President Trump has announced a new merit-based test for giving out green cards. It will work on a point system. Extra points will be awarded to the young, who can contribute for a longer period of time and will increase merit-based visas from 12% to 57%.
Nancy Pelosi has announced her opposition to the plan. She wants all low skilled immigrants because they favor the Democrats, whereas highly skilled immigrants favor Republicans. Points will also be given for people with valuable skills such as researchers, doctors and engineers.
They are the ones who will contribute more than low skilled workers who depend on welfare programs.
President Donald Trump delivered remarks from the Rose Garden on Thursday regarding a new proposal to overhaul the United States’ immigration system.
“Our proposal is pro-American, pro-immigrant, and pro-worker,” Trump said. “It will help all of our people, including millions of devoted immigrants to achieve the American dream.”
“Our plan achieves two critical goals: first it stops illegal immigration and fully secures the border, and second, it establishes a new legal immigration system that protects American wages, promotes American values, and attracts the best and brightest from all around the world,” he explained.
Trump assured that the number of green cards granted each year wouldn’t change, but the criteria for them would change.
The plan replaces existing green card categories with a “Build America Visa” and shifts to a points-based selection system. More points are awarded to those who are younger and can contribute longer to the U.S. More points will also be awarded to those who have valuable skills or advanced education, as well as those who plan to create jobs.
Trump also revealed that the plan would require immigrants to learn English and pass a civics exam in order to promote assimilation.
Trump noted that the plan was not designed by politicians, but rather by law enforcement who face the immigration crisis firsthand and know what is needed to confront the issue.