US President Donald Trump on Tuesday urged Americans to move beyond the angry partisan divide between Democrats and Republicans in his State of the Union address to Congress.

&quot;Tonight, I call upon all of us to set aside our differences, to seek out common ground, and to summon the unity we need to deliver for the people we were elected to serve,&quot; he said.

The speech marked Trump&#39;s first year in office and came as his opinion poll approval numbers touched new lows, despite promising economic data and the president&#39;s frequent boasts of historic victories.

&quot;So let us begin tonight by recognizing that the state of our union is strong because our people are strong,&quot; Trump said.

&quot;And together, we are building a safe, strong and proud America. The state of our union is strong, because our people are strong.&quot;

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&quot;I am asking both parties to come together to give us safe, fast, reliable, and modern infrastructure our economy needs and our people deserve.&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU</a>: <a href="https://t.co/Njo52YOlc2">https://t.co/Njo52YOlc2</a>
&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/958531462126546946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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President Donald Trump gives his first official State of the Union Address from the United States Capitol in front of a joint session of Congress

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday urged Americans to move beyond the angry partisan divide between Democrats and Republicans in his State of the Union address to Congress. "Tonight, I call upon all of us to set aside our differences, to seek out common ground, and to summon the unity we need to deliver for the people we were elected to serve," he said. The speech marked Trump's first year in office and came as his opinion poll approval numbers touched new lows, despite promising economic data and the president's frequent boasts of historic victories. "So let us begin tonight by recognizing that the state of our union is strong because our people are strong," Trump said. "And together, we are building a safe, strong and proud America. The state of our union is strong, because our people are strong." "I am asking both parties to come together to give us safe, fast, reliable, and modern infrastructure our economy needs and our people deserve." #SOTU: https://t.co/Njo52YOlc2 — The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 31, 2018 ×

President Donald Trump urges US parties set aside differences

President Donald Trump, battling a probe into his campaign&rsquo;s alleged ties with Russia and struggling to sell Americans on his leadership abilities, will take credit for US economic gains in the past year in an address to Congress on Tuesday night.

Facing a deadline on an immigration controversy and strong Democratic opposition, Trump will also call for a bipartisan compromise of the type that has eluded him during the first year in office marked by heated political battles.

Trump will visit Capitol Hill to deliver his first State of the Union speech at 9:10 pm&nbsp;(0210 GMT on Wednesday).

In preparing for the event, Trump told US television network anchors that he would offer a message of unity, in what would be a rarity for the politically polarizing president.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-state-of-the-union-address-31215">What is the State of the Union Address?</a>

&ldquo;I would consider it a great achievement if we could make our country united,&rdquo; he told the anchors during a lunch, according to comments released by the White House.

Aides said the Republican president would use the televised speech to tout the benefits of a tax overhaul approved by the Republican-controlled Congress in December that was his first major legislative victory.

&ldquo;The economy will be front and centre,&rdquo; White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told NBC News on Tuesday.

The atmosphere in the House of Representatives chamber where Trump will speak could be tense. Several Democratic lawmakers have said they will boycott the event. Some Democratic women who will attend plan to wear black in support of the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment.

Ahead of Trump&rsquo;s speech, Republicans and Democrats were deeply divided over immigration, which has been linked to congressional efforts to pass a spending bill. Lawmakers face a Feb. 8 deadline to reach a compromise on the issue and pass a new budget measure to avoid a second government shutdown after a brief closure earlier this month.

To attract Democratic votes for an immigration deal, Trump has said he is open to letting &ldquo;Dreamers,&rdquo; a group of immigrants brought into the country illegally as children, stay in the United States.

In return, he has demanded to fund for his long-proposed wall along the border with Mexico and measures to curb family sponsorship of immigrants, proposals that have failed to gain traction with Democrats in the past.

US Senator Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate, said the two sides had made little progress so far in bridging differences on immigration.

&ldquo;We didn&rsquo;t agree on anything,&rdquo; Durbin said after a meeting with Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill on Monday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/what-to-expect-from-trumps-first-state-of-the-union-speech-31225">Immigration, jobs, trade: What to expect from Trump&#39;s first State of the Union address</a>

Russia probe

Trump will also promote a $1.7 trillion plan to rebuild America&rsquo;s ageing roads and other infrastructure, but he is not expected to offer many details.

Trump is expected to address the various global issues that have preoccupied his administration, such as the challenge posed by North Korea&rsquo;s nuclear and weapons programs, and Iran&rsquo;s clout in the Middle East.

The speech comes as the president is buffeted by a series of headlines about US Special Counsel Robert Mueller&rsquo;s investigation into whether Trump or his aides colluded with Russia during the 2016 presidential election.

US intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia interfered in the campaign using hacking and propaganda to attempt to tilt the race in Trump&rsquo;s favor. Russia has denied meddling. Trump, who has called Mueller&rsquo;s probe a &ldquo;witch hunt,&rdquo; has denied any collusion with Russia or that he has obstructed justice in his actions related to the federal investigation.

Americans, at the same time, are voicing concerns about Trump&rsquo;s fitness for office. Opinion polls show his job approval ratings are about 40 percent, a number that is alarming to Republicans as they seek to maintain control of the US Congress in midterm elections in November.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-deliver-first-state-of-the-union-address-tomorrow-indian-techies-widow-among-guests-31233">In Trump&#39;s first State of the Union address, Indian techie&#39;s widow will be among guests</a>

Leaders of the two parties had sharply different expectations for the speech. Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan said he was &ldquo;excited&rdquo; to hear a State of the Union speech when things were so promising.

&ldquo;It&rsquo;s really encouraging to be able to come and hear an upbeat tone at a State of the Union,&rdquo; Ryan told reporters. &ldquo;Economic confidence is coming back to America.&rdquo;

Representative Steny Hoyer, the No. 2 House Democrat, said Trump&rsquo;s theme of a &ldquo;safe, strong and proud America&rdquo; did not reflect reality.

&ldquo;That may be the theme, but that&rsquo;s not what has happened over the last year,&rdquo; he said, adding that Trump had alienated US allies, hollowed out the diplomatic corps and increased the national debt with tax legislation.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Trump should thank his Democratic predecessor, Barack Obama, for the strong economic outlook. &ldquo;Like many things in life, he inherited the healthy economy,&rdquo; Schumer said of Trump.

Trump told US television network anchors that he would offer a message of unity, in what would be a rarity for the politically polarizing president

President Donald Trump, battling a probe into his campaign’s alleged ties with Russia and struggling to sell Americans on his leadership abilities, will take credit for US economic gains in the past year in an address to Congress on Tuesday night. Facing a deadline on an immigration controversy and strong Democratic opposition, Trump will also call for a bipartisan compromise of the type that has eluded him during the first year in office marked by heated political battles. Trump will visit Capitol Hill to deliver his first State of the Union speech at 9:10 pm (0210 GMT on Wednesday). In preparing for the event, Trump told US television network anchors that he would offer a message of unity, in what would be a rarity for the politically polarizing president. Also read: What is the State of the Union Address? “I would consider it a great achievement if we could make our country united,” he told the anchors during a lunch, according to comments released by the White House. Aides said the Republican president would use the televised speech to tout the benefits of a tax overhaul approved by the Republican-controlled Congress in December that was his first major legislative victory. “The economy will be front and centre,” White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told NBC News on Tuesday. The atmosphere in the House of Representatives chamber where Trump will speak could be tense. Several Democratic lawmakers have said they will boycott the event. Some Democratic women who will attend plan to wear black in support of the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment. Ahead of Trump’s speech, Republicans and Democrats were deeply divided over immigration, which has been linked to congressional efforts to pass a spending bill. Lawmakers face a Feb. 8 deadline to reach a compromise on the issue and pass a new budget measure to avoid a second government shutdown after a brief closure earlier this month. To attract Democratic votes for an immigration deal, Trump has said he is open to letting “Dreamers,” a group of immigrants brought into the country illegally as children, stay in the United States. In return, he has demanded to fund for his long-proposed wall along the border with Mexico and measures to curb family sponsorship of immigrants, proposals that have failed to gain traction with Democrats in the past. US Senator Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate, said the two sides had made little progress so far in bridging differences on immigration. “We didn’t agree on anything,” Durbin said after a meeting with Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill on Monday. Also read: Immigration, jobs, trade: What to expect from Trump's first State of the Union address Russia probe Trump will also promote a $1.7 trillion plan to rebuild America’s ageing roads and other infrastructure, but he is not expected to offer many details. Trump is expected to address the various global issues that have preoccupied his administration, such as the challenge posed by North Korea’s nuclear and weapons programs, and Iran’s clout in the Middle East. The speech comes as the president is buffeted by a series of headlines about US Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into whether Trump or his aides colluded with Russia during the 2016 presidential election. US intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia interfered in the campaign using hacking and propaganda to attempt to tilt the race in Trump’s favor. Russia has denied meddling. Trump, who has called Mueller’s probe a “witch hunt,” has denied any collusion with Russia or that he has obstructed justice in his actions related to the federal investigation. Americans, at the same time, are voicing concerns about Trump’s fitness for office. Opinion polls show his job approval ratings are about 40 percent, a number that is alarming to Republicans as they seek to maintain control of the US Congress in midterm elections in November. Also read: In Trump's first State of the Union address, Indian techie's widow will be among guests Leaders of the two parties had sharply different expectations for the speech. Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan said he was “excited” to hear a State of the Union speech when things were so promising. “It’s really encouraging to be able to come and hear an upbeat tone at a State of the Union,” Ryan told reporters. “Economic confidence is coming back to America.” Representative Steny Hoyer, the No. 2 House Democrat, said Trump’s theme of a “safe, strong and proud America” did not reflect reality. “That may be the theme, but that’s not what has happened over the last year,” he said, adding that Trump had alienated US allies, hollowed out the diplomatic corps and increased the national debt with tax legislation. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Trump should thank his Democratic predecessor, Barack Obama, for the strong economic outlook. “Like many things in life, he inherited the healthy economy,” Schumer said of Trump.

After turbulent year, Trump to tout strong economy in speech to Congress

US president Donald Trump is all set to deliver his State of the Union address on Tuesday, an hour-long speech to Congress and the nation.&nbsp;

The speech marks the ceremonial kickoff of Trump&rsquo;s second year in office and is traditionally a president&rsquo;s biggest platform to speak to the nation.&nbsp;

The State of the Union speech is expected to focus on &ldquo;building a safe, strong, and proud America,&rdquo; and will touch&nbsp;on topics such as the economy, infrastructure, immigration, and trade. &ldquo;The tone will be one of bipartisanship. It will be very forward-looking,&rdquo; officials say.

What will be a surprise is if Trump talks at all about Robert Mueller&rsquo;s Russia investigation and, in turn, congressional Republican efforts to respond with their own probe of the government &ldquo;deep state.&rdquo;&nbsp;

Here is what Trump is expected to talk about in his first State of the Union speech:&nbsp;

<ins>Trade and Infrastructure&nbsp;</ins>

President Trump will likely urge Democrats for their support on an infrastructure bill to rebuild the nation&#39;s crumbling roads, bridges and airports. White House aides have said they will propose $200 billion in federal spending, but they haven&#39;t said where the money will come from.&nbsp;

Trump has pledged to rebuild the nation&rsquo;s ageing infrastructure but has provided few details on his $1.7 trillion plan, but most of that would be state and local spending, not federal dollars, reports said.&nbsp;

Trump also said that his speech will cover his efforts to lower trade barriers around the world for American exports. &ldquo;We have to have reciprocal trade. It&rsquo;s not a one-way deal anymore,&rdquo; an official&nbsp;said.

He is also likely to discuss the US trade imbalance with China during his State of the Union speech and may&nbsp;consider&nbsp;retaliation over intellectual property issues.&nbsp;

<ins>Immigration&nbsp;</ins>

The most controversial part of his speech is likely to be when he talks about immigration.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump said on Monday he will address his proposed immigration overhaul in his State of the Union speech on Tuesday and will seek Democratic support for it.

Trump said his immigration overhaul will have to be bipartisan &ldquo;because the Republicans don&rsquo;t really have the votes to get it done in any other way.&rdquo;

Republicans and Democrats have been long arguing over the future of some 1.8 million immigrants living in the United States illegally.&nbsp;

Trump has vowed to protect the so-called &quot;Dreamers&quot; (a group of immigrants brought into the country illegally as children, stay in the United States) from deportation but is also calling for changes to legal immigration that are controversial with both parties - &nbsp;in return for $25 billion to build a wall on the US-Mexico border and other tougher border security measures as well.

He will also insist lawmakers to agree to curb immigrants&rsquo; ability to sponsor family members.&nbsp;

Some Democratic lawmakers have invited &ldquo;Dreamers&rdquo; as guests to hear the speech in person.

<ins>Jobs&nbsp;</ins>

The path towards&nbsp;lower unemployment and higher growth began during Trump&#39;s administration. Trump argues that the tax overhaul he signed late last year has boosted business confidence and will lead companies to reinvest in the United States.

With unemployment for African Americans, Hispanics and women at record lows, in his speech on Tuesday, Trump will &ldquo;make clear that all groups are benefiting under this presidency,&rdquo; officials said.

He may also talk about some of first lady Melania Trump&rsquo;s guests for the speech, who are expected to include people who have benefited from the tax cuts.

<ins>Mid-Term polls&nbsp;</ins>

Republicans might want to check in on the state of its own party as we inch closer to the fall midterm elections. On paper, the GOP remains in the strongest position, it&rsquo;s been ahead of the elections since before the Obama administration. There are more than two times as many Republican governors as Democrats this time around.

But there are warning signs that the party&rsquo;s time may be coming to an end ahead of the midterm elections in November.

While Republicans in Congress are eyeing the exits, a growing number of Democrats are looking for a way in.&nbsp;

<ins>Unfiltered Moments&nbsp;</ins>

This could be an opportunity for the audience to see the unfiltered Trump for 60 minutes, and an opportunity for Trump to try to boost his approval ratings which have sagged in the mid- to upper- 30s.

