Republican Proposal Aims to Eliminate H-1B Visas

Congressman Andy Ogles unveils the Assimilation Act to overhaul U.S. immigration system

Mar. 27, 2026 at 10:04am

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A Republican lawmaker has proposed new legislation in Congress that would shut down the green card lottery and end H-1B visas for foreign workers. Congressman Andy Ogles of Tennessee unveiled the Assimilation Act as part of an effort to completely overhaul the country's immigration system, arguing that all immigration must serve the economic, cultural, and security interests of the United States.

Why it matters

MAGA Republicans have argued that the H-1B visa program undercuts wages for American workers, while supporters say it fills critical labor shortages. Hardline GOP lawmakers are pushing forward bills to tighten both illegal and legal immigration pathways.

The details

The proposal includes eliminating the H-1B visa program, which currently allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialized fields, and terminating the diversity visa lottery, which allocates tens of thousands of visas annually to applicants from underrepresented countries. The legislation also seeks to curb 'chain migration,' shifting the system away from family-based immigration toward a more merit-based framework. Additional provisions include stricter vetting requirements, expanded 'good moral character' standards, and enhanced background checks, including reviews of applicants' social media activity.

  • The Assimilation Act has been introduced in the House of Representatives.

The players

Congressman Andy Ogles

A Republican lawmaker from Tennessee who unveiled the Assimilation Act to overhaul the U.S. immigration system.

Congressman Greg Steube

A Florida Republican who has previously introduced legislation to eliminate or reform the H-1B visa program, citing concerns that it prioritizes foreign labor over U.S. citizens.

Representative Sanford Bishop Jr.

A Georgia Democrat who is co-sponsoring bipartisan legislation to exempt healthcare from the $100,000 H-1B visa fee.

Representative Maria Elvira Salazar

A Florida Republican who is co-sponsoring bipartisan legislation to exempt healthcare from the $100,000 H-1B visa fee.

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What they’re saying

“My ASSIMILATION Act will be the biggest immigration overhaul of the century. We will end the H-1B scam, axe chain migration, and shut down the VISA lottery. America will look like America again.”

— Congressman Andy Ogles

“Prioritizing foreign labor over the well-being and prosperity of American citizens undermines our values and national interests.”

— Congressman Greg Steube

“The $100,000 H-1B filing fee adds insult to injury to hospitals, especially in rural areas. The fee will have a detrimental impact on their ability to recruit qualified health care professionals to some of the nation's most underserved areas. The bipartisan legislation we are introducing today, however, will ensure that all physicians and health professionals are exempted from this fee so that they can continue to serve without fear or financial hardship.”

— Representative Sanford Bishop Jr.

“Health care access starts with having enough doctors and medical professionals to serve our communities. As our nation faces a growing physician shortage, we must ensure that steep fees do not stand in the way of hospitals bringing in the medical talent American patients depend on.”

— Representative Maria Elvira Salazar

What’s next

The Assimilation Act proposal has been introduced in the House of Representatives but would need approval from both chambers of Congress and the president before it could become law.

The takeaway

The Republican proposal to eliminate the H-1B visa program and overhaul the U.S. immigration system reflects the ongoing debate over the role of foreign labor and the balance between economic needs and nationalist priorities. The legislation faces an uncertain path forward in a divided Congress.