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.
Advocates call on Congress to avert end of Afghan Special Visa Program
The United States program to resettle former Afghan interpreters and contractors could come to an abrupt end in a few months as the number of available Special Immigrant Visas dwindles. Activists are urging Congress to authorize additional visas, known as SIVs, with less than 8,000 remaining amid a backlog of over 120,000 applications. VOA’s Akmal Dawi has more.
Immigration becomes focus during Georgia campaign stops
U.S. President Joe Biden said Saturday that he regretted using the term "illegal" during his State of the Union address to describe the suspected killer of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student at Augusta University. At a rally attended by Laken’s family and friends, Biden’s all-but-certain 2024 Republican rival, Donald Trump, blasted the Democrat's immigration policies and blamed them for Riley’s death. Reported by The Associated Press.
Biden calls for $7.3 trillion US budget for fiscal 2025
President Joe Biden again called for funding tighter immigration controls at the U.S.-Mexico border and more aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. Funding for the border restrictions and foreign assistance is currently stalled in a lengthy congressional debate over how tough the migration restrictions should be and to what extent the U.S. should continue to fund Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s two-year invasion. VOA’s Ken Bredemeier and White House correspondent Anita Powell report.
Biden, Trump use immigration, abortion rights to rally Voters
As U.S. voters prepared for a new round of primaries, U.S. President Joe Biden and his Republican political rival Donald Trump traveled to the swing state of Georgia over the weekend to hold parallel campaign events. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias has a recap of the main arguments made by each candidate, who are closer than ever to becoming their respective parties’ 2024 presidential nominees.
Judge upholds Biden program allowing 30,000 migrants into US monthly
A federal judge in Texas on Friday upheld a key piece of President Joe Biden's immigration policy that allows a limited number of migrants from four countries to enter the U.S. on humanitarian grounds, dismissing a challenge from Republican-led states that said the program created an economic burden on them. U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton ruled in favor of the humanitarian parole program that allows a total of 30,000 asylum-seekers into the U.S. each month from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela combined. The Associated Press reports.
Two people die as migrant boat attempts to reach Canary Islands
Two people died as a migrant boat with 40 people on board attempted to reach the Canary Islands, while four others were evacuated by helicopter to hospitals in serious condition, the Spanish maritime rescue service said on Tuesday, as migration attempts from West Africa continue.
Immigration around the world
Indonesia to deport Japanese man accused in $90 million fraud
A Japanese man accused of helping to run a $90 million investment scam will be sent home after four years on the run, Indonesian authorities said Tuesday. Yusuke Yamazaki, 43, was arrested off Bulan island in Kepulauan Riau province on January 31 while attempting to cross into Malaysia in a small wooden boat, said Nyoman Gede Surya Mataram, who heads the provincial office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights. The Associated Press reports.
UNRWA chief “cautiously optimistic” donors will return
The head of the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency said he was cautiously optimistic that some donors would start funding it again within weeks, warning it was "at risk of death" after Israel alleged some of its staff took part in the October 7 Hamas terror attack. Reported by Reuters.
Research highlights migrants pay gap in Australia
A report released Wednesday shows migrants are paid less than Australian-born workers. The Committee for Economic Development of Australia, an independent policy advocacy organization, has found migrants often work in jobs beneath their skill levels and can suffer discrimination. The look into migration highlights missed opportunities for Australia. Produced by Phil Mercer.
News brief
— The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced the release of its first Indigenous Languages Plan, which strengthens language access for speakers of Indigenous languages of Latin America in DHS programs, activities and operations.
