H-1B wage hike proposed to restrict US employers from hiring foreign workers

The US is taking steps to ensure American employers hire local workers rather than foreign talent. A new study by the National Foundation for American Policy shows that mandating minimum wages for H-1B visa holders could threaten the ability of US employers to hire foreign-born scientists and engineers. This H-1 B wage restriction could be debated in Congressional Immigration Legislation.

The proposal requires US employers to pay far higher than the market wage for H-1B professionals, including by mandating a standard called the “median local wage”. The proposed changes could potentially hinder employers’ ability to employ highly skilled foreign nationals and potentially deter many international students.