The White House often struggles to maintain momentum on policy when Trump&rsquo;s tweets and off-the-cuff remarks upstage his scripted speeches.&nbsp;

He can be captivating at a campaign rally when his speech is an unpredictable stream of consciousness. He can be straight and authentic on Twitter, the unfiltered mode of communication that he says is &quot;MODERN DAY PRESIDENTIAL.&quot;

 
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&nbsp;

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The theme of the speech will be: 'Building a safe, strong and proud America'

US president Donald Trump is all set to deliver his State of the Union address on Tuesday, an hour-long speech to Congress and the nation. The speech marks the ceremonial kickoff of Trump’s second year in office and is traditionally a president’s biggest platform to speak to the nation. The State of the Union speech is expected to focus on “building a safe, strong, and proud America,” and will touch on topics such as the economy, infrastructure, immigration, and trade. “The tone will be one of bipartisanship. It will be very forward-looking,” officials say. What will be a surprise is if Trump talks at all about Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation and, in turn, congressional Republican efforts to respond with their own probe of the government “deep state.” Here is what Trump is expected to talk about in his first State of the Union speech: Trade and Infrastructure President Trump will likely urge Democrats for their support on an infrastructure bill to rebuild the nation's crumbling roads, bridges and airports. White House aides have said they will propose $200 billion in federal spending, but they haven't said where the money will come from. Trump has pledged to rebuild the nation’s ageing infrastructure but has provided few details on his $1.7 trillion plan, but most of that would be state and local spending, not federal dollars, reports said. Trump also said that his speech will cover his efforts to lower trade barriers around the world for American exports. “We have to have reciprocal trade. It’s not a one-way deal anymore,” an official said. He is also likely to discuss the US trade imbalance with China during his State of the Union speech and may consider retaliation over intellectual property issues. Immigration The most controversial part of his speech is likely to be when he talks about immigration. President Donald Trump said on Monday he will address his proposed immigration overhaul in his State of the Union speech on Tuesday and will seek Democratic support for it. Trump said his immigration overhaul will have to be bipartisan “because the Republicans don’t really have the votes to get it done in any other way.” Republicans and Democrats have been long arguing over the future of some 1.8 million immigrants living in the United States illegally. Trump has vowed to protect the so-called "Dreamers" (a group of immigrants brought into the country illegally as children, stay in the United States) from deportation but is also calling for changes to legal immigration that are controversial with both parties - in return for $25 billion to build a wall on the US-Mexico border and other tougher border security measures as well. He will also insist lawmakers to agree to curb immigrants’ ability to sponsor family members. Some Democratic lawmakers have invited “Dreamers” as guests to hear the speech in person. Jobs The path towards lower unemployment and higher growth began during Trump's administration. Trump argues that the tax overhaul he signed late last year has boosted business confidence and will lead companies to reinvest in the United States. With unemployment for African Americans, Hispanics and women at record lows, in his speech on Tuesday, Trump will “make clear that all groups are benefiting under this presidency,” officials said. He may also talk about some of first lady Melania Trump’s guests for the speech, who are expected to include people who have benefited from the tax cuts. Mid-Term polls Republicans might want to check in on the state of its own party as we inch closer to the fall midterm elections. On paper, the GOP remains in the strongest position, it’s been ahead of the elections since before the Obama administration. There are more than two times as many Republican governors as Democrats this time around. But there are warning signs that the party’s time may be coming to an end ahead of the midterm elections in November. While Republicans in Congress are eyeing the exits, a growing number of Democrats are looking for a way in. Unfiltered Moments This could be an opportunity for the audience to see the unfiltered Trump for 60 minutes, and an opportunity for Trump to try to boost his approval ratings which have sagged in the mid- to upper- 30s. The White House often struggles to maintain momentum on policy when Trump’s tweets and off-the-cuff remarks upstage his scripted speeches. He can be captivating at a campaign rally when his speech is an unpredictable stream of consciousness. He can be straight and authentic on Twitter, the unfiltered mode of communication that he says is "MODERN DAY PRESIDENTIAL."

Immigration, jobs, trade: What to expect from Trump's first State of the Union address

Facing strong condemnation at home and abroad, US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on Friday denied using the word &quot;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/why-do-we-want-people-from-these-shithole-countries-trump-over-immigrants-from-africa-haiti-29278" target="_blank">shithole</a>&quot; to describe Haiti and African countries, but kept up criticism of a Senate immigration plan that he said would force the United States to admit people from countries that &quot;are doing badly.&quot;

Trump reportedly made the remarks at a White House meeting on immigration on Thursday. US&nbsp;Democratic Senator Dick Durbin, who attended the gathering, told reporters on Friday that Trump used &quot;vile, vulgar&quot; language, including repeatedly using the word &quot;shithole&quot; when speaking about African countries.

The Republican president&#39;s comments were decried as racist by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/54-african-countries-demand-trump-apology-over-shithole-remark-29377" target="_blank">African and Haitian politicians</a>, by the United Nations human rights office and by US&nbsp;lawmakers from both major parties.

Trump, who has been accused of racism over several issues since he took office a year ago, sought to walk back the comments on Friday, saying on Twitter, &quot;The language used by me at the DACA meeting was tough, but this was not the language used.&quot;

Trump also denied saying &quot;anything derogatory about Haitians other than Haiti is, obviously, a very poor and troubled country.&quot;

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Never said anything derogatory about Haitians other than Haiti is, obviously, a very poor and troubled country. Never said &ldquo;take them out.&rdquo; Made up by Dems. I have a wonderful relationship with Haitians. Probably should record future meetings - unfortunately, no trust!
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/951813216291708928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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According to two sources, at Thursday&#39;s meeting Trump questioned why the United States would want to accept immigrants from Haiti and African nations, referring to some as &quot;shithole countries.&quot;

While many Republican lawmakers stayed quiet on Trump&#39;s remarks, Paul Ryan, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, called them &quot;unfortunate&quot; and &quot;unhelpful,&quot; noting in an interview on CNN that his family had emigrated to the United States from Ireland to help build the nation&#39;s railroads.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

At an event on Friday at the White House, Trump honoured the memory of Martin Luther King Jr, the civil-rights era activist who was slain in 1968. King&#39;s memory is marked with a national holiday, which falls this year on Monday.

Trump stood beside Isaac Newton Farris, King&#39;s nephew, while a group of about 20 African-American supporters and members of his administration were on hand in the Roosevelt Room, including Ben Carson, his Housing and Urban Development secretary. He ignored reporters who shouted questions about his remarks.

A group of Republican and Democratic senators has been working for months to craft legislation that would protect 700,000 young adults who were brought into the country illegally as children and later shielded from deportation under a program known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA.

In a series of tweets on Friday, Trump also suggested that momentum toward a deal on maintaining such protection had stalled. &quot;The so-called bipartisan DACA deal presented yesterday to myself and a group of Republican Senators and Congressmen was a big step backwards,&quot; he said.

The tentative deal also addresses border security, including a border wall, the diversity visa lottery and chain migration, in which US&nbsp;green-card holders can sponsor other family members for permanent residence in the country.

Among other objections, Trump said the plan did not provide proper funding for the proposed wall that he made a centre-piece of his election campaign. He added the country &quot;would be forced to take large numbers of people from high crime countries which are doing badly.&quot;

Haiti said it was shocked by Trump&#39;s reported remarks on Thursday and summoned the top US&nbsp;diplomat in the country, asking for an apology if the vulgar term had been used.

El Salvador&#39;s government sent the US&nbsp;a formal letter of protest that said the president had &quot;implicitly&quot; accepted the use of &quot;harsh terms detrimental to the dignity of El Salvador and other countries.&quot;

Botswana also said it had summoned the US&nbsp;ambassador to that country to &quot;express its displeasure&quot; and had asked him whether Botswana &quot;is regarded as a &#39;shithole&#39; country.&quot;

Trump&#39;s comments are extremely offensive to South Africa, said Jessie Duarte, a senior official with the ruling African National Congress. &quot;Ours is not a shithole country. Neither is Haiti or any other country in distress,&quot; she said.

In Geneva, UN&nbsp;human rights spokesman Rupert Colville said &quot;These are shocking and shameful comments from the president of the United States. There is no other word one can use but &#39;racist.&#39;&quot;

The reported language was the latest in a long string of anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim comments by Trump that have been condemned as racist. He also blamed &quot;both sides&quot; after a white supremacist rally in August in Charlottesville, Virginia, turned violent and a woman protesting against the rally was killed.

Durbin said that despite Trump&#39;s rejection of the bipartisan deal he would introduce it as legislation next week and work on getting Democratic and Republican support for passage.

&ldquo;We have seven days and the clock is ticking. Our bipartisan group continues to build support for the only deal in town,&rdquo; Durbin said in a statement on Friday.

He was referring to January 19, when funds for operating federal agencies expires. Durbin and other lawmakers want the immigration measure to be attached to a must-do bill to fund the government beyond that date.

In recent days, a group of Republican and Democratic leaders from the House and Senate have met with the stated goal of crafting an alternative to the Senate bipartisan deal. But there was no indication that those four leaders were planning to meet over the long Martin Luther King Day federal holiday weekend or when they might produce legislation.

The Republican president's comments were decried as racist by African and Haitian politicians, by the United Nations human rights office and by US lawmakers from both major parties

Facing strong condemnation at home and abroad, US President Donald Trump on Friday denied using the word "shithole" to describe Haiti and African countries, but kept up criticism of a Senate immigration plan that he said would force the United States to admit people from countries that "are doing badly." Trump reportedly made the remarks at a White House meeting on immigration on Thursday. US Democratic Senator Dick Durbin, who attended the gathering, told reporters on Friday that Trump used "vile, vulgar" language, including repeatedly using the word "shithole" when speaking about African countries. The Republican president's comments were decried as racist by African and Haitian politicians, by the United Nations human rights office and by US lawmakers from both major parties. Trump, who has been accused of racism over several issues since he took office a year ago, sought to walk back the comments on Friday, saying on Twitter, "The language used by me at the DACA meeting was tough, but this was not the language used." Trump also denied saying "anything derogatory about Haitians other than Haiti is, obviously, a very poor and troubled country." Never said anything derogatory about Haitians other than Haiti is, obviously, a very poor and troubled country. Never said “take them out.” Made up by Dems. I have a wonderful relationship with Haitians. Probably should record future meetings - unfortunately, no trust! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2018 × According to two sources, at Thursday's meeting Trump questioned why the United States would want to accept immigrants from Haiti and African nations, referring to some as "shithole countries." While many Republican lawmakers stayed quiet on Trump's remarks, Paul Ryan, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, called them "unfortunate" and "unhelpful," noting in an interview on CNN that his family had emigrated to the United States from Ireland to help build the nation's railroads. At an event on Friday at the White House, Trump honoured the memory of Martin Luther King Jr, the civil-rights era activist who was slain in 1968. King's memory is marked with a national holiday, which falls this year on Monday. Trump stood beside Isaac Newton Farris, King's nephew, while a group of about 20 African-American supporters and members of his administration were on hand in the Roosevelt Room, including Ben Carson, his Housing and Urban Development secretary. He ignored reporters who shouted questions about his remarks. A group of Republican and Democratic senators has been working for months to craft legislation that would protect 700,000 young adults who were brought into the country illegally as children and later shielded from deportation under a program known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA. In a series of tweets on Friday, Trump also suggested that momentum toward a deal on maintaining such protection had stalled. "The so-called bipartisan DACA deal presented yesterday to myself and a group of Republican Senators and Congressmen was a big step backwards," he said. The tentative deal also addresses border security, including a border wall, the diversity visa lottery and chain migration, in which US green-card holders can sponsor other family members for permanent residence in the country. Among other objections, Trump said the plan did not provide proper funding for the proposed wall that he made a centre-piece of his election campaign. He added the country "would be forced to take large numbers of people from high crime countries which are doing badly." Haiti said it was shocked by Trump's reported remarks on Thursday and summoned the top US diplomat in the country, asking for an apology if the vulgar term had been used. El Salvador's government sent the US a formal letter of protest that said the president had "implicitly" accepted the use of "harsh terms detrimental to the dignity of El Salvador and other countries." Botswana also said it had summoned the US ambassador to that country to "express its displeasure" and had asked him whether Botswana "is regarded as a 'shithole' country." Trump's comments are extremely offensive to South Africa, said Jessie Duarte, a senior official with the ruling African National Congress. "Ours is not a shithole country. Neither is Haiti or any other country in distress," she said. In Geneva, UN human rights spokesman Rupert Colville said "These are shocking and shameful comments from the president of the United States. There is no other word one can use but 'racist.'" The reported language was the latest in a long string of anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim comments by Trump that have been condemned as racist. He also blamed "both sides" after a white supremacist rally in August in Charlottesville, Virginia, turned violent and a woman protesting against the rally was killed. Durbin said that despite Trump's rejection of the bipartisan deal he would introduce it as legislation next week and work on getting Democratic and Republican support for passage. “We have seven days and the clock is ticking. Our bipartisan group continues to build support for the only deal in town,” Durbin said in a statement on Friday. He was referring to January 19, when funds for operating federal agencies expires. Durbin and other lawmakers want the immigration measure to be attached to a must-do bill to fund the government beyond that date. In recent days, a group of Republican and Democratic leaders from the House and Senate have met with the stated goal of crafting an alternative to the Senate bipartisan deal. But there was no indication that those four leaders were planning to meet over the long Martin Luther King Day federal holiday weekend or when they might produce legislation.

Trump denies vulgar remarks about Haiti, African countries; condemnation mounts

President Donald Trump took command of a high-profile White House meeting on immigration Tuesday, coaxing Republican and Democratic lawmakers toward a compromise on the fate of undocumented migrants who came to the United States as children.

Trump also signalled he was open to more comprehensive immigration reform to address millions of other undocumented people living in the shadows but did not give ground to Democrats over his plans for a border wall.

&quot;It should be a bill of love,&quot; Trump said of a measure under negotiation that would protect hundreds of thousands of so-called &quot;Dreamers&quot; from deportation.

&quot;But it also has to be a bill where we&#39;re able to secure our border. Drugs are pouring into our country at a record pace. A lot of people are coming in that we can&#39;t have,&quot; Trump added, urging lawmakers to &quot;put country before party&quot; and strike a quick solution.

Trump, seated at a long table with some two dozen lawmakers from the House and Senate, presided over the bipartisan talks, allowing journalists rare access to nearly an hour of the meeting.

The president said he would &quot;take the heat&quot; politically if lawmakers were to move toward broader action that would provide a pathway to citizenship for about 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the United States.

&quot;You are not that far away from comprehensive immigration reform,&quot; he told Senator Lindsey Graham, after the Republican lawmaker floated the idea of more sweeping legislation.

&quot;You created an opportunity here, Mr President, and you need to close the deal,&quot; Graham told him as TV cameras rolled.

Trump&#39;s position appeared at odds with his 2016 campaign when his platform focused largely on border security and immigration curtailment, and many of his core supporters raged at the prospect of legalizing millions of undocumented immigrants.

The image of Trump presiding over such sensitive negotiations appeared tailor-made for the White House to push back against a narrative -- fueled by a recent explosive West Wing expose -- questioning Trump&#39;s mental fitness, with aides were doubting his ability to govern.

Lives &#39;in the balance&#39;

In September, Trump said he was scrapping the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, but then delayed enforcement to give Congress six months -- until March -- to craft a lasting solution.

