RAISE Act

The RAISE Act (Reforming American Immigration for a Strong Economy Act) refers to proposed United States legislation introduced in Congress on multiple occasions, most notably in 2017. It aimed to significantly alter the United States' immigration system by prioritizing high-skilled immigrants, limiting family-based immigration, and reducing the overall number of legal immigrants admitted each year.

The core principles of the RAISE Act revolved around shifting the emphasis from family-based immigration (often referred to as "chain migration") to a skills-based or merit-based system. This proposed system would award points based on factors such as education, English proficiency, and job skills, allowing immigrants with higher scores to be more likely to receive a green card.

Key proposed changes included:

• Eliminating the diversity visa lottery: This program, which granted visas to individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the U.S., would be eliminated.
• Limiting family-based immigration: The Act sought to restrict family-based immigration preferences to spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. It proposed eliminating preferences for siblings, adult children, and parents of U.S. citizens.
• Establishing a merit-based points system: This system would assign points based on factors such as education level, English language proficiency, high-paying job offers, age, and exceptional achievement.
• Setting annual numerical limits on immigration: The Act aimed to significantly reduce the overall number of green cards issued each year.

Supporters of the RAISE Act argued that it would strengthen the American economy by attracting highly skilled workers, reduce the strain on social safety nets, and promote assimilation. Critics, on the other hand, contended that it would harm the U.S. economy by limiting the labor supply, reduce family reunification, and discriminate against individuals from less developed countries.

Versions of the RAISE Act were introduced in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. While the Act garnered considerable attention and debate, it ultimately did not pass into law.