New US Green Card Bill Proposes Major Immigration Changes
A new US Green Card bill proposes a points-based employment system, narrower family immigration and an end to the Diversity Visa lottery.
New Bill Could Change US Green Card Rules
A proposed US immigration bill could significantly change how foreign nationals qualify for a United States Green Card, including a points-based system for employment-based immigration, narrower family sponsorship and the elimination of the Diversity Visa lottery. The Americans First Immigration Act was introduced in the US Senate on September 23 and has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Importantly, the Green Card bill is not law. Existing immigration rules continue to apply while the proposal moves through the legislative process.
How Could Employment-Based Green Cards Change?
The proposal would replace the current employment-based preference system, including EB-1, EB-2 and EB-3, with a points-based framework.
Points could be awarded for:
- Educational qualifications
- English-language ability
- Age
- Salary and the value of a US job offer
- Military service
- Extraordinary achievements
Applicants would generally need a US job offer, meet a minimum points threshold and satisfy proposed age and English requirements. Employers would also have to recruit US workers first and take steps to prevent displacement.
For Indian professionals already navigating employment-based Green Card queues, these proposed Green Card eligibility changes could substantially alter how applicants qualify if the legislation eventually becomes law.
Who Will Be Affected by the Green Card Bill?
The proposal goes beyond employment-based immigration. It would also narrow several family-sponsored pathways, largely limiting them to spouses and minor children while removing or restricting routes involving parents of adult US citizens, siblings and certain other relatives.
The bill also proposes ending the Diversity Visa programme and replacing it with a points-based system focused on education, English proficiency and employment prospects. For Indian nationals, the direct effect would be limited because India is already excluded from the Diversity Visa lottery when it exceeds the programme's immigration threshold.
What Does the Bill Mean for Green Card Applicants Now?
For now, nothing changes for existing applicants. Current employment-based categories, family-sponsored routes and applicable immigration programmes remain in effect.
The proposal does not currently change how to get Green Card in USA, create a new self petition Green Card USA process or alter pending applications. It would need to pass through Congress and receive further action before any proposed changes could take effect.
Indian professionals on H-1B or other temporary visas, as well as families pursuing permanent residence, can therefore continue under the existing rules while monitoring the bill's progress.
For official information on current Green Card categories and requirements, visit the USCIS Green Card page.
Stay connected with Smart Immigrant for more updates on US immigration and policy changes.
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