Kansas was hate, evil: Trump

Washington, March 1

President Donald Trump has denounced the killing of an Indian techie in Kansas and endorsed a “merit-based” system focused on allowing high-skilled workers into the US.

Trump began his first address to Congress at the Capitol Hill by condemning the fatal attack on Srinivas Kuchibhotla, saying the country “stands united in condemning hate and evil”.

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“Last week’s shooting in Kansas city reminds us that while we may be a nation divided on policies, we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all its forms,” he said.

Trump’s Principal Deputy Press Secretary Sarah Sander said the shooting appeared to be “an act of racially-motivated hatred”. “The President is keeping the family of the victim, who was senselessly killed, in his thoughts, and we’re praying for the full and speedy recovery of those wounded,” she added.

“We want to reiterate that the President condemns these and any other racially, or religiously, motivated attacks in the strongest terms.” In his State of Union address, Trump also acknowledged the recent surge in threats against Jewish institutions.

In a move that could benefit Indians, the President called for adopting a merit-based immigration system. He said the US should give out Green Cards using a merit-based system similar to those of Canada and Australia. “Such a system will save countless dollars and raise workers’ wages.” By not following such a system, he said the US was “straining the very public resources that our poorest citizens rely upon”.

However, Trump made no mention of those working in the US on temporary professional work visas known as H-1B. — IANS