With President-Elect Trump’s victory, immigration reform has become a hot topic in American politics. We cannot predict the exact changes his administration will make. However, past proposals like the bill give us an idea of what may come.
It’s a proposal from 2017. It aimed to change the U.S. immigration system significantly. Trump has openly praised the RAISE Act immigration plan. This makes it likely that similar ideas could come up during his next four years as president.
The bill focuses on high-skilled workers, reducing family-based immigration, and cutting overall legal immigration numbers. Let’s dive into the details of what this means and how it could impact the immigration landscape.
The RAISE Act: What It Means
The RAISE Act immigration bill was introduced in 2017 by Senators Tom Cotton and David Perdue. The full name is the Reforming American Immigration for Strong Employment (RAISE) Act. It focuses on creating a merit-based immigration system.
This plan wants to move away from family-based immigration. It will focus on high-skilled workers who can help the U.S. economy. If passed, the RAISE Act immigration test would decide who gets a green card. It would look at education, English skills, and job offers.
The bill also suggests cutting legal immigration by up to 50% over 10 years. This marks a big change in U.S. immigration policy. The RAISE immigration Act was introduced in 2017 but didn’t pass. Despite this, Trump publicly supported the bill, which aimed to reduce immigration by half.
These changes reflect a dramatic shift in immigration priorities, putting economic contributions ahead of family reunification and diversity. Here’s how:
Refugee Caps and Visa Diversity
Refugee admissions would be capped at 50,000 per year, and the Diversity Visa Lottery would be eliminated.
Family-Based Immigration
The act sought to eliminate pathways for U.S. citizens to petition for parents, adult children, and siblings. Only spouses and minor children would remain eligible.
Employment-Based Immigration
It proposed a points-based system favoring advanced education, English proficiency, and high-paying job offers. For example, a U.S. doctoral STEM degree would earn you 13 points, but you’d need 30 to qualify for a visa. This system shifts away from the current demand-based model, potentially making it harder for many applicants to qualify.
How the RAISE Act Relates (or Doesn't Relate) to Employment Visas:
The RAISE Act aims to change how people can move to the U.S. through family or work. It would limit which family members can join you and get rid of the Diversity Visa Lottery.
Instead, it suggests a points system to decide who gets a green card. While it mostly focuses on family immigration, it could also affect other parts of the immigration system.
How the RAISE Act Could Impact You
If the RAISE Act becomes law, these are some key changes you might face:
Higher Bar for Employment-Based Visas
Applicants would need to meet stricter requirements. These could include having advanced degrees, earning high salaries, or making large investments in the U.S. This system may help attract top talent from around the world. However, it could make it harder for many qualified workers to get visas.
Fewer Family-Based Green Cards
U.S. citizens might lose the chance to sponsor some family members for green cards. This includes parents, siblings, and adult children. This change could make it much harder for families to reunite in the United States.
Reduced Immigration Numbers
The total number of legal immigrants allowed in the U.S. each year could drop by as much as 50%. This cut could hurt industries that rely on immigrant workers. Farming, construction, and healthcare may face labor shortages.
Implementation of the RAISE Act Immigration Test
The RAISE Act test is a way to decide who qualifies for a green card based on their skills and abilities. It gives points for things like being younger, having higher education, speaking English well, or getting a high-paying job offer in the U.S. To pass, someone needs at least 30 points.
The idea is to focus on bringing in highly skilled workers who can help the economy. This test could make it harder for people who don’t meet these strict rules to move to the U.S. This is true even if they have other important qualities to offer.
RAISE Act Relevant Aspects:
Merit-Based System: The act suggests using a system based on merit. This means people would be judged on things like their education, skills, age, and how well they speak English.
It might help highly skilled workers but could make it harder for others who don’t fit these rules.
Fewer Green Cards: The act wants to lower the number of green cards given out each year. This could make it harder for workers with employment-based visas to get a green card later.
Stricter Refugee Policies
The RAISE Act could lead to much stricter rules for refugees seeking safety in the United States.
Fewer Refugees Resettled
The U.S. has been a leader in resettling refugees. However, it may cut the number of refugees it accepts each year. This change could leave many vulnerable people without a safe place to rebuild their lives.
Impact on Global Humanitarian Efforts
By lowering refugee admissions, the U.S.’ influence and leadership in addressing global humanitarian crises could weaken. This shift might also pressure other countries to take on more responsibility, potentially straining international relationships.
