US President Donald Trump has asked Congress to enact immigration reforms to protect the American people, a day after a blast triggered by an ISIS-inspired Bangladeshi-origin man near a metro station in New York City left four persons injured.
Akayed Ullah, the 27-year-old suspected bomber, had wires and a pipe bomb strapped to his body. The device yesterday prematurely exploded between two subway platforms near Port Authority, which is America’s largest bus terminal, police said.
“...(The) 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,” Mr. Trump said.
The suspect reportedly came to the US from Bangladesh some seven years ago on a family visa.
“First and foremost... America must fix its lax immigration system, which allows far too many dangerous, inadequately vetted people to access our country. The terror suspect entered our country through extended-family chain migration, which is incompatible with national security,” Mr. Trump said.
He added that the suspect had entered the country through “extended-family chain migration,” a system the president is seeking to end that allows families to sponsor relatives to come to the United States.
Mr. Trump said his 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” the immigration system.
“Congress must end chain migration,” he said, listing a slew of measures to improve and secure the immigration system.
“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,” Mr. Trump said.
Mr. Trump said those convicted of engaging in acts of terror deserve the strongest penalty allowed by law, including the death penalty in appropriate cases.
America should always stand firm against terrorism and extremism, ensuring that our great institutions can address all evil acts of terror, he said.