Sarasota Congressman Seeks to End H-1B Visa Program by 2027

Greg Steube files legislation to eliminate the program used by tech companies to recruit foreign labor.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Sarasota Congressman Greg Steube has introduced a bill that would completely phase out the U.S. H-1B visa program by 2027. The 'Ending Exploitative Imported Labor Exemptions (EXILE) Act' aims to prioritize American workers over foreign labor recruited through the program.

Why it matters

The H-1B visa program has long been a source of controversy, with critics arguing that it allows companies to displace American workers in favor of cheaper foreign labor. Steube's legislation reflects growing political pressure to reform or eliminate the program.

The details

Steube's two-page 'EXILE Act' would gradually phase out the H-1B visa program over the next five years, ending it completely by 2027. The congressman argues that the program 'undermines our values and national interests' by prioritizing foreign labor over the 'well-being and prosperity of American citizens'.

  • Steube introduced the 'EXILE Act' legislation on February 13, 2026.
  • The H-1B visa program would be completely eliminated by 2027 under Steube's proposal.

The players

Greg Steube

A Republican Congressman representing Florida's 17th district, which includes Sarasota.

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What they’re saying

“Prioritizing foreign labor over the well-being and prosperity of American citizens undermines our values and national interests. Our workers and young people continue to be displaced and disenfranchised by the H-1B visa program that awards corporations and foreign competitors at the expense of our workforce.”

— Greg Steube, Congressman (heraldtribune.com)

What’s next

The 'EXILE Act' legislation will now move through the House of Representatives, where it faces an uncertain future given the program's support from many in the tech industry.

The takeaway

Steube's proposal to end the H-1B visa program by 2027 reflects growing political pressure to reform or eliminate a program that has long been criticized for allowing companies to displace American workers in favor of cheaper foreign labor.