The Heartland Visa Act of 2024 creates a new immigration visa program designed to bring skilled foreign workers to struggling American counties that are losing population and economic vitality. The program targets counties where the population has barely grown or even shrunk since 2010, and where housing costs remain below the national average. These counties can choose to participate and receive a share of 50,000 visas per year.

To get a Heartland Visa, applicants need at least a bachelor's degree and a job offer paying at least the national median salary for full-time workers. The program uses a wage-based system where higher salaries get priority, with bonuses for younger workers (under 25 get the biggest boost), those who graduated from local colleges, and those transferring within the same company. Self-employed people and remote workers can also apply. Visa holders must live in their participating county for three years, though they can work anywhere in the country. After six years (two three-year terms), they can apply to become permanent residents if they've earned enough money—either at the 75th income percentile for their age or the 90th percentile for at least two of those years.

Spouses and children of visa holders can come along on dependent visas and are automatically allowed to work. The program includes security vetting through the National Vetting Center, with extra screening for people from countries with religious freedom concerns. Counties can drop out if their population grows too much (over 15 percent) or housing costs spike, ensuring the program stays focused on struggling areas. The goal is to spark economic growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship in rural and smaller urban areas that have been left behind while immigrants concentrate in the largest metropolitan areas.