American Tech Workforce Act of 2025

Key Points

• The bill would completely end the Optional Practical Training program, which currently lets international students work in the U.S. for up to 3 years after graduating in STEM fields.
• It sets a new minimum salary of $150,000 per year for H-1B visa workers, or the wage previously paid to a U.S. worker in the same job if that is higher, adjusted yearly for inflation.
• Instead of the current random lottery, H-1B visas would be awarded by prioritizing the highest-paying job offers first.
• H-1B workers placed at a client company's site rather than their sponsoring employer's own office would only get a 1-year visa, and the assignment must be specific and long-term, not speculative.
• The bill blocks federal agencies from creating any new work authorization programs for immigrants unless Congress specifically passes a law allowing it.