Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., defended Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., on Wednesday after President Trump blamed Schumer for the immigration policy that allowed the suspect in Tuesday’s terror attack in New York City to enter the United States.
“Actually, the Gang of 8, including @SenSchumer, did away with the Diversity Visa Program as part of broader reforms. I know, I was there,” Flake tweeted, responding to Trump on Wednesday. “In fact, had the Senate Gang of 8 bill passed the House, it would have ended the Visa Lottery Program AND increased merit based visas.”
Actually, the Gang of 8, including @SenSchumer, did away with the Diversity Visa Program as part of broader reforms. I know, I was there https://t.co/QQFJzPyRzC
— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) November 1, 2017
In fact, had the Senate Gang of 8 bill passed the House, it would have ended the Visa Lottery Program AND increased merit based visas. https://t.co/o3qJHHAv1C
— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) November 1, 2017
Trump said Wednesday the suspect in Tuesday’s attack, Sayfullo Saipov, came to the U.S. from Uzbekistan through the “Diversity Visa Lottery Program,” and called for the program’s end. According to reports, Saipov moved to the U.S. in 2010.
“The terrorist came into our country through what is called the ‘Diversity Visa Lottery Program,’ a Chuck Schumer beauty. I want merit based,” the president tweeted. “We are fighting hard for Merit Based immigration, no more Democrat Lottery Systems. We must get MUCH tougher (and smarter). @foxandfriends.”
Schumer responded to Trump’s allegations and called on Trump to rescind his proposed cuts to anti-terrorism funding.
“I have always believed and continue to believe that immigration is good for America,” Schumer said in a statement. “President Trump, instead of politicizing and dividing America, which he always seems to do at times of national tragedy, should be focusing on the real solution — anti-terrorism funding — which he proposed cutting in his most recent budgets. I’m calling on the president to immediately rescind his proposed cuts to this vital anti-terrorism funding.”
Schumer also took to Twitter to respond to Trump’s tweet, saying, “I guess it’s not too soon to politicize a tragedy.”
I guess it’s not too soon to politicize a tragedy.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) November 1, 2017
Eight people were killed and another 11 were injured when a driver, identified as Saipov, plowed a rented Home Depot truck down a bike path in lower Manhattan.
The attack ended when Saipov crashed into a school bus, injuring two adults and two children
He was shot in the stomach by a New York City police officer and is in the hospital.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said the incident was an “act of terror.”
