States in the US could soon play a direct role in sponsoring foreign workers under a new bipartisan bill introduced by Senators Mark Kelly of Arizona and John Curtis of Utah, a move aimed at helping employers fill labour shortages while keeping immigration enforcement under federal control.
The State Sponsored Visa Pilot Program Act of 2026 would create a temporary visa programme allowing participating states to sponsor workers or investors based on their economic and workforce needs, subject to approval by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The federal government would continue to oversee security screening, visa issuance and immigration enforcement.
