NEW YORK — The Department of Homeland Security says the suspect in the New York City truck attack entered the United States in 2010 under the diversity visa program.
Homeland Security officials are confirming that the immigrant from Uzbekistan arrived in the U.S. that way.
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That's the immigration program that President Donald Trump is calling on Congress to eliminate "as soon as possible." The president says the program is "not good," and says the U.S. needs to "get much tougher."
This just in: Homeland Security: New York City truck attack suspect entered US in 2010 under diversity visa program. #boston25 @boston25
— Caitlin McLaughlin (@caitemclaughlin) November 1, 2017
The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program covers immigrants from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S.
President Trump said he will consider sending the suspected attacker to the prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Responding to a shouted question from a reporter at a Cabinet meeting, Trump says, "I would certainly consider that. Send him to Gitmo."
Trump's comments come after Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., called on the president to treat the alleged attacker as an enemy combatant. The suspect is currently in custody in New York City, but according to officials has not yet been formally charged.
Eight people died and at least 11 were seriously injured in the Tuesday attack.
MORE: New York terror attack: What we know
MORE: New York terror attack: Police officer who shot suspect hailed as hero
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