Republican Lawmaker Proposes Ending H-1B Visa Program with EXILE Act

U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-FL) has introduced the Ending Exploitative Imported Labor Exemptions (EXILE) Act, aiming to eliminate the H-1B visa program, which he claims undermines American workers. Steube argues that the program prioritizes foreign labor over the welfare of U.S. citizens, stating, “Our workers and young people continue to be displaced and disenfranchised by the H-1B visa program that awards corporations and foreign competitors at the expense of our workforce.” The H-1B visa program, which allows foreign nationals to work in the U.S. in specialty occupations, is capped at 65,000 visas annually, with an additional 20,000 for individuals holding advanced degrees.

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The H-1B visa program has faced scrutiny for allegedly enabling corporations to import cheaper labor, often at the expense of American jobs. Critics, including Steube and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), contend that the program has been abused, allowing companies to replace American workers with lower-paid foreign employees. Sanders has described the program as “disastrous for American workers,” highlighting the precarious situation of guest workers who may face job insecurity and poor working conditions.

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• Greg Steube: U.S. Representative from Florida and proponent of the EXILE Act.

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• Bernie Sanders: U.S. Senator who has criticized the H-1B visa program for its impact on American labor.

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• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: Agency that has previously implemented changes to the H-1B program to prioritize higher-skilled foreign workers.

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The H-1B visa program has been a focal point in discussions about labor and immigration policy in the U.S. Reports indicate that over 80% of H-1B visa recipients are from India and China. The program has been linked to significant job displacement; for instance, more than 16,000 Microsoft employees were reportedly affected by the approval of over 9,000 H-1B visas in 2025. Additionally, companies like Disney and FedEx have faced backlash for replacing American workers with H-1B visa holders.

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Steube emphasized the need to prioritize American workers, stating, “We cannot preserve the American dream for our children while forfeiting their share to non-citizens.” The Trump administration previously imposed a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, citing national security concerns and aiming to curb abuses of the program.

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While the EXILE Act has garnered support from some Republican lawmakers, it faces opposition from various sectors that argue the H-1B program is essential for filling skill gaps in the U.S. labor market. Critics warn that eliminating the program could hinder innovation and economic growth, particularly in technology and specialized fields.

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Discrepancies exist regarding the extent of job displacement caused by the H-1B program, with some sources citing specific layoffs linked to visa approvals, while others emphasize the program's role in addressing labor shortages. Additionally, recent changes in visa processing, including enhanced screening by the State Department, have led to delays for applicants, further complicating the situation.

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• “Prioritizing foreign labor over the well-being and prosperity of American citizens undermines our values and national interests,” — Greg Steube, U.S. Representative

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• “The primary purpose of H-1B and other guest worker programs is not to employ the ‘best and the brightest,’ but instead to replace American workers with lower-paid workers from abroad who often live as indentured servants,” — Bernie Sanders, U.S. Senator

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The introduction of the EXILE Act marks a significant shift in the ongoing debate over immigration and labor policy in the United States, with potential implications for both American workers and foreign professionals seeking opportunities in the country.

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