WASHINGTON (WDNews) — U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama has introduced legislation that would make major changes to the nation’s legal immigration system, including ending the Diversity Visa Lottery and creating a merit-based system for certain immigrants.
According to Tuberville’s office, the Americans First Immigration Act would prioritize applicants based on factors such as education, English proficiency, high-paying job offers, military service and other achievements. The proposal would also limit family-sponsored immigration primarily to spouses and minor children.
“Our current immigration system does little to evaluate the type of people we let in — it’s a free-for-all,” Tuberville said. “Coming to the United States is a privilege, and we need to ensure that anyone immigrating to our country is willing to go by our laws and contribute to our society.”
Tuberville said the legislation is intended to move the country toward a merit-based admissions process.
“We can’t allow this current system to continue prioritizing foreign workers who aren’t willing to assimilate to our values. I’m proud to introduce the Americans First Immigration Act to end disastrous diversity lotteries and instead shift to a merit-based admissions process. I’ll keep fighting to put AMERICANS first,” Tuberville said.
Under the proposal, employers seeking foreign workers would have to recruit American workers first and take steps to ensure foreign workers do not displace U.S. workers. Public colleges and universities would also be required to charge non-permanent residents at least the out-of-state tuition rate.
The bill would also require certain immigration applicants to affirm constitutional principles and would preserve a capped allocation for religious workers while eliminating some other immigration pathways.
U.S. Rep. Barry Moore of Alabama introduced companion legislation in the House earlier this year. The House version, H.R. 8586, was introduced April 29 and referred to the House Judiciary Committee and the Committee on Education and Workforce.
“My bill draws a hard line — the days of putting illegals, random diversity lotteries, and foreign labor ahead of American workers are over,” Moore said. “Our immigration system should serve the American people, not undercut them, and that means selecting individuals who will strengthen our economy, respect our laws, and share our values.”
NumbersUSA, America First Policy Institute, Center for Renewing America and America First Works have endorsed the proposal, according to Tuberville’s office.
The legislation has been introduced in Congress and would have to pass both chambers and be signed into law before its proposed changes could take effect.
