Congressman Mike Kennedy introduced the Prioritizing Resources for Our Citizens and Talent Act of 2026, known as the PROTECT Act of 2026, on Apr. 17. The bill aims to protect American workers by addressing issues related to the H-1B visa program.
The introduction of this legislation comes amid ongoing debates about the impact of foreign labor on American jobs and wages. Supporters say changes are needed to ensure that American workers remain a priority in hiring decisions.
Kennedy said, “Hard working Americans deserve more than just an opportunity at American jobs, they deserve to be the priority.” He continued, “Americans want to work, they want to provide for their families and better their communities. The PROTECT Act of 2026 will make sure they are first in line.”
According to information released with the bill, the H-1B visa program was originally intended to fill documented gaps in the workforce but has instead been used by some employers as a way to replace qualified American workers with cheaper foreign labor. The release states that this practice may discourage future generations from pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), which could affect national security.
The proposed legislation would raise the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 per application. This measure is consistent with President Trump’s Executive Order titled Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers and is intended to discourage companies from using foreign labor as a cost-saving strategy at the expense of domestic employees.
As debate over immigration and workforce policies continues nationwide, observers will be watching closely how Congress responds to proposals like Kennedy’s PROTECT Act.
