US Commerce Secretary Reports Plans to Overhaul H-1B, Green Card Systems

The Trump administration, through U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, is planning significant reforms to the H-1B visa program and the green card system, aiming to prioritize high-skilled, high-earning immigrants. The current lottery-based H-1B selection system is set to be replaced by a wage-based allocation to favor higher-paying positions, aligning with an 'America First' immigration approach focused on hiring American workers first. A new 'gold card' program is proposed to offer permanent residency to foreigners who invest $5 million in the U.S., targeting top talent and investors, with strong interest reportedly from 250,000 applicants and an expected revenue generation of $1.25 trillion. Lutnick criticized the current system for admitting green card holders who earn less than the average American worker, emphasizing the need to select the 'best people' to contribute to the economy. President Trump reiterated his support for attracting competent and skilled individuals through these visa reforms, highlighting the importance of quality immigration for economic growth. While details and timelines remain unclear, these initiatives signal a shift toward merit-based immigration and a restructuring of U.S. immigration priorities.