President Trump on Wednesday accused Sen. Chuck Schumer and other Democrats for supporting an immigration system that allows people like the suspect in Tuesday’s terrorist attack in New York to enter the U.S., and said he would keep pushing to end the diversity visa program.
“The terrorist came into our country through what is called the ‘Diversity Visa Lottery Program,’ a Chuck Schumer beauty. I want merit based,” Trump tweeted Wednesday morning. “We are fighting hard for Merit Based immigration, no more Democrat Lottery Systems. We must get MUCH tougher (and smarter). @foxandfriends.”
The terrorist came into our country through what is called the “Diversity Visa Lottery Program,” a Chuck Schumer beauty. I want merit based.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 1, 2017
We are fighting hard for Merit Based immigration, no more Democrat Lottery Systems. We must get MUCH tougher (and smarter). @foxandfriends
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 1, 2017
Trump also cited a Fox News report that also blamed Schumer, the top Senate Democrat, for “helping to import Europes problems” with a relaxed immigration system.
“Senator Chuck Schumer helping to import Europes problems” said Col.Tony Shaffer. We will stop this craziness! @foxandfriends
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 1, 2017
The suspect in Tuesday’s attack, Sayfullo Saipov, is a 29-year-old man who legally immigrated to the U.S. from Uzbekistan, and reports Tuesday night said he entered the U.S. in 2010 through the diversity visa program. He allegedly rented a van from a Home Depot in New Jersey hours before driving into Manhattan, where he drove into bikers in a private path.
Following the attack Tuesday, Trump tweeted that the Islamic State was not welcome in the U.S. and changed his Twitter cover photo to an image of the New York skyline.
“We must not allow ISIS to return, or enter, our country after defeating them in the Middle East and elsewhere. Enough!” Trump tweeted. “In NYC, looks like another attack by a very sick and deranged person. Law enforcement is following this closely. NOT IN THE U.S.A.!”
In early August, Trump endorsed a revised Senate bill that would implement a merit-based point system for foreigners who apply for legal permanent status, or green cards, through their employer.
“This legislation will not only restore our competitive edge in the 21st century but the bonds of trust between America and its citizens. This legislation demonstrates our compassion for struggling American families who deserve an immigration system that puts their needs first and America first,” Trump said during a press conference at the White House. “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.”
Republican Sens. David Perdue of Georgia and Tom Cotton of Arkansas met with Trump Aug. 1 to unveil an immigration bill, which was an updated version of the Reforming American Immigration for a Strong Economy Act, or the RAISE Act.
Trump’s endorsement marks the beginning of a push toward a radically different green card policy in the United States compared to the one that’s been in place for the past several decades.
Trump has warned lawmakers in Congress as they work on legislation to respond to the winding down of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that they must end chain migration in any reform bill.
“CHAIN MIGRATION cannot be allowed to be part of any legislation on Immigration!” Trump tweeted.
