Two leading U.S. senators—Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Dick Durbin (D-Illinois)—have once again put forward a bipartisan bill aimed at reforming the H-1B and L-1 visa programs. The proposed legislation seeks to address perceived abuses of these programs by large employers.
Among its key measures, the bill would raise wage requirements, enhance hiring standards, mandate public job postings for visa-eligible roles, and narrow the criteria by which individuals qualify for these visas. The move comes in the wake of a controversial new $100,000 fee imposed by the Trump administration on new H-1B visa applications, which has amplified calls for tighter oversight.
The H-1B visa is a popular mechanism for U.S. tech companies to recruit specialized talent from abroad, while the L-1 visa allows firms with international operations to transfer employees into the United States. The senators also reached out to major technology firms—including Amazon, Google, and Meta—seeking explanations for their visa usage, especially during periods when they carried out layoffs.
This legislation, originally put forth in 2007, has been revived with new vigor. Alongside Grassley and Durbin, co-sponsors include senators like Tommy Tuberville, Richard Blumenthal, and Bernie Sanders. Proponents argue the reforms will help protect U.S. workers while preserving access to global talent.
