Greg Steube Introduces EXILE Act to End H-1B Visa Programme

A fresh political battle over immigration and employment policy has erupted in Washington after US Representative Greg Steube introduced sweeping legislation designed to dismantle one of the country’s most influential work visa systems. The Republican lawmaker from Florida unveiled the EXILE Act H-1B Visa Bill, a proposal that would amend federal immigration law and ultimately phase out the H-1B visa programme entirely by 2027.

Steube’s move signals a renewed push among some conservative lawmakers to reshape how American companies hire foreign talent, while also igniting intense discussion among business leaders, economists, and immigrant communities who argue the programme plays a critical role in sustaining US innovation and healthcare services.

Greg Steube: What the EXILE Act H-1B Visa Bill Proposes

The legislation—formally titled the Ending Exploitative Imported Labour Exemptions (EXILE) Act—seeks to amend Section 214(g)(1)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. If enacted, the bill would gradually reduce the number of H-1B visas issued until they reach zero beginning in 2027, effectively eliminating the programme.

Announcing the proposal on social media, Steube argued that American workers have suffered from wage suppression and reduced job opportunities due to corporate reliance on foreign labour. In a press release accompanying the bill, his office stated that prioritising overseas workers over domestic employees undermines national economic interests and long-term workforce development.

Steube has represented Florida’s 17th congressional district since 2019 and has positioned himself as a vocal critic of immigration policies he believes disadvantage American citizens.

Political Context and Precedents

The EXILE Act H-1B Visa Bill follows earlier efforts by Republican lawmakers to dismantle or restrict the programme. Former US Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene previously proposed the “End H-1B Now Act,” which sought to eliminate most visas while allowing a limited temporary exemption for a small number of medical professionals.

Steube’s proposal, however, goes further by seeking a complete phase-out without long-term exemptions, marking one of the most aggressive legislative attempts to end the programme outright.

Greg Steube: Claims Behind the Legislation

Supporters of the bill point to examples they say illustrate how the H-1B system has been misused. Steube’s office highlighted several cases in which American workers allegedly lost jobs or opportunities due to foreign hiring practices.

Among the claims cited were allegations that the programme prevented thousands of US physicians from entering residency programmes while facilitating the arrival of foreign-born doctors. The press release also referenced corporate layoffs and industry shifts, including workforce reductions at major technology companies and controversial staffing decisions in the entertainment and energy sectors.

Critics, however, argue that such examples often lack broader economic context and fail to account for the complexities of global labour markets and specialized skill shortages.

Economic Debate Intensifies

The EXILE Act H-1B Visa Bill has sparked immediate reaction from the business community, particularly in technology and healthcare. Numerous economic reports have suggested that skilled immigrant workers play a vital role in maintaining America’s competitive edge in rapidly evolving sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and advanced engineering.

A recent analysis noted that US technology companies rely heavily on foreign professionals to fill highly specialized roles that remain difficult to staff domestically. Rural hospitals and underserved regions also depend on international medical professionals to maintain essential healthcare services.

Education leaders have also warned that certain school districts depend on foreign teachers to address persistent shortages in science, mathematics, and special education.

Supporters See Worker Protection

Backers of the legislation argue that eliminating the programme could push companies to invest more heavily in American talent pipelines, training programmes, and workforce development initiatives. They believe the current system allows corporations to reduce labour costs rather than cultivate domestic expertise.

Proponents also view the bill as part of a broader push to reshape immigration policy in favor of stricter labour protections and economic nationalism.

Opposition Warns of Economic Fallout

Opponents counter that ending the H-1B programme could trigger severe disruptions in industries already grappling with talent shortages. Tech companies warn that innovation could slow, startups may struggle to scale, and the US could lose its global leadership position in emerging technologies.

Healthcare experts caution that rural communities could face worsening physician shortages, potentially limiting access to care for vulnerable populations. Universities and research institutions have also raised concerns about potential declines in academic collaboration and scientific progress.