At a glance
- President Trump presented the broad outlines of a reform proposal that would include reductions in family-based immigration, replacement of the current permanent residence system with a points-based program, and greater border security measures. The proposal would not change the U.S. green card quota.
- The reform plan is in the preliminary stages only. The White House is reportedly drafting a bill that could be introduced in Congress, but the legislative path for such a measure is not clear.
A closer look
President Trump today announced a high-level plan to reform the U.S. immigration system, featuring reduced family-based migration, restrictions on asylum, more border security measures and replacement of the employment-based green card system with a points system modeled on similar Australian and Canadian immigration programs.
Though specific details of the plan have not been disclosed, President Trump sketched out a merit-based system that would assess permanent residence applicants on the basis of criteria that include age, skills, education level, offer of employment, job creation potential and wage level. Applicants would also be required to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency, have English-language proficiency and pass a civics exam. The President did not address temporary immigration programs.
The plan described by President Trump resembles the RAISE Act, a merit-based immigration proposal first introduced in 2017 by Senators Tom Cotton (R-AK) and David Perdue (R-GA). A similar bill was introduced in the House of Representatives in April of this year.
What the plan means for employers and foreign nationals
President Trump’s announcement is a preliminary step toward immigration reform discussions. The White House is reportedly drafting a bill for possible introduction to Congress, though neither the timing of such a measure nor its legislative path is clear.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
Explore more at Fragomen
Blog post
Manager Adam Hickling, Senior Immigration Consultant Katya Fedorenko and Paralegal Sasindie Ambawatte explore how upcoming changes to the UK's skilled worker visa scheme may affect recruitment and retention in the aviation sector.
Media mentions
Media mentions
Partner Parisa Karaahmet discusses updates in the October 2025 US visa bulletin for employment-based green card applicants.
Video
Afzal Amin highlights a significant update for UAE Golden Visa holders: the Jebel Ali Free Zone authorities have replaced permanent access cards with permanent identity cards.
Blog post
Blog post
Associate Pauline Chomel and Immigration Consultant Pebbless Agyemang discuss Belgium’s new family reunification rules and their impact on applicants.
Media mentions
Senior Associate Oliver L. Ashworth and Director David Iannella discuss recent US immigration and visa changes and what German businesses and travelers should know.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Louise Senior highlights how UK hospitality employers face heightened risk as visa sponsors and why it is important for them to understand their responsibilities to avoid penalties.
Fragomen news
Fragomen announces the expansion of Nomadic to the Nordics, providing end-to-end support for short-term business travel and cross-border compliance.
Blog post
Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman discusses Costa Rica investment residency options and requirements for foreign investors, retirees and rentiers.
Media mentions
Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses why immigration due diligence is important in GCC mergers.
Fragomen news
Fragomen announces the opening of new offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk, welcoming Partner Karolina Schiffter to its Poland practice.
Blog post
Manager Adam Hickling, Senior Immigration Consultant Katya Fedorenko and Paralegal Sasindie Ambawatte explore how upcoming changes to the UK's skilled worker visa scheme may affect recruitment and retention in the aviation sector.
Media mentions
Media mentions
Partner Parisa Karaahmet discusses updates in the October 2025 US visa bulletin for employment-based green card applicants.
Video
Afzal Amin highlights a significant update for UAE Golden Visa holders: the Jebel Ali Free Zone authorities have replaced permanent access cards with permanent identity cards.
Blog post
Blog post
Associate Pauline Chomel and Immigration Consultant Pebbless Agyemang discuss Belgium’s new family reunification rules and their impact on applicants.
Media mentions
Senior Associate Oliver L. Ashworth and Director David Iannella discuss recent US immigration and visa changes and what German businesses and travelers should know.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Louise Senior highlights how UK hospitality employers face heightened risk as visa sponsors and why it is important for them to understand their responsibilities to avoid penalties.
Fragomen news
Fragomen announces the expansion of Nomadic to the Nordics, providing end-to-end support for short-term business travel and cross-border compliance.
Blog post
Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman discusses Costa Rica investment residency options and requirements for foreign investors, retirees and rentiers.
Media mentions
Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses why immigration due diligence is important in GCC mergers.
Fragomen news
Fragomen announces the opening of new offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk, welcoming Partner Karolina Schiffter to its Poland practice.