Merit-based immigration system: Trump

On Thursday, US President Donald Trump launched a merit-based immigration system that would benefit foreigners, including hundreds and thousands of Indian professionals and skilled workers, waiting to obtain Green Cards or permanent legal residency.

The immigration reform proposals raise the quota for skilled workers substantially from existing nearly 12% to 57%. In addition, immigrants will be required to learn English and pass a civic examination prior to admission under the proposed reforms.

However, the major immigration policy is unlikely to see the Congressional node soon, given the bitter political divide across the aisle between the Democrats, who have a majority in the House of Representatives, and the Senate-controlled Republicans.

Trump, in his Rose Garden announcement, himself conceded the difficulties ahead in getting his plan become the law of the day.

Signaling to make it an election issue next year, Trump said the Republicans needs to regain control of the House, retain majority in the Senate and he himself be re-elected to the White House.

Notably, America’s last immigration overhaul was 54 years ago.