Democrats' 'HIRE Act' to double H‑1B visas sparks GOP fury and calls for a hiring freeze

WASHINGTON, DC: A new legislative push by Democrats to double the number of H-1B visas has sparked immediate backlash from the conservative movement, setting up a fierce clash over the future of the American workforce.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi announced the reintroduction of the 'HIRE Act' on Wednesday, November 26. This bill would raise the annual cap on high-skilled foreign worker visas from 65,000 to 130,000. 

The proposal lands just as the Trump administration is ramping up 'Project Firewall', a crackdown designed to prioritize American hires over foreign labor.

Democrats push to increase foreign worker intake

Krishnamoorthi argued that the expansion is vital for maintaining US competitiveness in technology and innovation.

"To build the jobs and industries of tomorrow, America must stay at the forefront of innovation by strengthening our own workforce while continuing to welcome top talent," Krishnamoorthi said in a press release.

The bill, formally titled the 'High-Skilled Immigration Reform for Employment Act', would also remove the 20,000-visa cap for those with advanced US degrees and direct funding to domestic STEM education programs.

Supporters like the ITServe Alliance claim it will "strengthen the pathway" for employers to recruit global talent.

James Fishback blasts H-1Bs and demands hiring freeze

However, the proposal has been met with fury from the "America First" wing of the GOP, which reportedly views the H-1B program as a tool to displace American workers with cheaper foreign labor.

James Fishback, a conservative investor running for Florida governor, slammed the program as a "scam" that needs to be dismantled entirely.

"We don't want ANYONE lecturing us about Indian literacy rates or Chinese math mastery. Cut the crap now. We're Americans. We're talented," Fishback declared in a recent speech, advocating for a complete moratorium on new H-1B hires.

Fishback, a former adviser to the DOGE initiative, has pledged to fire "every single H-1B" worker in Florida's state agencies if elected, representing the growing populist sentiment that the Democrat bill ignores.

Trump administration prepares 'Project Firewall'

The legislative effort faces a steep uphill battle against the Trump White House.

The administration has already signaled its intent to restrict, not expand, the program through 'Project Firewall', an initiative aimed at auditing companies that prioritize visa holders over US citizens.

While the president has said that he wants "talented" people to enter the country, his base remains deeply skeptical of any measure that increases competition for American jobs, especially in the tech sector.