So-called &quot;Dreamers&quot; were protected from deportation under the policy enacted during Barack Obama&#39;s presidency.

On Tuesday, Trump said a &quot;permanent&quot; solution was needed for Dreamers, but also insisted on the importance of border security, especially with Mexico.

&quot;We need a wall,&quot; Trump said.

Any deal, he added, would need to be accompanied by money for a border wall, measures that limit immigrants from bringing family members into the country in the future -- a policy known as &quot;chain migration&quot; -- and an end to the green card lottery system.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said the group had agreed to negotiate legislation that accomplishes &quot;critically needed reforms&quot; in the above areas, as well as DACA.

But a path through Congress remained unclear. The two parties were at odds over whether to pass the measure as a stand-alone bill, as Senate Republican leadership wants, or attach it to a federal spending package that must pass by January 19 in order to avert a government shutdown.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he will bring up a narrow, DACA-related measure unattached to budget issues or broader immigration reforms.

&quot;There are a number of moving parts here that need to be dealt with,&quot; McConnell told reporters after the meeting, but DACA &quot;will not be a part of any overall spending agreement.&quot;&nbsp;

McConnell nonetheless expressed optimism that a DACA fix could be complete before the March deadline when the grants of legal status begin expiring.

Senate Democrat Dick Durbin, a leading proponent of codifying immigration protections, noted that about 1,000 people per day will lose their DACA status beginning March 5.

&quot;Lives are hanging in the balance,&quot; said Durbin, who was seated next to Trump. &quot;We&#39;ve got the time to do it.&quot;

Not all lawmakers were optimistic about a solution.

&quot;I don&#39;t think they&#39;re closer,&quot; said Republican Senator John Kennedy, who was not at the talks.

&quot;The problem is that the Democrats, they want all the dessert and they don&#39;t want to eat any spinach,&quot; he added. &quot;They&#39;re just dying to give amnesty to somebody.&quot;

Donald Trump took command of a high-profile White House meeting on immigration Tuesday

President Donald Trump took command of a high-profile White House meeting on immigration Tuesday, coaxing Republican and Democratic lawmakers toward a compromise on the fate of undocumented migrants who came to the United States as children. Trump also signalled he was open to more comprehensive immigration reform to address millions of other undocumented people living in the shadows but did not give ground to Democrats over his plans for a border wall. "It should be a bill of love," Trump said of a measure under negotiation that would protect hundreds of thousands of so-called "Dreamers" from deportation. "But it also has to be a bill where we're able to secure our border. Drugs are pouring into our country at a record pace. A lot of people are coming in that we can't have," Trump added, urging lawmakers to "put country before party" and strike a quick solution. Trump, seated at a long table with some two dozen lawmakers from the House and Senate, presided over the bipartisan talks, allowing journalists rare access to nearly an hour of the meeting. The president said he would "take the heat" politically if lawmakers were to move toward broader action that would provide a pathway to citizenship for about 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the United States. "You are not that far away from comprehensive immigration reform," he told Senator Lindsey Graham, after the Republican lawmaker floated the idea of more sweeping legislation. "You created an opportunity here, Mr President, and you need to close the deal," Graham told him as TV cameras rolled. Trump's position appeared at odds with his 2016 campaign when his platform focused largely on border security and immigration curtailment, and many of his core supporters raged at the prospect of legalizing millions of undocumented immigrants. The image of Trump presiding over such sensitive negotiations appeared tailor-made for the White House to push back against a narrative -- fueled by a recent explosive West Wing expose -- questioning Trump's mental fitness, with aides were doubting his ability to govern. Lives 'in the balance' In September, Trump said he was scrapping the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, but then delayed enforcement to give Congress six months -- until March -- to craft a lasting solution. So-called "Dreamers" were protected from deportation under the policy enacted during Barack Obama's presidency. On Tuesday, Trump said a "permanent" solution was needed for Dreamers, but also insisted on the importance of border security, especially with Mexico. "We need a wall," Trump said. Any deal, he added, would need to be accompanied by money for a border wall, measures that limit immigrants from bringing family members into the country in the future -- a policy known as "chain migration" -- and an end to the green card lottery system. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said the group had agreed to negotiate legislation that accomplishes "critically needed reforms" in the above areas, as well as DACA. But a path through Congress remained unclear. The two parties were at odds over whether to pass the measure as a stand-alone bill, as Senate Republican leadership wants, or attach it to a federal spending package that must pass by January 19 in order to avert a government shutdown. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he will bring up a narrow, DACA-related measure unattached to budget issues or broader immigration reforms. "There are a number of moving parts here that need to be dealt with," McConnell told reporters after the meeting, but DACA "will not be a part of any overall spending agreement." McConnell nonetheless expressed optimism that a DACA fix could be complete before the March deadline when the grants of legal status begin expiring. Senate Democrat Dick Durbin, a leading proponent of codifying immigration protections, noted that about 1,000 people per day will lose their DACA status beginning March 5. "Lives are hanging in the balance," said Durbin, who was seated next to Trump. "We've got the time to do it." Not all lawmakers were optimistic about a solution. "I don't think they're closer," said Republican Senator John Kennedy, who was not at the talks. "The problem is that the Democrats, they want all the dessert and they don't want to eat any spinach," he added. "They're just dying to give amnesty to somebody."

Trump embraces role as negotiator in chief on immigration

The US government announced on Monday the end of protected status for about 200,000 Salvadorans in the country since before 2001, a move that threatens tens of thousands of well-established families with children born in the United States.

Homeland Security Department Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen announced the end of the 17-year-old &quot;temporary protected status&quot; (TPS) for the Salvadorans, which had shielded them from deportation ever since two major earthquakes rocked El Salvador in early 2001.

They were given 18 months to leave or be deported, enough time that a legislative solution could be crafted by Congress to allow them to stay.

&quot;Only Congress can legislate a permanent solution addressing the lack of an enduring lawful immigration status of those currently protected by TPS who have lived and worked in the United States for many years,&quot; said the DHS.

The move came in the wake of the termination of similar TPS protections for 59,000 longtime resident Haitians and 5,300 Nicaraguans late last year, after having been allowed to set deep roots inside the United States for decades.

They were given 18 months to leave or be deported, enough time that a legislative solution could be crafted by Congress to allow them to stay.

The US government announced on Monday the end of protected status for about 200,000 Salvadorans in the country since before 2001, a move that threatens tens of thousands of well-established families with children born in the United States. Homeland Security Department Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen announced the end of the 17-year-old "temporary protected status" (TPS) for the Salvadorans, which had shielded them from deportation ever since two major earthquakes rocked El Salvador in early 2001. They were given 18 months to leave or be deported, enough time that a legislative solution could be crafted by Congress to allow them to stay. "Only Congress can legislate a permanent solution addressing the lack of an enduring lawful immigration status of those currently protected by TPS who have lived and worked in the United States for many years," said the DHS. The move came in the wake of the termination of similar TPS protections for 59,000 longtime resident Haitians and 5,300 Nicaraguans late last year, after having been allowed to set deep roots inside the United States for decades.

US ends protected status for 200,000 Salvadoran immigrants

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said on Friday he would not consider reinstating an immigration program that protected young people from deportation without a commitment from Democrats to help build a wall on the border with Mexico and end certain immigration programs.

The debate on immigration will be a pivotal issue in Washington in early 2018 ahead of midterm congressional elections in November.&nbsp;

In September, Trump ended the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which protected young people from deportation who had been brought to the United States illegally as children and gave Congress until March to devise a long-term solution.&nbsp;

Democrats have pushed for DACA to continue, but Trump, a Republican, has said that will not happen without the end to various visa programs and the construction of a wall along the southern US&nbsp;border.

&quot;The Democrats have been told, and fully understand, that there can be no DACA without the desperately needed WALL at the Southern Border and an END to the horrible Chain Migration &amp; ridiculous Lottery System of Immigration etc,&quot; Trump posted on Twitter on Friday.

Representatives for Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said they would not negotiate the issue in the media but looked forward to serious talks after lawmakers return to work in Washington early next month.&nbsp;

The Senate is set to resume its work January&nbsp;3 while the US&nbsp;House of Representatives restarts its session January 8.&nbsp;

Trump promised to build a border wall as a presidential candidate and has continued to press for it publicly.&nbsp;

He has also called for an additional &quot;merit based&quot; assessment for U.S. visa recipients.&nbsp;

The debate on immigration will be a pivotal issue in Washington in early 2018

US President Donald Trump said on Friday he would not consider reinstating an immigration program that protected young people from deportation without a commitment from Democrats to help build a wall on the border with Mexico and end certain immigration programs. The debate on immigration will be a pivotal issue in Washington in early 2018 ahead of midterm congressional elections in November. In September, Trump ended the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which protected young people from deportation who had been brought to the United States illegally as children and gave Congress until March to devise a long-term solution. Democrats have pushed for DACA to continue, but Trump, a Republican, has said that will not happen without the end to various visa programs and the construction of a wall along the southern US border. "The Democrats have been told, and fully understand, that there can be no DACA without the desperately needed WALL at the Southern Border and an END to the horrible Chain Migration & ridiculous Lottery System of Immigration etc," Trump posted on Twitter on Friday. Representatives for Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said they would not negotiate the issue in the media but looked forward to serious talks after lawmakers return to work in Washington early next month. The Senate is set to resume its work January 3 while the US House of Representatives restarts its session January 8. Trump promised to build a border wall as a presidential candidate and has continued to press for it publicly. He has also called for an additional "merit based" assessment for U.S. visa recipients.

Trump demands border wall, visa changes as part of immigration fix

The United States has announced that it will not participate in the United Nations&#39;&nbsp;Global Compact on Migration as it does not meet the policies and principles of the Trump administration.

The US participation in the Compact process began in 2016, following the Obama Administration&#39;s decision to join the UN&#39;s New York Declaration on migration.

The New York Declaration contains numerous provisions that are inconsistent with U.S. immigration and refugee policies and the Trump administration&#39;s immigration principles.

As a result, President Donald Trump determined that the United States would end its participation in the Compact process that aims to reach international consensus at the UN in 2018.

&quot;America is proud of our immigrant heritage and our long-standing moral leadership in providing support to migrant and refugee populations across the globe. No country has done more than the United States, and our generosity will continue. But our decisions on immigration policies must always be made by Americans and Americans alone,&quot; said Ambassador Nikki Haley, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

&quot;We will decide how best to control our borders and who will be allowed to enter our country. The global approach in the New York Declaration is simply not compatible with U.S. sovereignty,&quot; she added.

On September 19, 2016, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a set of commitments to enhance the protection of refugees and migrants. These commitments are known as the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants.

The New York Declaration reaffirms the importance of the international refugee regime and represents a commitment by member states to strengthen and enhance mechanisms to protect people on the move. It paves the way for the adoption of two new global compacts in 2018: a global compact on refugees and a global compact for safe, orderly and regular migration.

The US had earlier this year also announced to withdraw from the Paris agreement which aims at responding to the global climate change threat by keeping a global temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

The US said the compact contains numerous provisions that are inconsistent with US immigration and refugee policies and the Trump administration's immigration principles

The United States has announced that it will not participate in the United Nations' Global Compact on Migration as it does not meet the policies and principles of the Trump administration. The US participation in the Compact process began in 2016, following the Obama Administration's decision to join the UN's New York Declaration on migration. The New York Declaration contains numerous provisions that are inconsistent with U.S. immigration and refugee policies and the Trump administration's immigration principles. As a result, President Donald Trump determined that the United States would end its participation in the Compact process that aims to reach international consensus at the UN in 2018. "America is proud of our immigrant heritage and our long-standing moral leadership in providing support to migrant and refugee populations across the globe. No country has done more than the United States, and our generosity will continue. But our decisions on immigration policies must always be made by Americans and Americans alone," said Ambassador Nikki Haley, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations. "We will decide how best to control our borders and who will be allowed to enter our country. The global approach in the New York Declaration is simply not compatible with U.S. sovereignty," she added. On September 19, 2016, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a set of commitments to enhance the protection of refugees and migrants. These commitments are known as the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants. The New York Declaration reaffirms the importance of the international refugee regime and represents a commitment by member states to strengthen and enhance mechanisms to protect people on the move. It paves the way for the adoption of two new global compacts in 2018: a global compact on refugees and a global compact for safe, orderly and regular migration. The US had earlier this year also announced to withdraw from the Paris agreement which aims at responding to the global climate change threat by keeping a global temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

US ends participation in UN's Global Compact on Migration

Papua New Guinea police sealed off an officially shuttered Australia-run detention camp on Thursday and ordered&nbsp;asylum&nbsp;seekers occupying it to leave as they confiscated food and water the men had stockpiled,&nbsp;asylum&nbsp;seekers told Reuters.

About 380&nbsp;asylum&nbsp;seekers have shut themselves inside the Manus Island Centre for more than three weeks, defying attempts by Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) to close it in a standoff the United Nations described as a &quot;looming humanitarian crisis&quot;.

&quot;They destroyed our food and damaged our accommodation too, they destroyed our water tank,&quot; one&nbsp;asylum-seeker said in a mobile telephone message from the camp.

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<h5>The asylum&nbsp;seekers said police confiscated the food and water they had stockpiled</h5>
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Many of the men climbed onto rooftops and hid in toilets, he said. Three other&nbsp;asylum&nbsp;seekers gave similar accounts of the police action.

A video shot by Sudanese refugee Abdul Aziz and posted on Facebook showed police using a megaphone to tell the&nbsp;asylum&nbsp;seekers to leave because their stay at the camp, located on land used by the PNG navy, was illegal.

The footage he later posted on Twitter showed men boarding minibusses and buses. Tim Costello, chief advocate at the World Vision Australia aid group, told Reuters by phone from outside the camp that he had seen buses leaving.

Calls to PNG immigration and police were not returned.

The Manus island camp in PNG, and another on the tiny Pacific island nation of Nauru, have been the cornerstones of Australia&rsquo;s controversial immigration policy, which has been strongly criticized by the United Nations and rights groups.

Australia opened the camps in a bid to stem a flow of&nbsp;asylum&nbsp;seekers making dangerous voyages by boat to its shores.

Under its &quot;sovereign borders&quot; immigration policy, Australia refuses to land&nbsp;asylum&nbsp;seekers arriving by sea, instead of sending them to the offshore camps.

&#39;We won&#39;t be pressurised&#39;

Witnesses in the camp said officials in army fatigues led away Kurdish journalist Behrouz Boochani, who has been at the camp for four years and regularly posts social media messages on conditions.

Boochani earlier told Reuters by text message that police and immigration officials removed water supplies and the men&#39;s belongings.

