Washington, October 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A Republican lawmaker has proposed a sweeping overhaul of the US immigration system that would replace the existing H-1B visa selection framework with a merit-based model, restrict several family-sponsored immigration categories and eliminate the Diversity Visa lottery.
The proposal, called the Securing Migration, Addressing Reform, and Talent Enhancement and Retention (SMARTER) Act, was outlined by Arizona Congressman David Schweikert, chairman of the Joint Economic Committee, in an announcement on October 19.
The legislation, numbered H.R. 10460, was introduced in the House of Representatives on September 16 and referred to the Judiciary Committee. It remains a proposal and has not become law.
Under the bill, a five-member Skilled Migration and Recruitment of Talent Board would determine annual immigration limits and distribute employment visas across industries, taking into account labour shortages, unemployment, wages, productivity and economic growth.
The initial annual cap under the proposed replacement for the H-1B selection system would be 85,000, with subsequent adjustments based on economic conditions.
The bill would also introduce a points-based system for employment-based permanent immigration. Applicants would be assessed on factors including age, education, English proficiency, salary and exceptional achievements. Those aged 26 to 30 would receive the highest age-related points, while higher qualifications and better-paid job offers could improve applicants’ scores.
Another provision would remove country-specific numerical limits on employment-based immigration. This could be relevant to Indian nationals facing lengthy green-card backlogs, although the effect on waiting times would depend on the final visa limits and how the proposed system operated.
Schweikert said immigration policy should help address the ageing population and demand for skilled workers while protecting domestic employment.
“If we are serious about tackling our debt, growing our economy, and safeguarding our earned federal benefits, we must cultivate a workforce that continues to compete globally at the highest level,” he said.
The bill would narrow family-sponsored immigration primarily to spouses and minor children, remove several existing family-preference categories and end the Diversity Visa Programme. It also proposes a gold-card immigration programme offering immigrant visas to qualifying applicants in exchange for substantial financial payments.
Additionally, the proposal would direct the Department of Homeland Security to use artificial intelligence to identify people who overstay their authorised visas. Transitional provisions would address certain existing applications and provide some long-delayed employment-based applicants greater flexibility to change jobs.
Republican staff of the Joint Economic Committee estimated that the proposal could reduce federal spending by about $335 billion and increase US gross domestic product by at least $549 billion over 10 years. These are projections advanced by the bill’s proponents, not established economic outcomes.
The H-1B programme remains an important route for Indian technology professionals seeking employment in the United States.
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