In this HotAir article, Betsy McCaughey argues it’s time for America to adopt merit-based immigration that lets in winners with skills and education while keeping out losers dependent on welfare.
- Swiss voters rejected capping population at 10 million via immigration limits, sparking a national conversation the U.S. desperately needs on who gets in, not just how many.
- Nearly half of noncitizen-headed U.S. households collect welfare like food assistance or Medicaid, nearly double the rate for native-born households.
- The 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act prioritizes family ties over job skills, education, or English proficiency, creating unsustainable dependence.
- Biden’s open-border surge doubled minimally educated migrants, driving down wages for low-skilled Americans and swelling the dependent class.
- Smart nations like Canada, UK, Australia, and Singapore use merit systems that boost economies and spare taxpayers.
- Trump proved the border can be closed without major legislation, shifting focus to reforming legal immigration for national benefit.
- Harvard/Harris poll shows immigration as a top voter concern after affordability and economy, with even some Democrats opposing open borders.
- Republicans should push merit reform to ensure immigration serves America’s prosperity rather than burdening it.
Read the full story:
https://hotair.com/betsy-mccaughey/2026/06/21/time-for-merit-immigration-keep-out-the-losers-let-in-the-winners-n3816128