Pictures sent via a messaging service showed upturned boxes of food and torn parcels of rice and instant noodles and smashed furniture including broken beds.

PNG&rsquo;s Supreme Court ruled last year that the center, first opened in 2001, breached its laws and fundamental human rights, leading to the decision to close it.

But the&nbsp;asylum&nbsp;seekers say they fear for their safety if moved to a transit center also on the island, and risk being resettled in PNG or another developing nation permanently.

&quot;We don&#39;t want another prison. We want to leave this place, but they need to give a good solution for us,&quot; the first&nbsp;asylum-seeker said.

&quot;We don&#39;t want another prison. We want a third country.&quot;

Most of those in the camp are from Afghanistan, Iran, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Syria.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told reporters in Canberra on Thursday that the transit center facilities had food, water, security and medical services.

&quot;They think this is some way they can pressure the Australian government to let them come to Australia. Well, we will not be pressured,&quot; Turnbull said.

The United Nations has urged Australia to accept an offer by New Zealand to take some of the men.

About 380?asylum?seekers have shut themselves inside the Manus Island Centre for more than three weeks

Papua New Guinea police sealed off an officially shuttered Australia-run detention camp on Thursday and ordered asylum seekers occupying it to leave as they confiscated food and water the men had stockpiled, asylum seekers told Reuters. About 380 asylum seekers have shut themselves inside the Manus Island Centre for more than three weeks, defying attempts by Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) to close it in a standoff the United Nations described as a "looming humanitarian crisis". "They destroyed our food and damaged our accommodation too, they destroyed our water tank," one asylum-seeker said in a mobile telephone message from the camp. The asylum seekers said police confiscated the food and water they had stockpiled × Many of the men climbed onto rooftops and hid in toilets, he said. Three other asylum seekers gave similar accounts of the police action. A video shot by Sudanese refugee Abdul Aziz and posted on Facebook showed police using a megaphone to tell the asylum seekers to leave because their stay at the camp, located on land used by the PNG navy, was illegal. The footage he later posted on Twitter showed men boarding minibusses and buses. Tim Costello, chief advocate at the World Vision Australia aid group, told Reuters by phone from outside the camp that he had seen buses leaving. Calls to PNG immigration and police were not returned. The Manus island camp in PNG, and another on the tiny Pacific island nation of Nauru, have been the cornerstones of Australia’s controversial immigration policy, which has been strongly criticized by the United Nations and rights groups. Australia opened the camps in a bid to stem a flow of asylum seekers making dangerous voyages by boat to its shores. Under its "sovereign borders" immigration policy, Australia refuses to land asylum seekers arriving by sea, instead of sending them to the offshore camps. 'We won't be pressurised' Witnesses in the camp said officials in army fatigues led away Kurdish journalist Behrouz Boochani, who has been at the camp for four years and regularly posts social media messages on conditions. Boochani earlier told Reuters by text message that police and immigration officials removed water supplies and the men's belongings. Pictures sent via a messaging service showed upturned boxes of food and torn parcels of rice and instant noodles and smashed furniture including broken beds. PNG’s Supreme Court ruled last year that the center, first opened in 2001, breached its laws and fundamental human rights, leading to the decision to close it. But the asylum seekers say they fear for their safety if moved to a transit center also on the island, and risk being resettled in PNG or another developing nation permanently. "We don't want another prison. We want to leave this place, but they need to give a good solution for us," the first asylum-seeker said. "We don't want another prison. We want a third country." Most of those in the camp are from Afghanistan, Iran, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Syria. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told reporters in Canberra on Thursday that the transit center facilities had food, water, security and medical services. "They think this is some way they can pressure the Australian government to let them come to Australia. Well, we will not be pressured," Turnbull said. The United Nations has urged Australia to accept an offer by New Zealand to take some of the men.

Papua New Guinea police enter shut Australia-run detention camp, order protesting asylum seekers out

If one has to abide by history, then this week a strange incident occurred in the University of Virginia, where a group of thousand white people (immigrants from 1600) took a tiki torch march demanding an end to immigration.

The University of Virginia founded in 1819 by the declaration of independence author Thomas Jefferson amongst many other things is well known for its historical foundations. Situated in a peaceful locality of 50,000 residents Charlottesville witnessed another incident of white supremacist rally, this time headed by self-promoting white supremacist Richard Spencer, also a graduate of the University of Virginia.

In a self-recorded film, he went on saying &ldquo;your head&#39;s gonna spin, how many times we are going to be back here. We&#39;re going to make Charlottesville the center of the universe.&rdquo;

Now that&#39;s challenging the entire physical cosmology, from a university which boasts about one of the best graduate programs in physics in the world.

On the other hand, White nationalists carrying torches marched in Charlottesville, Virginia governor declared a state of emergency after violent outbursts.

The mayor of the Charlottesville had to say this:

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Another despicable visit by neo-Nazi cowards. You&rsquo;re not welcome here! Go home! Meantime we&rsquo;re looking at all our legal options. Stay tuned.
&mdash; Mike Signer (@MikeSigner) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeSigner/status/916838439567482881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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After speaking to Indian parents of students studying in and around Virginia, the sentiment common amongst them was, they still trust the respective universities and were not afraid for their children. None has reported an incident of racism on campus.

One of the parents even narrated an interesting story where the University of Virginia tech cancelled the admission of a white student who went on saying on the common facebook page for the freshers that the Indians are taking too much space there. The interesting part is not the responsible action taken by the university, but it was taken without anyone reporting the incident.

They term the&nbsp;Saturday&nbsp;march as an isolated incident driven by few people who don&#39;t actually reflect the sentiments of the larger society.

At present, a hundred and thousand Indian students are studying under different courses in the USA. Even if one goes by the average course fee paid by these students, it amounts to 518 crores US dollars.

Although, the recent media reporting from the US term it as another example which exposes the deeply seeded divide which has always existed in America.

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Around similar times, Trump administration releases hard-line immigration principles, threatening the deal on &#39;dreamers&#39;.

Many would like to draw parallel lines from both the incidents, yet one has to understand that the policies seem more like plugging loopholes in the administration rather than attacking various ethnicities, at least for now.

Many unite the right protesters wore white nationalist and Nazi paraphernalia, a militia arrived armed with heavy weaponry and some individuals wore Ku Klux Klan imagery. Former KKK leader David Duke attended.

The gathering is a reminder of an undercurrent which supposedly got Trump to be the president, the anti-semitic, anti-immigration, and racist slogans&nbsp;reflects not the hatred but maybe the insecurity of the whites which is seeded as KKK is a group founded in 1921: its members put on hoods and&nbsp;burned crosses at&nbsp;midnight&nbsp;at Monticello, Thomas Jefferson&rsquo;s sprawling plantation and the site of his grave.

So is this the other side of the pole, when we talk of Muslim radicalisation. Finally, what can summarise the uprising sentiments better, than George Orwell from Animal Farm?

All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.

&nbsp;

White nationalists protest in Virginia, demanding an end to immigration

If one has to abide by history, then this week a strange incident occurred in the University of Virginia, where a group of thousand white people (immigrants from 1600) took a tiki torch march demanding an end to immigration. The University of Virginia founded in 1819 by the declaration of independence author Thomas Jefferson amongst many other things is well known for its historical foundations. Situated in a peaceful locality of 50,000 residents Charlottesville witnessed another incident of white supremacist rally, this time headed by self-promoting white supremacist Richard Spencer, also a graduate of the University of Virginia. In a self-recorded film, he went on saying “your head's gonna spin, how many times we are going to be back here. We're going to make Charlottesville the center of the universe.” Now that's challenging the entire physical cosmology, from a university which boasts about one of the best graduate programs in physics in the world. On the other hand, White nationalists carrying torches marched in Charlottesville, Virginia governor declared a state of emergency after violent outbursts. The mayor of the Charlottesville had to say this: Another despicable visit by neo-Nazi cowards. You’re not welcome here! Go home! Meantime we’re looking at all our legal options. Stay tuned. — Mike Signer (@MikeSigner) October 8, 2017 × After speaking to Indian parents of students studying in and around Virginia, the sentiment common amongst them was, they still trust the respective universities and were not afraid for their children. None has reported an incident of racism on campus. One of the parents even narrated an interesting story where the University of Virginia tech cancelled the admission of a white student who went on saying on the common facebook page for the freshers that the Indians are taking too much space there. The interesting part is not the responsible action taken by the university, but it was taken without anyone reporting the incident. They term the Saturday march as an isolated incident driven by few people who don't actually reflect the sentiments of the larger society. At present, a hundred and thousand Indian students are studying under different courses in the USA. Even if one goes by the average course fee paid by these students, it amounts to 518 crores US dollars. Although, the recent media reporting from the US term it as another example which exposes the deeply seeded divide which has always existed in America. One has to understand that the policies seem more like plugging loopholes in the administration rather than attacking various ethnicities. × Around similar times, Trump administration releases hard-line immigration principles, threatening the deal on 'dreamers'. Many would like to draw parallel lines from both the incidents, yet one has to understand that the policies seem more like plugging loopholes in the administration rather than attacking various ethnicities, at least for now. Many unite the right protesters wore white nationalist and Nazi paraphernalia, a militia arrived armed with heavy weaponry and some individuals wore Ku Klux Klan imagery. Former KKK leader David Duke attended. The gathering is a reminder of an undercurrent which supposedly got Trump to be the president, the anti-semitic, anti-immigration, and racist slogans reflects not the hatred but maybe the insecurity of the whites which is seeded as KKK is a group founded in 1921: its members put on hoods and burned crosses at midnight at Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s sprawling plantation and the site of his grave. So is this the other side of the pole, when we talk of Muslim radicalisation. Finally, what can summarise the uprising sentiments better, than George Orwell from Animal Farm? All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.

One people one nation, end immigration

US President Donald Trump has sent a list of hard-line immigration principles to the Congress, proposing a point-based system for awarding green cards, preventing immigrants from sponsoring their extended families and speeding up deportations.

Besides overhauling the country&#39;s green-card system,&nbsp;Trump administration&#39;s wish list also includes the funding of a controversial border wall along the US-Mexico border and a crackdown on unaccompanied minors entering the country.

The move to establish a merit-based immigration system could benefit high-skilled Indian immigrants especially those from the IT sector. However, the new policies would badly impact those thousands of Indian Americans who want to bring in their family members to the US particularly their aged parents.

The demands were denounced by Democratic leaders in Congress who had hoped to forge a deal with Trump to protect younger immigrants, known as &quot;dreamers&quot;, who were brought to the US illegally as children.

Trump last month announced plans to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme, an Obama-era programme that had provided two-year work permits to the dreamers that Trump called &quot;unconstitutional&quot;. 
 
In his letter to the Congress last night, Trump demanded that these principles must be included as part of any legislation addressing the status of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients.&quot;Without these reforms, illegal immigration and chain migration, which severely and unfairly burden American workers and taxpayers, will continue without end,&quot; he asserted.

Arguing for a merit-based immigration system, Trump told the Congress that the current immigration system does not serve the national interest as it prioritises extended family-based chain migration over skills-based immigration.&quot;Decades of low-skilled immigration has suppressed wages, fueled unemployment and strained federal resources,&quot; he rued.

The administration proposes establishing a merit-based immigration system that protects US workers and taxpayers, and ending chain migration, to promote financial success and assimilation for newcomers, he said.

Trump proposed?

Ending extended-family chain migration by limiting family-based green cards to spouses and minor children and replace it with a merit-based system that prioritises skills and economic contributions over family connections.

He called for establishing a new point-based system for awarding the green cards (lawful permanent residents) based on factors that allow individuals to successfully assimilate and support themselves financially; eliminate the diversity visa lottery and limit the number of refugees to prevent abuse of the US Refugee Admissions Programme.

Trump also proposed to increase the number of officials involved in enforcement, hiring an additional 10,000 Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officers and 1,000 attorneys, 370 immigration judges and 300 federal prosecutors.

Trump&#39;s list was criticised by Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi.

&quot;The administration can&#39;t be serious about compromise or helping the Dreamers if they begin with a list that is anathema to the Dreamers, to the immigrant community and to the vast majority of Americans,? Pelosi and Schumer said in a joint statement?&nbsp; &quot;We told the president at our meeting that we were open to reasonable border security measures alongside the DREAM Act, but this list goes so far beyond what is reasonable. This proposal fails to represent any attempt at compromise,&quot; they said.

&quot;The list includes the wall, which was explicitly ruled out of the negotiations. If the president was serious about protecting the Dreamers, his staff has not made a good faith effort to do so,? the statement said. US Attorney General Jeff Sessions, however, said that Trump has put forth a series of proposals that will restore the rule of law to the immigration system, prioritise America&#39;s safety and security, and end the lawlessness.

&quot;These are reasonable proposals that will build on the early success of President Trump&#39;s leadership. This plan will work. If followed it will produce an immigration system with integrity and one in which we can take pride. Perhaps the best result will be that unlawful attempts to enter will continue their dramatic decline,? he said.

Leading civil rights group American Civil Liberties Union opposed the proposals.

&quot;Members of Congress of both parties who want to resolve the status of undocumented immigrant youth should recognise that these policies are a non-starter and get back to work on behalf of the vast majority of Americans who want to get something constructive done instead,? said Lorella Praeli, director of immigration policy and campaigns at the American Civil Liberties Union.

Beth Werlin, executive director of American Immigration Council said the White House Immigration Principles and Policies are no more than the immigration restrictionists&#39; wish list.

&quot;They are a nonstarter. There is broad bipartisan support for a permanent solution for Dreamers without poison pills attached to it. We must not squander the potential of this generation of young people who will help write the next great chapter of American history,&quot; Werlin said.

