Rep. Andy Ogles has introduced a comprehensive bill aimed at overhauling U.S. immigration by ending chain migration and the diversity visa lottery, shifting to a merit-based system focused on national interests.
Rep. Andy Ogles, a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, has unveiled a significant piece of legislation that proposes the most extensive overhaul of legal immigration in decades. The bill seeks to transition the U.S. immigration system from its current family-based focus to one that prioritizes individuals who serve the “national interest” of the country.
According to a draft version of the legislative text obtained by Fox News Digital, the proposed law states, “All immigration to the United States shall serve the economic, cultural, and security interests of the United States as determined by Congress.” This shift would effectively end chain migration, which allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor relatives for immigration.
Additionally, the bill aims to eliminate the diversity visa lottery, a program that allocates 55,000 immigrant visas annually to individuals from countries with low migration rates to the U.S. Under the new proposal, individuals seeking to immigrate would need to meet an expanded set of “good moral character requirements.”
Prospective immigrants could face disqualification if they are accused of gang affiliation or have prior arrests related to domestic violence or driving under the influence, even if they have not been convicted. Other factors that may hinder eligibility include misuse of public benefits, any immigration violations such as visa overstays, and tax delinquency.
The legislation would also mandate rigorous vetting processes to confirm “good moral character,” which would include enhanced background checks, social media reviews, and in-person interviews.
While Republicans have historically maintained a tough stance on illegal immigration, a growing faction within the party has begun to express concerns regarding the legal immigration process as well. Ogles’ bill seeks to reverse key aspects of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, commonly referred to as the “Hart-Celler Act.” This landmark legislation abolished longstanding immigration quotas that predominantly favored individuals from Northern and Western Europe, thereby opening the door to increased migration from Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Eastern Europe.
The Hart-Celler Act established a system that prioritized family reunification, refugees, and individuals with specific skills deemed beneficial to the U.S. economy. Ogles has previously called for the repeal of the Hart-Celler Act, stating on social media in December 2025, “The Hart-Celler Act scrapped the highly effective national-origins quota system and replaced it with an immigration regime built to favor third-world migration.”
As the debate over immigration reform continues, Ogles’ proposal represents a significant shift in the conversation, emphasizing a merit-based approach that aligns with the interests of the nation.
For more details on this legislation, refer to Fox News.