President Trump Throws Support Behind Immigration Bill

In a speech on Wednesday, August 2, 2017, President Trump vocalized strong support for the Reforming American Immigration for a Strong Economy (RAISE) Act, previously proposed by Senators Tom Cotton and David Perdue.  The RAISE Act would fundamentally alter immigration priorities in the United States, limiting access to family based immigrant visas, such as for brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens, in favor of employment-based visas.  The Act would also end the diversity visa lottery and place a limit on the number of annual refugee admissions.

President Trump stated that he believes the United States should implement a merit-based system that favors highly educated or skilled English-speakers.  In all, it is estimated that the RAISE Act would cut annual U.S. immigration by fifty percent (50%).

Politically, the Act likely has little chance of passing in the Senate and will face fierce opposition from immigrant rights groups, Democrats, and even some Republicans. However, President Trump’s willingness to support such legislation indicates that immigration remains a priority for the Administration.

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