Merit-Based Immigration Reform: Expand Legal Pathways for Law-Abiding Workers

I am writing to urge reform of the U.S. immigration system so that it better aligns with the values of lawfulness, responsibility, and contribution to society. The United States has long benefited from immigrants who enter legally, respect our laws, and work hard to build productive lives. Many Americans—including physicians, small business owners, and parents raising the next generation—are here today because this country once offered lawful pathways to people who were willing to contribute and assimilate. Today, however, our immigration system often fails to reward those same qualities. Individuals who comply fully with visa requirements—temporary workers, caregivers, and au pairs among them—frequently have no realistic legal path to remain in the United States, even when they are employed, English-speaking, culturally integrated, and strongly supported by American families or employers. At the same time, the system too often incentivizes or rewards unlawful presence, creating the perception that following the rules places one at a disadvantage. This imbalance undermines respect for the law and public confidence in immigration policy. Strong border enforcement and interior enforcement are essential to national sovereignty and public safety. But enforcement alone is not sufficient. It must be paired with lawful, structured pathways that favor the kinds of immigrants the country actually needs and wants. I respectfully suggest the following policy reforms: 1. Establish a merit- and character-based immigration pathway Create a points-based system that accounts for English proficiency, work history, education or vocational skills, clean legal records, and demonstrated compliance with U.S. law. 2. Allow lawful temporary workers to adjust status Temporary visa holders who complete their programs in good standing, pass background checks, and obtain U.S. employer sponsorship should be eligible to adjust status without being required to leave the country. 3. Expand employer-sponsored visas beyond elite credentials Immigration policy should recognize the value of reliable, industrious workers who fill legitimate labor needs, not only those with advanced or extraordinary credentials. 4. Pair enforcement with clear legal pathways When lawful options are realistic and accessible, incentives to violate immigration law are reduced, and compliance increases. America should be selective—not only about skills, but about values. A system that prioritizes law-abiding, productive, and values-aligned immigrants strengthens the nation economically, socially, and morally.