New US Bill Proposes No Green Card Route For H1B Holders!

Ever since Donald Trump returned to power for a second term, stricter immigration discussions and policy changes have once again increased tension among Indians living and working in the United States. From student visa concerns to tighter rules for skilled workers, many Indians feel the environment has become more uncertain than before.

Now, a fresh bill introduced in the US Congress is adding to those fears. Republican Congressman Chip Roy has proposed major changes to the H1B visa system with the aim of reducing the number of foreign professionals entering and settling in America.

One of the biggest proposals in the bill is ending the H1B visa route to permanent residency. Currently, many Indian professionals move to the US on H1B visas and later apply for Green Cards while continuing their jobs. The new proposal wants to completely separate temporary work visas from permanent settlement opportunities.

The bill also targets the OPT program, which allows international students to work in the US after completing their studies. If implemented, this could directly impact thousands of Indian students who depend on OPT to gain work experience and later secure long term jobs.

Another major change suggested is reducing the H 1B visa duration from six years to only two years. The proposal also recommends replacing the current lottery system with a salary based selection model where applicants with higher salary offers would get priority.

Supporters of the bill claim these reforms are necessary to protect American workers and reduce dependence on cheaper foreign labor. However, critics argue that such decisions could hurt the US technology industry, which heavily relies on skilled professionals from countries like India.

The bill is still in the early stages and has a long process ahead before becoming law. Still, the latest developments have already created fresh anxiety among Indian tech workers, students and families hoping to build a future in the United States.