Trump Blames Schumer After NYC Terror Attack

President says 'Diversity Visa Lottery Program' allowed suspect to enter country
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 1, 2017 8:06 AM CDT
Trump Blames Schumer After NYC Terror Attack
In this Sept. 6, 2017, photo, President Trump and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer are pictured.   (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President Trump is singling out Chuck Schumer for blame after Tuesday's deadly truck attack in New York City. "The terrorist came into our country through what is called the 'Diversity Visa Lottery Program,' a Chuck Schumer beauty," he tweeted. "I want merit based." Trump is joining a chorus of voices on the right complaining about the visa program after ABC7 reported that suspect Sayfullo Saipov came to the US from Uzbekistan because of it, reports the Washington Post. The ABC report hasn't been confirmed. The visa program puts an emphasis on allowing in people from nations with relatively low immigration rates, and Schumer helped draft the original legislation (which got folded into a broader immigration package) as a House member in 1990.

"We are fighting hard for Merit Based immigration, no more Democrat Lottery Systems," Trump tweeted. "We must get MUCH tougher (and smarter)." He also quoted a critic on Fox and Friends who accused Schumer of "helping to import Europes (sic) problems." Schumer has not responded to the criticism yet, but Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff, who sits on the House intelligence panel, criticized Trump's response. "To use this tragedy in that way to push an agenda is not what the president ought to be doing right now," he said, per USA Today. The visa program allows in 50,000 immigrants a year from countries with low immigration rates, per the Post. Applicants must have a high school diploma or two years' experience in a job that requires formal training. (More President Trump stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X