From Family Reunification to Merit Selection: A Case-Cum-Research Study on the Americans First Immigration Act and Its Implications for Indian Migrants, NRIs, and U.S.–India Mobility (2026–2028)
From Family Reunification to Merit Selection: A Case-Cum-Research Study on the Americans First Immigration Act and Its Implications for Indian Migrants, NRIs, and U.S.–India Mobility (2026–2028) Abstract The proposed Americans First Immigration Act (AFIA) represents one of the most significant attempts to redesign the U.S. legal immigration system in recent years. The bill seeks to eliminate the Diversity Visa Lottery, reduce extended family-based immigration, and introduce a points-based merit immigration model emphasizing education, English proficiency, income potential, and labor-market skills. While supporters argue that the proposal prioritizes economic productivity and national interest, critics contend that it weakens family reunification and reduces legal pathways for migrants. This case-cum-research paper examines the likely impact of AFIA on global migrants, with particular emphasis on Indians, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), students, H-1B professionals, and green-c...