May 01, 2026 15:17 pm IST

Opinion | 35 US Lawmakers Just Moved A Bill That Could Upend Indian Techies' Careers

For years, Indian students going to America have followed a set path: F-1 student visa, then OPT, and later an H-1B visa. That may soon be off the table, thanks to a group of American lawmakers.

Brig (Retd) Anil Raman Brig (Retd) Anil Raman Columnist

Brig (Retd) Anil Raman Columnist

For thousands of Indian students and families in Bengaluru and Gurugram who have pledged assets for master's degrees in America, the US political climate in 2026 is crucial. Most follow a path: first the F-1 student visa, then Optional Practical Training (OPT), and later an H-1B work visa, aiming for a green card and citizenship. This process has let generations of Indians study, work, and settle in the US. Yet, this article argues that a US-based group wants to break this F-1-to-H-1B-to-green-card path. That would create a new reality for Indian talent. While the media focuses on H-1B quota cuts, about 35 members of the House Freedom Caucus are more influential. 

The 'End H-1B Visa Abuse Act'

This coalition is led by Representative Paul Gosar of Arizona and Eli Crane, and they just wrote the End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026. The bill suggests major changes: a three-year pause on new H-1B visas and a sharp cut in the annual cap from 65,000 (plus 20,000 for advanced degrees) to just 25,000. It replaces the lottery with a wage-based allocation, sets a minimum salary of $200,000, and bans third-party staffing or 'body shops' (a model where agencies supply IT or specialised professionals to companies, usually on a temporary basis). It also forbids H-4 dependent employment and prevents H-1B holders from moving to green cards, making the visa strictly temporary. Importantly, the bill would also end Optional Practical Training (OPT) entirely, including the STEM OPT extension. This marks a significant turning point for Indian students' pathways to the US workforce.

What Is The 'Freedom Caucus'?

The Freedom Caucus is an invitation-only group of about 40 to 45........

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