The UK has decided to deport asylum-seekers to Rwanda. The UNHCR has accused the UK of being dishonest. The UN body is concerned about the rights of people in Rwanda.

UK's deportation plan gets High Court's green light

UK’s foreign minister announced a new scheme for the relocation of asylum-seekers. The new scheme would allow the UK to relocate asylum-seekers to Rwanda. "This will see some of those arriving illegally in the UK, such as those crossing the Channel in dangerous small boats, relocated to Rwanda, to resettle and to rebuild their lives," UK foreign minister Priti Patel said. UK PM Boris Johnson called the scheme an ‘innovative approach’. UNHCR expressed ‘strong opposition and concerns over the move.

Why is Boris Johnson govt sending asylum seekers from UK to Rwanda?

Asylum seekers are being held up in immigrations cells in Australia for more than 689 days on average, a report from a prominent non-governmental organisation (NGO) has revealed, calling on the government to end the “harsh and unlawful policy.”

The spotlight on Australia’s detention policies emerged after Serbian Tennis star Novak Djokovic was put in detention hotel

There are eight people who have now spent more than 10 years in Australian immigration detention, and 117 have been detained for longer than five years, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW).

According to the home affairs department, about 1,459 people are being held currently at immigration facilities in Australia, including more than 70 refugees and asylum seekers transferred from Nauru and Manus Island, reported The Independent.

Under Canberra's hardline immigration policy, asylum seekers, including children, who try to reach Australia by boat are sent to offshore detention centres in Papua New Guinea and Nauru, where they are held indefinitely while refugee applications are processed.

They are blocked from being resettled in Australia even if found to be genuine refugees.

Canberra justifies its severe policies saying that they serve as deterrence to discourage people from seeking asylum in Australia. It says “stopping the boats” has also helped prevent deaths at sea.

The average length of detention increased to 689 days, vastly longer than comparable countries like the United States and Canada, where the averages are 55 days and 14 days respectively, HRW says.

"These statistics show how completely alone Australia is among like-minded countries, in terms of the indefinite detention of asylum seekers and refugees for years on end," HRW Australia researcher Sophie McNeill told the BBC.

"Under international law, immigration detention should not be used as punishment, but rather should be an exceptional measure of last resort to carry out a legitimate aim," she said.

Since 2013, Australia has detained all asylum seekers who try to arrive on its shores via boat, pledging that they will never be allowed to live permanently in the country - even if they are found to be a legitimate refugee.

(With inputs from agencies)

Asylum seekers are being held up in immigrations cells in Australia for more than 689 days on average, a report from a prominent non-governmental organisation (NGO) has revealed, calling on the government to end the “harsh and unlawful policy.

Asylum seekers are being held up in immigrations cells in Australia for more than 689 days on average, a report from a prominent non-governmental organisation (NGO) has revealed, calling on the government to end the “harsh and unlawful policy.” The spotlight on Australia’s detention policies emerged after Serbian Tennis star Novak Djokovic was put in detention hotel There are eight people who have now spent more than 10 years in Australian immigration detention, and 117 have been detained for longer than five years, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW). According to the home affairs department, about 1,459 people are being held currently at immigration facilities in Australia, including more than 70 refugees and asylum seekers transferred from Nauru and Manus Island, reported The Independent. Under Canberra's hardline immigration policy, asylum seekers, including children, who try to reach Australia by boat are sent to offshore detention centres in Papua New Guinea and Nauru, where they are held indefinitely while refugee applications are processed. They are blocked from being resettled in Australia even if found to be genuine refugees. Canberra justifies its severe policies saying that they serve as deterrence to discourage people from seeking asylum in Australia. It says “stopping the boats” has also helped prevent deaths at sea. The average length of detention increased to 689 days, vastly longer than comparable countries like the United States and Canada, where the averages are 55 days and 14 days respectively, HRW says. "These statistics show how completely alone Australia is among like-minded countries, in terms of the indefinite detention of asylum seekers and refugees for years on end," HRW Australia researcher Sophie McNeill told the BBC. "Under international law, immigration detention should not be used as punishment, but rather should be an exceptional measure of last resort to carry out a legitimate aim," she said. Since 2013, Australia has detained all asylum seekers who try to arrive on its shores via boat, pledging that they will never be allowed to live permanently in the country - even if they are found to be a legitimate refugee. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia detaining asylum seekers for record 689 days, says report

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, accused of espionage by the USA and held in Belmarsh Prison outside the British capital London, received a political asylum offer from Mexico.

Mexico offers political asylum to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange

Germany has received more asylum applications in 2021. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) reported that it had received 100,278 initial applications by the end of September.

Germany receives more asylum applications in first 9 months of 2021

More than 31 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) including Amnesty and European Network Against Racism have targetted European Union for what they are the efforts to turn migrant database into a mass surveillance tool through proposed changes. The campaigners for the NGOs made the charge in an open letter to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).

The NGOs have urged the EU to rethink overhaul of the Eurodac database of asylum seekers’ fingerprints. In a decision taken in 2018, the database was expanded to include passport or ID card details, facial images as well as fingerprints. This would also enable the officials to take fingerprints of children as young as 6. The previous age limit was 14.

The changes are yet to be implemented as the draft resolution is frozen pending agreement on reformation of centerpiece of EU asylum law.

The NGOs have said that use of facial imaging was “intrusive, disproportionate and privacy invasive". They said that the people on the move deserved the same level of protection as anyone else.

"...EU should not take advantage of their vulnerable situation to subject them to mass surveillance and undignified treatment.” they said.

The NGO's also lashed out at the practice of fingerprinting children

“Taking and retaining the biometric data of children for non protection related purposes is a seriously invasive and unjustified infringement on the rights of the child,” says the letter

Fingerprint database Eurodac was made in 2000 to deter asylum seekers from making multiple asylum requests

Under existing EU laws, asylum seekers are required to seek asylum in the first country they arrive in. This puts pressure on southern European countries.

