Democratic Lawmaker Introduces Bill to Reverse Trump-Era H-1B Restrictions
WASHINGTON — A Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives has introduced legislation aimed at reversing a proclamation by President Donald Trump that imposed stricter wage requirements and significant fees on employers hiring workers under the H-1B visa program.
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman introduced the measure, called the Welcoming International Success Act, to overturn the September 2025 proclamation that mandated higher wage thresholds and imposed a $100,000 fee on employers sponsoring H-1B visa workers.
“Trump’s shortsighted proclamation has created significant barriers for US employers, universities, hospitals, and research institutions that rely on highly-skilled professionals,” Watson Coleman said.
“The H-1B program does not replace the domestic workforce; it serves as a bridge between US talent and global talent that fuels US economic growth,” she added.
The H-1B visa program allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in specialized fields where skilled workers are in short supply. Industries that frequently rely on the program include technology, engineering, healthcare and education.
Supporters of the proposed legislation argue that stricter wage thresholds and high employer fees have made it more difficult for institutions to recruit the talent needed to sustain innovation and maintain essential services.
Watson Coleman said the restrictions are particularly concerning as the United States faces growing workforce pressures in healthcare.
“A combination of an aging workforce, COVID-related burnout, restrictions on H-1B visas, and the Trump Administration’s recent limitations placed on federal student loans for nursing degrees has created a perfect storm for a nursing shortage in the coming years,” she said.
“The Welcoming International Success Act would ease this burden as demand for qualified healthcare professionals increases.”
The bill has drawn support from several Democratic lawmakers in the House. Co-sponsors include Reps. Yvette D. Clarke of New York, Lois Frankel of Florida, Seth Moulton of Massachusetts and Henry C. “Hank” Johnson of Georgia.
The H-1B program has long been a central component of the U.S. immigration system for highly skilled workers. Technology companies, research institutions, universities and hospitals frequently rely on the program to fill specialized roles that require advanced expertise.
Indian professionals represent the largest share of H-1B visa holders, particularly in the technology sector, making the program closely watched in India and among the Indian American community in the United States. (Source: IANS)
