Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama filed the America First Immigration Act on September 24, signaling a sharp pivot from the Diversity Visa lottery to a merit‑based system.
Under the proposal, employers must first recruit U.S. workers and certify that a foreign hire would not displace a domestic employee. The bill would replace current employment‑based categories with a points scheme that rewards education, English fluency, high‑pay offers, military service and extraordinary achievements.
Employers face civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation, $25,000 for willful breaches, and $50,000 if a U.S. worker is laid off as a result. Repeat offenders could trigger criminal charges.
The act would also slash family sponsorship to only spouses and minor children, eliminating several existing pathways for U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
The bill has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, where lawmakers will debate its sweeping reforms amid concerns from immigration advocates and business groups.