More than 31 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) including Amnesty and European Network Against Racism have targetted European Union for what they are the efforts to turn migrant database into a mass surveillance tool through proposed changes.

More than 31 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) including Amnesty and European Network Against Racism have targetted European Union for what they are the efforts to turn migrant database into a mass surveillance tool through proposed changes. The campaigners for the NGOs made the charge in an open letter to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). The NGOs have urged the EU to rethink overhaul of the Eurodac database of asylum seekers’ fingerprints. In a decision taken in 2018, the database was expanded to include passport or ID card details, facial images as well as fingerprints. This would also enable the officials to take fingerprints of children as young as 6. The previous age limit was 14. The changes are yet to be implemented as the draft resolution is frozen pending agreement on reformation of centerpiece of EU asylum law. The NGOs have said that use of facial imaging was “intrusive, disproportionate and privacy invasive". They said that the people on the move deserved the same level of protection as anyone else. "...EU should not take advantage of their vulnerable situation to subject them to mass surveillance and undignified treatment.” they said. The NGO's also lashed out at the practice of fingerprinting children “Taking and retaining the biometric data of children for non protection related purposes is a seriously invasive and unjustified infringement on the rights of the child,” says the letter Fingerprint database Eurodac was made in 2000 to deter asylum seekers from making multiple asylum requests Under existing EU laws, asylum seekers are required to seek asylum in the first country they arrive in. This puts pressure on southern European countries.

EU seeking to develop migrant database into surveillance tool: NGOs

Chinese citizens are fleeing Chinese President Xi Jinping's rule. Since Xi Jinping took power at the end of 2012, more than 600,000 Chinese citizens have applied for asylum in another country. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Chinese citizens are fleeing Xi Jinping's rule

UK ministers will be revealing proposals for a suite of new laws paving the way for offshore centres for asylum seekers and criminal charges for migrants who have 'knowingly' arrived in the UK without permission.

The nationality and borders bill has been described by the Home Office as containing “the most radical changes to the broken asylum system in decades”. This makes it harder for those who enter illegally to stay in the UK.

As per home secretary, Priti Patel, it is a part of her mission to crack down on 'vile criminals' who run smuggling operations across the channel.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-lambda-variant-may-be-more-resistant-to-vaccines-than-other-strains-396116">Also read |&nbsp;COVID-19: Lambda variant may be more resistant to vaccines than other strains</a>

If the laws are passed, people-smuggling will have to go through tougher sentencing, up to life imprisonment.

Patel further said that she is going to make it easier to remove migrants who have arrived in the country unlawfully. Also, with the passing of these laws, it will be easier to punish countries that refuse to take back their citizens with a new 'power to control visa availability' for legal entrants to the UK.

The plans will also provide the removal of asylum seekers to offshore centres where they can be housed while their claims, or appeals, are being processed.

The Guardian quoted&nbsp;Patel saying, "For too long, our broken asylum system has lined the pockets of the vile criminal gangs who cheat the system. This isn’t fair to the vulnerable people who need protection or the British public who pay for it. It’s time to act".&nbsp;

She added, “This legislation delivers on what the British people have voted for time and time again – for the UK to take full control of its borders. It paves the way for a fair but firm system that will break the business model of the gangs that facilitate dangerous and illegal journeys to the UK while speeding up the removal of those with no right to be here".&nbsp;

UK ministers will be revealing proposals for a suite of new laws paving the way for offshore centres for asylum seekers and criminal charges for migrants who have 'knowingly' arrived in the UK without permission.

UK ministers will be revealing proposals for a suite of new laws paving the way for offshore centres for asylum seekers and criminal charges for migrants who have 'knowingly' arrived in the UK without permission. The nationality and borders bill has been described by the Home Office as containing “the most radical changes to the broken asylum system in decades”. This makes it harder for those who enter illegally to stay in the UK. As per home secretary, Priti Patel, it is a part of her mission to crack down on 'vile criminals' who run smuggling operations across the channel. Also read | COVID-19: Lambda variant may be more resistant to vaccines than other strains If the laws are passed, people-smuggling will have to go through tougher sentencing, up to life imprisonment. Patel further said that she is going to make it easier to remove migrants who have arrived in the country unlawfully. Also, with the passing of these laws, it will be easier to punish countries that refuse to take back their citizens with a new 'power to control visa availability' for legal entrants to the UK. The plans will also provide the removal of asylum seekers to offshore centres where they can be housed while their claims, or appeals, are being processed. The Guardian quoted Patel saying, "For too long, our broken asylum system has lined the pockets of the vile criminal gangs who cheat the system. This isn’t fair to the vulnerable people who need protection or the British public who pay for it. It’s time to act". She added, “This legislation delivers on what the British people have voted for time and time again – for the UK to take full control of its borders. It paves the way for a fair but firm system that will break the business model of the gangs that facilitate dangerous and illegal journeys to the UK while speeding up the removal of those with no right to be here".

UK ministers to reveal proposals for offshore centres for asylum seekers

China on Thursday accused Britain of sheltering "wanted criminals" after prominent Hong Kong democracy activist Nathan Law said he had been granted political asylum there.

London and Beijing are at bitter odds over the fate of Hong Kong, with Britain accusing China of tearing up its promise to maintain key liberties in the former colony for 50 years after the handover.

Law said Wednesday he had been granted asylum in Britain, after fleeing semi-autonomous Hong Kong following the introduction of sweeping new security law.

That provoked an angry response in Beijing.&nbsp;

"The UK is clearly a platform for Hong Kong independence agitators, and provides so-called shelter for wanted criminals," foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters.

Describing Law as a "criminal suspect", Zhao called the move "gross interference" in Hong Kong's judiciary.

"The UK should immediately correct its mistake, and stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs," he added.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab hit back in a tweet later Thursday, saying Britain "has a proud history of providing protection to those who need it".

He also confirmed that Law was granted asylum.

