President Donald Trump

U.S. President, Donald Trump, on Wednesday announced an initiative to reduce the number of legal immigrants allowed into United States each year and to prioritise highly skilled workers.

“The so-called RAISE Act being introduced by a pair of Republican senators would mark the most significant reform to our immigration system in half a century,’’ Trump said.

The White House said the bill would reduce overall immigration numbers in a bid to ease pressure on low-skilled wage jobs.

“It will replace the current visa programme with one that focuses on immigrants with better education, English Language skills, high-paying job offers, past achievements and entrepreneurial initiative.

“The move would not only restore the sacred bonds of trust with U.S. citizens, but will make sure future immigrants will be assimilated, will succeed and fulfil the American dream,’’ he said.

Trump has made immigration one of his signature issues, but his electoral campaign had primarily focused on reducing illegal immigration and the construction of a wall along the Mexican border.

He had also called for a reduction in legal immigration.

Senator David Perdue said that the proposal was partially formulated based on immigration policies in Canada and Australia.

(dpa/NAN)