Bipartisan bill to reform H-1B, L-1 visas: What You Need to Know
Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) have introduced a bipartisan bill to reform the H-1B and L-1 visa programs, potentially affecting thousands of Indian professionals in the United States.
Why it matters: The H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act seeks to address fraud and abuse in the immigration system, provide safeguards for U.S. workers and visa holders, and increase transparency in foreign worker recruitment. The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialized fields, while the L-1 visa is for intra-company transfers. Indian nationals make up a significant percentage of H-1B visa holders, with approximately 75% of H-1B visas granted to Indian professionals.
What's in the bill:
New wage, recruitment, and attestation requirements for employers hiring L-1 and H-1B workers
A searchable Department of Labor (DOL) website for H-1B job postings
Authority for DOL to charge a fee on labor condition applications, funding the hiring of 200 additional DOL employees
H-1B program reforms, including priority visa issuance for higher-educated STEM workers and amending the definition of a "specialty occupation" to require a bachelor's degree or higher
L-1 nonimmigrant program reforms, such as new time limits, evidentiary requirements, and Department of State cooperation in verifying foreign affiliates
Increased penalties for wage violations, including fines or employer debarment
What they're saying: Durbin emphasized the need to close loopholes exploited by outsourcing companies that displace qualified American workers with lower-paid foreign workers. Grassley noted that the bill aims to prioritize American workers while ensuring fairness for all.
What's next: The proposed legislation, first introduced in 2007, has a history of bipartisan support, with cosponsors including Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). The bill's future success will depend on ongoing negotiations and support in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.