New York/Washington: A US lawmaker has introduced a bill seeking to end the H-1B visa programme, alleging that the system has been repeatedly abused by corporations to replace American workers with cheaper foreign labour.

Republican Congressman Greg Steube of Florida introduced the 'Ending Exploitative Imported Labour Exemptions (EXILE) Act', which proposes amendments to the Immigration and Nationality Act to terminate the H-1B visa programme. In a statement, Steube said prioritising foreign labour undermines the wellbeing and economic security of American citizens.

He alleged that the H-1B programme has displaced US workers, including young professionals, while benefiting corporations and foreign competitors. “We cannot preserve the American dream while forfeiting jobs to non-citizens,” Steube said.

H-1B visas are widely used by Indian professionals to live and work in the US. The Trump administration has intensified scrutiny of both legal and illegal immigration, introducing stricter measures affecting work visas. Last year, it imposed a USD 100,000 fee on new H-1B visas, triggering concern among foreign professionals.

According to the statement, over 80 per cent of H-1B recipients are Indian or Chinese nationals. It cited several instances where companies allegedly replaced American workers with H-1B holders.

Meanwhile, the US State Department has enhanced screening of H-1B and H-4 visa applicants, including social media checks, leading to delays in visa interviews and travel disruptions for many applicants, including Indians.