Story perspectives

DHS Overhauls H-1B Program, Prioritizes Skilled Workers

12/24/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced an overhaul of the H-1B program, replacing the lottery with a weighted selection favoring skilled, well-paid workers.
The change aims to protect American wages and opportunities and curb exploitation by employers seeking lower-paid labor.
The rules take effect February 27, 2026, for the fiscal year 2027 registration season.
Although supporters say it drives innovation and fills specialized vacancies, critics warn wage suppression persists.

History

Historical Context

The H-1B visa program, established by the Immigration Act of 1990, initially capped at 65,000 visas annually, allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations. By 2022, 265,777 H-1B visas were approved, reflecting rising demand amid concerns over wage suppression for American workers. Recent reforms by the DHS aim to prioritize higher-skilled, better-paid applicants, influencing the U.S. labor market's future.

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Story summary

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced an overhaul of the H-1B program, replacing the lottery with a weighted selection favoring skilled, well-paid workers.
The change aims to protect American wages and opportunities and curb exploitation by employers seeking lower-paid labor.
The rules take effect February 27, 2026, for the fiscal year 2027 registration season.
Although supporters say it drives innovation and fills specialized vacancies, critics warn wage suppression persists.

1 / 2