A Republican-led proposal in Congress aims to eliminate the H-1B visa program and end the diversity visa lottery. The measure, introduced as part of a broader immigration overhaul, reflects ongoing divisions over the role of foreign labor in the United States.
The legislation, known as the Assimilation Act, was introduced by Representative Andy Ogles of Tennessee. It outlines a restructuring of legal immigration pathways, placing emphasis on economic and security priorities as defined by Congress.
The proposal arrives amid heightened debate over immigration policy, with some lawmakers arguing that existing systems disadvantage American workers, while others maintain they address critical labor shortages. According to Newsweek, the bill would significantly alter both employment-based and family-based immigration frameworks if enacted.
Push to Eliminate H-1B Visas and Diversity Lottery
At the center of the proposal is the elimination of the H-1B visa program, which currently allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialized fields. The program is capped at 65,000 visas annually, with an additional 20,000 allocated to applicants holding advanced degrees from U.S. institutions. According to the same source, the legislation would fully terminate this pathway.
The bill also seeks to end the diversity visa lottery, which distributes tens of thousands of visas each year to applicants from countries with historically low immigration rates to the United States. Lawmakers backing the proposal argue that immigration policy should prioritize measurable national interests rather than randomized selection.
Representative Ogles stated that the legislation would represent a major overhaul of the system, framing it as a shift toward stricter controls and a more selective approach. Other Republican lawmakers have echoed similar concerns. Representative Greg Steube previously introduced related legislation, citing claims that foreign labor programs may displace American workers.
Recent policy changes have already begun reshaping the H-1B system. The Trump administration implemented a wage-based selection process in February, replacing the previous lottery model. A one-time $100,000 fee was also introduced for certain petitions, with the stated aim of discouraging misuse and encouraging domestic hiring.
Divisions Emerge over Economic Impact and Workforce Needs
The proposal has highlighted sharp divisions in Congress, particularly regarding the economic implications of restricting foreign worker programs. Supporters of the changes argue that limiting H-1B visas could protect wages and employment opportunities for U.S. citizens. Critics, on the other hand, warn that such measures may disrupt industries that rely on specialized international talent.
Healthcare has become a focal point in this debate. A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced separate legislation to exempt medical professionals from the $100,000 H-1B fee. According to statements reported by Newsweek, Representative Sanford Bishop Jr. argued that the fee could hinder hospitals, especially in rural areas, from recruiting qualified staff.
Representative Maria Elvira Salazar also emphasized concerns about workforce shortages, noting that access to healthcare depends on the availability of trained professionals. These concerns reflect broader tensions between restricting immigration and maintaining essential services.
The Assimilation Act also proposes stricter vetting procedures, expanded background checks, and new standards for evaluating applicants’ “good moral character,” including reviews of social media activity. It further aims to limit family-based immigration, often referred to as “chain migration,” in favor of a merit-based system.
The bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives and would require approval from both chambers of Congress, along with the president’s signature, before becoming law.
