Reportedly, the 29-year-old suspect entered the US on a Diversity Visa Lottery (DV) program, an immigration program that annually offers 50,000 visas to immigrants from eligible countries.
President Donald Trump on Wednesday put the onus of the New York attack on the ‘Diversity Visa Lottery Program’ and the proponent of program Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY). Calling to end the program, the president maintained that he espouses the merit-based immigration system, similar to the one adopted by countries such as Canada and Australia.
“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 early morning on Wednesday.
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
In a series of tweets, Trump continued the attack on Schumer and the immigration program. He said his administration is working hard to push for the merit-based immigration as opposed to the lottery system.
“We are fighting hard for Merit Based immigration, no more Democrat Lottery Systems. We must get MUCH tougher (and smarter),” Trump tweeted. “Senator Chuck Schumer helping to import Europes problems” said Col. Tony Schaffer. We will stop this craziness!”
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
"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
In response to Trump’s allegations, Schumer said he would continue to support immigration and that the president should not politicize the national tragedy.
“Always believed & cont. to believe that immigration is good for America. Pres Trump, instead of politicizing & dividing America, which he always seems to do at times of natl tragedy, should focus on anti-terrorism funding which he proposed cutting in his budget,” Schumer tweeted. “I’m calling on the President to immediately rescind his proposed cuts to vital anti-terrorism funding.”
Always believed & cont. to believe that immigration is good for America. Pres Trump, instead of politicizing & dividing America, 1/3
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) November 1, 2017
which he always seems to do at times of natl tragedy, should focus on anti-terrorism funding which he proposed cutting in his budget. 2/3
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) November 1, 2017
I’m calling on the President to immediately rescind his proposed cuts to this vital anti-terrorism funding. 3/3
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) November 1, 2017
Schumer had pushed for the Diversity Visa Lottery program in 1990 and played a major role in drafting the law.
On Tuesday, a rented truck rammed through several people on the bike-only path in lower Manhattan, and the driver was reportedly shouting “Allahu Akbar.” At least eight people were killed and several others were injured. Reportedly, the attacker had come to the US on a Diversity Visa Lottery (DV) program. Under this program, every year the State Department offers 50,000 visas to foreigners from countries with low immigration rates. People from India are not eligible to apply under DV program.