Advocates were quick to decry an immigration plan released by President Trump on May 16 as one that would rig the nation’s immigration policies in favor of the wealthy at the expense of reuniting families. The proposal would make major damaging changes to family-based immigration, instead implementing a point system that would prioritize special skills and advanced education. The proposed plan would also require English language proficiency and passing a U.S. civics exam, among other things.

Marielena Hincapié, Executive Director of the National Immigration Law Center, said in a statement, “This sweeping proposed change to our country’s immigration system is based not in values, but in white nationalism and an elitist belief that this country is only for the wealthy. This is not a serious policy proposal, but rather another attack on immigrant families.” Trump ally Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said “the White House’s plan is not designed to become law. … The White House plan is trying to unite the Republican Party.”

Some conservatives opposed the plan because it would not lower the overall level of legal immigration into the U.S. Given the opposition of Democrats and some Republicans, the proposal is likely to be dead on arrival on Capitol Hill.

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