Law, a 27-year-old former Hong Kong lawmaker and student activist, fled to Britain in July 2020 in the weeks after the national security law -- opposed by democracy protesters -- was imposed.

Law wrote on Twitter that he had been granted asylum after several interviews over a period of four months.

"The fact that I am wanted under the National Security Law shows that I am exposed to severe political persecution and am unlikely to return to Hong Kong without risk," he wrote.

The activist highlighted the plight of other asylum seekers from Hong Kong in Britain who might not have the same weight of evidence behind their claims.

"I hope that my case can help the Home Office understand more about the complicated situation in Hong Kong," he added.

"To free more protesters from Beijing's authoritarian oppression, the Home Office could consider more comprehensive evidence."

- Strained ties -

The fate of potentially millions of Hong Kongers who Britain has offered an escape route has become a point of bitter diplomatic contention between Beijing and London, which ceded the former colony in 1997.

China said earlier this year it will not recognise the British National (Overseas) passport for Hong Kongers because of a new visa scheme introduced in January offering a pathway to full British citizenship for those who want to leave the territory.

Beijing and London have in recent weeks also clashed over Chinese sanctions against four British entities and nine individuals including lawmakers that have spoken out in defence of China's Uyghur Muslim minority.

Britain has condemned sweeping electoral reforms approved by Beijing last month, which are expected to further reduce the small number of democratically elected lawmakers in Hong Kong.

Candidates for public office will have their entire history vetted as Beijing seeks to ensure "patriots" run the city.

Nine veteran activists were convicted by a local court earlier this week of organising one of Hong Kong's biggest peaceful pro-democracy protests in 2019.

Last year Britain protested jail terms handed to three leading activists from the pro-democracy party Demosisto, which Law co-founded.&nbsp;

The party disbanded on the same day China's new security legislation was imposed in Hong Kong.

In exile, Law has continued to champion the cause of pro-democracy groups in Hong Kong on social media.

Last month he hit out at mass trials of activists in Hong Kong, saying they showed "the Chinese Communist party nakedly abuses its powers and uses the courts to demonstrate that power".

China on Thursday accused Britain of sheltering "wanted criminals" after prominent Hong Kong democracy activist Nathan Law said he had been granted political asylum there.

China on Thursday accused Britain of sheltering "wanted criminals" after prominent Hong Kong democracy activist Nathan Law said he had been granted political asylum there. London and Beijing are at bitter odds over the fate of Hong Kong, with Britain accusing China of tearing up its promise to maintain key liberties in the former colony for 50 years after the handover. Law said Wednesday he had been granted asylum in Britain, after fleeing semi-autonomous Hong Kong following the introduction of sweeping new security law. That provoked an angry response in Beijing. "The UK is clearly a platform for Hong Kong independence agitators, and provides so-called shelter for wanted criminals," foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters. Describing Law as a "criminal suspect", Zhao called the move "gross interference" in Hong Kong's judiciary. "The UK should immediately correct its mistake, and stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs," he added. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab hit back in a tweet later Thursday, saying Britain "has a proud history of providing protection to those who need it". He also confirmed that Law was granted asylum. Law, a 27-year-old former Hong Kong lawmaker and student activist, fled to Britain in July 2020 in the weeks after the national security law -- opposed by democracy protesters -- was imposed. Law wrote on Twitter that he had been granted asylum after several interviews over a period of four months. "The fact that I am wanted under the National Security Law shows that I am exposed to severe political persecution and am unlikely to return to Hong Kong without risk," he wrote. The activist highlighted the plight of other asylum seekers from Hong Kong in Britain who might not have the same weight of evidence behind their claims. "I hope that my case can help the Home Office understand more about the complicated situation in Hong Kong," he added. "To free more protesters from Beijing's authoritarian oppression, the Home Office could consider more comprehensive evidence." - Strained ties - The fate of potentially millions of Hong Kongers who Britain has offered an escape route has become a point of bitter diplomatic contention between Beijing and London, which ceded the former colony in 1997. China said earlier this year it will not recognise the British National (Overseas) passport for Hong Kongers because of a new visa scheme introduced in January offering a pathway to full British citizenship for those who want to leave the territory. Beijing and London have in recent weeks also clashed over Chinese sanctions against four British entities and nine individuals including lawmakers that have spoken out in defence of China's Uyghur Muslim minority. Britain has condemned sweeping electoral reforms approved by Beijing last month, which are expected to further reduce the small number of democratically elected lawmakers in Hong Kong. Candidates for public office will have their entire history vetted as Beijing seeks to ensure "patriots" run the city. Nine veteran activists were convicted by a local court earlier this week of organising one of Hong Kong's biggest peaceful pro-democracy protests in 2019. Last year Britain protested jail terms handed to three leading activists from the pro-democracy party Demosisto, which Law co-founded. The party disbanded on the same day China's new security legislation was imposed in Hong Kong. In exile, Law has continued to champion the cause of pro-democracy groups in Hong Kong on social media. Last month he hit out at mass trials of activists in Hong Kong, saying they showed "the Chinese Communist party nakedly abuses its powers and uses the courts to demonstrate that power".

