WASHINGTON, D.C. (WTWO/WAWV) — An Indiana Senator has introduced a bill that works to “better align the visa program with labor market demands and protect American workers,” according to a press release.
The bill, named the American Tech Workforce Act, was introduced by Indiana Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) this week. Key provisions of the bill include raising the wage floor for H-1B visas from $60,000 to $150,000, ending the Optional Practical Training program and the H-1B lottery with a system that awards visas to the highest bidder.
An H-1B allows employers to hire foreign workers who have specialized skills and a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. It is a type of non-immigrant visa, meaning it allows for a temporary stay in the U.S. and is not intended for people who want to immigrate permanently.
The H-1B visas became a topic of contention late last year as Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy faced backlash from MAGA supporters for defending the visas.
Those who want to see improvements to the program, including Senator Banks, claim the visa disadvantage American workers and drive down wages in skilled occupations.
“Corporations rigged the system to flood the country with cheap foreign labor and drive down wages,” said Senator Banks. “This bill puts American workers first.”
The bill has been endorsed by the Immigration Accountability Project, the American Principles Project, the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), U.S. Tech Workers and NumbersUSA.
“Senator Banks has been a longtime champion of American workers and a steadfast advocate for protecting American manufacturing, domestic supply chains, and intellectual property,” said Kevin Lynn, Founder, U.S. Tech Workers. “This critical legislation addresses decades of policies that have systematically undermined American tech workers in favor of cheaper foreign labor.”
