Republican Lawmaker Proposes Bill to Permanently End H-1B Visa Program

The EXILE Act aims to prioritize American workers over foreign labor, sparking debate over the future of skilled worker visas.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A Republican lawmaker has introduced a bill in Congress that seeks to permanently eliminate the H-1B visa program, which allows U.S. companies to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations. Supporters argue the program fills critical labor shortages, while critics say it can displace American workers and undercut wages.

Why it matters

The H-1B visa program has long been a point of contention, with bipartisan agreement that reforms are needed. This proposed legislation to end the program entirely reflects growing concerns among some lawmakers that it prioritizes foreign labor over American workers, especially young professionals.

The details

Representative Greg Steube, a Florida Republican, introduced the Ending Exploitative Imported Labor Exemptions (EXILE) Act, citing concerns that the H-1B program undermines the well-being and prosperity of American citizens. Several other Republican lawmakers have also proposed ending or restricting the H-1B visa program in recent years. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has taken steps to tighten control over the program, including imposing a $100,000 fee on certain petitions.

  • In 2025, Microsoft laid off nearly 16,000 employees while continuing to file thousands of H-1B visa applications.
  • In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott has frozen new H-1B petitions through May 31, 2027.
  • In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis has instructed the state's Board of Governors to halt H-1B hiring at public universities.

The players

Representative Greg Steube

A Republican lawmaker from Florida who introduced the Ending Exploitative Imported Labor Exemptions (EXILE) Act to permanently end the H-1B visa program.

Representative Beth Van Duyne

A Republican lawmaker from Texas who has called for a total ban or complete overhaul of the H-1B visa program.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene

A former Republican lawmaker from Georgia who proposed legislation to eliminate the H-1B visa program entirely.

Representative Andy Ogles

A Republican lawmaker from Tennessee who has called for a pause or freeze on H-1B visas.

Representative Chip Roy

A Republican lawmaker from Texas who has called for a pause or freeze on H-1B visas.

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What they’re saying

“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. We cannot preserve the American dream for our children while forfeiting their share to non-citizens. That is why I am introducing the EXILE Act to put working Americans first again.”

— Representative Greg Steube (Press release)

“The price tag for H-1B talent in 2026 will become so burdensome it will force employers to scale back their programs. This means we are likely to see a loosening of return-to-work mandates. We also expect to see more emphasis on efforts to attract and engage global talent where they reside, or on transferring them to markets that offer more favorable visa environments.”

— Jim McCoy, CEO of Atlas, a global hiring and legal compliance company (Newsweek)

What’s next

The EXILE Act legislation will require committee review and approval before being considered for a full vote in Congress.

The takeaway

The proposed EXILE Act reflects growing concerns among some Republican lawmakers that the H-1B visa program prioritizes foreign labor over American workers, particularly young professionals. This debate over the future of skilled worker visas is likely to continue, with potential implications for U.S. companies and the broader labor market.