Lawmakers Urge Expansion Of H-1B Visa Renewals In U.S.

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), along with Congressmen Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) and Rich McCormick (R-GA), is urging the U.S. State Department to permanently expand the domestic renewal process for H-1B and other low-risk visa categories.

In a bipartisan letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the lawmakers called for building on a successful 2024 pilot program that allowed 20,000 H-1B holders to renew their visas without leaving the U.S. They argued that making the process permanent would reduce delays, cut red tape, and provide stability for skilled workers—many of whom are Indian nationals in critical sectors like technology and healthcare.

“The 2024 pilot was a commonsense success,” said Rep. Krishnamoorthi. “Now it’s time to expand it and retain top global talent.”

Before 2004, domestic visa renewals were allowed for categories like E, H, I, L, O, and P. The practice was halted due to post-9/11 security laws. However, lawmakers note that today’s biometric systems can safely support such renewals, especially for those previously screened overseas.

Advocacy groups including the American Immigration Lawyers Association and FWD.us praised the initiative, citing its potential to ease backlogs and boost economic competitiveness.

“Our immigration system is outdated,” said FWD.us President Todd Schulte. “This expansion would help workers and employers alike.”

Indian professionals make up a large share of H-1B visa holders, and this proposal could ease their renewal burdens significantly.