President Donald Trump called for immigration reforms Monday after a Bangladeshi immigrant allegedly exploded a pipe bomb in New York City.
“Today’s attempted mass murder attack in New York City—the second terror attack in New York in the last two months—once again highlights the urgent need for Congress to enact legislative reforms to protect the American people,” Trump said in a statement.
The alleged terrorist Akayed Ullah, 27, entered the U.S. in 2011 through extended family chain migration. The terror attack left four, including Ullah, injured.
Statistics released by the White House revealed that 142,000 Bangladesh nationals have been permanently resettled in the U.S. on the basis of familial ties since 2005. (RELATED: More Than 70 Percent Of Immigrants Came From Chain Migration)
“Today’s terror suspect entered our country through extended-family chain migration, which is incompatible with national security. My Executive action to restrict the entry of certain nationals from eight countries, which the Supreme Court recently allowed to take effect, is just one step forward in securing our immigration system. Congress must end chain migration,” Trump said.
“Congress must also act on my administration’s other proposals to enhance domestic security, including increasing the number of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, enhancing the arrest and detention authorities for immigration officers, and ending fraud and abuse in our immigration system,” the president stated. “The terrible harm that this flawed system inflicts on America’s security and economy has long been clear. I am determined to improve our immigration system to put our country and our people first.”
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell agrees with Trump’s desire for chain migration reforms, and a bill introduced last week by key Senate Republicans would achieve this policy change.