Besides overhauling the country's green-card system,?Trump administration's wish list also includes the funding of a controversial border wall along the US-Mexico border and a crackdown on unaccompanied minors entering the country

US President Donald Trump has sent a list of hard-line immigration principles to the Congress, proposing a point-based system for awarding green cards, preventing immigrants from sponsoring their extended families and speeding up deportations. Besides overhauling the country's green-card system, Trump administration's wish list also includes the funding of a controversial border wall along the US-Mexico border and a crackdown on unaccompanied minors entering the country. The move to establish a merit-based immigration system could benefit high-skilled Indian immigrants especially those from the IT sector. However, the new policies would badly impact those thousands of Indian Americans who want to bring in their family members to the US particularly their aged parents. The demands were denounced by Democratic leaders in Congress who had hoped to forge a deal with Trump to protect younger immigrants, known as "dreamers", who were brought to the US illegally as children. Trump last month announced plans to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme, an Obama-era programme that had provided two-year work permits to the dreamers that Trump called "unconstitutional". In his letter to the Congress last night, Trump demanded that these principles must be included as part of any legislation addressing the status of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients."Without these reforms, illegal immigration and chain migration, which severely and unfairly burden American workers and taxpayers, will continue without end," he asserted. Arguing for a merit-based immigration system, Trump told the Congress that the current immigration system does not serve the national interest as it prioritises extended family-based chain migration over skills-based immigration."Decades of low-skilled immigration has suppressed wages, fueled unemployment and strained federal resources," he rued. The administration proposes establishing a merit-based immigration system that protects US workers and taxpayers, and ending chain migration, to promote financial success and assimilation for newcomers, he said. Trump proposed? Ending extended-family chain migration by limiting family-based green cards to spouses and minor children and replace it with a merit-based system that prioritises skills and economic contributions over family connections. He called for establishing a new point-based system for awarding the green cards (lawful permanent residents) based on factors that allow individuals to successfully assimilate and support themselves financially; eliminate the diversity visa lottery and limit the number of refugees to prevent abuse of the US Refugee Admissions Programme. Trump also proposed to increase the number of officials involved in enforcement, hiring an additional 10,000 Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officers and 1,000 attorneys, 370 immigration judges and 300 federal prosecutors. Trump's list was criticised by Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi. "The administration can't be serious about compromise or helping the Dreamers if they begin with a list that is anathema to the Dreamers, to the immigrant community and to the vast majority of Americans,? Pelosi and Schumer said in a joint statement? "We told the president at our meeting that we were open to reasonable border security measures alongside the DREAM Act, but this list goes so far beyond what is reasonable. This proposal fails to represent any attempt at compromise," they said. "The list includes the wall, which was explicitly ruled out of the negotiations. If the president was serious about protecting the Dreamers, his staff has not made a good faith effort to do so,? the statement said. US Attorney General Jeff Sessions, however, said that Trump has put forth a series of proposals that will restore the rule of law to the immigration system, prioritise America's safety and security, and end the lawlessness. "These are reasonable proposals that will build on the early success of President Trump's leadership. This plan will work. If followed it will produce an immigration system with integrity and one in which we can take pride. Perhaps the best result will be that unlawful attempts to enter will continue their dramatic decline,? he said. Leading civil rights group American Civil Liberties Union opposed the proposals. "Members of Congress of both parties who want to resolve the status of undocumented immigrant youth should recognise that these policies are a non-starter and get back to work on behalf of the vast majority of Americans who want to get something constructive done instead,? said Lorella Praeli, director of immigration policy and campaigns at the American Civil Liberties Union. Beth Werlin, executive director of American Immigration Council said the White House Immigration Principles and Policies are no more than the immigration restrictionists' wish list. "They are a nonstarter. There is broad bipartisan support for a permanent solution for Dreamers without poison pills attached to it. We must not squander the potential of this generation of young people who will help write the next great chapter of American history," Werlin said.

Trump sends hard-line immigration plan to Congress

Chile is fast developing as a hub of human trafficking. For the last 10 years, the country has witnessed an unprecedented rise in migration. Most of these immigrants came from Central America, the Caribbean islands and the neighbouring countries of South America. As per the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Global Trafficking Report (2014, 2016), Chile is also receiving a significant number of immigrants from Asia, particularly India and China. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Instances of trafficking of Indian citizens to Chile was first reported in 2014. 
&nbsp; 
In a very trendy Indian restaurant, located in one of the central neighbourhoods of the capital city, Santiago, the owner who was an Indian himself was found subjecting 12 other Indian citizens to forced labour. The 12 Indians were brought by the owner under false promises of work and were held in miserable conditions. They lived in the restaurant, basically with no payment, no contact with the outside world as they were unable to communicate due to language barrier (none of them spoke Spanish) and with inadequate sanitary and health provisions. When discovered, one of the victims was suffering from tuberculosis, a disease that had been wiped out of Chile, a long time ago.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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<h5>Located in one of the central neighbourhoods of the capital city, Santiago, the owner who was an Indian himself was found subjecting 12 other Indian citizens to forced labour.</h5>
</blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The Indian owner of the restaurant and his Chilean manager were criminally charged with for human trafficking and sent to police custody. The defendants appealed, and the Court, unfortunately, subjected the defendants simply to house arrest. In the appeal&rsquo;s hearing, the Indian defendant was accompanied by his ambassador, who testified in his favour, praising the accused&#39;s remarkable character, who he knew on a personal level. 
&nbsp; 
Four victims were eventually repatriated. There has been no news regarding updated outcomes of the case. 
&nbsp; 
Last April, another Indian citizen, owner of two local Indian restaurants in Vina del Mar, a city in the central coast, was detained and charged with the crime of trafficking 11 Indian citizens who were brought under false promises of work. The defendant had forged their migration papers and had sent false documentation to the Chilean embassy in India. Although the prosecutor had required the accused to be held in custody, the judge set the defendant free, and summoned him to a future hearing. 
&nbsp; 
That same month, two Indonesian women accused an Indian citizen, owner of a shop in the Free Trade Zone of Southern Chile (Magallanes), of having trafficked them for domestic servitude when they were minors, forging their passports and lying about their final destination. The women were held under his control for more than three years, and brought under false promises of work and good salaries. They originally reported the case in 2011 with no response from the local prosecutors and are currently trying to reopen the case. 
&nbsp; 
All these cases were brought to the attention of the authorities because the victims themselves had the chance to escape and report their exploitation to police officers or labour inspectors. According to local residents in Magallanes, the situation of servitude and forced labour among migrant population in the Free Trade zone was something everybody knew, but nobody talked about.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Chile is quite new in the&nbsp;international anti-trafficking enterprise. It incorporated the crime in the way it is prescribed by the Palermo Protocol (2000) as recently as in 2011. In 2008, Chile created a Committee against Trafficking in Persons which is a national intersectoral multiparty task force. But it was not until the modern law of human trafficking -Law No. 20.507- was enacted that the Committee came to be fully functional. During 2013-2014, the Committee designed and implemented the first national plan of action that covered strategic dimensions of awareness-raising and training, including details about detection and prosecution, victim assistance and international co-operation. 
&nbsp; 
What prompted the government&rsquo;s response was not only the need to fulfill its international obligations but to address an unprecedented phenomenon: an actual increase in cases involving the recruitment, transportation and exploitation of foreign citizens within the Chilean territory. 
&nbsp; 
The magnitude of the problem is great and if appropriate measures are not taken immediately we face great risks.

&nbsp;

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<h5>Long distances and cultural differences are no obstacles for people recruiting others under fraud or coercion from anywhere in the world</h5>
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</div>

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<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Long distances and cultural differences are no obstacles for people recruiting others under fraud or coercion from anywhere in the world " target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
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&nbsp;

&nbsp; 
Trafficking has become a globalised crime. Stories of trafficking between Chile and India, distant countries with a different history and culture, constitute just one example of the globalised character of the crime. The UNODC Global Report on Trafficking in Persons (2016) shows victims are trafficked along a multitude of trafficking flows; within countries, among neighbouring countries or even across different continents. More than 500 different trafficking flows were detected between 2012 and 2014. Countries in Western and Southern Europe detected victims of 137 different citizenship. 
&nbsp; 
There are no boundaries anymore for the global market of human commodity. Long distances and cultural differences are no obstacles for people recruiting others under fraud or coercion from anywhere in the world despite the potential costs involved. 
&nbsp; 
Human trafficking is, after drug trafficking and arms trafficking, the third biggest illicit market. However, trafficking is not necessarily a manifestation of complex organised crime; it has transformed into private transactions between individuals. Parallel to criminal entrepreneurial industry, trafficking has come to manifest in a more subtle way, as a kind of private labour recruiting system, performed by individuals who live perfectly normal lives, with normal jobs, that &ldquo;employ&rdquo; workers using the techniques of fraud and coercion in a smaller scale. 
&nbsp; 
This is a particularly dangerous and complex trait. Facilitated by globalisation of poverty and migration restrictions, there is a huge market of cheap labour force, willing to take risks to achieve the dream of a better life. They are recruited on a one-by-one basis, accepting work offers from individuals that will employ them in exploitative conditions. According to International Labour Organisation, forced labour in the private economy generates US$ 150 billion in illegal profits per year. 
&nbsp; 
Unfortunately, there is a systematic failure to understand trafficking from the operators of the criminal justice system. Due to a misperception of what constitutes the core of the crime, there is a failure in detecting and convicting the traffickers. For instance, public officials are keen to book cases but fail to recognise situations of abuse that happen in domestic settings where no extraordinary, movie-like conditions take place. 
&nbsp; 
The UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime and its Protocols against trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants was a landmark in the fight against trafficking in persons. But since the Convention, the focus has turned towards fighting complex organised criminal activity at the expense of detecting more domestic and silent exploitation taking place in private settings. 
&nbsp; 
Nevertheless, and more seriously, blindness to certain situations of trafficking has to do with the fact that there is a massive normalisation of mistreatment in employment relationships. There is a tendency to normalise abuse by viewing it as a legitimate social dynamism of relationship. Legitimate in the sense that it expresses a cultural practice, explicitly or implicitly consented or at least tolerated by the members of the community.

&nbsp;

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<h5>In today&acute;s globalised inequality, the employment relationship carries in itself a trait of subordination and dependence that is taken as a given thing</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=In today?s globalised inequality, the employment relationship carries in itself a trait of subordination and dependence that is taken as a given thing" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
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&nbsp;

&nbsp; 
Among communities, cultural differences act as a barrier that impedes detecting the abuse from the part of the local criminal justice operators or even the general public. The submissive behaviour of foreign workers is interpreted as a natural behaviour relevant to a particular culture. There is no further questioning and, more dangerously, there is an implicit approval of the situation under the idea of &ldquo;they are worst off in their own countries&rdquo;. As if that, in some strange way, would authorise conditions of abuse that the bystanders themselves would not tolerate or would not delay signalling it as exploitation if it had happened to them. 
&nbsp; 
Trafficking is occurring as a private, domestic practice because we are tolerating and accepting abuse in the way we relate to each other. And we are tolerating and accepting abuse because, in some level, we believe we are not equal, and therefore we do not deserve the same. In today&acute;s globalised inequality, the employment relationship carries in itself a trait of subordination and dependence that is taken as a given thing, a fact as natural as a storm, or an earthquake. 
&nbsp; 
This given fact of unequal power to set the conditions for mutual exchange, consciously or unconsciously. It authorises and legitimises hierarchies between individuals. In absence of internal ethics or external controls of law and enforcement, abuse and exploitation get justified. The massive naturalisation of abuse operating under the belief we are not truly equal gives no space to detect trafficking: it is the way things are. 
&nbsp; 
Thus, any real attempt to combat human trafficking will require a radical ethical shift: &nbsp;to recover the age old principle of commutative justice, that is, recovering the notion of what is fair and just in exchange of what two or more people in their private capacities is an equivalence in the benefits: each party of the relationship deserves the same. Arithmetically the same. 
&nbsp; 
I am saying nothing new. This was stated by Aristotle, and by Ulpian and the Stoics before him. But as Andre Gide used to say, everything that has to be said has already been said. But since no one was listening, everything has to be said again.

(WION)

As per the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Global Trafficking Report, Chile is receiving a significant number of immigrants from Asia, particularly India and China

