The United States stands on the cusp of an economic windfall from H-1B visa reforms, with projections of over $20 billion in gains spanning 2026 to 2035, as detailed in a Government Accountability Office review. Yet, questions about adherence to legal timelines threaten to derail the momentum.
DHS’s innovative weighted selection mechanism prioritizes highly skilled, high-wage foreign workers, set to cost $303 million upfront. In return, the public anticipates $19.78 billion net and $34.34 billion in total transfers over the decade.
Trouble brews over the February 27, 2026, launch. GAO notes it falls short of the Congressional Review Act’s 60-day requirement post-submission or Federal Register publication. The rule dropped on December 29, 2025, hitting Congress and the Register simultaneously, with the Senate receiving it January 5.
This report landed with Senate and House Judiciary leaders this week, amplifying calls for vigilance on immigration rules and DHS accountability.
Recognizing small business vulnerabilities, DHS prepared targeted analyses. The department stresses continuity in hiring practices across pay scales, fulfilling Congress’s vision without invoking fresh mandates.
As the cornerstone for skilled immigration—particularly for Indians in tech, engineering, and healthcare—these changes ripple far. Professionals and firms alike are dissecting the balance of innovation, compliance, and opportunity in America’s talent pipeline.