From Newsweek · · 1m 30s
H-1B Visa Salary Threshold Could Hit $140,000
New bill raises H-1B visa salary exemption to $140,000 to protect American workers.
In brief
New bill raises H-1B visa salary exemption to $140,000 to protect American workers. A Republican bill would increase the H-1B visa salary threshold from $60,000 to nearly $140,000 to ensure American workers compete for jobs. Originally reported by Newsweek.
New Republican Bill Targets H-1B Visa Rules
Republican Representative Glenn Grothman of Wisconsin introduced legislation to raise the H-1B visa salary threshold from $60,000 to nearly $140,000.
Bill Uses Wage Index for Salary Threshold
The bill would set the threshold at twice the Social Security Administration's National Average Wage Index, which could reach nearly $140,000.
Grothman's Rationale for Change
Grothman argued the existing threshold had not kept pace with wages and that employers should not use outdated rules to bypass protections for American workers.
Senate Companion Bill Introduced
Republican Senator Jon Husted of Ohio also introduced a companion bill in the Senate to update the H-1B visa program rules.
H-1B Program Divides Trump Coalition
The H-1B program has split Trump's political coalition, with hard-liners pushing for tighter restrictions and tech supporters advocating for skilled worker recruitment.
Other Republican Proposals
Other Republicans proposed measures including pausing new visas, increasing penalties for violations, and ending the H-1B pathway to permanent residency.
Bill Needs Further Approval
The House bill has been referred to the Judiciary Committee and would still need to pass both chambers and be signed into law before taking effect.
The one thing
A Republican bill would increase the H-1B visa salary threshold from $60,000 to nearly $140,000 to ensure American workers compete for jobs.
