US President Donald Trump pushes Congress for tough immigration rules

US President Donald Trump speaks during a signing ceremony for Space Policy Directive 1, in the Roosevelt Room at the White House in Washington, DC, December 11, 2017. (Photo by AFP)

US President Donald Trump has urged Congress to legislate tough immigration rules in the wake of a blast that rocked a busy commuter hub in New York.

Trump called on US lawmakers to end the so-called extended family chain migration by revamping what he called “lax immigration system”.

Trump said on Tuesday the New York attack highlights the urgent need for Congress to enact immigration reform legislation in line with national security.

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters on Monday that the attack offers yet another piece of evidence that the US needs stronger borders.

“This attack underscores the need for Congress to work with the president on immigration reforms that enhance the national security and public safety,” Sanders said. “We must protect our borders and we must ensure that individuals entering our country are not coming to do harm to people, and we must move to a merit-based immigration system.”

Trump has issued three travel bans since coming to office in January. His third ban was announced September 24 and took effect October 18.

Trump has said the restrictions are needed to tighten security and prevent terrorist attacks. Opponents say the ban violates the US Constitution because it discriminates against Muslims and certain nationalities.

On Monday morning, a 27-year-old Bangladeshi suspect blew up a pipe bomb in the subway tunnels underneath the Port Authority bus terminal in downtown Manhattan.

No one was killed in the attack, apparently inspired by the Daesh Takfiri group.

The blast injured several people and caused evacuation of all subway train lines crossing the explosion scene.