Immigrants and advocates worried in wake of proposed Immigration changes
President Trump introduced controversial legislation Wednesday that would cut the number of legal immigrants coming into the country in half over the next decade by creating a points based system.
"This competitive application process will favor applicants who can speak English, financially support themselves and their families and demonstrate skills that will contribute to our economy,” said President Trump.
That announcement was met with strong opposition here in Rhode Island.
"America was not a country that was found only for English but for immigrants from all over the world,” said Danlette Norris.
Norris immigrated from Liberia. She says talk of this new policy has her worried for many reasons including for family and friends looking to get a fresh start.
"Of course it’s unfair. So what are you saying? If I go to France should I speak French. If I go to Germany should I speak German. I think it’s unfair to have such limitations,” said Norris.
When it comes to criticism over immigrants milking off of the system the Executive Director of Dorcas International, Kathleen Cloutier says she hasn’t seen any shortage of people she’s worked with looking for jobs.
"We work with folks to help find jobs and we have employers banging on our doors looking for people. They’re not able to fill the jobs they have and these are generally entry level positions," said Cloutier.
And, with roughly 1,700 immigrants coming to the state each year Cloutier says she’s hoping this plan doesn’t ever happen.
"I don’t think that’s the kind of country we want to be,” said Cloutier.
Senator Reed is one of several lawmakers to come out in opposition to the plan. He issued the following statement:
“There’s a lot we can do to fix our immigration policies, but the RAISE Act is a step in the wrong direction that would weaken America and hurt our economy. President Trump’s message is at odds with the facts and contradicts our nation’s values. There is consensus from business experts and economists across the political spectrum that this bill’s plan to slash legal immigration would harm the U.S. economy and I will vigorously oppose it. Congress needs to work together on bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform that is tough, but fair. And that requires real leadership, not just scapegoating.”
WLNE 2017
