A proposed immigration overhaul, the SMARTER Act, would replace the current H-1B selection process with a system favouring applicants based on qualifications, salaries and economic contribution. The bill was introduced in September by Republican Congressman David Schweikert of Arizona, outlined in an October 19 announcement, and referred to the House Judiciary Committee. It has not become law.
The proposal envisages an initial annual limit of 85,000 visas under the revised skilled-worker framework, with a five-member board assessing labour shortages, wages and economic conditions to set future allocations. A points-based system for employment-based permanent residency would consider age, education, English proficiency, earnings and professional achievements. The bill would also remove country-specific caps on employment-based immigration, restrict family-sponsored immigration mainly to spouses and minor children, end the Diversity Visa programme, and introduce a gold-card programme.
Why it matters
Removing country caps could matter to Indian professionals facing long employment-based green-card waits, but any effect would depend on the final visa limits and selection rules if the bill ever advances. For now nothing changes: current H-1B and green-card rules remain in effect, and readers should not make plans based on this proposal alone.