China says the UK sheltering 'wanted criminals' after Hong Kong asylum ruling

Britain will introduce new rules for those seeking asylum, making it more difficult for refugees entering illegally to stay in the country, interior minister Priti Patel said on Wednesday, calling it a firm but fair system.&nbsp;

Since Britain completed its exit from the European Union at the end of last year, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been keen to set out a new independent vision for the country, unveiling new policies on defence, foreign affairs to immigration.&nbsp;

In what the government says is the biggest overhaul of the asylum system in decades, the 'New Plan for Immigration' sets out a plan to resettle refugees at urgent risk more quickly while making it more difficult for those arriving illegally.&nbsp;

"Under our New Plan for Immigration, if people arrive illegally, they will no longer have the same entitlements as those who arrive legally, and it will be harder for them to stay," Patel said in a statement.&nbsp;

"Profiteering from illegal migration to Britain will no longer be worth the risk, with new maximum life sentences for people smugglers ... I make no apology for these actions being firm, but as they will also save lives and target people smugglers, they are also undeniably fair."&nbsp;

She also said those arriving after travelling through a safe country, such as France would not have immediate entry into the system, and that the government 'would stop the most unscrupulous abusing the system by posing as children'.&nbsp;

Reducing immigration was one of the promises made by the Vote Leave campaign, for which Johnson was a figurehead, during the 2016 referendum on membership of the EU, and the government has said it would toughen up its post-Brexit asylum system.&nbsp;

But the main opposition Labour Party said the policy was defined by 'a lack of compassion', saying successive Conservative governments had failed the immigration system.&nbsp;

Charities have also criticised the proposals, saying they would create an unfair two-tiered system.&nbsp;

"This is inhumane,” British Red Cross chief executive Mike Adamson said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Britain will introduce new rules for those seeking asylum, making it more difficult for refugees entering illegally to stay in the country, interior minister Priti Patel said on Wednesday, calling it a firm but fair system.

Britain will introduce new rules for those seeking asylum, making it more difficult for refugees entering illegally to stay in the country, interior minister Priti Patel said on Wednesday, calling it a firm but fair system. Since Britain completed its exit from the European Union at the end of last year, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been keen to set out a new independent vision for the country, unveiling new policies on defence, foreign affairs to immigration. In what the government says is the biggest overhaul of the asylum system in decades, the 'New Plan for Immigration' sets out a plan to resettle refugees at urgent risk more quickly while making it more difficult for those arriving illegally. "Under our New Plan for Immigration, if people arrive illegally, they will no longer have the same entitlements as those who arrive legally, and it will be harder for them to stay," Patel said in a statement. "Profiteering from illegal migration to Britain will no longer be worth the risk, with new maximum life sentences for people smugglers ... I make no apology for these actions being firm, but as they will also save lives and target people smugglers, they are also undeniably fair." She also said those arriving after travelling through a safe country, such as France would not have immediate entry into the system, and that the government 'would stop the most unscrupulous abusing the system by posing as children'. Reducing immigration was one of the promises made by the Vote Leave campaign, for which Johnson was a figurehead, during the 2016 referendum on membership of the EU, and the government has said it would toughen up its post-Brexit asylum system. But the main opposition Labour Party said the policy was defined by 'a lack of compassion', saying successive Conservative governments had failed the immigration system. Charities have also criticised the proposals, saying they would create an unfair two-tiered system. "This is inhumane,” British Red Cross chief executive Mike Adamson said. (With inputs from agencies)

Britain toughens its post-Brexit asylum system 

US President Joe Biden is slated to order a major review of asylum processing at its border with Mexico, and the legal immigration system as he seeks to undo some of former president Donald Trump's hard-line policies. He on Tuesday will also sign a series of executive orders overhauling the US immigration process, signalling a return to a more inclusive policy.

The Democratic president will&nbsp;create a task force to reunite migrant families who were separated at the US-Mexico border by Trump’s 2018 "zero tolerance" border strategy. He&nbsp;will also sign another executive order dealing with regional migration.

Biden's actions on Tuesday will follow six immigration orders he issued on his first day in office and will further jumpstart his ambitious pro-immigrant agenda that seeks to erase Trump's restrictive policies on legal and illegal immigration.

As part of the actions, he will call for a review of a Trump-era rule that made it harder for poorer immigrants to obtain permanent residency in the United States. He will also mandate a review of the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), a controversial programme that pushed 65,000 asylum seekers back to Mexico to wait for US court hearings. Most returned to their home countries but some remained in a makeshift camp near the Mexican border.

The Biden administration has already stopped adding people to the programme but crucially it has not yet outlined how it will process the claims of those already enrolled.

Chad Wolf, former acting US Department of Homeland Security secretary under Trump, said in an interview that halting the MPP programme was a mistake because it had been an effective deterrent to illegal immigration.

Biden's review of Trump’s so-called “public charge” rule is expected to start the process to rescind it, according to two people familiar with the plan. The rule makes it harder for immigrants who are poor or need government help to secure residency and stay in the country.

It remains unclear whether Biden's executive orders on Tuesday will address two Trump proclamations that banned the issuance of many work and immigrant visas, which Trump had said would protect American jobs during the coronavirus pandemic.

The working group will examine ways to reunite the families, officials said, without specifying whether that could allow parents or children who had been deported to return to US soil.

A second executive order echoes a similar policy under the Barack Obama administration, putting in place legal mechanisms for prospective immigrants in their home countries to apply for residency, allowing them to avoid dangerous smuggling routes.

The third decree will promote the integration of migrants legally settled in the United States and make naturalization "more accessible to the more than nine million immigrants who are currently eligible to apply" for citizenship.

Most of the reforms will be led by the Secretary of Homeland Security.

Biden has nominated Alejandro Mayorkas to the position, and the Senate will vote on his appointment midday Tuesday.

If confirmed, Mayorkas -- who arrived in the United States as an infant as the son of Cuban refugees -- will be the first Hispanic person to lead the Department of Homeland Security, a sprawling agency that oversees immigration issues, border police and emergency responses.

(with inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden is slated to order a major review of asylum processing at its border with Mexico, and the legal immigration system as he seeks to undo some of former president Donald Trump's hard-line policies.

