President Trump unveiled a new merit-based immigration policy Thursday, which was met with “underwhelming” reviews from Republicans and scathing attacks from Democrats.
The president’s proposal prioritizes skilled workers instead of family already in the country. The plan does not include citizenship for “Dreamers,” a key immigration priority for Democrats.
“Trump and his bigoted supporters are afraid that our country is changing and that soon we will become a nation where people of color make up the majority,” said Cristina Tzintzún Ramírez, founder and executive director of Texas-based Jolt Action. “America must live up to its promise and remain a beacon of hope 一 not a symbol of discrimination and oppression.”
Republicans Senators, including Lindsay Graham of South Carolina, Shelley Moore-Capito of West Virginia and Susan Collins of Maine, remained skeptical his proposal could pass the senate.
The Trump plan also does not include a plan for the 11 million undocumented immigrants currently in the U.S.
“Texas is a vibrant state of immigrants,” said Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa in a statement. “We value those who come from different countries and cultures. Texans deserve real solutions to the immigration debate, not fear-mongering and divisive politics that tear families apart.”
