The Sconi

Tom Tiffany, Representative of Wisconsin, announced his newly introduced bill intended to address H-1B visa loopholes used by universities and prioritize American workers for jobs. The statement was made on the social media platform X.

"Too often, universities exploit an H-1B visa loophole to hire unlimited foreign workers instead of Americans," said Tiffany. "Today I introduced the CAP Act with Rep. Andrew Clyde to end this abuse. It's time to put American talent first."

The CAP Act has been at the center of recent legislative efforts to limit H-1B visa exemptions for higher education institutions. According to Inside Higher Ed, lawmakers are proposing measures to close university loopholes and implement stricter oversight. These proposals have sparked a debate between policymakers concerned about potential visa program abuse and university leaders who warn of possible negative effects on research and faculty recruitment.

A 2023 report from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services indicates that U.S. universities and colleges accounted for approximately 25,000 H-1B visa petitions last year, representing nearly 13% of all approved visas. Most recipients filled roles in STEM teaching and research.

A 2024 analysis by the National Foundation for American Policy reveals that from 2014 to 2023, the proportion of foreign-born faculty hired by U.S. higher education institutions increased from 23% to 30%, while domestic hiring remained steady. This highlights an increasing reliance on international talent.

According to Ballotpedia, Tiffany is a Republican U.S. Representative for Wisconsin’s 7th District, serving on the House Judiciary and Natural Resources Committees. He is known for opposing expanded visa exemptions while advocating for stricter labor and immigration controls.