Donald Trump says immigration suspension to last 60 days

President Donald Trump has excluded immigration for green-card seekers for 60 days, claiming the controversial move would protect US jobs. Trump offered the first details about a dark announcement he made on Monday night, directing an issue key to his conservative base as the country is overwhelmed by the coronavirus pandemic, with more than 43,000 people dead.

“By suspending immigration, it will help put jobless Americans first in line for jobs as America reopens,” Trump said at his daily pandemic briefing on Tuesday.

“This pause will be in effect for 60 days,” he said, adding that he would decide on any extension or changes “based on economic conditions at the time”.