Legislation Introduced to Phase Out H-1B Visa Program and Restrict Medical Visas

Post by : Raina Nasser

A proposal has been introduced by a U.S. lawmaker that threatens to dismantle the H-1B visa program entirely, aiming to revoke the pathway to U.S. citizenship for foreign professionals in specialized fields. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene announced this proposed legislation on Thursday, targeting a program essential for skilled workers, especially those from India.

The H-1B visa scheme enables U.S. companies to hire foreign employees in specialized areas and provides a route to permanent residency via the Green Card process. Notably, in recent years, over 70% of approved H-1B applications have been awarded to professionals from India, mainly in STEM sectors, thus creating opportunities in technology, healthcare, and other highly sought-after fields.

Greene's bill proposes to entirely abolish the H-1B visa program with one major exception: it would allow a limit of 10,000 visas annually exclusively for medical professionals, including doctors and nurses, who provide critical healthcare services. However, this cap is intended to be phased out over a subsequent decade, as the legislation aims to increase the pool of domestically trained medical professionals.

To facilitate this shift, the bill would bar non-citizen medical students from entering residency programs funded by Medicare. Greene underscored that in 2023, over 5,000 foreign-trained physicians secured residency positions in the U.S., while more than 9,000 U.S.-educated doctors were left without placements. She remarked, “This is entirely unfair, and it’s America last,” stressing that the legislation prioritizes American medical talent.

The Congresswoman also noted that H-1B visa holders would have to leave the U.S. upon the expiration of their visas, thereby eliminating the pathway to citizenship. Greene positioned the bill as a means to restore the H-1B visa program's original intention as a temporary solution to specialty workforce shortages.

Previous reforms and restrictions were initiated during the Trump administration to curb the misuse of the H-1B program. In September 2025, President Trump mandated that certain H-1B applicants pay an additional $100,000 fee to confirm eligibility, highlighting ongoing issues regarding the program's abuse.

However, Trump had recently recognized the necessity for foreign expertise in specific sectors, particularly where American workers lack the necessary specialized skills. He acknowledged, “You do have to bring in talent,” indicating that roles in defense and technology require expertise not easily established domestically.

Should Greene's legislation succeed, it could have profound implications for Indian professionals and other foreign workers who utilize the H-1B visa for career progression and long-term opportunities in the United States. The proposed law highlights the intensifying debate in Washington surrounding immigration, workforce development, and the delicate balance between safeguarding domestic employment and attracting global talent.