President Trump could copy Australia's immigration policy

US President Donald Trump has said he wants to move to a merit-based immigration policy, citing Australia’s system as a model example.

“Nations around the world, like Canada, Australia and many others - have a merit-based immigration system. It is a basic principle that those seeking to enter a country ought to be able to support themselves financially,” Mr Trump said in his first address to a joint session of Congress.

“Yet, in America, we do not enforce this rule, straining the very public resources that our poorest citizens rely upon.”

Trump said on Tuesday night the current US system of "lower-skilled" legal immigration failed to protect workers.

"I believe that real and positive immigration reform is possible, as long as we focus on the following goals: to improve jobs and wages for Americans, to strengthen our nation's security, and to restore respect for our laws," he said in his first address to a joint session of Congress.

He said a merit-based system would save money, raise wages "and help struggling families - including immigrant families - enter the middle class".

In his maiden speech to Congress, Mr Trump US President Donald Trump struck a message of hope for Americans while warning the country's enemies that "America is ready to lead again".

Mr Trump was greeted with thunderous applause and he entered the chamber and spoke of the "renewal of the American spirit."