REFORMING U.S. IMMIGRATION POLICY: A CASE FOR MERIT-BASED IMMIGRATION?

Abstract

The thesis investigates how U.S. national interests have been defined in the country’s immigration policy, and whether the current policy, which prioritizes family-based immigration, supports those interests. The Donald J. Trump administration has looked to Canada’s points-based system, which has brought highly skilled and educated immigrants into the country. Through a comparative analysis of Canada’s and the United States’ immigration policies, this research provides perspective on whether screening immigrants is an effective way to meet a country’s national interests, particularly economic interests, and whether other factors must be considered for immigration policies. Ultimately, this thesis found that current U.S. immigration policies do not best serve national interests. This is not because the U.S. prioritizes family-based immigration but rather because the stagnant immigration policy does not respond to the changing needs of the country. Common-sense immigration reform requires more than looking to foreign partners for solutions; it requires us to review current practices and identify ways to enhance existing policies.