Life-Changing Consequences
Stricter policies could affect many lives. Families may be left in unsafe situations. This can delay their chances to find safety and stability.
How You Can Begin to Prepare Now
With the possibility of sweeping immigration reform, it’s crucial to act quickly. Consider filing applications in categories that might be eliminated or face increased scrutiny. These proactive steps could safeguard your options before any changes take effect.
Family-Based Green Cards
If you are a U.S. citizen or green card holder, you should file applications for your parents, siblings, or adult children now. These family-based immigration categories might be in danger if a future RAISE Act or similar bill is passed. Acting quickly might help secure your family’s future before any potential changes take effect.
Employment-Based Renewals
H-1B, L-1, and other visa holders should file extensions early. Workers on temporary visas like H-1B should prioritize securing extensions and exploring pathways to permanent residency. The RAISE Act immigration system may make it harder to move from temporary work status to a green card.
Naturalization Applications
If you’re eligible to become a U.S. citizen, don’t delay. Citizenship offers greater protections and ensures your rights remain intact regardless of future policy changes.
Asylum Seekers
If you want to seek asylum, it's important to know the U.S. immigration laws. One example is the Raise Act. Stay informed about these laws. Even though it’s not a law yet, it could change how asylum cases are handled.
To be ready, keep a record of everything important to your case. Write down why you are seeking asylum and the dangers you have faced. These details will help if the rules change. It's a good idea to schedule a free consultation with a California immigration lawyer.
They can help you with any new steps. Stay in touch with immigration advocates and organizations for updates and support. Also, think about improving your skills and qualifications to meet possible merit-based criteria. Getting ready now can make things easier in the future!
Filing a Mandamus Lawsuit for Administrative Processing Delays
If you have been waiting a long time for your immigration decision, you might consider a mandamus lawsuit. It could be the push you need to get things moving.
This lawsuit can help speed up your case if the government is taking too long. It asks the court to step in and make sure immigration agencies take action. It's a good idea to talk to an experienced mandamus immigration lawyer.
They can help you understand what is 221(g), especially now. With potential changes in immigration policies, acting now could make a real difference before anything shifts. Don’t wait any longer—taking this step today could help you move closer to your goal.
RAISE Act Unrelated or Minimal Impact:
Temporary Work Visas (like H-1B): The RAISE Act doesn’t focus directly on temporary work visas such as the H-1B. If there are fewer green cards, it may be harder for H-1B holders to stay in the U.S. long-term or get permanent residency.
Speak to An Immigration Expert Today!
The American Immigration RAISE Act could signal sweeping changes to U.S. immigration policy. If you are concerned about family petitions, work visas, or refugee options, you should take action now. This will help protect your choices.
Contact Goldstein Immigration Lawyers for a free consultation. Let’s navigate these uncertain times together and safeguard your immigration future!
Frequently Asked RAISE Act Immigration Bill Questions
1. What is the RAISE Act immigration policy?
The RAISE Act immigration bill stands for Reforming American Immigration for Strong Employment. It aims to change the system to focus on merit. This bill would reduce family-based immigration and limit refugee admissions.
2. Does the RAISE Act change family-based immigration?
Yes, the act removes green card eligibility for some family members. This includes parents, siblings, and adult children. It only focuses on spouses and minor children.
3. How would the RAISE Act affect illegal immigrants?
While the act primarily targets legal immigration, its restrictions could increase enforcement pressure on undocumented immigrants and reduce pathways to regularize their status.
4. When did the RAISE Act immigration bill pass?
The RAISE Act 2017 immigration proposal didn’t pass Congress, but it continues to shape debates on U.S. immigration reform. With recent trends, the chances of the RAISE Immigration Act passing in 2025 seem possible. It’s a good idea to start preparing now for potential changes.
5. What is the purpose of the RAISE Act immigration test?
The proposed test checks applicants based on their skills. It gives points for age, education, English skills, and job chances to decide if they can get a visa.
6. Would the RAISE Act affect illegal immigrants?
The RAISE Act immigration bill focuses on legal immigration but could indirectly impact undocumented immigrants by reducing family reunification options and increasing enforcement pressure. Its emphasis on skills over family ties may shift public views on immigration, potentially influencing future policies.
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