Bill · H.R. 8335· House(119-HR-8335)
PROTECT Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 4/16/2026
- Last activity
- 4/16/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Mike Kennedy
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "PROTECT Act of 2026," aims to reform the H-1B nonimmigrant visa program. It introduces new wage requirements, stating that employers must pay H-1B workers at least as much as U.S. citizens in similar roles or a minimum of $100,000 adjusted for inflation. The bill also places limitations on visas for work performed at third-party worksites and requires petitions to be prioritized based on higher compensation levels. Additionally, it creates an exemption from certain filing fees for specific health care personnel. These changes are designed to reform the existing Immigration and Nationality Act.
Yes
Does this raise the lowest wage an employer may pay?+6
The bill establishes a $100,000 annual wage floor for H-1B workers, adjusted for inflation.
Would high-income households be better off under this?+4
The prioritization of higher-compensated petitions favors high-earning applicants and their employers.
Does this make health care easier to get in general?+3
The bill eases the petition process for certain vital healthcare professionals like physicians and nurses.
The opposite
Would immigrants be better off under this?-3
The bill imposes new wage floors and stricter limitations on third-party employment for H-1B visa holders.
Does this make it easier for immigrants already here to become citizens?-2
The bill imposes stricter limitations on third-party worksite assignments, which may restrict visa duration and flexibility.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Wage Protections: Employers must offer an annual wage that is at least the greatest of $100,000 (adjusted for inflation) or the wage paid to a U.S. citizen in a similar role (Section 2). This ensures H-1B workers are compensated at competitive levels.
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Prioritization of High Earners: The Secretary is directed to prioritize petition approvals for those offering higher levels of compensation (Section 2).
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Health Care Fee Exemptions: Certain health care workers, such as physicians, registered nurses, and pharmacists, may be exempt from fees or surcharges associated with new H-1B petitions (Section 3).
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Recruitment Requirements for Health Care: To qualify for the exemption, employers must show they made a good faith effort to hire a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident first (Section 3).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Worksite Limitations: H-1B visas for work performed at a third-party worksite may be limited to a period not exceeding 1 year (Section 2).
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Strict Third-Party Conditions: No H-1B visa may be issued for third-party work unless the assignment is clearly defined, not speculative, and expected to last the full duration of the requested employment (Section 2).
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Increased Costs and Competition: The new wage floor of $100,000, adjusted annually for inflation, and the compensation-based prioritization of petitions could change how employers utilize the program (Section 2).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Minimum Wage+6
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Pathway To Citizenship-2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For High Income Households+4Good For Immigrants-3
- 4/16/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in House