# What This Bill Does

Congress is trying to block a new rule from the Department of Homeland Security that would change how the government handles work visas and student visas. Specifically, the rule would modernize requirements for H-1B visas (which allow companies to hire skilled foreign workers temporarily) and make changes to F-1 student visas, plus adjustments to other visa programs for temporary workers. If this bill passes, that new rule would be canceled and wouldn't go into effect.

# Who This Affects

This mainly impacts tech companies, universities, and other employers who want to hire foreign workers or international students. It also affects the foreign workers and students themselves who were hoping to come to the United States under the new, more flexible rules. American workers in fields like technology, engineering, and other skilled industries could be affected depending on whether they see the new rules as competition for jobs or as helpful for their employers' growth.

# What Would Actually Change

Right now, we don't have the specific details of what the DHS rule would have done, but the title suggests it would make H-1B visa requirements easier to meet and give F-1 student visa holders more flexibility (possibly allowing them to work longer or under different conditions after graduation). By blocking this rule, those changes wouldn't happen, meaning the current stricter requirements would stay in place. This is essentially a disagreement about immigration policy—some lawmakers believe the new rules would be too generous with work visas, while others might argue they're necessary to attract talent and keep American companies competitive.

Disapproving of the rule submitted by the Department of Homeland Security relating to "Modernizing H-1B Requirements, Providing Flexibility in the F-1 Program, and Program Improvements Affecting Other Nonimmigrant Workers".

Arrington, Jodey C.

<p>This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the Department of Homeland Security titled <em>Modernizing H-1B Requirements, Providing Flexibility in the F-1 Program, and Program Improvements Affecting Other Nonimmigrant Workers</em> and published on December 18, 2024. The rule revises several regulations applicable to nonimmigrant visas for workers in specialty occupations (H-1B), nonimmigrant visas for students (F-1), and other visas, including by&nbsp;</p><ul><li>adding to the criteria for&nbsp;specialty occupations;&nbsp;</li><li>extending the employment authorization period for F-1 visa holders who are beneficiaries of H-1B petitions; and&nbsp;</li><li>requiring H-1B petitioners to have bona fide job offers for beneficiaries and have legal presence in, and be subject to the legal processes of, the United States.&nbsp;</li></ul>