THE
WHITE HOUSE
Office
of the Press Secretary
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December
11, 2017
Statement
from President Donald J. Trump Regarding Today’s Attack 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.
First and
foremost, as I have been saying since I first announced my candidacy for
President, America must fix its lax immigration system, which allows far too
many dangerous, inadequately vetted people to access our country. 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. 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 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.
Second, 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.
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