Manhattan terror attack suspect entered US via diversity visa program

The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program covers immigrants from countries with low rates of immigration to the US. President Donald Trump says he will consider sending the suspected New York City truck attacker to the prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

By: AP

Washington | Updated: November 1, 2017 11:03 PM IST

2 min read

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This undated photo provided by St. Charles County Department of Corrections via KMOV shows the Sayfullo Saipov. A man in a rented pickup truck mowed down pedestrians and cyclists along a busy bike path near the World Trade Center memorial on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2017, killing several. Officials who were not authorized to discuss the investigation and spoke on the condition of anonymity identified the attacker Saipov. (St. Charles County Department of Corrections/KMOV via AP)

The Department of Homeland Security says the suspect in the New York City truck attack entered the United States in 2010 under the diversity visa program.

Homeland Security officials are confirming that the immigrant from Uzbekistan arrived in the US that way.

That’s the immigration program that President Donald Trump is calling on Congress to eliminate “as soon as possible.” The president says the program is “not good,” and says the US needs to “get much tougher.”

Responding to a shouted question from a reporter at a Cabinet meeting, Trump says, “I would certainly consider that. Send him to Gitmo.”

Trump’s comments come after Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., called on the president to treat the alleged attacker as an enemy combatant. The suspect is currently in custody in New York City, but according to officials has not yet been formally charged.

Eight people died and at least 11 were seriously injured in the Tuesday attack.

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