Merit-based immigration, often referred to as point-based immigration, has attracted a lot of interest recently as a possible route for foreign individuals to enter a country based on their unique skill sets. This strategy has previously been used by nations including the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada in addition to conventional immigration routes like family ties and humanitarian considerations. 

Merit-Based Immigration And How It Works

A point system is used to evaluate applicants' qualifications in merit-based immigration. Points are given to candidates depending on their age, education, employment and language proficiency. 

Merit-based immigration works by assessing and choosing foreign individuals for admittance into a country based on their unique skill sets and qualifications. This system's main goal is to draw in highly qualified people who can boost the economy of the nation.

The first countries to implement merit-based immigration policies were Canada and Australia. The emphasis in these nations has changed away from job-specific abilities and towards attributes like education, language ability, work experience and age. The objective was to encourage a fair and nondiscriminatory selection process that would favour those with a variety of skills and knowledge.

The RAISE Act and Its Proposed Implementation

Through the Reforming American Immigration for Strong Employment Act (RAISE Act) of 2017, former President Donald Trump pushed for the adoption of merit-based immigration in the United States. This legislation sought to cap the total number of employment-based and points-based immigrant visas at 140,000 per fiscal year.

A thorough point system for candidates was proposed by the RAISE Act, taking into account elements including age, formal education, English language competency, exceptional accomplishments and employment offers. 

Although the Act aimed to give the United States back its competitive edge in the twenty-first century, it was criticised for possibly favouring highly skilled immigrants over those with lower skills, which are crucial to important economic sectors.

According to critics, limiting immigration based solely on skills could eventually result in job losses and slow down economic progress. There are also worries about possible biases in the system against women and underrepresented groups, notably in STEM disciplines, based on country and gender.

FAQS

Will other immigration routes entirely be replaced by merit-based immigration?

The goal of merit-based immigration is to supplement current immigration channels including family reunification and humanitarian considerations. It is not meant to take the role of these important outlets.

Can merit-based immigration policies be changed in the future?

Yes, as nations like Australia and Canada have demonstrated, merit-based immigration systems need constant review and improvement to be functional and adaptable to changing demands.

What benefits do merit-based immigration programmes offer?

A merit-based immigration system enables nations to draw in highly qualified people who can boost their economies and increase their competitiveness. Additionally, it can support diversity and meet particular labour requirements.