Chile is fast developing as a hub of human trafficking. For the last 10 years, the country has witnessed an unprecedented rise in migration. Most of these immigrants came from Central America, the Caribbean islands and the neighbouring countries of South America. As per the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Global Trafficking Report (2014, 2016), Chile is also receiving a significant number of immigrants from Asia, particularly India and China. Instances of trafficking of Indian citizens to Chile was first reported in 2014. In a very trendy Indian restaurant, located in one of the central neighbourhoods of the capital city, Santiago, the owner who was an Indian himself was found subjecting 12 other Indian citizens to forced labour. The 12 Indians were brought by the owner under false promises of work and were held in miserable conditions. They lived in the restaurant, basically with no payment, no contact with the outside world as they were unable to communicate due to language barrier (none of them spoke Spanish) and with inadequate sanitary and health provisions. When discovered, one of the victims was suffering from tuberculosis, a disease that had been wiped out of Chile, a long time ago. Located in one of the central neighbourhoods of the capital city, Santiago, the owner who was an Indian himself was found subjecting 12 other Indian citizens to forced labour. × The Indian owner of the restaurant and his Chilean manager were criminally charged with for human trafficking and sent to police custody. The defendants appealed, and the Court, unfortunately, subjected the defendants simply to house arrest. In the appeal’s hearing, the Indian defendant was accompanied by his ambassador, who testified in his favour, praising the accused's remarkable character, who he knew on a personal level. Four victims were eventually repatriated. There has been no news regarding updated outcomes of the case. Last April, another Indian citizen, owner of two local Indian restaurants in Vina del Mar, a city in the central coast, was detained and charged with the crime of trafficking 11 Indian citizens who were brought under false promises of work. The defendant had forged their migration papers and had sent false documentation to the Chilean embassy in India. Although the prosecutor had required the accused to be held in custody, the judge set the defendant free, and summoned him to a future hearing. That same month, two Indonesian women accused an Indian citizen, owner of a shop in the Free Trade Zone of Southern Chile (Magallanes), of having trafficked them for domestic servitude when they were minors, forging their passports and lying about their final destination. The women were held under his control for more than three years, and brought under false promises of work and good salaries. They originally reported the case in 2011 with no response from the local prosecutors and are currently trying to reopen the case. All these cases were brought to the attention of the authorities because the victims themselves had the chance to escape and report their exploitation to police officers or labour inspectors. According to local residents in Magallanes, the situation of servitude and forced labour among migrant population in the Free Trade zone was something everybody knew, but nobody talked about. Chile is quite new in the international anti-trafficking enterprise. It incorporated the crime in the way it is prescribed by the Palermo Protocol (2000) as recently as in 2011. In 2008, Chile created a Committee against Trafficking in Persons which is a national intersectoral multiparty task force. But it was not until the modern law of human trafficking -Law No. 20.507- was enacted that the Committee came to be fully functional. During 2013-2014, the Committee designed and implemented the first national plan of action that covered strategic dimensions of awareness-raising and training, including details about detection and prosecution, victim assistance and international co-operation. What prompted the government’s response was not only the need to fulfill its international obligations but to address an unprecedented phenomenon: an actual increase in cases involving the recruitment, transportation and exploitation of foreign citizens within the Chilean territory. The magnitude of the problem is great and if appropriate measures are not taken immediately we face great risks. Long distances and cultural differences are no obstacles for people recruiting others under fraud or coercion from anywhere in the world × Trafficking has become a globalised crime. Stories of trafficking between Chile and India, distant countries with a different history and culture, constitute just one example of the globalised character of the crime. The UNODC Global Report on Trafficking in Persons (2016) shows victims are trafficked along a multitude of trafficking flows; within countries, among neighbouring countries or even across different continents. More than 500 different trafficking flows were detected between 2012 and 2014. Countries in Western and Southern Europe detected victims of 137 different citizenship. There are no boundaries anymore for the global market of human commodity. Long distances and cultural differences are no obstacles for people recruiting others under fraud or coercion from anywhere in the world despite the potential costs involved. Human trafficking is, after drug trafficking and arms trafficking, the third biggest illicit market. However, trafficking is not necessarily a manifestation of complex organised crime; it has transformed into private transactions between individuals. Parallel to criminal entrepreneurial industry, trafficking has come to manifest in a more subtle way, as a kind of private labour recruiting system, performed by individuals who live perfectly normal lives, with normal jobs, that “employ” workers using the techniques of fraud and coercion in a smaller scale. This is a particularly dangerous and complex trait. Facilitated by globalisation of poverty and migration restrictions, there is a huge market of cheap labour force, willing to take risks to achieve the dream of a better life. They are recruited on a one-by-one basis, accepting work offers from individuals that will employ them in exploitative conditions. According to International Labour Organisation, forced labour in the private economy generates US$ 150 billion in illegal profits per year. Unfortunately, there is a systematic failure to understand trafficking from the operators of the criminal justice system. Due to a misperception of what constitutes the core of the crime, there is a failure in detecting and convicting the traffickers. For instance, public officials are keen to book cases but fail to recognise situations of abuse that happen in domestic settings where no extraordinary, movie-like conditions take place. The UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime and its Protocols against trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants was a landmark in the fight against trafficking in persons. But since the Convention, the focus has turned towards fighting complex organised criminal activity at the expense of detecting more domestic and silent exploitation taking place in private settings. Nevertheless, and more seriously, blindness to certain situations of trafficking has to do with the fact that there is a massive normalisation of mistreatment in employment relationships. There is a tendency to normalise abuse by viewing it as a legitimate social dynamism of relationship. Legitimate in the sense that it expresses a cultural practice, explicitly or implicitly consented or at least tolerated by the members of the community. In today´s globalised inequality, the employment relationship carries in itself a trait of subordination and dependence that is taken as a given thing × Among communities, cultural differences act as a barrier that impedes detecting the abuse from the part of the local criminal justice operators or even the general public. The submissive behaviour of foreign workers is interpreted as a natural behaviour relevant to a particular culture. There is no further questioning and, more dangerously, there is an implicit approval of the situation under the idea of “they are worst off in their own countries”. As if that, in some strange way, would authorise conditions of abuse that the bystanders themselves would not tolerate or would not delay signalling it as exploitation if it had happened to them. Trafficking is occurring as a private, domestic practice because we are tolerating and accepting abuse in the way we relate to each other. And we are tolerating and accepting abuse because, in some level, we believe we are not equal, and therefore we do not deserve the same. In today´s globalised inequality, the employment relationship carries in itself a trait of subordination and dependence that is taken as a given thing, a fact as natural as a storm, or an earthquake. This given fact of unequal power to set the conditions for mutual exchange, consciously or unconsciously. It authorises and legitimises hierarchies between individuals. In absence of internal ethics or external controls of law and enforcement, abuse and exploitation get justified. The massive naturalisation of abuse operating under the belief we are not truly equal gives no space to detect trafficking: it is the way things are. Thus, any real attempt to combat human trafficking will require a radical ethical shift: to recover the age old principle of commutative justice, that is, recovering the notion of what is fair and just in exchange of what two or more people in their private capacities is an equivalence in the benefits: each party of the relationship deserves the same. Arithmetically the same. I am saying nothing new. This was stated by Aristotle, and by Ulpian and the Stoics before him. But as Andre Gide used to say, everything that has to be said has already been said. But since no one was listening, everything has to be said again. (WION)

Exclusive: Increasing number of Indians are trafficked to Chile everyday

New Zealand said on Wednesday it will tighten access to its skilled work visas, just a day after the United States and neighbouring Australia announced similar restrictions on immigration.

New Zealand&#39;s immigration minister said he was taking a &quot;Kiwis-first approach to immigration&quot;, echoing Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and U.S. President Donald Trump in announcing policies to ensure jobs for Australians and Americans.

Migration has become a hot topic in the lead up to New Zealand&#39;s Sept. 23 general election.

&quot;These changes are designed to strike the right balance ... and encourage employers to take on more Kiwis and invest in the training to upskill them,&quot; immigration minister Michael Woodhouse said in a statement, using the colloquial term for New Zealand citizens.

The changes to be introduced later this year include introducing a minimum income requirement, making it more difficult for family members to join visa holders and limiting the amount of time seasonal workers are allowed to stay in New Zealand.

A boom in new arrivals has helped the New Zealand economy race along with some of the strongest gross domestic product growth in the developed world.

But opposition parties and the central bank have called for a review of current policies, citing low wages growth and soaring house prices spurred by the influx.

Many sectors, such as technology and construction suffer from a severe shortage of workers and companies in these areas were recruiting many of their workers from offshore.

Under the changes, employers would need to provide a minimum income of NZ$49,000 ($34,530.30) for anyone entering on a prioritised &quot;skilled&quot;. Anyone earning more than NZ$73,000 would be classed as highly skilled.&nbsp;

(Reuters)

The US and Australia announced similar restrictions yesterday

New Zealand said on Wednesday it will tighten access to its skilled work visas, just a day after the United States and neighbouring Australia announced similar restrictions on immigration. New Zealand's immigration minister said he was taking a "Kiwis-first approach to immigration", echoing Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and U.S. President Donald Trump in announcing policies to ensure jobs for Australians and Americans. Migration has become a hot topic in the lead up to New Zealand's Sept. 23 general election. "These changes are designed to strike the right balance ... and encourage employers to take on more Kiwis and invest in the training to upskill them," immigration minister Michael Woodhouse said in a statement, using the colloquial term for New Zealand citizens. The changes to be introduced later this year include introducing a minimum income requirement, making it more difficult for family members to join visa holders and limiting the amount of time seasonal workers are allowed to stay in New Zealand. A boom in new arrivals has helped the New Zealand economy race along with some of the strongest gross domestic product growth in the developed world. But opposition parties and the central bank have called for a review of current policies, citing low wages growth and soaring house prices spurred by the influx. Many sectors, such as technology and construction suffer from a severe shortage of workers and companies in these areas were recruiting many of their workers from offshore. Under the changes, employers would need to provide a minimum income of NZ$49,000 ($34,530.30) for anyone entering on a prioritised "skilled". Anyone earning more than NZ$73,000 would be classed as highly skilled. (Reuters)

New Zealand tightens immigration rules in 'Kiwi-first' crackdown

Tech Mahindra Ltd, India&#39;s fifth-biggest software services exporter, will buy US-based healthcare IT consulting firm CJS Solutions Group for an enterprise value of $110 million.

Tech Mahindra, which will acquire CJS through a unit, will make an upfront cash payment of $89.5 million for the acquisition of 84.7 per cent stake in CJS with the remaining 15.3 per cent to be acquired over three years, the company said in a statement.

CJS, which operates as the HCI Group, specialises in the implementation of electronic medical records (EMR) software.

Healthcare and life sciences business, which accounts for around 7 per cent&nbsp;of Tech Mahindra&#39;s revenues, has been a key focus area for the Indian company and the acquisition of CJS will help it consolidate its position, the company said.

Ernst &amp; Young acted as the due diligence advisor to Tech Mahindra while Allen &amp; Company LLC were the financial advisors to HCI Group.

The transaction is expected to close before the end of April.

Indian companies are speeding up acquisitions of US&nbsp;firms with local staff as they try to beat challenges posed by an expected tightening of visa rules in their biggest market.

India&#39;s $150 billion information technology industry uses H-1B visas to fly engineers and developers to the United States to provide services to clients.&nbsp;

Any tightening of the visa scheme rules could restrict the companies&#39; ability to send staff to the United States.

President Donald Trump&#39;s administration last week announced it would temporarily suspend expedited applications for H-1B visas.

(Reuters)

Indian companies are speeding up acquisitions of US?firms, trying to beat challenges as Visa rules are expected to tighten under Trump

Tech Mahindra Ltd, India's fifth-biggest software services exporter, will buy US-based healthcare IT consulting firm CJS Solutions Group for an enterprise value of $110 million. Tech Mahindra, which will acquire CJS through a unit, will make an upfront cash payment of $89.5 million for the acquisition of 84.7 per cent stake in CJS with the remaining 15.3 per cent to be acquired over three years, the company said in a statement. CJS, which operates as the HCI Group, specialises in the implementation of electronic medical records (EMR) software. Healthcare and life sciences business, which accounts for around 7 per cent of Tech Mahindra's revenues, has been a key focus area for the Indian company and the acquisition of CJS will help it consolidate its position, the company said. Ernst & Young acted as the due diligence advisor to Tech Mahindra while Allen & Company LLC were the financial advisors to HCI Group. The transaction is expected to close before the end of April. Indian companies are speeding up acquisitions of US firms with local staff as they try to beat challenges posed by an expected tightening of visa rules in their biggest market. India's $150 billion information technology industry uses H-1B visas to fly engineers and developers to the United States to provide services to clients. Any tightening of the visa scheme rules could restrict the companies' ability to send staff to the United States. President Donald Trump's administration last week announced it would temporarily suspend expedited applications for H-1B visas. (Reuters)

Tech Mahindra to buy US healthcare IT firm CJS for $110 million

Mexico on Thursday gave a cool reception to visiting senior US officials, secretary of state Rex Tillerson and secretary of homeland security John Kelly, amid the deportation controversy.

Senior Mexican officials expressed &ldquo;worry and irritation&rdquo; about US policies while Trump&rsquo;s top envoys tried to cool tempers.

&quot;There exists among Mexicans worry and irritation about what are perceived to be policies that could be harmful for the national interest and for Mexicans here and abroad,&quot; foreign Minister Luis Videgaray told a news conference after talks with Tillerson and Kelly, news agency Reuters reported.

Videgaray added that it is &quot;a complex time&quot; for US-Mexican relations.

The already strained US-Mexico ties received another blow this week when the US government said it was seeking to deport many illegal immigrants to Mexico if they entered the US from there, regardless of their nationality.

The tensions over immigration come at a time when the two countries are already at loggerheads over Trump&rsquo;s vow to build a wall on the US-Mexico border and his attempts to get Mexico to give concessions on trade.

The two sides on Thursday pledged further dialogue on migration, security issues and trade, Reuters reported.

Kelly says no mass deportations or military force

Earlier on Thursday at the White House, Trump described the stepped-up deportation drive as &ldquo;a military operation&rdquo;, AFP reported.

&quot;We&rsquo;re getting really bad dudes out of this country, and at a rate that nobody&rsquo;s ever seen before,&quot; Trump said.

However, Kelly in Mexico contradicted Trump&rsquo;s statement by promising &quot;no mass deportations&quot; or military force against immigrants in the US.

&quot;There will be no, repeat no mass deportations&quot;, Kelly told a news conference in Mexico, AFP reported. &quot;There will be no use of military force for immigration operations.&quot;

Tillerson said the two sides &quot;reiterated our joint commitment to maintaining law and order along our shared border by stopping potential terrorists and dismantling the transnational criminal networks moving drugs and people into the United States.&quot;, AFP reported.

But he agreed that cooperation on border security had to work both ways.

&quot;We underscored the importance of stopping the illegal firearms and bulk cash that is originating in the United States and flowing into Mexico,&quot; he said, AFP reported.

&quot;There&#39;s no mistaking that the rule of law matters along both sides of the border.&quot;

While US officials said the trip was aimed at building positive relations, Trump said he was determined to reduce the $70 billion US trade deficit with Mexico even at the risk of harming ties.

&quot;We&rsquo;re going to have a good relationship with Mexico, I hope. And if we don&rsquo;t, we don&rsquo;t,&quot; he said, AFP reported.

Protest against envoys, Trump&#39;s &quot;wall&quot; set ablze at carnival

A group of protesters gathered outside Mexico&#39;s Ministry of Foreign Relations shouting slogans outside and holding banners that said &quot;The secretaries are not welcome,&quot; and &quot;Stop Donald Trump, Hate, Racism, Ignorance.&quot;

&quot;We delcare non gratis these secretaries of state (sic.), and we also declare non gratis Donald Trump for all the damage he has caused in the community, and continues causing,&quot;&nbsp;protester&nbsp;Maria Garcia told Reuters.

At the annual carnival of the Mexican city of Veracruz revellers burned &nbsp;an effigy representing Trump&#39;s proposed &quot;wall&quot;, Reuters reported. There was also a play parodying Trump with actors dressed as the president and his wife Melania.

&quot;It&#39;s like, we&#39;re rebelling against the United States. It&#39;s as if we are saying: &#39;Yes, we can.&#39; Because we Mexicans are better than United States,&quot; resident&nbsp;Luz Gutierrez told Reuters.

(WION with inputs from AFP and Reuters)

 
 
&nbsp;

Senior Mexican officials expressed 'worry and irritation' about US policies while Trump?s top envoys tried to cool tempers

Mexico on Thursday gave a cool reception to visiting senior US officials, secretary of state Rex Tillerson and secretary of homeland security John Kelly, amid the deportation controversy. Senior Mexican officials expressed “worry and irritation” about US policies while Trump’s top envoys tried to cool tempers. "There exists among Mexicans worry and irritation about what are perceived to be policies that could be harmful for the national interest and for Mexicans here and abroad," foreign Minister Luis Videgaray told a news conference after talks with Tillerson and Kelly, news agency Reuters reported. Videgaray added that it is "a complex time" for US-Mexican relations. The already strained US-Mexico ties received another blow this week when the US government said it was seeking to deport many illegal immigrants to Mexico if they entered the US from there, regardless of their nationality. The tensions over immigration come at a time when the two countries are already at loggerheads over Trump’s vow to build a wall on the US-Mexico border and his attempts to get Mexico to give concessions on trade. The two sides on Thursday pledged further dialogue on migration, security issues and trade, Reuters reported. Kelly says no mass deportations or military force Earlier on Thursday at the White House, Trump described the stepped-up deportation drive as “a military operation”, AFP reported. "We’re getting really bad dudes out of this country, and at a rate that nobody’s ever seen before," Trump said. However, Kelly in Mexico contradicted Trump’s statement by promising "no mass deportations" or military force against immigrants in the US. "There will be no, repeat no mass deportations", Kelly told a news conference in Mexico, AFP reported. "There will be no use of military force for immigration operations." Tillerson said the two sides "reiterated our joint commitment to maintaining law and order along our shared border by stopping potential terrorists and dismantling the transnational criminal networks moving drugs and people into the United States.", AFP reported. But he agreed that cooperation on border security had to work both ways. "We underscored the importance of stopping the illegal firearms and bulk cash that is originating in the United States and flowing into Mexico," he said, AFP reported. "There's no mistaking that the rule of law matters along both sides of the border." While US officials said the trip was aimed at building positive relations, Trump said he was determined to reduce the $70 billion US trade deficit with Mexico even at the risk of harming ties. "We’re going to have a good relationship with Mexico, I hope. And if we don’t, we don’t," he said, AFP reported. Protest against envoys, Trump's "wall" set ablze at carnival A group of protesters gathered outside Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Relations shouting slogans outside and holding banners that said "The secretaries are not welcome," and "Stop Donald Trump, Hate, Racism, Ignorance." "We delcare non gratis these secretaries of state (sic.), and we also declare non gratis Donald Trump for all the damage he has caused in the community, and continues causing," protester Maria Garcia told Reuters. At the annual carnival of the Mexican city of Veracruz revellers burned an effigy representing Trump's proposed "wall", Reuters reported. There was also a play parodying Trump with actors dressed as the president and his wife Melania. "It's like, we're rebelling against the United States. It's as if we are saying: 'Yes, we can.' Because we Mexicans are better than United States," resident Luz Gutierrez told Reuters. (WION with inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Trump's top officials in Mexico: Not a warm reception for Rex Tillerson and John Kelly

The Trump administration issued tough new orders Tuesday for a sweeping crackdown on illegal immigrants, putting nearly all of the country&#39;s 11 million undocumented foreigners in its crosshairs.

