Following his re-election on November 12, 2024, former President Donald Trump is intensifying discussions around significant reforms to the U.S. Green Card system. His proposed changes are expected to mirror elements of the RAISE Act, originally introduced in 2017 by Senators Tom Cotton and David Perdue, which aimed to cut the number of green cards issued annually by 50% and eliminate many family-based immigration pathways. This act also proposed a cap of 50,000 refugee admissions and the termination of the diversity visa lottery. [300fd411]
Trump's current focus on a merit-based immigration policy aims to attract skilled migrants in high-demand sectors such as technology and engineering. The proposed reforms include a points-based system that prioritizes high-skilled immigrants based on education, English proficiency, age, and salary. This initiative is part of Trump's broader strategy to bolster the U.S. economy by ensuring that immigrants contribute positively to the labor market. [6de9edd7]
Among the significant changes being discussed are increased regulations and a new verification system designed to streamline the immigration process for skilled workers. Additionally, Trump plans to limit family sponsorship to spouses and minor children only, which has raised concerns among advocates for family-based immigration who argue that it could separate families and undermine traditional immigration values. [300fd411]
Recent data highlights the importance of family connections in the current Green Card distribution. In 2023, 48% of employment-based Green Cards were issued to foreign workers, while 52% went to their family members, reflecting a trend observed in previous years. The employment-based (EB) green card category is capped at 140,000 per year, but 196,720 were issued in 2022 due to reallocating unused family-based green cards. This raises questions about the impact of Trump's proposed reforms on family immigration pathways. [bf848fc9]
In a related development, the U.S. announced changes to immigration policies on December 13, 2024, simplifying the transition for J-1 visa holders to H-1B visas or green cards. This new policy aims to attract global talent and address skill shortages in sectors like technology and healthcare. Previously, J-1 students faced challenges due to sponsorship restrictions, but the updated policy allows smoother transitions without the need to return home. Officials from the U.S. Department of State emphasized their commitment to retaining skilled professionals. [b7aca361]
The potential replacement of the Diversity Visa Lottery with a points-based system is also on the table, which would allocate visas based on applicants' skills, education, and work experience. Furthermore, adjustments to work permits for STEM students are being considered, allowing Green Cards post-study for those who demonstrate exceptional skills in their fields. [6de9edd7]
Alex Nowrasteh from The Cato Institute suggests reforms to increase EB green cards without raising the cap, proposing exemptions based on higher education qualifications and wage thresholds. These developments come as Trump navigates the political landscape leading up to the 2024 election, reflecting a significant shift in immigration policy that could have lasting implications for the U.S. economy and its workforce. Critics argue that these changes could harm industries reliant on immigrant labor, emphasizing the need for proactive measures for those eligible for family-based green cards before any potential policy changes take effect. [300fd411][c1c1dd80][985f6cac]
As discussions continue, it is crucial for individuals and families to act now to safeguard their immigration options amidst the uncertainty surrounding Trump's proposed reforms. Experts also warn of potential application bottlenecks stemming from the new policies, highlighting the need for broader immigration reforms to ensure a smooth transition for all affected parties. [b7aca361][300fd411]