Bill · S. 2941· Senate(119-S-2941)
Visa Cap Enforcement Act
- Introduced
- 9/30/2025
- Last activity
- 9/30/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Tom Cotton
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Visa Cap Enforcement Act," aims to discontinue certain exceptions to the H-1B nonimmigrant visa numerical limit. It would require certain aliens to be recounted against the numerical limitation once they surpass three years in H-1B status. The legislation also strikes the existing paragraph regarding employment by colleges and research institutions. Additionally, it modifies the rules regarding changes of status and changes of employer for H-1B nonimmigrants.
Yes
No question was scored yes.
The opposite· 3 of 5
Would immigrants be better off under this?-5
The bill creates stricter counting requirements for the H-1B cap and removes exceptions for those in academia or research.
Would Asian Americans be better off under this?-4
Because H-1B visas are disproportionately used by Asian immigrants, the increased cap enforcement and removal of exceptions will likely have a negative impact on this demographic.
Does this make it easier to use public money at a school other than the local one?-4
The bill strikes the exception for employment by colleges and research institutions, which may negatively impact higher education staffing.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Numerical Limitation Accountability: Under Section 2, paragraph (a), an alien who surpasses 3 years in H-1B status would be recounted against the numerical limitation. This ensures that those staying longer are accounted for within the cap.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Impact on Research and Higher Education: Section 2, paragraph (b) strikes paragraph (5) of Section 214(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which relates to employment by colleges and research institutions.
-
Changes to Status Transitions: Section 2, paragraph (c) amends Section 214(l)(2)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act by striking the second sentence, which impacts how changes of status to H-1B nonimmigrants are handled.
-
Burden on Changing Employers: Section 2, paragraph (d) amends Section 214(n)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to state that if a new position is approved, it shall be counted against the numerical limitation.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Immigrants-5Good For Asian Americans-4Good For High Income Households-2
- Education And Technology
- Improves School Choice-4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Pathway To Citizenship-3
- 8/6/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/16/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/30/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in Senate
Bernie MorenoRepublican · Ohio
Tommy TubervilleRepublican · Alabama