Trump Calls for 'Extreme Vetting' of Immigrants

Reiterates plan for temporary halt to some immigration
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Aug 15, 2016 12:40 PM CDT
Updated Aug 15, 2016 3:07 PM CDT
Trump Envisions Ideological Test for Immigrants
Donald Trump speaks during a coal mining roundtable at Fitzgerald Peterbilt in Glade Spring, Va.   (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Donald Trump called Monday for "extreme vetting" of immigrants seeking admission to the United States, vowing to block those who sympathize with extremist groups or don't embrace American values. He said the policy would first require a temporary halt in immigration from dangerous regions of the world, reports AP. Speaking in swing state Ohio, Trump also said Hillary Clinton lacks the "mental and physical stamina" to take on the Islamic State. He said destroying the terror group would be the centerpiece of his foreign policy and he would partner with any countries that share that goal—specifically singling out Russia as a nation the US could have a better relationship with.

Trump's campaign aides said the new ideological test for admission to the United States would vet applicants for their stance on issues like religious freedom, gender equality, and gay rights. The government would use questionnaires, social media, interviews with friends and family, or other means to determine if applicants support American values like tolerance and pluralism. The US would stop issuing visas in any case where it cannot perform adequate screenings. Trump did not clarify how US officials would assess the veracity of responses to the questionnaires or how much manpower it would require to complete such arduous vetting. (More Donald Trump 2016 stories.)

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