A new House bill could fundamentally reshape the H-1B visa program and bar the staffing industry’s ability to sponsor foreign workers.
H.R. 8443, the End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026, was recently introduced by Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) and has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Among other things, the bill would
- temporarily suspend H-1B visa issuance for three years
- permanently overhaul the program by dramatically reducing visa caps, mandating stringent wage and fee requirements, and barring family dependents
- bar H-1B workers from working for more than one employer at a time and prohibit third-party staffing agencies from employing H-1B workers
- eliminate any pathways to permanent residency from within the U.S.
ASA, working with its federal lobbyist Jack Kingston from Squire Patton Boggs, is reaching out to Rep. Crane’s office to schedule a meeting to discuss the negative effects the ban would have on the U.S. economy. ASA also is scheduling meetings with members of the congressional judiciary committee to share its concerns.
While it is highly unlikely that this bill will be enacted this year, the language banning staffing firms from sponsoring H1-B visas is unacceptable and ASA will make that very clear to members of congress.
ASA will keep members updated on developments as they occur.
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