Tuberville Introduced Americans First Immigration Act

The proposed legislation seeks to implement a merit-based immigration system and end the Diversity Visa Lottery.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Immigration

Tuberville Introduced Americans First Immigration Act

Live Poll

Should the United States replace the current immigration system with a merit-based admissions process?

Senator Tommy Tuberville has introduced the Americans First Immigration Act, which proposes shifting the country toward a merit-based admissions process. Representative Barry Moore introduced the companion House version, H.R. 8586, earlier this year.

Why it matters

This legislation aims to overhaul current immigration selection criteria by prioritizing education, military service, and job offers. It seeks to limit family-sponsored immigration while mandating that employers prioritize U.S. workers during the hiring process.

The proposed legislation would end the Diversity Visa Lottery and mandate that public colleges charge non-permanent residents out-of-state tuition rates. It prioritizes applicants based on English proficiency, education, and specific career achievements.

The players

Tommy Tuberville

He is the United States Senator representing Alabama who sponsored the legislation.

Barry Moore

He is the United States Representative representing Alabama who introduced the companion bill.

NumbersUSA

This is a non-profit organization that advocates for lower immigration levels in the United States.

America First Policy Institute

This is a non-profit research institute focused on advancing policy initiatives aligned with the America First agenda.

The details

The bill mandates that employers recruit American workers before hiring foreign nationals to prevent displacement. It also limits family-based immigration to spouses and minor children while requiring applicants to affirm adherence to constitutional principles.

Representative Barry Moore introduced H.R. 8586 in the House on April 29, 2026.
Senator Tommy Tuberville introduced the Americans First Immigration Act on September 25, 2026.

Political Context

Opponents of the merit-based shift argue that restricting family-sponsored immigration threatens long-standing pathways for family reunification. Critics also raise concerns that the focus on specific skill sets may overlook the diverse labor requirements of various sectors in the U.S. economy.

If enacted, the bill would significantly alter tuition costs for non-permanent residents attending public colleges and universities. It also places new requirements on employers to prioritize American workers, potentially changing recruitment and hiring processes across several industries.

The takeaway

The proposed legislation reflects a concerted effort to shift the national immigration framework toward a merit-based admissions model. Readers should monitor upcoming congressional sessions to see if the bill advances through committee or moves to a floor vote.