As part of its strategy to boost innovation, the Canadian government will implement targeted programs to attract skilled international researchers. A budget of C$1.7 billion ($1.2 billion) is allocated to recruit over 1,000 skilled researchers. Simultaneously, the government plans to court H-1B visa holders and intends to reduce the intake of foreign students annually. This multifaceted approach is aimed at strengthening Canada’s research and development capabilities.
Read More
Following the end of the Syrian war, Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared that Syrian refugees in Germany should return to their home country or risk deportation. Merz stated that there was “no longer any reason” for Syrians to seek asylum, despite Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul’s acknowledgment of limited return potential due to infrastructure destruction. In an effort to address the issue, Merz extended an invitation to Syria’s interim President to discuss repatriation strategies. Approximately one million Syrians currently reside in Germany, having sought refuge during the peak of the conflict in 2015 and 2016.
Read More
A recent Guardian investigation revealed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been detaining individuals for extended periods in undisclosed holding facilities, despite internal policies limiting confinement to a few hours. This practice, which has been in place since September 2023, involves the use of at least 170 sites nationwide, including field offices. The investigation found that even after a June memo increased the confinement limit to three days, individuals continued to be held for longer durations. Advocates and former officials express serious safety concerns, citing minimal oversight, restricted access for attorneys, and conditions that raise questions about due process and the potential for abuse.
Read More
A new lawsuit alleges that an ICE facility in Broadview, Chicago, is subjecting detainees to inhumane conditions, including overcrowding, unsanitary cells infested with insects, and inadequate access to food, water, and hygiene products. The lawsuit claims detainees are denied basic necessities, legal counsel, and medical care, with reports of verbal and physical abuse from guards. Homeland Security denies the accusations, asserting the facility is a processing center and not a detention center. This legal action highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding ICE detention facilities amidst increased immigration enforcement.
Read More
The article details instances of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents using violence and detaining U.S. citizens and legal immigrants during immigration raids. ICU nurse Amanda Trebach was arrested for photographing ICE agents, and army veteran George Retes was arrested and choked by agents while on his way to work. These incidents, along with the arrest of others, have sparked concerns about the erosion of constitutional rights and the potential for the U.S. to become a police state. Despite these actions, some Americans are fighting for what they believe the nation represents.
Read More
After being exonerated after decades in prison for a 1980s murder, Subramanyam Vedam was set to be released. However, he was instead taken into federal custody due to a 1999 deportation order. This order stemmed from a prior drug conviction, and now Vedam’s lawyers must argue that his wrongful imprisonment outweighs this past infraction. Despite his long history in the US, the 64-year-old faces potential deportation due to the current administration’s stance on immigration, which opposes his petition.
Read More
The Trump administration has announced plans to limit the number of refugees admitted to the United States next year to a mere 7,500, with a focus on white South Africans. This drastic reduction represents a significant decrease from the previous levels under the Biden administration. Critics have swiftly condemned this decision, citing concerns that the administration is prioritizing political interests over humanitarian ones and potentially undermining the program’s moral standing. This move follows an executive order by Trump that cut financial aid to South Africa, driven by the claim of alleged discrimination towards white Afrikaners.
Read More
Despite a federal court order blocking his removal, a man claiming U.S. citizenship was deported to Laos by ICE. The agency maintains that the individual, who had a criminal history, was a “criminal illegal alien” and did not have a valid claim to citizenship. The deported man’s legal team is now exploring all legal options for his return after an immigration judge ordered his removal in 2006. This incident has raised concerns, with legal experts suggesting it is a catastrophic failure of the immigration system.
Read More
The “Alligator Alcatraz” sign, initially a photo opportunity for tourists, has recently become a target of anti-ICE sentiment, with multiple signs vandalized with the phrase “FUCK ICE.” The signs are located outside the controversial immigration detention facility in the Everglades, which has faced protests and accusations of inhumane conditions. The Florida Department of Transportation has yet to comment on the graffiti and clean-up efforts. While a court battle over the facility’s environmental impact continues, its future is uncertain with detainees being transferred out of the site since its opening.
Read More
A 67-year-old U.S. citizen allegedly suffered serious injuries, including broken ribs and internal bleeding, after being forcibly removed from his car by federal agents during an immigration sweep. The incident occurred in front of children and was captured on video, leading to public outrage. The man’s injuries required hospitalization, and he is reportedly considering legal action against the Department of Homeland Security. This event is part of a broader crackdown in Chicago, led by Border Patrol, which has sparked legal battles and accusations of excessive force. Court rulings have been made, attempting to limit aggressive tactics by the agents.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker
ICE Detains People in Secret Locations, Ignoring Legal Limits
A recent Guardian investigation revealed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been detaining individuals for extended periods in undisclosed holding facilities, despite internal policies limiting confinement to a few hours. This practice, which has been in place since September 2023, involves the use of at least 170 sites nationwide, including field offices. The investigation found that even after a June memo increased the confinement limit to three days, individuals continued to be held for longer durations. Advocates and former officials express serious safety concerns, citing minimal oversight, restricted access for attorneys, and conditions that raise questions about due process and the potential for abuse.
Read More