Trump unveils merit-based immigration policy plan

US president Donald Trump has outlined plans for a new US immigration system designed to favour younger and better educated English speaking workers.

In an address at the white house, Trump proposed moving away from the current system that favour applicants with family ties to the US.

He said border security would be beefed up and a tougher line taken on asylum seekers.

Senior democrats dismissed the ideas, describing it as dead on arrival.