H-1B Visa Limit Could Rise to 130,000 in Proposed Legislation
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has reintroduced the High-Skilled Immigration Reform for Employment (HIRE) Act, proposing to double the annual cap on H-1B visas from 65,000 to 130,000 while increasing federal support for STEM education.
The HIRE Act aims to address both the demand for specialised foreign talent and the development of a skilled domestic workforce. By expanding H-1B access, the bill seeks to help US technology firms, particularly small and mid-sized companies, recruit the expertise they need to grow.
At the same time, it allocates new federal funding to science, technology, engineering and mathematics programmes in American schools, targeting the skills gap that continues to limit economic growth. The reintroduction of the legislation comes amid changes to the H-1B programme.
President Donald Trump, who has previously expressed scepticism towards immigration, recently acknowledged the necessity of foreign labour for specialised roles. However, his administration has increased the cost for employers, raising the H-1B petition fee to $100,000. Policymakers are also considering a wage-based allocation system, prioritising applicants with higher salaries to better reflect market demand.
Industry groups have voiced support for the HIRE Act. ITServe Alliance, the largest association of US IT service organisations, described the legislation as a practical step to modernise immigration policy. Raghu Chittimalla, Governing Board Chair, highlighted the role of small and mid-sized IT firms in job creation and technological development.
National President Anju Vallabhaneni added that the bill would help employers retain global talent while protecting opportunities for American workers. Krishnamoorthi emphasised the dual approach of the legislation.
“The HIRE Act advances both goals by boosting STEM education in our elementary and secondary schools and by expanding the annual supply of H-1B visas,” he said.
