The new immigration reform deal: merit vs. lobby
By Mona Austin
On Thursday, Pres. Trump rolled out the tenants of a new immigration plan, the Immigration Modernization Act, looking toward fulfilling it in a possible second term. Many of the details were a reiteration of the GOP's views on immigration reform, but surprisingly there were no glaring cries for a border wall to be built as per the usual rallying cry that nudges the Republican base. Yet, border security remains a priority in the immigration reform effort.
The Democrats have already begun to call it a campaign speech noticing the difference in tone. A USA Today article called the plan dead-on-arrival even before he rolled out the vision.
POTUS had a more welcoming tone that foreshadowed his focus for the next term. He said if Democrats don't approve the GOP will approve when they take back the House in next election.
Officials in attendance during the announcement in the Rose Garden included: HUD Secretary Ben Carson, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Republican Reps. Steve King and Steven Scalise.
Some highlights from the new plan to modernize immigration are as follows:
On Thursday, Pres. Trump rolled out the tenants of a new immigration plan, the Immigration Modernization Act, looking toward fulfilling it in a possible second term. Many of the details were a reiteration of the GOP's views on immigration reform, but surprisingly there were no glaring cries for a border wall to be built as per the usual rallying cry that nudges the Republican base. Yet, border security remains a priority in the immigration reform effort.
"We’re already building the wall, and we should have close to 400 miles built by the end of next year, and probably even more than that."
The president said he wants to adopt a universal admission standard that will stop "asylum abuse" with a point system he described as "merit and heart" based.
The president said he wants to adopt a universal admission standard that will stop "asylum abuse" with a point system he described as "merit and heart" based.
The Democrats have already begun to call it a campaign speech noticing the difference in tone. A USA Today article called the plan dead-on-arrival even before he rolled out the vision.
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| President Donald Trump rolls out the Immigration Modernization Act in the White House Rose Garden on Thursday, May16, 2019. |
"We will get it approved immediately after the election, when we take back the House, keep the Senate and, of course, hold the presidency," Trump said at a White House Rose Garden event as administration officials applauded. "One of the reasons we will win is because of our strong, fair and pro America immigration policy."
Ending, Trump said he wants to "build an immigration system for all Americans."Officials in attendance during the announcement in the Rose Garden included: HUD Secretary Ben Carson, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Republican Reps. Steve King and Steven Scalise.
Some highlights from the new plan to modernize immigration are as follows:
- Will move from a lottery system to a merit based one.
- The Green Card would be replaced with the "Build America" Visa, essentially establishing new branding for America. The number of green card seekers would not change.
- Legitimate asylum seekers are being displaced by those lodging frivolous claims. . .strains school and hospital systems. We are using funds that should be going to veterans, elderly and youth.
- Plans to screen out meritless claims. If you do not have a proper claim you will be promptly returned home. IF you do you can stay.
- Plan makes sure gang members are inadmissible. For criminals already here we will ensure their swift deportation. Every year we admit 1.1 million green card holders.
The new immigration plan is designed to attract the most talented individuals from other countries and broadly covers 6 areas according to the White House:
- Attract the best and brightest
- Border security
- Wage protection
- Prioritizes immediate families
- Preservation of humanitarian values
- Workforce in critical industries
The plan is similar to Switzerland where between 20-25% are foreigners and New Zealand which are democratic nations. Ultimately, the framework of the plan compares to the "selective immigration" of Canada, the best example, where 63% of the immigration is based off employment and skill. In Australia, 68% of immigration is based on employment and skill. Both countries have a large, diverse immigrant population. I spoke to a Canadian source who said Trump portrays the plan in a manner that presents America as "competitive and the place to be."
