Archive · 19 Sep 2025
New US Bill Targets H-1B Visa and OPT Programs
A new bill, the American Tech Workforce Act, is being proposed by Senator Jim Banks and other lawmakers.
This bill aims to change the way foreign workers are hired in the U.S. It wants companies to pay foreign workers with H-1B visas a higher minimum salary.
The bill also wants to get rid of a program called OPT, which lets foreign students work in the U.S. after they graduate.
The goal is to protect American workers and stop companies from using cheaper labor from other countries.
Senator Jim Banks introduced the American Tech Workforce Act.
The bill proposes raising the H-1B wage floor.
The bill aims to eliminate the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.
The bill seeks to replace the H-1B lottery system with a system based on highest compensation.
The bill seeks to curb the use of U.S. immigration laws to import cheap labor.
- Who
- Senator Jim Banks and other lawmakers
- What
- Introduced the 'American Tech Workforce Act' to reform the H-1B visa program and eliminate the OPT program.
- When
- Recently, as of article publication.
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To prioritize American workers and curb the perceived exploitation of U.S. immigration laws.
Support
Oppose
Wage Impact
Support
Likely benefits workers as wages increase
Oppose
Could potentially make hiring more expensive.
OPT Program
Support
Could benefit students who want to work
Oppose
Could eliminate program used by foreign graduates
Economic Impact
Support
Prioritizes American workers
Oppose
Could hinder outsourcing.
- Bill Name
- American Tech Workforce Act
- Introducer
- Senator Jim Banks
- H-1B Wage Floor (Proposed)
- $150,000
- OPT Program
- Allows F-1 student visa holders to work temporarily in the U.S. after graduation
