Overview
- The U.S. House of Representatives approved the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) in a 215-214 vote, including a 3.5% excise tax on remittances by non-citizens.
- Originally proposed at 5%, the remittance tax was reduced to 3.5% through a last-minute Manager’s Amendment before the House vote.
- The tax applies to legal immigrants, including Green Card holders and visa holders, but exempts U.S. citizens and nationals.
- Critics argue the tax unfairly targets immigrants, creates economic distortions, and could harm the U.S.'s reputation as a safe haven for investment.
- If enacted, the tax is projected to generate nearly $1 billion in 2026 and slightly less than $22 billion over the budget window, with implementation set for January 2026.