H.R. 9157, H-1B Visa Restriction & Worker Protection. Quorum's AI analysis reads it as a trade-off: gains for some, costs for others.
H.R. 9157 · Mixed
What it does
This bill substantially restricts the H-1B visa program for foreign white-collar workers by imposing strict wage floors (75th percentile or actual wages, whichever is higher), requiring employers to prove no qualified U.S. workers are available, banning displacement of American workers, capping nonimmigrants at 5% of a company's workforce, and giving the Department of Labor broad enforcement powers with penalties up to $100,000 per violation and 10-year employment bans. It also gives U.S. workers a private right to sue employers for displacement.
The analysis names U.S. domestic workers in white-collar occupations — and 2 more groups — among the beneficiaries.
The trade-off
The 5% nonimmigrant cap per employer may force large tech/consulting firms to restructure hiring or relocate operations, with uncertain effects on U.S. employment.
The analysis put a high warning level on this bill. Transparency scores 35%; no detached riders.
Who is behind it
Filed by Chip Roy. Cosponsored by Eli Crane.