Senator John Curtis has introduced federal legislation that proposes a state-sponsored nonimmigrant pilot program to provide an alternative pathway to U.S. visas for incoming foreign workers. The State-Sponsored Visa Pilot Program Act of 2026, which was first introduced in the Senate on July 30, 2026, seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to facilitate this new visa route.
Legislative Framework and Status
The legislative proposal, officially titled the State-Sponsored Visa Pilot Program Act of 2026, was formally introduced by Senator John Curtis, a Republican from Utah, on July 30, 2026. According to congressional records, the bill was read twice and subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary on that same date.
Amending Immigration Law
The bill aims to amend the existing Immigration and Nationality Act. The primary objective of the proposed amendment is to establish a pilot program that allows states to sponsor nonimmigrant visas, providing a different mechanism for foreign workers to enter the United States. This initiative represents a shift toward state-level involvement in the federal immigration and visa process.
Bipartisan Cooperation
Senator Mark Kelly, a Democrat from Arizona, has joined Senator Curtis as a cosponsor for the legislation. Kelly officially cosponsored the bill on July 30, 2026, as the measure moved through the initial stages of the Senate process.
Initial Proposal Announcement
The proposal for a state-sponsored visa pilot program was first announced by Senator Curtis and Senator Kelly in a joint press release on August 3, 2026. The announcement highlighted the intent to create a structured system for managing foreign labor through state-led initiatives.
Committee Oversight
Under the terms of the bill as introduced, the legislation is currently being reviewed by the Senate Judiciary Committee. This committee oversight is a standard part of the legislative process following the initial reading and referral of a bill in the Senate.
Current Legislative Status
As of August 23, 2026, the bill remains in the legislative process following its introduction and referral to the Judiciary Committee earlier in the summer. The proposal continues to be a key piece of immigration policy discussion within the 119th Congress.
