Following the October 31, 2017, terror attack in Manhattan, the White House engaged in a public dispute regarding the Diversity Visa Program and the vetting processes for immigrants. President Donald Trump publicly criticized the program, which allowed suspect Sayfullo Saipov to enter the U.S. in 2010, while Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders defended the administration’s stance amid scrutiny over the accuracy of their claims.
The Diversity Visa Program and Vetting Procedures
Following the attack, President Trump characterized the Diversity Visa Program as a "Chuck Schumer beauty" and advocated for a shift toward a merit-based immigration system.
During an October 2017 press briefing, Sarah Huckabee Sanders argued that the program lacked a "vetting system." This claim drew immediate pushback from journalists and policy experts who noted that applicants for the Diversity Visa are vetted by the State Department.
Political Debate Over Immigration Policy
The administration’s focus on the Diversity Visa sparked a debate regarding political rhetoric following national tragedies. Critics noted that the White House had previously advised against "politicizing" tragedies after the October 1, 2017, Las Vegas concert shooting, yet actively engaged in immigration policy debates immediately following the Manhattan attack.
When questioned on the president’s rhetoric, Sanders stated that the White House was not politicizing the event. She further clarified that the president did not hold Senator Chuck Schumer personally responsible for the attack. Senator Jeff Flake pointed out that Senator Schumer had been part of the "Gang of Eight" that attempted to do away with the visa application in question.
Key Facts Regarding the Visa Program
- Vetting Process: Reporters in the room pointed out that an immigrant selected through the lottery program is vetted by the State Department.
- Legislative History: Senator Jeff Flake confirmed that the "Gang of Eight" immigration reform, which included Senator Schumer, did away with the Diversity Visa Program as part of broader reforms.
Media Relations and Briefing Tensions
The briefing also highlighted ongoing friction between the White House and the press corps. When asked by NBC News correspondent Peter Alexander to identify the president’s primary flaws, Sanders responded that his main challenge was having to deal with the press on a daily basis. This exchange underscored the combative relationship between the administration and the media during this period, often characterized by disputes over the accuracy of statements made from the podium.
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