US H1B Visa Elimination Looms: Bill Introduced in Congress, Indian IT Professionals on Edge

Published on: 11 Feb 2026 at 09:07 AM

Published by: thefactnews

US H1B Visa Elimination Looms: Bill Introduced in Congress, Indian IT Professionals on Edge

Washington/New Delhi, February 11, 2026
A shocking development for Indians dreaming of US careers: Republican Representative Greg Steube introduced a bill in US House to completely eliminate the H1B visa program. Dubbed the ‘EXILE Act’, it threatens to devastate Indian professionals most.

What’s the ‘EXILE Act’ & Steube’s Argument?

Steube claims H1B harms American citizens by letting companies prefer foreign workers over locals. The bill targets zero H1B visas issued from 2027 onwards.

Why Indians Hit Hardest?

H1B – non-immigrant visa for tech/finance/engineering specialists:

70%+ holders are Indian
Primary US gateway for Indian IT firms & professionals
Passage would deliver massive blow to Indian IT industry

Visa Fees Already Skyrocketed

Trump administration hiked H1B fees from Sep 21, 2025:
$100,000 (~₹88 lakh) vs previous ₹55-67 lakh range

Legislative Path Ahead

Bill now goes to House committee for hearings/voting. If passed, moves to Senate, then Presidential signature to become law. Experts doubt passage given US tech sector’s talent needs despite past similar attempts.