Summary
A new proposal called the American Tech Workforce Act aims to change the H-1B visa system, raising the minimum wage for visa holders and altering how companies can hire foreign workers. The proposal suggests raising wages from $60,000 to $150,000, eliminating a program for foreign graduates, and using a bidding system to award visas. The proposal is now being reviewed by a Senate committee and faces debate.
Key Facts
- A new proposal called the American Tech Workforce Act suggests changes to the H-1B visa system.
- The proposal raises the minimum salary requirement for H-1B visa holders from $60,000 to $150,000.
- It aims to eliminate the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows foreign graduates to work in the U.S. for up to three years.
- The proposal would replace the current lottery system with a bidding process for visa awards.
- The bill is designed to prevent companies from hiring foreign workers to save on wage costs.
- Senator Jim Banks introduced the proposal and argues it will protect American workers.
- The proposal is currently under review in a Senate committee and is expected to face opposition.
- Its future is uncertain as previous attempts to change the H-1B program have stalled in Congress.
