Washington, Apr 22 (AFP) President Donald Trump has suspended immigration for green-card seekers for 60 days, arguing the controversial move would protect US jobs.

Trump offered the first details about a vague announcement he made on Monday night, addressing an issue key to his conservative base as the country is ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic, with more than 43,000 people dead.

"By pausing immigration, it will help put unemployed Americans first in line for jobs as America reopens," Trump said at his daily pandemic briefing on Tuesday.

"This pause will be in effect for 60 days" he said, adding that he would decide on any extension or changes "based on economic conditions at the time". (AFP)

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)