US President Joe Biden is slated to order a major review of asylum processing at its border with Mexico, and the legal immigration system as he seeks to undo some of former president Donald Trump's hard-line policies. He on Tuesday will also sign a series of executive orders overhauling the US immigration process, signalling a return to a more inclusive policy. The Democratic president will create a task force to reunite migrant families who were separated at the US-Mexico border by Trump’s 2018 "zero tolerance" border strategy. He will also sign another executive order dealing with regional migration. Biden's actions on Tuesday will follow six immigration orders he issued on his first day in office and will further jumpstart his ambitious pro-immigrant agenda that seeks to erase Trump's restrictive policies on legal and illegal immigration. As part of the actions, he will call for a review of a Trump-era rule that made it harder for poorer immigrants to obtain permanent residency in the United States. He will also mandate a review of the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), a controversial programme that pushed 65,000 asylum seekers back to Mexico to wait for US court hearings. Most returned to their home countries but some remained in a makeshift camp near the Mexican border. The Biden administration has already stopped adding people to the programme but crucially it has not yet outlined how it will process the claims of those already enrolled. Chad Wolf, former acting US Department of Homeland Security secretary under Trump, said in an interview that halting the MPP programme was a mistake because it had been an effective deterrent to illegal immigration. Biden's review of Trump’s so-called “public charge” rule is expected to start the process to rescind it, according to two people familiar with the plan. The rule makes it harder for immigrants who are poor or need government help to secure residency and stay in the country. It remains unclear whether Biden's executive orders on Tuesday will address two Trump proclamations that banned the issuance of many work and immigrant visas, which Trump had said would protect American jobs during the coronavirus pandemic. The working group will examine ways to reunite the families, officials said, without specifying whether that could allow parents or children who had been deported to return to US soil. A second executive order echoes a similar policy under the Barack Obama administration, putting in place legal mechanisms for prospective immigrants in their home countries to apply for residency, allowing them to avoid dangerous smuggling routes. The third decree will promote the integration of migrants legally settled in the United States and make naturalization "more accessible to the more than nine million immigrants who are currently eligible to apply" for citizenship. Most of the reforms will be led by the Secretary of Homeland Security. Biden has nominated Alejandro Mayorkas to the position, and the Senate will vote on his appointment midday Tuesday. If confirmed, Mayorkas -- who arrived in the United States as an infant as the son of Cuban refugees -- will be the first Hispanic person to lead the Department of Homeland Security, a sprawling agency that oversees immigration issues, border police and emergency responses. (with inputs from agencies)

Biden to issue executive orders on asylum, legal immigration, separated families

As temperatures drop below freezing on Wednesday (December 18) in Ciudad Juarez, Mexican officials tried to move an encampment of migrant asylum seekers - including around 200 young children - to shelters.

Mexican children shiver in tents at US border as temperature freezes

The founder of one of Pakistan's main political party Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) previously known as Muhajir Qaumi Movement, Altaf Hussain has pleaded to Modi to grant him and his colleague's asylum in India.

The MQM founder also sought financial assistance from the Indian prime minister.

Hussain has been living in exile in the UK since the launch of 'Operation Clean Up' that had been launched by the then Pakistani Government in 1992 targeting Muttahida Qaumi Movement.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Watch | Exiled <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> leader and founder of MQM, Altaf Hussain, seeks asylum in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/AltafHussain_90?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AltafHussain_90</a> <a href="https://t.co/iNL2dV6VV9">pic.twitter.com/iNL2dV6VV9</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1196416491270201353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He is due to stand trial in June 2020 and passport remains with the UK police.

Hussain was charged by the UK's crown prosecution services for encouraging terrorism through a speech relayed to his followers in Pakistan in 2016.

In a video speech recorded by Hussain after London police relaxed his bail conditions, he turned towards Modi for help.

The MQM leader said he would like to travel to India because his grandparents are buried there.

Hussain alleged that his assets, house, and offices were taken over in Karachi leaving him with no means to “fight for justice” against the Pakistani regime.&nbsp;

MQM and its leader Altaf Hussain decided to boycott elections in 2018 due to military intervention in political affairs, &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Promising that he would not interfere in any politics, Hussian has said that he welcomed the supreme court verdict in the Ayodhya case.

The founder of one of Pakistan's main political party Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) previously known as Muhajir Qaumi Movement, Altaf Hussain has pleaded to Modi to grant him and his colleague's asylum in India.

The founder of one of Pakistan's main political party Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) previously known as Muhajir Qaumi Movement, Altaf Hussain has pleaded to Modi to grant him and his colleague's asylum in India. The MQM founder also sought financial assistance from the Indian prime minister. Hussain has been living in exile in the UK since the launch of 'Operation Clean Up' that had been launched by the then Pakistani Government in 1992 targeting Muttahida Qaumi Movement. Watch | Exiled #Pakistan leader and founder of MQM, Altaf Hussain, seeks asylum in #India. @AltafHussain_90 pic.twitter.com/iNL2dV6VV9 — WION (@WIONews) November 18, 2019 × He is due to stand trial in June 2020 and passport remains with the UK police. Hussain was charged by the UK's crown prosecution services for encouraging terrorism through a speech relayed to his followers in Pakistan in 2016. In a video speech recorded by Hussain after London police relaxed his bail conditions, he turned towards Modi for help. The MQM leader said he would like to travel to India because his grandparents are buried there. Hussain alleged that his assets, house, and offices were taken over in Karachi leaving him with no means to “fight for justice” against the Pakistani regime. MQM and its leader Altaf Hussain decided to boycott elections in 2018 due to military intervention in political affairs, Promising that he would not interfere in any politics, Hussian has said that he welcomed the supreme court verdict in the Ayodhya case.

Muttahida Quami Movement founder Altaf Hussain seeks asylum in India

Pakistan leader Altaf Hussain requests Modi for Asylum. To know more watch the video

Pakistan Leader Altaf Hussain seeks Asylum in India

A former military camp on the outskirts of Athens is now reaching full capacity as it serves as a temporary home to almost 1,000 asylum seekers, with many facing an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-approves-controversial-migration-law-259324">uncertain and prolonged wait</a> while their asylum status is determined.

As numbers at the camp have swelled in recent months, dozens of new containers have been added to accommodate the new additions, the majority of whom are families hailing from Afghanistan.

Camps like this provide a stop-gap where asylum seekers are transferred from Greek islands and wait for months for a decision on their application.

Gazal Tajik arrived here with her husband and three children in 2018, but will be stuck until May 2021 for a final outcome on their status.

