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.
Canadian Immigration Work Initiative Reaches Cap in Two Days
Canada’s recently launched immigration work permit program is no longer accepting new applications since receiving an overwhelming response and reaching its cap of 10,000 applicants in two days. Aiming to attract highly skilled technology professionals from the United States with H-1B work visas, Canada unveiled the initiative in late June. VOA’s Immigration reporter Aline Barros has the story.
House-Approved Defense Bill Does Not Increase or Extend Special Immigrant Visas for Afghans
The country’s annual defense spending measure was narrowly approved by the Republican-led House of Representatives on July 14, and although the bill is several steps from becoming law, the White House has announced its opposition to a range of national security provisions, including inaction on the special immigrant visas for Afghans. Immigration reporter Aline Barros has the story.
Texas Trooper’s Accounts of Bloodied, Fainting Migrants on US-Mexico Border Unleash Criticism
Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s escalating measures to stop migrants along the U.S. border with Mexico came under new criticism Tuesday after a state trooper said migrants were left bloodied from razor-wire barriers and that orders were given to deny people water in the sweltering heat. The Associated Press reports.
Biden, Trump Asylum Rules Differ, Administration Tells Judge
The Biden administration argued Wednesday that its new asylum rule is different from versions put forward under President Donald Trump in a court hearing before a judge who threw out Trump’s attempts to limit asylum on the U.S.-Mexico border. The Associated Press reports.
Hundreds of Migrants in Southern Mexico Form Group to Head Toward US
Nearly 1,000 migrants that recently crossed from Guatemala into Mexico formed a group on July 15 to head north together in hopes of reaching the border with the United States. The group, made up of largely Venezuelan migrants, walked along a highway in southern Mexico led by a Venezuelan flag with the phrase “Peace, Freedom. SOS.” The men, women, children and teenagers were followed by Mexican National Guard patrols. The Associated Press reports.
How Are ‘Talent Visas’ Used to Lure International Students to the US?
Foreign students educated in the United States are often bright, hardworking and eager to land a job. But the backlog for U.S. work visas has created an opportunity for other countries to snag talented workers. Jon Marcus of The Hechinger Report has more.
Immigration around the world
Spain’s Early Election Could Put Far Right in Power for First Time Since Franco
Spain’s general election on Sunday could make the country the latest European Union member to swing to the populist right, a shift that would represent a major upheaval after five years under a left-wing government. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the early election after his Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party and its small far-left coalition partner, Unidas Podemos (“United We Can”), took a beating in local and regional elections. The Associated Press reports.
UN: UK Migration Bill Contrary to International Law
Britain’s Illegal Migration Bill, aimed at stopping thousands of migrants arriving in the country, is at odds with London’s obligations under international law, the United Nations said Tuesday. The bill, which has been passed by parliament and now awaits the formality of being signed into law by King Charles III, means migrants arriving by boat will be refused the right to apply for asylum in the U.K. Agence France-Presse reports.
Israel to Allow Palestinian Americans Entry in Bid for US Visa-Free Access
Israel said that beginning Thursday it will allow entry to all U.S. citizens, including Palestinian Americans living in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip, in a policy change it hopes will secure visa-free access for Israelis to the United States. Reuters reports.
News in Brief
—The U.S. Department of Homeland Security released a statement welcoming steps taken by Israel toward meeting the Visa Waiver Program requirements.
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