The Trump administration has unveiled plans to fundamentally transform the United States’ immigration system—targeting the H-1B visa program and the green card process—marking a strategic shift toward a more merit- and wage-based framework and away from the longstanding lottery system. The bold announcement was made by U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick during a interview, where he underscored the administration’s intention to dismantle the existing method, calling it “terrible” and pledging, “We’re going to change that programme… We’re going to change the green card” process.
The proposed reform aims to prioritize foreign workers based on their salary levels and qualifications rather than subjecting them to a random lottery, a system that has long favored applicants regardless of compensation or professional standing. Under this new paradigm—tentatively dubbed the “Weighted Selection Process”—those who can command higher wages would receive preferential consideration, potentially reducing the advantage currently enjoyed by outsourcing firms that rely on lower-paid H-1B workers.
The implications for Indian professionals—who receive approximately 70% of H-1B visas—are particularly significant. Critics argue the wage-prioritized system could disadvantage entry-level workers and international students, whose compensation is typically lower, potentially narrowing the pipeline for emerging talent. Nonetheless, the administration asserts that the shift will better protect American workers and ensure only the most qualified, high-earning applicants secure entry, aligning with its “Buy American, Hire American” ethos.
Beyond the H-1B overhaul, the administration is also exploring sweeping changes to the green card process. While Lutnick did not divulge specific details, confidence is high that the reforms will echo the same merit- and value-driven principles—potentially employing points systems or additional scrutiny of education, job skills, and earning potential.
This push builds upon earlier policymaking strides aimed at tightening immigration controls across multiple fronts. Notably, the administration’s Project 2025 outlined extensive modifications: green card applicants are now required to undergo updated medical examinations, face longer processing times, and encounter tighter limits in family-based immigration—all part of a broader shift toward a merit-based system and reduced humanitarian access.
Further down the investor path, Trump has floated a “gold card” programme intended to replace the EB-5 investor visa. It would grant U.S. residency to wealthy foreigners willing to invest $5 million, foregoing the existing requirement to create jobs—though the exact conditions remain vague.
If enacted, the changes could get underway by March 2026, aligning with preparations for the fiscal year 2027 H-1B cap selection. However, uncertainty remains over the final structure and timeline: the proposed rules are subject to public comment and could face legal challenges that may delay or reshape implementation.
As this agenda unfolds, industry observers, immigrant professionals, and policymakers alike will be watching closely to assess how these reforms will reshape the United States’ talent pipeline and immigration landscape—particularly for high-skill foreign nationals whose careers and aspirations revolve around U.S. opportunities.
