Why take people from 'shithole' countries?: Trump discusses immigrants
What's the story
It's no secret that US President Donald Trump is not a fan of immigrants, but his recent comments have shocked several quarters.
"Why're we having all these people from shithole countries come here?" he reportedly asked while discussing protection for immigrants from Haiti, EL Salvador and African nations.
The White House hasn't denied his remarks, but said he wants to "make our country stronger."
Discussion
Senators were trying to cut a bipartisan deal for immigrants
Democratic Senator Dick Durbin and Republican Senator Lindsey Graham were discussing with Trump and other officials about cutting the visa lottery in half and assigning the rest to underrepresented countries from Africa and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) nations, including Haiti.
In response, Trump asked why they need people from such "shithole countries." Instead, they should get more people from others like Norway, he said.
TPS
Details about the TPS program
Immigrants from certain nations are designated TPS status when conditions in their country prevent them from returning safely, or where the country is unable to handle their return adequately.
Beneficiaries can't be removed from the US or be detained by DHS on the basis of immigration status.
TPS status for Haiti and El Salvador were recently revoked, with delayed effective dates of 18 months.
Response
President Trump will always fight for the American people: WH
"Certain Washington politicians choose to fight for foreign countries, but President Trump will always fight for the American people," said White House spokesperson Raj Shah without denying the comments.
"...Like other nations that have merit-based immigration, President Trump is fighting for solutions that make our country stronger by welcoming those who contribute to our society, grow our economy and assimilate into our great nation."
Stance
I'll be your champion: Trump had told Haitian-Americans earlier
Trump's presidency campaign was built on a strict anti-immigrant rhetoric: he assured a border wall around Mexico and cutting legal immigration by half, among other promises.
There has been a spike in immigration raids with dozens reported across the country last week.
Interestingly, in September, he had lauded Haitian-Americans. "Whether you vote for me or not...I'll be your champion," he had said.