Chuck Schumer attacks Trump for calling out Diversity Via Lottery program, ignoring the Gang of Eight efforts
In the wake of the Manhattan terrorist attack comes questions of how the Islamic State Muslim was able to get and stay in America. Today, President Trump and some of his allies (called “the far right” by the Washington Post) point to the Diversity Visa Lottery, an immigration program which reportedly brought the Islamic extremist Sayfullo Saipow from Uzbekistan, as the problem.
“We need to get rid of the lottery program as soon as possible,” Trump told reporters before a midday Cabinet meeting, claiming that he’ll ask Congress to “immediately” begin work to end it.
“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.
“We are fighting hard for Merit Based immigration, no more Democrat Lottery Systems. We must get MUCH tougher (and smarter) @foxandfriends,” Trump tweeted, citing the program whose hosts were discussing the visa lottery.
“Senator Chuck Schumer helping to import Europes problems, said Col.Tony Shaffer. We will stop this craziness! @foxandfriends,” Trump added.
Schumer shot back on Twitter: “I guess it’s not too soon to politicize a tragedy.”
In 2013, Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) was part of the Senate’s Gang of Eight, which came up with a failed proposal to revamp U.S. immigration laws. Among other things, that proposal called for eliminating the diversity lottery.
Arizona’s Jeff Flake raced to defend Schumer: “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
Schumer criticized Trump for proposed budget cuts to counterterrorism programs.
“I have always believed and continue to believe that immigration is good for America,” his statement read. “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 budget.
“I’m calling on the President to immediately rescind his proposed cuts to this vital anti-terrorism funding.”
According to a congressional report released in July, Trump’s proposed budget would increase DHS funding by 7 percent while “numerous critical programs that mitigate terror threats are cut dramatically,” including programs aimed at targeting violent extremism, responding to terrorist attacks and patrolling U.S. airports.
The report was written by the Democratic staff of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs at the request of Sen. Claire McCaskill (Mo.), the ranking Democrat on the committee.
The program did originate in part in a bill introduced in 1990 by Schumer, who was then a member of the House. He proposed making a set number of visas available each year to “diversity immigrants” from “low-admission” countries.
Schumer’s measure was absorbed into a broader House immigration bill, which was sponsored by Schumer and 31 others, including several Republicans. The legislation passed in a bipartisan vote of 231 to 192. The Senate version, which contained the “diversity immigrants” provision, passed in an overwhelming 89-8 vote and was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush at the end of 1990.