A Texas Republican Congresswoman has proposed legislation that would substantially increase penalties for employers who violate the H-1B visa program, warning current fines are insufficient to deter fraud.
Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas) introduced the bill on Thursday, following her praise for Sara Gonzales’ efforts to expose widespread abuse of the H-1B system in Texas. The legislation would raise civil penalties from up to $5,000 per violation to $100,000 and from $35,000 to $250,000 under specific circumstances.
“Right now, these fines are a ‘slap on the wrist,’” Van Duyne stated. “Employers save tens of thousands by bringing in foreign workers instead of hiring Americans, yet they face penalties that barely scratch the surface.”
The bill also bars fraudulent employers from sponsoring new visas for five years—ten years if they displaced American workers. Current penalties require a two-year ban and a three-year ban for affected workers.
Van Duyne noted she worked with federal agencies to develop the bill after sending a letter in April to the Trump administration requesting legislative solutions. She said the administration suggested this bill as one of the steps Congress should take.
“You guys have to pass that!” Gonzales told Van Duyne, urging swift action to make fraudsters reconsider their practices.
Van Duyne acknowledged Democratic opposition might stem from concerns that stricter immigration rules could affect electoral outcomes. However, she stressed that wage suppression and visa fraud are not partisan issues but must be addressed with the same urgency for all Americans.
The congresswoman also indicated additional bills related to H-1B program reform are in development.
