U.S. Representative Greg Steube on Monday introduced the Ending Exploitative Imported Labor Exemptions Act, known as the EXILE Act, a bill that seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act by ending the H-1B visa program.
Steube, a Republican lawmaker from Florida, has represented the state’s 17th congressional district since 2019. His district is centered in Sarasota. He wrote on X, “Today I’m filing legislation to end the H-1B visa program.”
“American workers have been ripped off by the corrupt H-1B visa program for far too long. Corporations have repeatedly abused this system to help their bottom line by importing cheaper foreign labor which has suppressed wages and left millions of Americans locked out of good-paying jobs,” the congressman added.
Reflecting on his stand, Steube declared, “I am introducing the EXILE Act to put Americans first and restore fairness to our immigration and labor laws.”
As per the press release, the Act aims to address concerns that “Prioritizing foreign labor over the well-being and prosperity of American citizens undermines our values and national interests,” said Rep. Steube.
If passed, the legislation would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to shut down the H-1B visa program, a system that allows U.S. companies to employ foreign professionals in specialized roles.
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Steube’s office said the EXILE Act specifically targets Section 214(g)(1)(A) of the law, with the aim of ending the H-1B program altogether. The proposal also cites government data showing that more than 80 percent of H-1B visas are issued to Indian and Chinese nationals, with employers often favoring younger workers under the current framework.
“Our workers and young people continue to be displaced and disenfranchised by the H-1B visa program that awards corporations and foreign competitors at the expense of our workforce. We cannot preserve the American dream for our children while forfeiting their share to non-citizens. That is why I am introducing the EXILE Act to put working Americans first again,” the press release further reads.
The EXILE Act argues that the H-1B visa program has repeatedly worked against American workers, pointing to several examples. It claims the program has limited access to medical residency slots for thousands of U.S.-trained physicians while enabling foreign-born doctors to enter the system. As cited, it “prevented more than 10,000 U.S. physicians from accessing residency programs by facilitating the arrival of more than 5,000 foreign-born doctors.”
Another example cited involves Microsoft, where it states that “More than 16,000 Microsoft employees were displaced following the approval of more than 9,000 H-1B visas in 2025.” It also refers to FedEx, claiming “FedEx’s utilization of the H-1B resulted in the shuttering of more than 100 facilities across the United States.”
Pointing to the entertainment industry, the release states, “Disney laid off 250 employees in 2015, only to replace them with foreign workers brought in via the H-1B visa.” It also highlights the energy sector, noting that “in 2014, Southern California Edison fired 540 workers. Their replacements were brought in from two Indian outsourcing firms that utilized the H-1B visa program.”
According to the bill’s legislative language, the EXILE Act would reduce the number of H-1B visas to zero starting in fiscal year 2027, with the same cap applied in every year thereafter. This provision would effectively bring the program to a complete end rather than phasing it out over time.
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What is H1-B visa?
The H-1B visa is a U.S. work visa that allows American companies to hire foreign professionals for jobs requiring specialized skills. Its primary purpose is to help U.S. businesses fill skill gaps and remain competitive, particularly in fast-moving industries such as technology. To qualify, workers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, and employers must sponsor them. The visa is generally granted for three years and can be extended up to six years.
In simple terms, the H-1B program was designed to bring in talent when the U.S. workforce falls short. Over time, however, it has become increasingly controversial, with critics arguing it can be used to cut costs or replace American workers, while supporters maintain that it fuels innovation and economic growth.
Social media has also seen a surge in opposition to the H-1B visa program, with pro-MAGA voices growing increasingly vocal online.