The orders sent shivers through US immigrant communities, where millions of people who have spent years building families and livelihoods in the country, most of them from Mexico and Central America, were seriously threatened with deportation for the first time in decades.

Rights groups labelled the move a &quot;witch hunt,&quot; warning that mass deportations would damage families with deep roots in the United States and hurt the economy.

But John Kelly, the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) who issued the new orders in two memos, said they were necessary to address a problem that has &quot;overwhelmed&quot; government resources.

&quot;The surge of illegal immigration at the southern border has overwhelmed federal agencies and resources and has created a significant national security vulnerability to the United States,&quot; he said in one of the memos.

Senator Ben Cardin, the top Democrat of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, warned the new guidelines will &quot;harm national security and public safety&quot;.

New York Mayor Bill De Blasio said they would result in &quot;needlessly tearing apart families and spreading fear in immigrant communities&quot;.

&quot;What we will not do is turn our NYPD officers into immigration agents &ndash; or our jails into holding pens for deportation policy that will only undermine the inclusiveness that has helped make New York City the safest big city in the nation,&quot; he added.

&nbsp;

Expedited deportations

The new rules make it easier for border patrol and immigration officers to quickly deport any illegal immigrants they find, with only a few exceptions, principally children.

The White House says the priority will remain undocumented immigrants convicted of crimes, as well as anyone who has been charged or potentially faces criminal charges. However, people deemed as low priority for deportation by the previous administration of Barack Obama -- generally anyone not tied to a crime -- are no longer protected.&nbsp;

&quot;With extremely limited exceptions, DHS will not exempt classes or categories of removal aliens from potential enforcement,&quot; the memos said. &quot;All of those in violation of the immigration laws may be subject to enforcement proceedings, up to and including removal from the United States.&quot;

The memos followed up on President Donald Trump&#39;s order, issued just after his January 20 inauguration, for authorities to crack down on illegal immigration by tightening enforcement and building a wall along the nearly 2,000-mile (3,145-kilometre) US-Mexico frontier.&nbsp;

In the memos, Kelly ordered immediate action to begin planning the wall. He also ordered the hiring of 15,000 more officers for the Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agencies.

The move comes ahead of meetings this week between Kelly and US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto in Mexico, in which illegal immigration and border security will be key topics.

 
&#39;Mass deportation policy&#39;

Pro-immigrant groups, already nervous after hundreds were arrested in a series of ICE raids on immigrant &quot;sanctuary cities&quot; two weeks ago, expressed shock and outrage.

&quot;Secretary Kelly has unleashed an unprecedented witch hunt on millions of immigrant families,&quot; said Angelica Salas, executive director for the Los Angeles-based Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights.

&quot;These guidelines represent an unlawful, expedited process, a dragnet, to remove undocumented immigrants living and working in the US. This is a dastardly approach to a very human issue.&quot;

Omar Jadwat, director of the Immigrants&#39; Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union, predicted strong legal challenges to the new policy.

&quot;These memos confirm that the Trump administration is willing to trample on due process, human decency, the wellbeing of our communities and even protections for vulnerable children, in pursuit of a hyper-aggressive mass deportation policy,&quot; he said.

Sharp policy shift

The turn in policy follows years in which the Obama and George W&nbsp;Bush administrations, sought to find a way with Congress to allow most of the long-term illegal immigrants to stay in the country.

But Trump campaigned for the White House on a promise to crack down on what he characterised as a source of widespread crime and a drag on the economy.&nbsp;

White House spokesman Sean Spicer said Trump &quot;wanted to take the shackles off&quot; officials enforcing the laws.

DHS said there are more than 534,000 pending immigration cases in the courts nationwide, and that agents have apprehended more than 93,000 people trying to sneak into the country in October and November alone.

That work &quot;has significantly strained DHS resources,&quot; it said.

While Spicer said the policy could evolve beyond the DHS memos, there was no indication of what form those changes could take.

(AFP)

Rights groups labelled the move a 'witch hunt' warning mass deportations would damage families with deep roots in the US & hurt the economy

The Trump administration issued tough new orders Tuesday for a sweeping crackdown on illegal immigrants, putting nearly all of the country's 11 million undocumented foreigners in its crosshairs. The orders sent shivers through US immigrant communities, where millions of people who have spent years building families and livelihoods in the country, most of them from Mexico and Central America, were seriously threatened with deportation for the first time in decades. Rights groups labelled the move a "witch hunt," warning that mass deportations would damage families with deep roots in the United States and hurt the economy. But John Kelly, the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) who issued the new orders in two memos, said they were necessary to address a problem that has "overwhelmed" government resources. "The surge of illegal immigration at the southern border has overwhelmed federal agencies and resources and has created a significant national security vulnerability to the United States," he said in one of the memos. Senator Ben Cardin, the top Democrat of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, warned the new guidelines will "harm national security and public safety". New York Mayor Bill De Blasio said they would result in "needlessly tearing apart families and spreading fear in immigrant communities". "What we will not do is turn our NYPD officers into immigration agents – or our jails into holding pens for deportation policy that will only undermine the inclusiveness that has helped make New York City the safest big city in the nation," he added. Expedited deportations The new rules make it easier for border patrol and immigration officers to quickly deport any illegal immigrants they find, with only a few exceptions, principally children. The White House says the priority will remain undocumented immigrants convicted of crimes, as well as anyone who has been charged or potentially faces criminal charges. However, people deemed as low priority for deportation by the previous administration of Barack Obama -- generally anyone not tied to a crime -- are no longer protected. "With extremely limited exceptions, DHS will not exempt classes or categories of removal aliens from potential enforcement," the memos said. "All of those in violation of the immigration laws may be subject to enforcement proceedings, up to and including removal from the United States." The memos followed up on President Donald Trump's order, issued just after his January 20 inauguration, for authorities to crack down on illegal immigration by tightening enforcement and building a wall along the nearly 2,000-mile (3,145-kilometre) US-Mexico frontier. In the memos, Kelly ordered immediate action to begin planning the wall. He also ordered the hiring of 15,000 more officers for the Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agencies. The move comes ahead of meetings this week between Kelly and US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto in Mexico, in which illegal immigration and border security will be key topics. 'Mass deportation policy' Pro-immigrant groups, already nervous after hundreds were arrested in a series of ICE raids on immigrant "sanctuary cities" two weeks ago, expressed shock and outrage. "Secretary Kelly has unleashed an unprecedented witch hunt on millions of immigrant families," said Angelica Salas, executive director for the Los Angeles-based Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights. "These guidelines represent an unlawful, expedited process, a dragnet, to remove undocumented immigrants living and working in the US. This is a dastardly approach to a very human issue." Omar Jadwat, director of the Immigrants' Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union, predicted strong legal challenges to the new policy. "These memos confirm that the Trump administration is willing to trample on due process, human decency, the wellbeing of our communities and even protections for vulnerable children, in pursuit of a hyper-aggressive mass deportation policy," he said. Sharp policy shift The turn in policy follows years in which the Obama and George W Bush administrations, sought to find a way with Congress to allow most of the long-term illegal immigrants to stay in the country. But Trump campaigned for the White House on a promise to crack down on what he characterised as a source of widespread crime and a drag on the economy. White House spokesman Sean Spicer said Trump "wanted to take the shackles off" officials enforcing the laws. DHS said there are more than 534,000 pending immigration cases in the courts nationwide, and that agents have apprehended more than 93,000 people trying to sneak into the country in October and November alone. That work "has significantly strained DHS resources," it said. While Spicer said the policy could evolve beyond the DHS memos, there was no indication of what form those changes could take. (AFP)

US: Trump govt issues new deportation orders, targeting nearly all 11 million undocumented foreigners in country

President Donald Trump&#39;s administration plans to consider almost all illegal immigrants subject to deportation, but will leave protections in place for immigrants known as &quot;dreamers&quot; who entered the United States illegally as children, according to official guidelines released on Tuesday.

The Department of Homeland Security guidance to immigration agents is part of a broader border security and immigration enforcement plan in executive orders that Republican Trump signed on January 25.

Former President Barack Obama, a Democrat, issued an executive order in 2012 that protected 750,000 immigrants who had been brought into the United States illegally by their parents. Trump has said the issue is &quot;very difficult&quot; for him.

Trump campaigned on a pledge to get tougher on the estimated 11 million illegal immigrants in the United States, playing on fears of violent crime while promising to build a wall on the border with Mexico and to stop potential terrorists from entering the country.

Trump&#39;s planned measures against illegal immigrants have drawn protests, such as an event last week that activists called &quot;A Day Without Immigrants&quot; to highlight the importance of foreign-born people, who account for 13 percent of the US&nbsp;population, or more than 40 million naturalized American citizens.

A banner declaring &quot;Refugees Welcome&quot; was posted on the base of the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of American acceptance of immigrants, before park rangers removed it on Tuesday, WABC television reported.

DHS officials, on a conference call with reporters, said that although any immigrant in the country illegally could be deported, the agency will prioritize those deemed a threat.

These include recent entrants, those convicted of a crime and people charged but not convicted of a crime. Some details of the guidelines were detailed in a draft memo seen on Saturday.

Hiring More Agents

Many of the instructions will not be implemented immediately because they depend on Congress, a public comment period or negotiations with other nations, the officials said. Mexican immigration officials immediately objected to part of the new rules.

The guidance also calls for the hiring of 10,000 more US&nbsp;Immigration and Customs (ICE) agents and 5,000 more US&nbsp;Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents.

The DHS will need to publish a notice in the Federal Register subject to review in order to implement one part of the plan that calls on ICE agents to increase the number of immigrants who are not given a hearing before being deported.

The new rules would subject immigrants who cannot show they have been in the country for more than two years to &quot;expedited removal&quot;. Currently, only migrants apprehended near a U.S. border who cannot show they have been in the country more than 14 days are subject to rapid removal.

The memos also instruct ICE to detain migrants who are awaiting a court decision on whether they will be deported or granted relief, such as asylum. DHS officials said they are reviewing what jurisdictions may have laws in place that prevent the amount of time immigrants can be held.

The agency also plans to send non-Mexican migrants crossing the southern US&nbsp;border back into Mexico as they await a decision on their case. The DHS officials said this plan would be dependent on partnerships with the Mexican government and would not be implemented overnight.

The guidelines were released a day before US&nbsp;Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly were due in Mexico City for talks with President Enrique Pena Nieto and Mexican officials.

An official from Mexico&#39;s Foreign Ministry said the government would tell Kelly&#39;s team to that it was &quot;impossible&quot; for Mexico to accept deportees or asylum applicants from foreign countries, and would ask them to explain their plan.

The deportation of Mexicans would be one of the government&#39;s major concerns at the meeting, said the official, who declined to be named.

A spokeswoman from the Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(Reuters)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The 'dreamers' were brought illegally into the US as children by their parents

President Donald Trump's administration plans to consider almost all illegal immigrants subject to deportation, but will leave protections in place for immigrants known as "dreamers" who entered the United States illegally as children, according to official guidelines released on Tuesday. The Department of Homeland Security guidance to immigration agents is part of a broader border security and immigration enforcement plan in executive orders that Republican Trump signed on January 25. Former President Barack Obama, a Democrat, issued an executive order in 2012 that protected 750,000 immigrants who had been brought into the United States illegally by their parents. Trump has said the issue is "very difficult" for him. Trump campaigned on a pledge to get tougher on the estimated 11 million illegal immigrants in the United States, playing on fears of violent crime while promising to build a wall on the border with Mexico and to stop potential terrorists from entering the country. Trump's planned measures against illegal immigrants have drawn protests, such as an event last week that activists called "A Day Without Immigrants" to highlight the importance of foreign-born people, who account for 13 percent of the US population, or more than 40 million naturalized American citizens. A banner declaring "Refugees Welcome" was posted on the base of the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of American acceptance of immigrants, before park rangers removed it on Tuesday, WABC television reported. DHS officials, on a conference call with reporters, said that although any immigrant in the country illegally could be deported, the agency will prioritize those deemed a threat. These include recent entrants, those convicted of a crime and people charged but not convicted of a crime. Some details of the guidelines were detailed in a draft memo seen on Saturday. Hiring More Agents Many of the instructions will not be implemented immediately because they depend on Congress, a public comment period or negotiations with other nations, the officials said. Mexican immigration officials immediately objected to part of the new rules. The guidance also calls for the hiring of 10,000 more US Immigration and Customs (ICE) agents and 5,000 more US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents. The DHS will need to publish a notice in the Federal Register subject to review in order to implement one part of the plan that calls on ICE agents to increase the number of immigrants who are not given a hearing before being deported. The new rules would subject immigrants who cannot show they have been in the country for more than two years to "expedited removal". Currently, only migrants apprehended near a U.S. border who cannot show they have been in the country more than 14 days are subject to rapid removal. The memos also instruct ICE to detain migrants who are awaiting a court decision on whether they will be deported or granted relief, such as asylum. DHS officials said they are reviewing what jurisdictions may have laws in place that prevent the amount of time immigrants can be held. The agency also plans to send non-Mexican migrants crossing the southern US border back into Mexico as they await a decision on their case. The DHS officials said this plan would be dependent on partnerships with the Mexican government and would not be implemented overnight. The guidelines were released a day before US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly were due in Mexico City for talks with President Enrique Pena Nieto and Mexican officials. An official from Mexico's Foreign Ministry said the government would tell Kelly's team to that it was "impossible" for Mexico to accept deportees or asylum applicants from foreign countries, and would ask them to explain their plan. The deportation of Mexicans would be one of the government's major concerns at the meeting, said the official, who declined to be named. A spokeswoman from the Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (Reuters)

Trump migrant crackdown to spare US 'dreamers'

With just a plastic bag of belongings in his hand, a Mexican man who was deported from the United States Tuesday promptly killed himself, jumping off a bridge in view of the US border.

