The Policy Hub highlights active U.S. legislation, executive actions, and regulatory updates that may influence the software engineering profession and the broader technology workforce. From software engineers and developers to executives, educators, entrepreneurs, and technologists; anyone contributing to the creation, management, or governance of software can stay informed here.
Policy Hub: Legislation & Regulatory Updates Affecting the Technology Workforce
S.2976 - HIRE Act
Introduced: 06 Oct 2025 | Sponsor: Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH)
The Halting International Relocation of Employment (HIRE) Act would impose a 25 % excise tax on certain payments made by U.S. taxpayers to foreign persons for labor or services that are directed, directly or indirectly, to consumers located in the United States. It also establishes a Domestic Workforce Fund to support retraining and apprenticeship programs and disallows tax deductions for those outsourcing payments.
Last reviewed: 21 Oct 2025
Proclamation 10973 - Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers (H-1B)
Issued: 19 Sep 2025 | President Donald J. Trump
The proclamation restricts the entry of certain H-1B nonimmigrant workers unless the related petition is accompanied by a $100,000 payment. It provides for case-by-case national-interest exemptions, requires documentation and verification of payment, and establishes procedures for compliance, enforcement, audits, and penalties. It also calls for rulemaking to revise prevailing wage levels and to prioritize higher-paid H-1B workers.
Last reviewed: 21 Oct 2025
S.2821 - American Tech Workforce Act of 2025
Introduced: 16 Sep 2025 | Sponsor: Sen. Jim Banks (R-IN)
The American Tech Workforce Act of 2025 seeks to reform the H–1B nonimmigrant visa program to prioritize United States workers and raise wage standards. The bill would terminate the Optional Practical Training program, which allows foreign students to work in the United States after completing their studies. It requires employers hiring H–1B visa holders to pay an annual wage of at least $150,000, adjusted annually for inflation, and limits H–1B assignments at third-party worksites to one year. The legislation directs the Department of Labor to prioritize visa petitions offering higher compensation and clarifies that no federal agency may grant work authorization through programs not specifically authorized by Congress.
Last reviewed: 26 Oct 2025
H.R.2315 - Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act of 2025
Introduced: 25 Mar 2025 | Sponsor: Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ-9)
The Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act of 2025 would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the Optional Practical Training (OPT) Program, which currently allows certain F-1 visa holders to work in the United States in fields related to their studies. The bill would prohibit any future OPT-type program unless expressly authorized by Congress.
Last reviewed: 21 Oct 2025
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