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May 16, 2019

US President Donald Trump has announced a new immigration plan that will prioritize merit over family reunifications.

"The Democrats propose open borders, lower wages and, frankly, lawless chaos. We propose an immigration plan that puts all American jobs, wages and security ahead of it. Our proposal is pro-American," pro immigrants and pro workers. It's just common sense, "Trump said in a speech in the White House rose garden.

However, the plan does not seem to have much chance of passing through Congress, writes the Washington Post, stressing that the proposal was greeted with "skepticism" by MPs and senators from both parties.

Among other things, the plan completely ignores the question of 'dreamers', immigrants who arrived as children in the United States, whom the Democrats consider a priority.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders explained that the issue was ruled out because it was too "divisive".

The new system, developed by Trump with the help of his son-in-law Jared Kouchner, provides that 57% of green cards are issued on merit, compared to the current 12%.

Currently two thirds of green cards are given for family reunification.

The plan wanted by the American president involves a two-stage process: once they pass the civic tests and checks on the applicants' past, aspiring immigrants will be evaluated with a points system based on knowledge of English, age, offers job title and educational qualifications.

"Our plan - said the American president - will transform the immigration system in America into the pride of our nation".

"The biggest challenge - he added - is the increase in the proportion of skilled immigrants from 12 to 57%, and even more than this. This will make us more competitive".

Those who want to enter the country, he explained, "will have to show knowledge of English and pass a civic exam before admission".