In a major reform that could affect millions of green card applicants and holders, alabama Republican Rep. Barry Moore on Thursday introduced a new immigration proposal that he claims would change how foreigners can enter the United States, both legally and illegally. In a post on X, Moore described the bill as a reassessment of national priorities.
“Today, I introduce to you Americans first Immigration laws overhaul our immigration system. The days of prioritizing illegal immigrants, random diversity lotteries, and foreign labor over American workers are over. It’s time for our system to work for Americans again,” he wrote.
According to Fox News, the proposed legislation is closely tied to the “America First” immigration policy Donald Trump. The bill seeks to limit legal immigration pathways, reduce family sponsorship categories and abolish the diversity visa lottery while shifting attention to applicants with high-demand skills.
Moore, the sponsor of the measure in the House, said the goal is to amend parts of current immigration law to prioritize U.S. citizens.
“My bill draws a hard line — the days of prioritizing illegal immigrants, random diversity lotteries, and foreign workers over American workers are over. Our immigration system should work for the American people, not undercut them, and that means selecting those who strengthen our economy, respect our laws, and share our values.”
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America First Immigration Act: A new bill to target Trump’s policies?
Moore said the goal is to realign immigration policy to better support American workers and serve the national interest. “Our immigration system should work for the American people, not undermine them,” Moore said, according to Fox News.
In addition to reorganizing legal immigration routes, the proposed legislation would repeal the diversity visa lottery program and impose significant restrictions on family-based immigration.
Sponsorship would be limited primarily to immediate family members, ending the broader practice of chain migration that has been integral to U.S. immigration policy for years.
The proposed legislation also seeks to codify various policies enacted during Trump’s presidency that were previously enacted through executive actions. By codifying these policies into law, the bill will make it more difficult for subsequent governments to overturn them.
Here’s what the bill’s supporters have to say
Supporters of the bill argue it will strengthen border security, safeguard American jobs and create a more predictable and economically driven immigration framework. Likewise, critics are expected to express concern about the reduction in legal immigration pathways and its potential impact on families.
What follows is this
The bill’s progress in Congress remains unclear. However, its rollout underscores the ongoing focus on immigration reform, a top focus for Republican lawmakers.
Moore is currently running for a U.S. Senate seat in Alabama, a race that has drawn national attention. His endorsement from Trump could have a major impact on the Republican primary and increase Moore’s popularity among conservative voters across the state.
