Immigration News Briefs

Proposed H-1B Restrictions Spark Concern Among South Asian Professionals and Students

For many immigrants seeking a Green Card through employment in the US, the most popular route has been to obtain an F-1 to study in the United States, followed by a period of Optional Practical Training (OPT), a transition to an H1B to work for a US employer, and then sponsorship for a labor certification, eventually leading to the Green Card filing. Indian nationals, in particular, have had a long wait on the H1 due to per-country backlogs. Today, Indians form the largest share of both student visa holders and H-1B recipients.

This administration has already imposed a $100,000 fee on the entry of new H-1B visa holders, affecting the ability of many employers to obtain qualified overseas workers. Now, a new legislative proposal in Congress has intensified anxiety among those who traditionally follow the employment-based immigration path. The proposed “End H-1B Visa Abuse Act 2026” seeks major changes to the H-1B system, including reducing annual visa caps, raising salary thresholds, and limiting pathways from student visas to employment-based immigration.

One of the most controversial provisions would practically end the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows international students to gain work experience after graduation. For many Indian students, OPT serves as the bridge between U.S. education and long-term employment opportunities. Immigration advocates warn that limiting OPT could discourage international students from choosing American universities.

The bill introduces a 3-year suspension on all new H-1B visas, freezing the system to implement these changes. Following the pause, the annual H-1B cap would be slashed from 65,000 to 25,000, and a minimum salary threshold of $200,000 would be enforced.

At the same time, debate around H-1B visas has become increasingly politicized. Critics claim foreign workers displace American employees, while industry leaders argue that highly skilled immigrants remain essential to the U.S. technology and healthcare sectors. Recent data cited in public discussions shows H-1B holders represent less than 0.5% of the U.S. workforce, despite outsized political attention.

As of May 2026, this is a proposed bill and not yet law. It faces significant opposition from tech industry groups. We urge Khabar readers to call your local Congressperson and speak out against the passing of this harsh bill. Already, there are many reports of talented professionals taking their skills to Europe, leaving vacuums in the academic, technological, and professional fields in the US.

Changes to F1 Duration of Stay Likely Coming

In August 2025, the Department of Homeland Security proposed a rule replacing the current “duration of status” policy for international students with fixed admission periods. That rule, now expected to be finalized soon, would require government approval for extensions beyond a limited time, making it harder for students in programs longer than four years. Applicants may reconsider the risk of attending a U.S. university: if they do not finish their program within the set period, they could be forced to leave before earning a degree.

Proposed Department of Labor Changes To Wages of H1 and PERM Programs

On March 27, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) proposed a rule to significantly increase prevailing wages for H-1B, H-1B1, E-3, and PERM programs. The rule aims to raise minimum salary requirements to curb alleged visa abuse. Required minimum salaries could rise by 21% to 33%, depending on experience level, with entry-level roles facing the highest increases. A 60-day public comment period ended on May 26, 2026, with finalization potentially occurring in late 2026 or early 2027. Immigration advocates believe that wage requirements could increase by an average of $14,000 per employee per year. The rule is expected to apply only to new filings and pending prevailing wage requests, not to already approved cases. This could significantly affect the ability of smaller businesses in the United States to obtain qualified workers for unfilled positions, as they would be required to now show the ability to pay higher wages than ever before, in a time of economic downturn.

Looking Ahead

While immigration policy remains uncertain, Subhani & Subhani LLC advises South Asian immigrants to stay informed, seek qualified legal guidance when necessary, and prepare for evolving documentation requirements. The coming months could bring additional policy proposals, court challenges, and administrative changes affecting employment-based immigration.

For now, the key message is clear: preparation, flexibility, and community support remain critical as immigration rules continue to evolve in 2026.

APPLICATION FINAL ACTION DATES—JUNE 2026

DATES FOR FILING VISA APPLICATIONS—JUNE 2026

Visa Bulletin for June 2026 is available on our website. Please go to http://www.khabar.com/magazine/ immigration/