US Senators Propose Major H-1B and L-1 Visa Reforms

US Senators Chuck Grassley, a Republican, and Dick Durbin, a Democrat, have introduced a bipartisan bill to reform the H-1B and L-1 visa programs. This legislation comes after concerns over American companies, such as Amazon, Google and Meta relying heavily on foreign workers while laying off US employees. The proposed “H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act” aims to make the visa system fairer and give priority to US-educated workers.

One of the key changes in the bill is replacing the H-1B lottery with a merit-based system. Under this plan, applicants with advanced STEM degrees from US universities, especially master’s and Ph.D. holders, will get top priority. Other US graduates and applicants offering higher salaries will also receive preferential treatment. This change is designed to favor skilled talent trained in the US over international applicants.

The bill also introduces stricter rules for employers. Companies must post all H-1B job openings publicly for at least 30 days and ensure that hiring foreign workers does not negatively affect US workers’ wages or working conditions. Employers with a high number of H-1B or L-1 employees may face limits on hiring additional foreign staff.

For L-1 visas, which are used to transfer managers or specialists within multinational companies, the bill seeks to close loopholes that allow misuse. Companies will need to provide proof that new US offices have the financial and managerial capacity to support transferred employees. The bill also strengthens penalties for violations and increases oversight by the Department of Labor and Department of Homeland Security.

Additionally, the legislation provides whistle-blower protections for visa holders. This ensures that employees can report underpayment or other violations without fear of losing their visa status. Experts say this protection is crucial for young professionals working in the US on H-1B or L-1 visas.

Senators Grassley and Durbin emphasized that the reforms aim to restore fairness in the system. They want to prevent American jobs from being replaced by cheaper foreign labor while still allowing companies to hire top talent when necessary.