Trump pitches his 'merit-based' immigration proposal

President Donald Trump on Thursday formally rolled out his proposal to overhaul the country's approach to immigration, saying the U.S. must prioritize younger and highly educated immigrants to "contribute more to our social safety net" and "restore the integrity of our broken asylum system."

Trump also said the U.S. should crack down on asylum seekers, as migrant caravans continue to flow from Central America.

"Our nation has a proud history of affording protection to those fleeing government persecutions. Unfortunately, legitimate asylum seekers are being displaced by those lodging frivolous claims," Trump said in a Rose Garden speech. "My plan expedites relief for legitimate asylum seekers by screening out the merit-less claims. If you have a proper claim, you will quickly be admitted. If you don't, you will promptly be returned home."

Immigrants seeking U.S. citizenship legally should also be held to a strict, point-based merit standard, Trump said. Under his plan, the younger and more educated a person is, the more likely they are to have their applications approved. Points would also be added for having a "valuable skill, an offer of employment, an advanced education or a plan to create jobs."

Immigrants would have to prove they're financially self-sufficient, learn English, and pass a civics exam prior to entry into the country.