New US Bill Targets Green Card System with Major Changes

Republican Congressman Barry Moore has introduced a Bill that would replace the US diversity visa lottery with a merit-based immigration system focused on economic contribution.

The proposed legislation sets out a points-based model to assess applicants using criteria such as education, English proficiency, age, salary level and professional skills. Applicants may need to secure a job offer with a salary at least twice the median wage in the state where they intend to work, reflecting a priority on high-skilled labour. 

The plan would also reduce family-based immigration pathways, while retaining limited categories such as visas for religious workers. The proposal reflects policy priorities linked to the “America First” agenda associated with Donald Trump.

Supporters argue that the changes would strengthen the economy by favouring migrants who can contribute directly to the labour market. Critics, however, warn that scaling back family reunification and ending the lottery system could limit access for many applicants.

Advocacy organisations, including NumbersUSA, have expressed support for the Bill, describing it as a necessary reform of the current system. The diversity visa lottery, in place for decades, was designed to increase the range of nationalities among green card recipients.