Apr 22 , 2020. 2 hours ago – 08:08 KYODO NEWS

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced an imminent 60-day suspension of immigration into the United States that he said would make sure American workers are the first to get jobs when the economy reopens after the coronavirus shutdown.

“It would be wrong and unjust for Americans laid off by the virus to be replaced with new immigrant labor flown in from abroad. We must first take care of the American worker,” Trump said, adding that the government would evaluate the need for an extension after the 60-day period elapses.

The announcement came as the economic pain from the containment measures has been mounting in the United States, with 22 million people in the United States filing for unemployment benefits in the four weeks ending on April 11.

The president said that the order, which he said is likely to be signed Wednesday, will only apply to individuals seeking permanent residency, or those receiving green cards, and will not apply to those entering on a temporary basis.

To slow the spread of the virus, the Trump administration has barred the entry of foreign travelers coming from countries including China, the first country to be hit by the virus, and many in Europe.

The United States has also restricted nonessential travel to and from Canada and Mexico.

Trump, who is eager to see the economy back on track ahead of the November election, last week unveiled guidelines for states and localities to ease the social-distancing restrictions imposed on the public and businesses.

CR: KYODO NEWS