A new bill introduced in the U.S. Congress called the EXILE Act has drawn widespread attention for its proposal to phase out the H-1B visa program, a long-standing pathway for foreign workers in the United States. Proponents argue the legislation would reshape U.S. immigration and employment policy, while critics warn it could disrupt the technology sector and broader labor market.

What the EXILE Act Proposes
The EXILE Act — short for Ending eXcessive Immigration Levels and Employment visas — seeks to:

Terminate the H-1B visa program, which allows U.S. employers to sponsor highly skilled foreign workers, particularly in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields.
Replace existing employment-based visas with a new merit-based immigration system focused on other criteria such as education and English proficiency.
Redirect the emphasis of U.S. immigration policy from employer-sponsored temporary visas to a points-based framework akin to models used in Canada and Australia.
Supporters of the bill argue that ending H-1B visas would:

Reduce dependence on foreign labor in certain industries
Encourage companies to invest more in domestic workforce development
Prevent wage suppression allegedly linked to the H-1B program
The H-1B Visa: How It Works Today
The H-1B visa has been a staple of U.S. immigration policy since the Immigration Act of 1990. It allows U.S. companies to hire foreign professionals in specialty occupations for up to six years, with the possibility of extension and transition to permanent residency.

Each year, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) conducts a lottery system when applications exceed the statutory cap (currently 65,000, with an additional 20,000 for advanced degree holders). The program serves major technology firms, educational institutions, research organizations, and healthcare providers.

What Would Change
If the EXILE Act becomes law:

New H-1B petitions would eventually cease.
Current H-1B holders might be transitioned to other visa categories or face new eligibility criteria.
Employers would need to navigate an alternative immigration pathway to hire foreign talent.
The bill’s sponsors say the phase-out would occur over a defined period to allow businesses and workers time to adjust.

Support, Criticism and Debate
The proposal has ignited debate among lawmakers, industry groups, and immigration advocates:

Supporters claim the U.S. should prioritize American workers and modernize an immigration system they view as outdated and too reliant on employer demand. They argue a points-based system could better serve national economic goals.

Critics, including many technology companies and universities, argue that the H-1B program fills critical labor gaps and fuels innovation. They warn that abrupt elimination of H-1B visas could slow economic growth, make U.S. firms less competitive internationally, and reduce opportunities for global talent.

Next Steps in Congress
As of now, the EXILE Act remains a proposal subject to committee review, debate, and amendment. Its progress will depend on broader legislative priorities and political dynamics in the House and Senate.

Debate around the bill underscores larger questions in U.S. immigration policy: how to balance labor market needs, economic competitiveness, and national interests in a globalized economy.