President Trump's 'merit based' immigration legislation stirs controversy

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (KGO) -- President Donald Trump is planning to curtail legal immigration -- and he's clear about who would be favored in the process.

RELATED: President Trump embraces legislation for merit-based immigration

"This competitive application process will favor applicants who can speak English, financially support themselves and their families and demonstrate skills that will contribute to our economy," Trump said.

The bill would limit the types of family members that immigrants with status can bring over to mainly their spouses and children who are minors.

It would eliminate the International Diversity Visa lottery and limit the number of annual refugee admissions.

Ultimately it would cut legal immigration by 50 percent over 10 years.

Watch the video in the player above for reaction from Walnut Creek.

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