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.
For immigrants, Biden offers some protections; Trump, mass deportations
U.S. presidential candidates Joe Biden and Donald Trump differ sharply on immigration. Both sparred over immigration at their first presidential debate. VOA’s immigration correspondent Aline Barros has the story.
Election bill unneeded and intimidating, voting rights advocates say
Congressional Republicans joined by some Democrats this week passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, or SAVE Act, a bill that would require proof of citizenship to register to vote. During a media briefing Wednesday, voting and immigration rights advocates addressed concerns about the bill and false claims regarding noncitizens voting in state and federal elections. VOA’s immigration correspondent Aline Barros has the story.
Poll: Most Americans want decrease in immigration
The sampling of 1,005 adults found that 55% of Americans believe immigration to the United States should be reduced, significantly more than the 41% who held that view last year. It also found that 25% of Americans believe immigration levels should stay the same, while 16% say immigration should increase. Reported by VOA News.
In swing-state Pennsylvania, Latino-majority city embraces chance to sway 2024 election
Religion and politics frequently overlap in Reading, an old industrial city in one of the most pivotal swing states of this year’s presidential election. In Pennsylvania, there is early precedent for this kind of thing. The state began as a haven for Quakers and other European religious minorities fleeing persecution. That includes the parents of Daniel Boone, the national folk hero born just miles from Reading, a town where the Latino population is now the majority. Reported by The Associated Press.
Immigration around the world
Turkey, frustrated with refugees, calls for talks with Syria
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wants Russia to be part of talks with Syria on the return of millions of refugees. Erdogan’s call this week for dialogue with Syria follows a spate of protests and rioting by Turks who want their government to stop hosting refugees from Syria’s 13-year-old civil war. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.
One dead as boat with 20 migrants sinks off Colombia
Aboat carrying 20 migrants sank Tuesday off Colombia’s Caribbean coast, leaving at least one person dead and four missing, officials said. Fifteen people were rescued, six of whom were minors, the navy said. The boat sank near the Colombian resort islands of San Andres and Providencia, east of Nicaragua. Reported by Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Largest refugee team to compete at Paris Paralympics
The International Paralympic Committee on Tuesday unveiled a nine-member refugee team for the upcoming Games in Paris. The team is made up of eight competitors and one guide runner. They will take part in taekwondo, athletics, triathlon, powerlifting, table tennis and wheelchair fencing. Reported by Agence France-Presse.
Pakistan suspends deportations of Afghans on ‘humanitarian grounds’
Pakistan has halted the expulsion of undocumented migrants from Afghanistan after discussions with the chief of the United Nations refugee agency. Filippo Grandi, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, wrapped up his three-day visit Tuesday and called for “a bolstering of efforts towards longer-term solutions” for Afghans in Pakistan. Ayaz Gul reports from Islamabad, Pakistan.
UN chief: There’s no alternative to UN Palestinian refugee agency
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres declared Friday that there is no alternative to the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency, and 118 countries backed the relief organization as indispensable, amid stepped up efforts by Israel to dismantle it. Reported by Reuters.
News Brief
— The United States and Canada signed in 2023 the Statement of Partnership to Prevent, Investigate, Prosecute, and Disrupt Cross-Border Crime to discuss ways to enhance collaboration in the northerner border. U.S. and Canadian officials met again in July.
