Merit-Based System Proposed to Replace Diversity Visa Route
May 1, 2026: A new immigration proposal in the United States could significantly change how green cards and visas are issued. Introduced by Republican lawmaker Barry Moore, the Bill seeks to scrap the diversity visa lottery and move toward a merit-based system. The proposal, aligned with the “America First” agenda associated with Donald Trump, aims to prioritise economic contribution and tighten existing immigration rules.
The legislation proposes sweeping changes, including reducing family-based immigration pathways and eliminating the lottery system that currently allocates green cards randomly. In its place, a points-based model would assess applicants on criteria such as education, English proficiency, salary, age and skills. Applicants may also need a job offer paying at least double the median wage in their chosen state, signalling a strong shift toward high-skilled immigration.
While the Bill retains limited provisions such as visas for religious workers, it broadly seeks to overhaul the current system and favour applicants who can contribute economically. Backed by advocacy groups like NumbersUSA, the proposal could reshape legal migration pathways if passed, impacting millions seeking entry into the US.