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Labor Dept Proposes H-1B Wage Hike, Could Price Out 80%

5/27/2026

28 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Department of Labor issued a proposed rule on March 27, 2026 to raise H-1B prevailing wages.
The rule would shift Level I wages from the 17th to the 34th percentile and increase Levels II through V.
Attorneys argue the increase may violate immigration law by requiring premium pay above U.S. salaries.
Critics say the rule could price out 75%–80% of high-skill foreign graduates and urge Congress to intervene.

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Story summary

The U.S. Department of Labor issued a proposed rule on March 27, 2026 to raise H-1B prevailing wages.
The rule would shift Level I wages from the 17th to the 34th percentile and increase Levels II through V.
Attorneys argue the increase may violate immigration law by requiring premium pay above U.S. salaries.
Critics say the rule could price out 75%–80% of high-skill foreign graduates and urge Congress to intervene.