Trump seeks end to 'chain migration'

US President Donald Trump has reiterated the need to end ' chain migration', which he said is essential towards creating a system that prefers Americans over foreign workers.

Trump said this is part of his immigration proposals sent to the Congress last week, which he said closes dangerous loopholes that enabled illegal immigration, and visa overstay.

"Nobody knows the numbers about visa overstays. They are so out of control. We are going to take care of that," he said in his Cabinet meeting at the White House.

Briefing his Cabinet colleagues on immigration, Trump said he has asked Congress to ensure that any proposed immigration reform ends chain migration.

"Once a person comes then brings everybody in the family. We have to end this chain which is critical for creating a system that prefers American workers and American taxpayers first," said the US president.

Trump last week proposed a merit-based immigration system that could benefit highly-skilled Indian workers but prevents them from sponsoring their extended families.

Trump reiterated his resolve to build the wall on the border with Mexico.

"When you look at what's going on in Mexico...tough times right now in terms of crime. More than ever we need the wall. We have drugs pouring through on the southern border. We have to have the wall. We are going to have the wall," he said.

"But if you look at just what's happened on the other side of the border. There is tremendous crime. There is a tremendous problem going. We have a very good relationship with Mexico. But there are a lot of problems. We don't want the drugs. We do not want the crime. We need the wall," Trump said.