How does the government choose immigrants from different countries?

I was told by a history professor that they choose people who are either educated or have money, that the US government only picks people who prove that they can contribute to american society. Is this true?

Answer:
Following WWII, and up until 1965 the law, required us to select them based on job skills and education. Since 1965 the law requires us to give a priority to family reunification.

It's really very sad.
We have a certain number of poor, due to family chain migration, the diversity lottery (40,000 per year plus family) and then we have masses and masses who come illegally, and drain our services. But generally I think you will find that ALL countries slant their laws to let in the people the country needs, who are typically more educated and if not wealthy, then at least not likely to put their families on tax funded services.

And then we also just have limits. Our schools can only take so many.
Yes, it is.
In the great melting Pot of America we add all of the best ingredients!
Some Pasta, a little Lime, some Potatoes, Sauerkraut, Rice, Fallafel, Sushi on the side, Some Curry for flavor, lately we been splashing in Vodka, and just a whole myriad of tasty Items to get that great American Mix!
Only problem lately, is just way too many BEANS! They swell up and force all the other ingredients out or prevent us from adding anymore!
Comprende?

Added, Yak-Rider-what your saying is our incompetents in office are allowing all of the Mexicans and other Hispanics here to bring in every relative they have in preferance! Hasta USA, Hola Mehico!
yes they use that criteria to choose the final winners of the green card lottery.

The immigration information post by website user , MyTend.com not guarantee correctness

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