Eliminate Diversity Visa Lottery Program

To the Editor: 
A diversity visa lottery program winner from Uzbekistan rented a truck and murdered eight people on a bike trail in New York. Sayfullo Saipov has been in the U.S. since March 2010 as a result of this program.
“Winners” are granted a green card and legal status. Primary requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, two years’ work experience, and no criminal history.
As always after one of these terrorist attacks, there are updates from law enforcement and politicians. One day after the incident was not unlike any other session.
Present were Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Mayor Bill DeBlasio, Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence John Miller, Police Commissioner James O’Neill, and others. It was pathetic; the same stuff we hear every time.
Some statements included, “Our condolences go out to the families …; police and first responders did a marvelous job …; it’s not about Islam, it’s not about mosques …; it’s time to come together …; we have to move forward together …; the terrorists aren’t going to scare us …” Ever hear this before? Think you’ll hear it again? Sure you will. Why? Because nothing will change until the “politically correct,” “wizards of smart” admit to what is actually going on.
What did we hear from those in charge in New York besides the typical tripe? “New Yorkers got up today and went to work,” as if they had a choice. “One million people were out for a Halloween parade,” I’m guessing this was proof that no terrorist act will scare us.
Cuomo said this was a “lone wolf” attack. “He rented a truck and we lost eight people.” No, the governor is wrong. He rented a truck, murdered eight people and said he wanted to kill more.
The upcoming marathon also was discussed. It will go on but with added security. There will be additional foot patrols, rooftop sharpshooters, helicopters, cops on trains, heavy weapons, sand-filled trucks, additional first responders, etc.
There was nothing offered at this news conference addressing what to do about these radicals who wish to kill us. However, President Donald Trump did offer a “common sense” suggestion and that is to end this program and change it to a “merit-based” immigration policy.
That was really stupid, according to the “wizards.” Their response: the tweet was not helpful, the tweet has no relevance, this plays into the hands of the terrorists, the president is politicizing this event, etc.
There is no “diversity” problem in the United States. We are the most diverse country in the world. We do not need another “feel good” program that has outlived its intention. It does nothing to improve the “brainpower” of our population. If anything, it may only offer us low-skilled, low-educated individuals who got lucky “spinning the wheel.”
It is reported that this terrorist followed ISIS guidelines exactly by killing people with a vehicle. There is no way law enforcement can detect and prevent every act of terror.
The smart approach then would be to limit people coming here from those countries where that ideology has led to these attacks and where vetting individuals is almost impossible. Also, eliminate programs such as this diversity visa program that offers little benefit but potential great harm as just occurred.
Trump tried to institute such a “common sense” approach but was vilified by the Democrats, the media and overridden by several very liberal federal judges. I hope there is a change in thinking by those people and I’m sure the families of the dead and wounded bikers in New York would agree.