Donald Trump unveils merit-based immigration system

TIL Desk/World/Washington/ US President Donald Trump Thursday rolled out a merit-based immigration system from which foreigners, including hundreds and thousands of Indian professionals and skilled workers, waiting to get Green Cards or permanent legal residency stand to benefit.

The immigration reform proposals significantly increase the quota for skilled workers from existing nearly 12 per cent to 57 per cent. Besides, under the proposed reforms, immigrants will be required to learn English and pass a civics exam prior to admission.

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

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.