"I want to leave, [and with] my child go to another country and I [hope to] have one house, my child could go to school and university and I find a good job and my husband finds one. I just want a normal life. I don't want to live in a camp," said Tajik.

Most of the asylum seekers arrive in Greece in an attempt to move onwards to a northern European country.

The Greek government says the asylum system has been strained by a backlog of some 68,000 requests, and as the country slowly recovers from a devastating economic crisis, unemployment figures remain high.

With asylum seekers spending months or even years in camps, integration for many remains a distant option.

"The more we develop the possibility for them to access the labour market, to learn Greek, the more we create the conditions for them to really have a choice. If we don't provide these basic tools, then it's very difficult to make a choice. You don't have much of a choice." said Gianluca Rocco, International Organization for Migration (IOM) Chief of Mission in Greece.

The government says accelerating asylum procedures is the main aim of legislation that was approved on Thursday, which would expedite the return of people whose asylum claims are rejected.

The new bill also sets stricter criteria for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-steps-up-migrant-transfers-after-lesbos-clashes-252825">asylum seekers</a>, a move the government hopes will deter those who are not entitled to asylum from trying to reach Greece.

According to the U.N. Refugee Agency, over 25,000 migrants and refugees have reached the Greek islands since August, with this number accounting for over half of the total sea arrivals in Greece since the beginning of the year.

Europe's Human Rights Watch (HRW) warned that camps on the Greek islands are on the edge of catastrophe as numbers continue to increase.

Several Greek and international humanitarian groups, including the U.N. Refugee Agency, have criticized the new law, warning it could lift some of the protections which are in place for asylum seekers.

A former military camp on the outskirts of Athens is now reaching full capacity as it serves as a temporary home to almost 1,000 asylum seekers, with many facing an uncertain and prolonged wait while their asylum status is determined.

A former military camp on the outskirts of Athens is now reaching full capacity as it serves as a temporary home to almost 1,000 asylum seekers, with many facing an uncertain and prolonged wait while their asylum status is determined. As numbers at the camp have swelled in recent months, dozens of new containers have been added to accommodate the new additions, the majority of whom are families hailing from Afghanistan. Camps like this provide a stop-gap where asylum seekers are transferred from Greek islands and wait for months for a decision on their application. Gazal Tajik arrived here with her husband and three children in 2018, but will be stuck until May 2021 for a final outcome on their status. "I want to leave, [and with] my child go to another country and I [hope to] have one house, my child could go to school and university and I find a good job and my husband finds one. I just want a normal life. I don't want to live in a camp," said Tajik. Most of the asylum seekers arrive in Greece in an attempt to move onwards to a northern European country. The Greek government says the asylum system has been strained by a backlog of some 68,000 requests, and as the country slowly recovers from a devastating economic crisis, unemployment figures remain high. With asylum seekers spending months or even years in camps, integration for many remains a distant option. "The more we develop the possibility for them to access the labour market, to learn Greek, the more we create the conditions for them to really have a choice. If we don't provide these basic tools, then it's very difficult to make a choice. You don't have much of a choice." said Gianluca Rocco, International Organization for Migration (IOM) Chief of Mission in Greece. The government says accelerating asylum procedures is the main aim of legislation that was approved on Thursday, which would expedite the return of people whose asylum claims are rejected. The new bill also sets stricter criteria for asylum seekers, a move the government hopes will deter those who are not entitled to asylum from trying to reach Greece. According to the U.N. Refugee Agency, over 25,000 migrants and refugees have reached the Greek islands since August, with this number accounting for over half of the total sea arrivals in Greece since the beginning of the year. Europe's Human Rights Watch (HRW) warned that camps on the Greek islands are on the edge of catastrophe as numbers continue to increase. Several Greek and international humanitarian groups, including the U.N. Refugee Agency, have criticized the new law, warning it could lift some of the protections which are in place for asylum seekers.

Greek camps near capacity as refugees face long wait for asylum

U.S. asylum seekers camped out in a dangerous Mexican border town occupied a bridge to Brownsville, Texas on Thursday (October 10), leading to the closure of the crossing.

Migrant families block U.S.-mexico border bridge

A Russian gay couple has requested asylum in the United States after authorities launched a criminal investigation over their adopted children, their lawyer said Thursday.

The two men, Andrei Vaganov and Yevgeny Yerofeyev, and their two adopted sons are now in Seattle and requested asylum in the US this month, lawyer Maksim Olenichev said.

"They like it there," said Olenichev, a lawyer with Vykhod (Coming Out) support group based in the northwestern Russian city of Saint Petersburg, which has been helping the family.

He said the boys, aged 12 and 13 are going to school in the US and "the initial period of adaptation is going well."

The pair fled Russia this summer under huge pressure after the authorities opened an unprecedented criminal case accusing social workers of negligence for allowing the family to bring up the children.&nbsp;

The case was opened after one of the boys told doctors that his adoptive father, Vaganov, lived with a male partner.

The Investigative Committee said Moscow social workers were suspected of criminal negligence for allowing the two boys to live in the family from 2010.

This was the first such case ever launched in Russia.

The men are being treated as witnesses in the case and their supporters say they risked losing the children.

The Investigative Committee has accused the men of giving the children "distorted ideas about family values, harming their health and moral and spiritual growth."

The authorities questioned the couple's relatives and also searched their flat after they had left the country.&nbsp;

Even though Russia decriminalized homosexuality in 1993, it remains a deeply homophobic society.&nbsp;

A rise in violence against gay people has been seen since 2013, when Russia passed a law banning gay "propaganda" to minors.

Russia has banned adoption by single-sex married couples or unmarried people from foreign countries where gay marriage is allowed, but since legalized unions are not possible in Russia, there is no law banning adoption by a gay couple.

Andrei Petrov, head of Stimul, a legal aid service for LGBT people in Moscow, said he hoped the family would be able to start a new life in the United States.

