With 'comprehensive immigration reform' again on the table in Congress, as the White House and Congress debate the future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Admissions program, U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith (R-San Antonio) is introducing what he says is 'common sense' immigration reform, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
Smith, the veteran Republican whose district extends from Alamo Heights northeastward to Austin, says his Immigration in the National Interest Act would assign a point system, based on skills, education, and other qualifications that would make the person a benefit to America.
"We need to put an emphasis on individuals who can contribute to our economy," he told News Radio 1200 WOAI news. "People who are coming into America either because they are immediate family members, or who have the skills and education that we need."
Smith says Americans support an orderly immigration system, but do not support unchecked immigration.
"I think we need to put American workers and American taxpayers first," he said. "We just can't admit everybody who wants to come to America. We are already the most generous country."
Smith says his plan would focus on the prospective immigrant's skills, education, and ability to benefit America, either through a history of honest hard work, or through a unique skill or education. He says it would either focus on, or reject, any prospective immigrants specifically due to their religion or nationality.