Donald Trump explains why he suspended Green Cards

President Donald Trump has defended his new executive order that temporarily suspends immigrant visas in the U.S.

Addressing newsmen on Wednesday evening at the White House, Trump said he took the decision to protect American workers as the country prepares to reopen for business after a shutdown that cost millions their jobs.

The order, he said, would last for 60 days subject to review and possible extension “at the appropriate time”.

“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,” he said.

The president added that the move would “preserve our healthcare resources for American patients” affected by the disease.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that immigrant visas are those issued to foreigners approved to move permanently to the U.S.