Trump unveils merit-based immigration plan |
US President Donald Trump has unveiled his sweeping immigration reform package, which prioritizes `merit-based` immigration over family-based visas and virtually shuts the door on asylum seekers. In his border-security driven speech, the president said he would like to see the percentage of visas allocated to highly-skilled workers grow from its current 12 percent to 57 percent. “We`d like to even see if we can go higher,” he said, to applause from the audience gathered at the White House`s Rose Garden mid-afternoon. “This will bring us in line with other countries and make us globally competitive.We want immigrants coming in. We cherish the open door that we want to create for our country, but a big proportion of those immigrants must come in through merit and skill,” said Trump. The proposal delivered a mixed bag to Indian Americans, who have long been campaigning for more visas for highly-skilled workers. But, according to the plan, U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents would not be allowed to sponsor adult siblings, aging parents, and other family members. The proposal would also limit the definition of immediate family members solely to spouses and minor children.
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