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H-1B Visa and OPT Program Reforms: Protecting US Jobs

This act aims to reform the H-1B visa program and terminate the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program to prevent the displacement of US workers by cheaper foreign labor. It introduces higher wage requirements for H-1B visa holders and changes their employment rules, potentially impacting the availability of certain tech jobs for foreign nationals and post-graduation employment opportunities for international students in the US.
Key points
The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows foreign students to work in the US after graduation, will be terminated. This means international students will no longer be able to work in the US under this program after completing their studies.
New, higher minimum wage requirements for H-1B visa holders will be introduced, set at no less than $150,000 annually or the equivalent wage of a US worker in an identical or similar role. This aims to reduce incentives for hiring cheaper foreign labor.
H-1B visa applications will be prioritized based on the compensation offered – higher compensation rates will receive priority approval. This could affect competition for tech jobs.
H-1B visas for workers assigned to third-party worksites will be valid for a maximum of one year and will require specific, non-speculative assignments for the entire employment period.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Introduced
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 119_S_2821
Sponsor: Sen. Banks, Jim [R-IN]
Process start date: 2025-09-16
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

American Tech Workforce Act of 2025

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 119_S_2821.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2025-09-16.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows foreign students to work in the US after graduation, will be terminated. This means international students will no longer be able to work in the US under this program after completing their studies.
  • New, higher minimum wage requirements for H-1B visa holders will be introduced, set at no less than $150,000 annually or the equivalent wage of a US worker in an identical or similar role. This aims to reduce incentives for hiring cheaper foreign labor.
  • H-1B visa applications will be prioritized based on the compensation offered – higher compensation rates will receive priority approval. This could affect competition for tech jobs.
  • H-1B visas for workers assigned to third-party worksites will be valid for a maximum of one year and will require specific, non-speculative assignments for the entire employment period.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Introduced.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Sen. Banks, Jim [R-IN].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in Senate

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-23.

CATEGORIES

Migration Labor Economy