside.
Source: Public Domain