"I am convinced that a loving family is always better than growing up even in the best orphanage," Petrov said in a statement.

He condemned "attempts to destroy the family" by the Russian authorities, saying these were "based on prejudice."

In recent months, Russian LGBT rights groups have reported a new wave of purges and pressure against gay people.

In July, a 41-year-old LGBT activist, Yelena Grigoryeva, was found dead in Saint Petersburg after she received repeated threats.

A Russian gay couple has requested asylum in the United States after authorities launched a criminal investigation over their adopted children, their lawyer said Thursday.

A Russian gay couple has requested asylum in the United States after authorities launched a criminal investigation over their adopted children, their lawyer said Thursday. The two men, Andrei Vaganov and Yevgeny Yerofeyev, and their two adopted sons are now in Seattle and requested asylum in the US this month, lawyer Maksim Olenichev said. "They like it there," said Olenichev, a lawyer with Vykhod (Coming Out) support group based in the northwestern Russian city of Saint Petersburg, which has been helping the family. He said the boys, aged 12 and 13 are going to school in the US and "the initial period of adaptation is going well." The pair fled Russia this summer under huge pressure after the authorities opened an unprecedented criminal case accusing social workers of negligence for allowing the family to bring up the children. The case was opened after one of the boys told doctors that his adoptive father, Vaganov, lived with a male partner. The Investigative Committee said Moscow social workers were suspected of criminal negligence for allowing the two boys to live in the family from 2010. This was the first such case ever launched in Russia. The men are being treated as witnesses in the case and their supporters say they risked losing the children. The Investigative Committee has accused the men of giving the children "distorted ideas about family values, harming their health and moral and spiritual growth." The authorities questioned the couple's relatives and also searched their flat after they had left the country. Even though Russia decriminalized homosexuality in 1993, it remains a deeply homophobic society. A rise in violence against gay people has been seen since 2013, when Russia passed a law banning gay "propaganda" to minors. Russia has banned adoption by single-sex married couples or unmarried people from foreign countries where gay marriage is allowed, but since legalized unions are not possible in Russia, there is no law banning adoption by a gay couple. Andrei Petrov, head of Stimul, a legal aid service for LGBT people in Moscow, said he hoped the family would be able to start a new life in the United States. "I am convinced that a loving family is always better than growing up even in the best orphanage," Petrov said in a statement. He condemned "attempts to destroy the family" by the Russian authorities, saying these were "based on prejudice." In recent months, Russian LGBT rights groups have reported a new wave of purges and pressure against gay people. In July, a 41-year-old LGBT activist, Yelena Grigoryeva, was found dead in Saint Petersburg after she received repeated threats.

Russian gay couple under investigation for adoption request United States asylum

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/would-return-to-us-if-provided-chance-for-fair-trial-snowden-249411">Former US spy agency contractor Edward Snowden</a> hopes France will grant him asylum, according to a France Inter radio interview to be broadcast on Monday.

In excerpts made available on the French radio station's Twitter account, Snowden says he would "love to see" French President Emmanuel Macron make a gesture enabling him to live in the country.

It was not immediately clear when or where the interview took place.

Snowden has been living in Russia since 2013 after he revealed details of secret surveillance programs by US&nbsp;intelligence agencies.

Many civil rights activists see him as a hero, but at home in the United States authorities want him to stand trial for espionage.

Former US spy agency contractor Edward Snowden hopes France will grant him asylum, according to a France Inter radio interview to be broadcast on Monday. In excerpts made available on the French radio station's Twitter account, Snowden says he would "love to see" French President Emmanuel Macron make a gesture enabling him to live in the country.

Former US spy agency contractor Edward Snowden hopes France will grant him asylum, according to a France Inter radio interview to be broadcast on Monday. In excerpts made available on the French radio station's Twitter account, Snowden says he would "love to see" French President Emmanuel Macron make a gesture enabling him to live in the country. It was not immediately clear when or where the interview took place. Snowden has been living in Russia since 2013 after he revealed details of secret surveillance programs by US intelligence agencies. Many civil rights activists see him as a hero, but at home in the United States authorities want him to stand trial for espionage.

Snowden says he hopes France will grant him asylum

El Salvador's government deployed at least 800 police to its borders with Honduras and Guatemala on Thursday (September 12) in a bid to thwart U.S.-bound migrants, officials announced.

El Salvador sends hundreds of police to border to thwart migrants

The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday (September 11) granted a request by President Donald Trump's administration to fully enforce a new rule that would curtail asylum applications by immigrants at the U.S.-Mexico border, a key element of his hardline immigration policies.

U.S. Supreme Court ratifies Trump's  asylum policy

A former MLA from Imran Khan's PTI, who is seeking political asylum in India over atrocities on minorities in Pakistan, on Tuesday asserted that Hindus and Sikhs are being "tortured" in the neighbouring country.

Baldev Kumar also stated that even Muslims in Pakistan are not as safe as life in the country is full of difficulties.

"Not only minorities but even Muslims are not safe there (Pakistan). We are surviving in Pakistan with a lot of difficulties. I request the Indian government to give me asylum here. I will not go back," Baldev Kumar told ANI.

Baldev's admission once again exposed Pakistan's record of using unfair means of treatment against the minority communities.

A former PTI MLA from Barikot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) assembly, Baldev is in India along with his family to seek political asylum.

Baldev, 43, no longer wants to return to Pakistan and has alleged that minorities, including Hindus and Sikhs, are being prosecuted in Pakistan.

"The Indian government should announce a package so that the Hindu and Sikh families staying in Pakistan can come here. I want Modi Sahab to do something for them. They are tortured there," he requested.

In 2016, a sitting MLA from his constituency was assassinated.

Baldev was charged with a false murder case and acquitted in 2018, adding to a number of false cases that minority members are framed in by cash-strapped Islamabad.

In Pakistan, incidents, where Hindu, Sikh and Christian girls are forcibly converted to Islam and married to Muslim men, are reported regularly.

