A major new immigration proposal in the United States is drawing global attention after Republican lawmakers introduced the “Americans First Immigration Act,” a bill that could significantly reshape legal immigration pathways into America.
The proposed legislation, introduced by Republican Congressman Barry Moore, aims to:
- End the Diversity Visa Green Card Lottery
- Restrict family-sponsored immigration
- Replace current employment-based immigration with a merit-based points system
- Prioritize highly skilled immigrants instead of broader family migration categories
If passed, the bill could impact millions of prospective immigrants worldwide, including large numbers of Indian applicants waiting for US immigration pathways.
Green Card Lottery Could Be Eliminated
One of the biggest proposed changes is the complete elimination of the Diversity Visa Lottery Program, commonly known as the Green Card Lottery.
The Diversity Visa Program currently:
- Offers up to 50,000 immigrant visas annually
- Selects applicants randomly
- Primarily benefits countries with lower immigration rates to the US
Supporters of the bill argue the lottery system:
- Does not prioritize skills
- Creates security concerns
- Does not align with labor market needs
Critics, however, say the program provides one of the few legal immigration routes for people without family or employer sponsorship.
Family Sponsorship Could Be Severely Restricted
The bill also proposes major cuts to family-based immigration.
Under current US immigration rules, US citizens can sponsor:
- Parents
- Siblings
- Adult children
- Spouses
- Minor children
The proposed law would reportedly restrict sponsorship mainly to:
- Spouses of US citizens
- Minor children
- Spouses and children of green card holders
This means categories that could potentially be removed include:
- Parents of US citizens
- Brothers and sisters
- Adult sons and daughters
For many immigrant families, especially from countries like India, this could become one of the most controversial parts of the proposal.
Merit-Based Immigration System Proposed
The bill also seeks to replace much of the current employment-based immigration structure with a points-based merit system similar to systems used in countries like:
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
Applicants would reportedly receive points based on:
- English proficiency
- Educational qualifications
- Salary levels
- Age
- Skills
- Military service
- Economic contribution potential
Supporters argue this system would:
- Prioritize high-skilled immigrants
- Protect American jobs
- Improve workforce competitiveness
Bill Closely Aligns With Trump’s Immigration Agenda
Reports say the legislation closely mirrors the broader “America First” immigration policies associated with Donald Trump.
The proposal comes amid wider efforts by Republicans to:
- Tighten immigration rules
- Reduce illegal immigration
- Restrict legal immigration pathways
- Increase merit-based immigration selection
According to reports, Trump had already paused the Diversity Visa Lottery program in late 2025 through executive action.
Could This Affect Indians?
The proposed changes could significantly affect Indian immigrants in different ways.
Potential Challenges
- Family sponsorship restrictions may affect Indians hoping to sponsor parents or siblings
- Reduced family-based immigration pathways may increase dependence on employment visas
- More competition under merit-based systems
Possible Advantages
Highly skilled Indian professionals in:
- Technology
- AI
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Finance
…could potentially benefit from a points-based system focused on education and skills.
Critics Warn About Family Separation
Immigration advocates and critics argue the bill could:
- Separate immigrant families
- Reduce immigration diversity
- Favor wealthy or elite applicants
- Shrink overall legal immigration numbers
Many experts say family-sponsored immigration has historically played a major role in:
- Long-term settlement
- Economic stability
- Community integration in the US.
Still Only A Proposed Bill
Importantly, the Americans First Immigration Act is currently only a proposed House bill and has not become law.
For it to take effect, it would still need:
- House approval
- Senate approval
- Presidential approval
Given the political divisions around immigration in Washington, the bill could face significant opposition and changes before any final passage.
