Washington.
A group of Democrat and Republican lawmakers in the United States has introduced a bill in both houses of parliament suggesting significant improvements to the Skilled Nonimmigrant Visa program. The bill proposes to give priority to foreign technology professionals studying in the United States when issuing H-1B visas. Under the proposed amendments to the H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act, US Citizenship and Immigration Services will have to prioritize the issuance of H-1B visas for the first time. As a result, foreign nationals, including Indians who have studied in the United States and obtained higher and advanced degrees, will be given priority in H-1B visas.
The main provisions of the bill
- Prohibition to replace H-1B or L-1 visa holders with American workers
- Strict action should be taken against outsourcing companies that bring in foreign workers for the purpose of training them for a short period of time.
- Companies with more than 50 employees, including 50% H-1B or L-1, will not be able to hire additional H-1B visa holders.
- The U.S. Department of Labor will be given more authority to verify that companies comply with the terms of the program.