A merit system is what the rest of the developed world uses and I think it is appropriate for working age immigrants. I agree that we are already having trouble supporting our own entitlements for our older generations, so we certainly should not be taking in people who have no way to provide for themselves here. That said, the idea that if you want to work hard and succeed, the US has a place for you is something I still personally believe.

I hear the accusations that its a 'brain drain' on other countries, but so it has always been, and so it will be. If you want to go somewhere were no skills are required, don't expect it to be awesome. China, for instance, has opportunities that do not exist in the US even if the overall prospect is worse. The right people will always take advantage of what they have to succeed. Its the epitome of the type of person we do not need in the US who thinks that they should be allowed to come here with nothing to offer. We have enough leeches on our own, if we take other nationals, they need to be productive to justify their presence.

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