WASHINGTON: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump proposed an ”ideological test,” which he described as part of an ”extreme vetting” process, that would filter out from the immigration process those who do not believe in the US Constitution and American principles and values.
Trump said in a national security speech in Youngstown, Ohio on Monday that. ”In the Cold War, we had an ideological screening test. The time is overdue to develop a new screening test for the threats we face today.”
While announcing proposals to develop a new immigration paradigm. He said that the “Trump Ideological Test (TIT) would be directed mainly at Muslims from the Middle East, but left open the possibility that other regions could also be covered by it while proposing an omnibus screening of anyone who not consonant with American values or ideals as determined by him”.
It was also not clear which of these proposals are implemented on visitors and short-term visa applicants, including tourists and business people.
He said. ”A Trump administration will establish a clear principle that will govern all decisions pertaining to immigration: we should only admit into this country those who share our values and respect our people.”
He added.”In addition to screening out all members or sympathizers of terrorist groups, we must also screen out any who have hostile attitudes towards our country or its principles – or who believe that Sharia law should supplant American law.”
Trump said, ”Those who do not believe in our Constitution, or who support bigotry and hatred, will not be admitted for immigration into the country.”
Dean Obeidallah, a radio host who has co-directed the comedy documentary ”The Muslims Are Coming!” Wrote.”Why focus on immigrants? Why not follow Trump’s mantra of ‘America First’ Dean Obeidallah, a radio host who has co-directed the comedy documentary ”The Muslims Are Coming!”and apply this test to American citizens? … Because if the test could be applied to natural-born citizens, the result would be that over half of the Republican Party — and most of Trump’s voters — would be banned from the United States.”
Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid said.”Since Donald Trump wants to impose new tests on immigrants, he should take the one test every immigrant has to pass to become a United States citizen. He would almost certainly fail, given his general ignorance and weak grasp of basic facts about American history, principles and functioning of our government.”
Added. ”nothing more than a spoiled, unpatriotic drain on society who has earned nothing and helped no one.”
Khizr Khan the Gold Star parent has also taunted Trump by saying.”I challenge Trump to take the naturalization test with me any day. His is demagoguery and pandering for vote. A divider like Trump can never be the steward of this country.”
He warned.”To accomplish a goal, you must state a mission: the support networks for Radical Islam in this country will be stripped out and removed one by one. Immigration officers will also have their powers restored: those who are guests in our country that are preaching hate will be asked to return home.”