Trump unveils plan for merit-based immigration system

MANDEL NGAN / AFP

US President Donald Trump unveiled a merit-based immigration plan that would favour high-skilled workers.

In an address at the White House, he proposed to restrict family-based migration.

"Our plan includes a sweeping modernisation of our dysfunctional legal immigration process. It is totally dysfunctional," the president told reporters on Thursday. 

Under the plan, which has not yet resulted in the drafting of any actual legislation, the number of visas awarded to the highly-skilled will be increased from 12 to 57 per cent.

He added that immigrants would be "required to learn English and to pass a civics exam prior to admission".

 

More from International

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • The Business Breakfast

    6:00am - 10:00am

    The Business Breakfast is the day’s must listen for the UAE’s business leaders, and those who aspire to be.

  • The Agenda

    10:00am - 1:00pm

    Broadcasting every weekday, Georgia Tolley goes beyond the headlines to speak to government ministers, decision makers, analysts and local experts to find out how the news will impact those of us living in the UAE.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE

    Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?

  • Noon's First Female Delivery Driver

    Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!