Indian-American Lawmaker Seeks to Double H-1B Visa Quotas

The HIRE Act, recently reintroduced by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, proposes to double the current H‑1B visa cap from 65,000 to 130,000 annually, plus 20,000 for advanced-degree holders. The bill responds to the growing demand for skilled workers in sectors such as technology, defense, and research. It also includes investments in STEM education across U.S. schools.

Industry groups like ITServe Alliance support the bill, arguing that the existing cap is outdated and cannot meet current job market needs in areas like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and engineering. Approximately 45,000–50,000 additional H-1B visas could become available each year under the plan.

However, the bill faces challenges. Critics argue the H‑1B program harms local employment, may suppress U.S. wages, and poses a risk of fraud — concerns made worse by recent reports of misuse, particularly in Indian consulates. Furthermore, bipartisan support is required in Congress for immigration reforms, which remains a significant hurdle due to divided political views.

If passed, the expansion could benefit Indian professionals, who constitute a large share of H-1B recipients. More slots would improve chances in the H‑1B lottery and reduce wait times for those already in the U.S. on student visas. Still, there is no guarantee the extra visas would go exclusively to Indian applicants, as demand is global.

Meanwhile, political tensions continue. Former President Donald Trump’s remarks about the need for foreign skilled labor caused ripples within the ‘America First’ camp, sparking political fallout and internal debates over U.S. labor policy and immigration priorities.

H1B visa, HIRE Act, skilled immigration, US tech jobs, STEM education