Trump defends suspending Green Card applications till Dec 31

US President Donald Trump has defended his decision to suspend issuing of green cards till the end of the year, saying it was needed to give jobs to Americans.

Through an executive order, Trump, in April, had suspended issuing of green cards for 90 days. On Monday, he issued a proclamation which extended the suspension till December 31, 2020.

“So, we want to give jobs to Americans right now. Right now, we want jobs going to Americans,” Trump told reporters in San Luis, Arizona on Tuesday when asked by reporters to explain the suspension order.

Trump, seeking another term in the White House in the November 3 presidential election, on Monday said the step was essential to help millions of Americans who have lost their jobs due to the economic crisis amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.