The recent incident of abduction, forcible marriage and religious conversion of a Sikh girl of Nankana Sahib is a telling example.

A former MLA from Imran Khan's PTI, who is seeking political asylum in India over atrocities on minorities in Pakistan, on Tuesday asserted that Hindus and Sikhs are being "tortured" in the neighbouring country.

A former MLA from Imran Khan's PTI, who is seeking political asylum in India over atrocities on minorities in Pakistan, on Tuesday asserted that Hindus and Sikhs are being "tortured" in the neighbouring country. Baldev Kumar also stated that even Muslims in Pakistan are not as safe as life in the country is full of difficulties. "Not only minorities but even Muslims are not safe there (Pakistan). We are surviving in Pakistan with a lot of difficulties. I request the Indian government to give me asylum here. I will not go back," Baldev Kumar told ANI. Baldev's admission once again exposed Pakistan's record of using unfair means of treatment against the minority communities. A former PTI MLA from Barikot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) assembly, Baldev is in India along with his family to seek political asylum. Baldev, 43, no longer wants to return to Pakistan and has alleged that minorities, including Hindus and Sikhs, are being prosecuted in Pakistan. "The Indian government should announce a package so that the Hindu and Sikh families staying in Pakistan can come here. I want Modi Sahab to do something for them. They are tortured there," he requested. In 2016, a sitting MLA from his constituency was assassinated. Baldev was charged with a false murder case and acquitted in 2018, adding to a number of false cases that minority members are framed in by cash-strapped Islamabad. In Pakistan, incidents, where Hindu, Sikh and Christian girls are forcibly converted to Islam and married to Muslim men, are reported regularly. The recent incident of abduction, forcible marriage and religious conversion of a Sikh girl of Nankana Sahib is a telling example.

Hindus, Sikhs tortured in Pakistan, says ex-PTI MLA; seeks asylum in India

More than 85,000 Venezuelan migrants crossed into Ecuador from Colombia in the last month, ahead of new visa restrictions from Quito that took effect on Monday (August 26), the Colombian government said.

Venezuelan migrants flood into Ecuador ahead of new visa restrictions

A judge on Friday blocked a move by US President Donald Trump's administration to stop <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mexico-opens-new-migrant-shelter-as-us-continues-to-send-back-asylum-seekers-240177">migrants from claiming asylum</a> unless they had entered the country at an official border crossing, news outlets reported.

The policy, enacted by Trump last year, is among a host of measures his government has taken against the movement of hundreds of thousands of migrants from Central America and elsewhere who have recently tried to cross into the US from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-says-migrant-numbers-at-us-border-down-40-since-may-239609">Mexico</a> and request asylum.

Federal judge Randolph Moss, sitting in Washington, ruled that the policy was "in excess of statutory... authority," ABC News reported.

Moss said it contradicts standing US immigration law, which allows undocumented people who are physically present in the country to apply for asylum even if they did not enter at an official port of entry, The Hill newspaper said.

The policy had earlier been blocked by a judge in San Francisco, a ruling the government is appealing.

Watch: The immigration debate: seesaws placed at US-Mexico border

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-immigration-debate-seesaws-placed-at-us-mexico-border-240019/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Trump's immigration policy has been the subject of numerous court challenges.

Last week, a federal judge in California issued a preliminary injunction blocking the administration's new rule barring most immigrants from obtaining asylum in the US if they transit through Mexico.

That policy would have effectively prevented most Central American asylum seekers from gaining entry into the United States at the southern border, as the majority come through Mexico.

Day later, Guatemala signed an agreement with the US that, according to Washington, makes it a "safe third country," meaning migrants who want to seek asylum in the United States but travel through Guatemala must request asylum in the Central American country.

The number of border-crossers detained by the US Border Patrol surged to a 13-year high of more than 144,000 in May before easing to 104,000 in June -- still up 142 per cent from a year earlier.

Most are families from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.

A judge on Friday blocked a move by US President Donald Trump's administration to stop migrants from claiming asylum unless they had entered the country at an official border crossing, news outlets reported.

A judge on Friday blocked a move by US President Donald Trump's administration to stop migrants from claiming asylum unless they had entered the country at an official border crossing, news outlets reported. The policy, enacted by Trump last year, is among a host of measures his government has taken against the movement of hundreds of thousands of migrants from Central America and elsewhere who have recently tried to cross into the US from Mexico and request asylum. Federal judge Randolph Moss, sitting in Washington, ruled that the policy was "in excess of statutory... authority," ABC News reported. Moss said it contradicts standing US immigration law, which allows undocumented people who are physically present in the country to apply for asylum even if they did not enter at an official port of entry, The Hill newspaper said. The policy had earlier been blocked by a judge in San Francisco, a ruling the government is appealing. Watch: The immigration debate: seesaws placed at US-Mexico border × Trump's immigration policy has been the subject of numerous court challenges. Last week, a federal judge in California issued a preliminary injunction blocking the administration's new rule barring most immigrants from obtaining asylum in the US if they transit through Mexico. That policy would have effectively prevented most Central American asylum seekers from gaining entry into the United States at the southern border, as the majority come through Mexico. Day later, Guatemala signed an agreement with the US that, according to Washington, makes it a "safe third country," meaning migrants who want to seek asylum in the United States but travel through Guatemala must request asylum in the Central American country. The number of border-crossers detained by the US Border Patrol surged to a 13-year high of more than 144,000 in May before easing to 104,000 in June -- still up 142 per cent from a year earlier. Most are families from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.

Judge blocks Trump asylum restriction: Reports

Mexico's government opened a shelter in the border city of Ciudad Juarez on Thursday (August 01) meant to house Central Americans waiting for their asylum claims to be processed in the United States.

Mexico opens new migrant shelter as U.S. continues to send back asylum seekers

asylum

Asylum, News on Asylum, stories on Asylum, articles on Asylum, Asylum stories at Wion, Asylum news, Asylum latest news