Rep. Brandon Gill has renewed his push against the H-1B visa program, arguing that the United States should move toward ending a system he and other lawmakers say has been abused to replace American workers. Gill was an original cosponsor of the End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026, legislation introduced by Rep. Eli Crane that would pause new H-1B visa issuance for three years while imposing major restrictions if the program eventually resumed.
Brandon Gill Joins Push to Shut Down H-1B Program
Brandon Gill has become one of the congressional voices calling for much tougher action against H-1B visas. The Texas Republican joined other lawmakers behind the 2026 legislation, which proposes a three-year pause on H-1B issuance, a lower annual cap, wage-based selection instead of the existing lottery and requirements designed to ensure employers cannot simply turn to foreign workers when qualified Americans are available.
For Brandon Gill, the argument is essentially straightforward: if the American worker is standing outside the employment door, Washington should think twice before handing someone else the key. The proposal, however, goes considerably further than merely adjusting the visa system. It would temporarily stop new H-1B issuance before attempting to rebuild the program under substantially different rules.
Brandon Gill’s Position Meets a Changing H-1B Landscape
The timing gives Brandon Gill an even bigger political stage. President Donald J. Trump has already imposed significant restrictions on H-1B visas. On September 18, 2026, Trump extended a restriction requiring a $100,000 payment for certain new H-1B workers entering the United States, with specified exceptions, through September 2027.
The Trump administration has also issued an executive order calling for greater scrutiny of H-1B applications and arguing that parts of the program have been used to undercut American workers’ wages and employment opportunities. Meanwhile, the administration has proposed eliminating the 60-day grace period for certain H-1B holders who lose their jobs, a proposal that has drawn criticism from people concerned about its effects on foreign professionals, families and businesses.
So while Brandon Gill is calling for an end to the H-1B system, the broader Washington debate is already moving toward tighter restrictions and greater scrutiny. Supporters of the program argue that American companies rely on skilled foreign professionals to address talent shortages, while critics argue that employers can use the system to reduce labour costs or displace American workers. The congressional proposal therefore represents a much more sweeping intervention than simply raising visa fees or tightening enforcement.
For now, Brandon Gill remains a cosponsor of legislation seeking a fundamental pause and restructuring of H-1B visas, rather than a lawmaker who has independently abolished the program. With the Trump administration simultaneously tightening the system, the next battle may determine whether Washington merely restricts H-1B visas further or begins debating whether the program should disappear altogether. OGM News will continue watching the developing immigration fight for further updates.
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