Editor's note: Here is a look at immigration-related news around the U.S. this week. Questions? Tips? Comments? Email the VOA immigration team: ImmigrationUnit@voanews.com.
New asylum restrictions imposed at US-Mexico border
President Joe Biden announced an executive order Tuesday that will temporarily restrict asylum eligibility at the U.S.-Mexico border when the number of migrants crossing unlawfully or without authorization reaches a daily average of 2,500. Biden's executive order says those who cross into the country illegally won't be eligible for asylum unless there are extraordinary reasons why they should be allowed to stay in the United States. VOA’s immigration reporter Aline Barros has more.
Republican lawmakers criticize Biden’s limits on asylum-seekers
U.S. lawmakers are divided on President Joe Biden’s executive order imposing new limits on asylum-seekers at U.S. borders. As VOA Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson reports, the debate over border security remains a tough issue ahead of general elections in November.
On immigration reform, US has accomplished next to nothing in decades
Despite years of debate and numerous proposals, the United States has accomplished next to nothing on immigration reform. In recent years, attempts to modernize U.S. immigration law have been made through a series of legislative efforts, but none has achieved a significant breakthrough. Aline Barros has more.
52 Documentary: ‘The Unseen Costs of TikTok Migration’
Social media has changed the way people migrate. In Senegal, many young people use TikTok to connect with those who have successfully arrived in Spain. But the route across the Atlantic is often much harder than portrayed online. This film follows two friends trying to make their European dream come true. “The Unseen Costs of TikTok Migration” makes its streaming debut June 6, 2024, on VOA+.
Immigration around the world
Kyrgyzstan cracks down on immigration after mob violence
Following last month’s mob violence against South Asian students and workers in Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Bishkek, the Kyrgyzstan government is cracking down on illegal immigration and considering changes to its immigration rules. Experts say the recent measures have divided Kyrgyz officials, and they could end up hurting the Kyrgyz economy. By VOA News.
Interpol, FBI break up scheme in Moldova to get asylum for wanted criminals
A multinational operation by Interpol and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation cracked down on attempts in Moldova to sabotage one of the international police agency's key tools, the Red Notice system, officials said Tuesday. Four people were detained in the Eastern European country. The joint sting, which also involved cooperation with French and British authorities, uncovered an international criminal organization with ties to people in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus suspected of cybercrime, Moldova's anticorruption chief said. Reported by The Associated Press.
Refugees, migrants risk lives on dangerous routes from Africa to Europe
Every year, many of the hundreds of thousands of refugees and migrants from sub-Saharan Africa seeking asylum or jobs in Europe are “at great risk of harm and death” because few protection services are available to help them on their perilous journey, according to a report issued Tuesday by the U.N. refugee agency, UNHCR. Lisa Schlein reports for VOA from Geneva.
From refugee camps to World Cup glory: Inspiring journey of Afghanistan cricket
When the parents of Karim Sadiq and Taj Maluk fled a wrecked Afghanistan torn apart by the 1979 Soviet invasion and infighting warlords, they didn’t imagine their children would return to reunite the war-torn nation through cricket. Taj Maluk became the first coach of the Afghan national team. Fans refer to him as one of the founding fathers of Afghan cricket. Younger brother Karim Sadiq played a key role in Afghanistan’s qualification in the World Cup in 2010, creating history for the cricket-loving nation of more than 40 million. Produced by Jafar Haand and Matiullah Abid Noor.
US courts El Salvador's president as migration overtakes democracy concerns
In 2021, the Biden administration turned down a meeting request with El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele during his trip to Washington, snubbing the self-proclaimed "world's coolest dictator" for fear a photo op would embolden his attempts to expand his power base. A little more than three years later, the United States is courting Bukele. A high-level delegation led by U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and senior White House and State Department officials attended Bukele's inauguration in San Salvador last Saturday to a second term. Reported by The Associated Press.
In brief
“The Biden-Harris administration took decisive new action to strengthen border security, announcing a series of measures that limit eligibility for asylum and significantly increase the consequences for those who enter across the southern border.”
