U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) has brought back the High Skilled Immigration Reform for Employment (HIRE) Act, a bill that would permanently double the number of new H-1B visas issued each year from 65.000 to 130.000.
The legislation, first introduced in previous sessions, aims to help American companies fill critical talent gaps in technology, engineering, healthcare, and scientific research, while at the same time investing more federal dollars into STEM education for American students.
Why H-1B Visas Debate Is Heating Up Again
The timing of the HIRE Act’s reintroduction is notable. The Trump administration has already implemented some of the strictest H-1B visas policies in decades, including higher wages, intensified site visits under “Project Firewall,” and dramatically increased filing fees that now reach six figures for some employers.
Recent data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) shows the approval trend has shifted heavily toward large U.S.-based tech companies rather than Indian IT outsourcing firms, and the majority of H-1B visas now go to employers hiring fewer than 15 foreign workers per year.
Yet severe labor shortages persist in many specialized fields. According to the National Foundation for American Policy, approximately 70% of full-time graduate students in key STEM disciplines at U.S. universities are international students who later rely on H-1B visas to stay and work in the country.
What the HIRE Act Would Actually Change
If passed, the bill would:
- Raise the annual H-1B visas cap to 130,000 (including the 20,000 advanced-degree exemption)
- Direct additional federal funding to STEM education in U.S. K-12 schools to grow the domestic talent pipeline
- Maintain the existing per-country limits while giving employers greater flexibility to hire the world’s best talent.
America must stay at the forefront of innovation by strengthening our own workforce while continuing to welcome top talent from around the globe, Rep. Krishnamoorthi said in a statement. By expanding H-1B visas and investing in American students, we create good-paying jobs and secure our leadership in AI, semiconductors, biotechnology, and other critical technologies.
Strong Industry Support Meets Political Headwinds
The bill has quickly earned endorsements from major technology and business organizations.
Raghu Chittimalla, Governing Board Chair of ITServe Alliance, the largest association of IT services companies in the United States, called the HIRE Act an important step toward modernizing our high-skilled immigration system so talented professionals can keep driving America’s innovation economy.
Anju Vallabhaneni, National President of ITServe Alliance, added that increasing available H-1B visas would promote “fairness, transparency, and real workforce development” for the entire technology sector.
However critics argue the program still displaces American workers in certain cases and needs tighter enforcement rather than expansion. Some conservative policy experts have called for ending what they describe as the student-to-H-1B-to-green-card pipeline entirely.
What Happens Next for H-1B Visas in 2025 – 2026
The HIRE Act has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee. Its chances of becoming law remain uncertain in a divided Congress where immigration remains one of the most polarizing issues.
Meanwhile, USCIS continues to process H-1B visas under the current 85,000 cap (65,000 regular + 20,000 advanced degree). The FY2026 H-1B registration period is expected to open in March 2025 — employers should monitor official USCIS announcements here: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-1b-specialty-occupations
Whether Congress doubles the H-1B visa cap or the Trump administration imposes even stricter rules, one thing is clear: America’s ability to attract and retain the world’s best talent will continue shaping our economic and technological future for years to come.
READ MORE: Mediocre Engineers Coming to US on H1B Visa: VC Says its Time To Save Jobs for Americans
