US President Donald Trump suspends issuance of green card for 60 days

New Delhi : President Donald Trump on April 22 signed an order that temporarily suspend the issuance of new green cards to the foreigners, in order to save and protect American workers during coronavirus pandemic.

The order will remain in place for 60 days and will be reviewed afterward with more likely chances of getting extended.

"In order to protect our great American workers I have just signed an executive order temporarily suspending immigration into the United States. This will ensure that unemployed Americans of all backgrounds will be first in line for jobs as our economy reopens," Mr. Trump said at his daily news conference about the coronavirus at the White House.

He also said it will "preserve our healthcare resources for American patients" afflicted by the coronavirus.

In 2016, Donald Trump had pitched for a curb on immigration as one of his agendas after winning the elections. He is making perfect use of pandemic situation to fulfill his promise.

The Hindu report quoted a person familiar with the internal debate at the White House. He said Mr. Trump and his advisers had discussed the executive order over the weekend and that the move was directed at his electoral base.

"He’s wanted this all along," the person said. "But now under this pandemic he can absolutely do it."