Proposed Changes to High-Skilled Immigration Rules in the United States
Introduction
The United States government is introducing several restrictive measures for the H-1B visa program and other work-based immigration categories to change how the country hires foreign professionals.
Main Body
The Department of Labor (DOL) has proposed a new plan to increase the minimum salary requirements for H-1B, H-1B1, E-3, and PERM certifications. These salary increases, which range from 20.79% to 33.39% across four experience levels, aim to fix wage floors that have not changed for twenty years. For example, entry-level salaries would rise from $73,279 to $97,746, while the highest level would increase from $144,202 to $175,464. The administration emphasized that these steps are necessary to protect American workers from having their wages pushed down. In addition to these financial changes, the government has created new administrative obstacles. A presidential order from September 2025 introduced a $100,000 fee for new H-1B applications filed from outside the U.S., which has reportedly reduced demand from employers. Furthermore, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) wants to replace the flexible 'duration of status' system with fixed time limits, which could make it harder for international students to stay. Proposed limits on Optional Practical Training (OPT) also restrict the time graduates can work after their studies. Different groups have reacted to these changes in different ways. Legal experts and industry analysts suggest that the combination of higher costs and slower processing times may prevent smaller companies from hiring foreign talent. On the other hand, some supporters argue that the high quality of education in India gives foreign professionals a competitive edge that helps the U.S. economy. They contend that the loss of domestic jobs is caused by corporate decisions rather than the use of visas.
Conclusion
The U.S. government is currently reviewing public feedback on these proposed wage increases, and the final rules are expected to be implemented by late 2026 or early 2027.
Learning
The 'Academic Glue' Strategy
To move from A2 to B2, you must stop using simple sentences like "The government changed the rules. People are unhappy." Instead, you need Logical Connectors (the 'glue') to show how ideas relate.
⚡ The 'Contrast' Shift
In the text, we see a sophisticated way to show two opposing ideas:
*"On the other hand, some supporters argue..."
Why this is B2: A2 students use 'But'. B2 students use phrases that signal a shift in perspective.
Try this logic:
- Simple (A2): It is expensive, but it is good.
- Advanced (B2): The cost is quite high; on the other hand, the quality is exceptional.
🛠️ Refining Your Precision: 'Increase' vs. 'Rise'
Notice how the author switches between these two words. This is a common B2 trap!
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Increase (Action/Control): "...plan to increase the minimum salary requirements."
- Rule: Something (the government) is making the number go up. It takes an object.
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Rise (Natural Movement): "...entry-level salaries would rise from 97,746."
- Rule: The subject (the salary) is moving upward on its own. It does not take an object.
🧩 The 'Complex Cause' Pattern
Look at the phrase: "...prevent smaller companies from hiring foreign talent."
Structure: Prevent + Someone + From + Doing something
This is a high-value B2 structure. It is much more professional than saying "Smaller companies cannot hire because..."
Quick Formula for your writing:
[The obstacle] prevents [the person] from [verb+ing]
Example: "The heavy rain prevents me from walking to the park."