What is ‘EXILE Act’? a bill to end H-1B visas; its impact on Indian professionals | Explained | India News

A new bill aimed at eliminating the H-1B visa program has been introduced to the US Congress, reviving the long-running debate over the role of foreign skilled workers in the American labor market. The legislation, titled ‘Ending Exploitative Imported Labor Exemptions’ (EXILE) Act, was introduced by Florida Republican lawmaker Greg Steube.

Steube argues that the H-1B system is being abused by companies to hire lower-cost foreign workers instead of prioritizing American workers. Companies have repeatedly taken advantage of the program to import cheaper labor at the expense of U.S. workers, he said in announcing the bill.

“Prioritizing foreign labor over the well-being and prosperity of American citizens undermines our values ​​and national interests,” Steube said in a statement. he said.

He also said: “Our workers and youth continue to be displaced and disenfranchised by the H-1B visa program, which rewards corporations and foreign competitors at the expense of our workforce. We cannot protect the American dream for our children while losing their share to noncitizens. That’s why I’m introducing the EXILE Act to put working Americans first again.”

What does the EXILE Law propose?

According to Steube’s office, the EXILE Act would amend Section 214(g)(1)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to end the H-1B visa program entirely.

According to the proposal, the annual cap on H-1B visas would be reduced to zero starting in fiscal year 2027 and would remain at zero in subsequent years. This measure aims to stop the program entirely at this point, rather than gradually scaling it back.

If the law goes into effect, employers will no longer be able to apply for new H-1B visas after the cap is lifted.

Steube called the bill a necessary reform, noting that more than 80% of H-1B recipients are citizens of India or China and that employers often prefer young foreign workers.

“Our workers and youth continue to be displaced and disenfranchised by the H-1B visa program, which rewards corporations and foreign competitors at the expense of our workforce. We cannot preserve the American dream for our children while losing theirs to noncitizens,” he said.

The Florida lawmaker also cited the healthcare industry, claiming the program has prevented more than 10,000 U.S. doctors from entering residency programs and facilitated the entry of more than 5,000 foreign-born doctors.

Impact on Indians

The possible termination of the H-1B program would have significant consequences for Indian citizens, who constitute the majority of visa holders.

The H-1B visa has long served as an important avenue for talented Indian professionals seeking opportunities in the United States, especially in the technology sector. Many prominent business leaders, including Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella, Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, and Elon Musk, initially entered the United States through the H-1B system.

India was the biggest beneficiary of the program in 2025, accounting for 70% of the 730,000 H-1B visa holders, according to the Hindustan Times. In 2024, Indians received 71% of the 400,000 H-1B visas approved. China ranks second with a rate below 12%.

Considering these figures, passage of the EXILE Act would effectively close the primary avenue for Indian professionals seeking employment in the United States.

The introduction of the bill comes at a time when immigration policies are being re-examined following President Donald Trump’s 2024 election victory. But like all proposed legislation, the EXILE Act must pass both houses of Congress before becoming law.