Trump rails against 'outdated' immigration system in weekly address

Source: The Hill




BY MAX GREENWOOD - 12/16/17 03:56 PM EST

Link to tweet

President Trump reupped calls on Saturday for Congress to end so-called "chain migration" and establish a merit-based immigration system, arguing that the current process threatens U.S. national security and overburdens federal welfare.

In his weekly address, Trump railed against the current U.S. immigration system, calling it "outdated" and suggesting that it is designed to help "special interests."

He took particular aim "chain migration" – the process by which American citizens or green card holders can sponsor relatives abroad to come to the U.S.

"Because these individuals are admitted solely on the basis of family ties – not skill or not merit – most of this immigration is lower skill, putting great strain on federal welfare," he said in a video posted online. "And because there is no real selection criteria, the current system is totally incompatible with national security."

Read more: http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/365263-trump-rails-against-outdated-immigration-system-in-weekly-address