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".
Summary
H.J. Res. 22 is a congressional disapproval resolution under the Congressional Review Act. It would overturn a Department of Homeland Security final rule titled “Modernizing H-1B Requirements, Providing Flexibility in the F-1 Program, and Program Improvements Affecting Other Nonimmigrant Workers,” and would declare that rule to have no force or effect. In practical terms, the resolution targets federal immigration regulations affecting H-1B specialty occupation workers, F-1 student visa holders, and other nonimmigrant worker categories.
The resolution does not itself create new immigration policy; instead, it seeks to nullify an existing DHS rule and prevent its implementation. If enacted, it would leave the prior regulatory framework in place and block the rule’s changes to visa processing, employer compliance, and related program flexibility. Because it is a joint resolution of disapproval, its legal effect would be to invalidate the specific rule identified in the text rather than amend the underlying statute governing immigration programs.
Impact
If adopted, the resolution would remove the DHS rule from effect nationwide and preserve the preexisting regulatory standards for H-1B, F-1, and related nonimmigrant worker programs. The affected parties would include employers that sponsor foreign workers, international students and graduates in the F-1 system, immigration attorneys, and DHS agencies responsible for administering these programs. The bill would not directly change the Immigration and Nationality Act, but it would constrain DHS’s regulatory authority by blocking the specific final rule published at 89 Fed. Reg. 103054.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears to reflect opposition to DHS’s modernization of H-1B and F-1 regulations. Because there are no recorded votes or committee transcripts provided, there is no direct evidence of broader bipartisan support or opposition in the available record. The filing itself suggests a critical stance toward the rule, likely from members concerned about expanded flexibility or changes to nonimmigrant worker program administration.
Contention
The main point of contention is the underlying DHS rule itself: supporters of the rule would likely view it as a modernization that improves flexibility and program administration, while opponents appear to believe it exceeds DHS’s proper regulatory role or makes undesirable changes to visa programs. Likely areas of dispute include H-1B eligibility and compliance requirements, the treatment of F-1 students and practical training pathways, and whether the rule benefits employers and foreign workers at the expense of domestic labor protections. No specific committee debate is available, so the precise arguments of individual members are not documented in the provided materials.