Sinaloa state native Guadalupe Olivas Valencia, 44, threw himself to his death, authorities said. He had jumped 30 metres (100 feet).

Witnesses said the man was in great distress after being sent back to Mexico for a third time.&nbsp;

The tragedy comes as US President Donald Trump has pledged to deport millions of undocumented migrants living in the United States.

Trump has called Mexican migrants criminals and pledged to build a massive border wall.

(Reuters)

Sinaloa state native Guadalupe Olivas Valencia, 44, threw himself 100 feet to his death, authorities said

With just a plastic bag of belongings in his hand, a Mexican man who was deported from the United States Tuesday promptly killed himself, jumping off a bridge in view of the US border. Sinaloa state native Guadalupe Olivas Valencia, 44, threw himself to his death, authorities said. He had jumped 30 metres (100 feet). Witnesses said the man was in great distress after being sent back to Mexico for a third time. The tragedy comes as US President Donald Trump has pledged to deport millions of undocumented migrants living in the United States. Trump has called Mexican migrants criminals and pledged to build a massive border wall. (Reuters)

Mexican migrant kills self after third deportation from US

The Trump administration plans to direct immigration agents to greatly expand the categories of immigrants they target for deportation, according to drafts of two memos seen by Reuters and first reported by McClatchy news organization on Saturday.

Two sources familiar with the plans told Reuters the documents have been approved by Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly, but are under final review by the White House. They are expected to be released to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) early next week.

Under the orders, hundreds of thousands of people would face expedited removal proceedings, including those that had not been prioritised for deportation under former President Barack Obama.

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<h5>Migrants who have been charged with crimes but not convicted would be prioritised for deportation</h5>
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The memos are guidance to instruct agents in the field to implement two executive orders signed by Trump on Jan. 25 intended to deter future migration and drive out more illegal migrants from the United States.

One memo instructs ICE agents to ignore Obama&rsquo;s memos on immigration priorities that targeted only recent arrivals and convicted criminal migrants for deportation. Instead, migrants who have been charged with crimes but not convicted would be prioritised for deportation. The guidance also allows ICE agents wide discretion in deciding who to deport and considers anyone in the United States illegally to be subject to deportation.

The guidance does leave in place Obama&rsquo;s 2012 executive action that protected 750,000 people brought to the United States illegally by their parents. The fate of the policy, known as DACA, has been hotly debated within the White House, according to sources familiar with the discussions. Trump said in a news conference Friday that DACA was a &ldquo;very difficult subject&rdquo; for him.

The ICE memo also states that immigrants will not be afforded rights under US&nbsp;privacy laws.

The second memo instructs CBP officers to crack down on illegal migration at the border by holding migrants in detention until a determination in their case is made.

The Department of Homeland Security did not deny any information contained in the draft memos but did not provide further detail.

A source familiar with the guidance said the memos were scheduled to be distributed on Friday but the White House made a last-minute request to review them. It is not known whether the White House may alter the guidance.

Kelly said in one of the memos that illegal immigration across the US&nbsp;border with Mexico had &quot;created a significant national security vulnerability to the United States.&quot;&nbsp;

(Reuters)

The memos, under final review by the White House, are expected to be released early next week

The Trump administration plans to direct immigration agents to greatly expand the categories of immigrants they target for deportation, according to drafts of two memos seen by Reuters and first reported by McClatchy news organization on Saturday. Two sources familiar with the plans told Reuters the documents have been approved by Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly, but are under final review by the White House. They are expected to be released to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) early next week. Under the orders, hundreds of thousands of people would face expedited removal proceedings, including those that had not been prioritised for deportation under former President Barack Obama. Migrants who have been charged with crimes but not convicted would be prioritised for deportation × The memos are guidance to instruct agents in the field to implement two executive orders signed by Trump on Jan. 25 intended to deter future migration and drive out more illegal migrants from the United States. One memo instructs ICE agents to ignore Obama’s memos on immigration priorities that targeted only recent arrivals and convicted criminal migrants for deportation. Instead, migrants who have been charged with crimes but not convicted would be prioritised for deportation. The guidance also allows ICE agents wide discretion in deciding who to deport and considers anyone in the United States illegally to be subject to deportation. The guidance does leave in place Obama’s 2012 executive action that protected 750,000 people brought to the United States illegally by their parents. The fate of the policy, known as DACA, has been hotly debated within the White House, according to sources familiar with the discussions. Trump said in a news conference Friday that DACA was a “very difficult subject” for him. The ICE memo also states that immigrants will not be afforded rights under US privacy laws. The second memo instructs CBP officers to crack down on illegal migration at the border by holding migrants in detention until a determination in their case is made. The Department of Homeland Security did not deny any information contained in the draft memos but did not provide further detail. A source familiar with the guidance said the memos were scheduled to be distributed on Friday but the White House made a last-minute request to review them. It is not known whether the White House may alter the guidance. Kelly said in one of the memos that illegal immigration across the US border with Mexico had "created a significant national security vulnerability to the United States." (Reuters)

Trump administration to expand groups of immigrants to be deported: Memos

The US embassy in Berlin said on its Facebook page on Monday that visa issuance had been suspended to nationals, or dual nationals, of Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

 
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&quot;As per US presidential executive order signed on January 27, 2017, visa issuance to aliens from the countries of Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen has been suspended effective immediately until further notification,&quot; it said.

&quot;If you are a national, or dual national, of one of these countries, please do not schedule a visa appointment or pay any visa fees at this time,&quot; the embassy added.

President Trump got on the act and tweeted on the status of people detained or held for questioning as US authorities continued their clampdown on visitors setting foot on American soil.

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Only 109 people out of 325,000 were detained and held for questioning. Big problems at airports were caused by Delta computer outage,.....
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/826041397232943104">January 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
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There is nothing nice about searching for terrorists before they can enter our country. This was a big part of my campaign. Study the world!
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/826044059647107073">January 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, the head of the 54-member African Union said that a US travel ban on seven Muslim-majority countries including three in Africa heralded &quot;turbulent times&quot; for the continent.

AU commission chief Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma made the remarks in a speech to open an AU summit, after President Donald Trump&#39;s executive order halted travel by people with passports from Libya, Somalia, Sudan and four other Middle East nations for 90 days, and stopped refugee resettlement for 120 days.

&quot;We are entering very turbulent times. The very country to which many of our people were taken as slaves during the transatlantic slave trade has now decided to ban refugees from some of our countries. What do we do about this? Indeed, this is one of the greatest challenges to our unity and solidarity,&quot; she told African leaders in the Ethiopian capital.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also criticised President Trump&#39;s visa ban saying asserting it harmed the common struggle against radicalism.

&quot;Such selective and discriminatory acts will only serve to embolden the radical narratives of extremists,&quot; the group said in a statement on its website.

&quot;(The move) will provide further fuel to the advocates of violence and terrorism at a critical time when the OIC has been engaged with all partners, including the US, to combat extremism and terrorism in all their forms and manifestations.&quot;

(Reuters)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

US embassy's Berlin Facebook page said that visa issuance had been suspended to nationals of Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Syria

The US embassy in Berlin said on its Facebook page on Monday that visa issuance had been suspended to nationals, or dual nationals, of Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. "As per US presidential executive order signed on January 27, 2017, visa issuance to aliens from the countries of Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen has been suspended effective immediately until further notification," it said. "If you are a national, or dual national, of one of these countries, please do not schedule a visa appointment or pay any visa fees at this time," the embassy added. President Trump got on the act and tweeted on the status of people detained or held for questioning as US authorities continued their clampdown on visitors setting foot on American soil. Only 109 people out of 325,000 were detained and held for questioning. Big problems at airports were caused by Delta computer outage,..... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 30, 2017 × There is nothing nice about searching for terrorists before they can enter our country. This was a big part of my campaign. Study the world! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 30, 2017 × Meanwhile, the head of the 54-member African Union said that a US travel ban on seven Muslim-majority countries including three in Africa heralded "turbulent times" for the continent. AU commission chief Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma made the remarks in a speech to open an AU summit, after President Donald Trump's executive order halted travel by people with passports from Libya, Somalia, Sudan and four other Middle East nations for 90 days, and stopped refugee resettlement for 120 days. "We are entering very turbulent times. The very country to which many of our people were taken as slaves during the transatlantic slave trade has now decided to ban refugees from some of our countries. What do we do about this? Indeed, this is one of the greatest challenges to our unity and solidarity," she told African leaders in the Ethiopian capital. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also criticised President Trump's visa ban saying asserting it harmed the common struggle against radicalism. "Such selective and discriminatory acts will only serve to embolden the radical narratives of extremists," the group said in a statement on its website. "(The move) will provide further fuel to the advocates of violence and terrorism at a critical time when the OIC has been engaged with all partners, including the US, to combat extremism and terrorism in all their forms and manifestations." (Reuters)

US embassy in Berlin suspends visas for nationals on Trump's travel ban list

US president Donald Trump&rsquo;s executive&nbsp;order has sparked widespread protests in not only in the&nbsp;United States, but around the world. So what is the Trump order all about?

<h1 style="text-align: left;">Trump&rsquo;s executive order explained</h1>

On Friday, Trump signed <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/27/us/politics/refugee-muslim-executive-order-trump.html">an executive order</a> imposing an indefinite ban on Syrian refugees from entering the United States.

The executive order also suspended all refugee admissions for 120 days. Suspension from entry was also imposed on citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering the United States for 90 days.

White House Chief of Staff Reince Preibus has said border patrol agents could question US citizens coming from the seven banned countries. Similarly, cases of green card holders will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

This order has left several travellers around the world stranded, as protests continue to swell across the United States.The executive order was challenged by the American Civil Liberties Union, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-federal-court-halts-part-of-trumps-immigration-ban-world-leaders-condemn-restrictions-11813">leading to a halt</a> on a part of Trump&rsquo;s immigration ban.

President Trump, since then, has come out in defence of his order.

<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="287" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FDonaldTrump%2Fposts%2F10158567643610725&amp;width=500" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="500"></iframe>

But, the Trump administration is showing no signs of slowing down. White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus has hinted that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-could-be-next-on-the-immigration-ban-list-hints-white-house-chief-of-staff-11839">more countries could be added</a> to the immigration ban.

<h1 style="text-align: left;">The situation on the ground</h1>

<h3>Atlanta</h3>

Massive crowds have been gathering outside the Atlanta airport protesting the ban on entry of immigrants.Protest rallies were also carried out inside the airport premises. Reports say some protesters tried to enter the baggage claim area&nbsp;but&nbsp;were stopped.&nbsp;

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People currently protesting Donald Trump&#39;s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MuslimBan?src=hash">#MuslimBan</a> at Atlanta airport. <a href="https://t.co/zFldoXFtgF">pic.twitter.com/zFldoXFtgF</a>
&mdash; Everything Georgia (@GAFollowers) <a href="https://twitter.com/GAFollowers/status/825862443494674433">January 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<h3>New York</h3>

Citizens continue to protest the streets of New York. The First Lady of New York City took to twitter to express her support.&nbsp;

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This is New York City. We will always fight to protect our people. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoBanNoWall?src=hash">#NoBanNoWall</a> <a href="https://t.co/AKaYB3jgRZ">pic.twitter.com/AKaYB3jgRZ</a>
&mdash; Chirlane McCray (@NYCFirstLady) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCFirstLady/status/825816795093286912">January 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The John F. Kennedy International Airport continues to remain at the center of the action. Lawyers continued to work pro-bono to free remaining detainees.They even have opened up a social media bureau to reach out to more people to offer help and legal assistance to travelers.&nbsp;

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Uh oh... the pro bono lawyer army at JFK Terminal 4 just opened a social media bureau. <a href="https://twitter.com/nobanjfk">@nobanjfk</a> <a href="https://t.co/HSkjHtNGNw">pic.twitter.com/HSkjHtNGNw</a>
&mdash; Simone Wilson (@simone_electra) <a href="https://twitter.com/simone_electra/status/825903661385711616">January 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<h3>Seattle</h3>

Seattle saw massive protests against the immigration ban. Citizens took to the streets in large numbers.&nbsp;Reports say at least 13 detainees were released, as protests continued in the West Lake Part area.&nbsp;

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RT @UberFacts: A glimpse of the immigration ban protest in Seattle (via @KING5Seattle) https://twitter.com/KING5Seattle/status/825890830988648448/video/1
&mdash; (@Zoraida12098036) <a data-datetime="2017-01-30T08:22:00+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/Zoraida12098036/status/825982405722963968">Jan 30 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

<h3>Los Angeles</h3>

Local traffic was blocked in Los Angeles, as the protesters faced off with the police forces. The Los Angeles airport remained under heavy security. But that did not stop the protesters or baggage handlers from joining the protests.&nbsp;

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LAX Baggage handlers at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/laxprotest?src=hash">#laxprotest</a>..the turn up is REAL! ?????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lit?src=hash">#lit</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoBanNoWall?src=hash">#NoBanNoWall</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RefugeesWelcome?src=hash">#RefugeesWelcome</a> <a href="https://t.co/BLCEakYiRJ">pic.twitter.com/BLCEakYiRJ</a>
&mdash; Desiree Rollins (@deltaeq) <a href="https://twitter.com/deltaeq/status/825902557511815168">January 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<h3>San Francisco</h3>

In San Francisco, crowds&nbsp;gathered at the arrivals to make their voices heard against the immigration ban order by the Trump administration.&nbsp;But the protests took a brutal turn,&nbsp;and locals recorded policemen using force.&nbsp;

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Situation Escalating at San Francisco Airport <a href="https://t.co/WZtgXAhWpw">pic.twitter.com/WZtgXAhWpw</a>
&mdash; Breaking911 (@Breaking911) <a href="https://twitter.com/Breaking911/status/825837932468719616">January 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<h1 style="text-align: left;">What the law says</h1>

An executive order is a statement by the President of the United States, declaring the policy of a government. They derive their power from Article II of the American constitution.

The executive order is a legally binding document, recorded into the official journal of the government and federal register.

A president can use an executive order to overturn any previous orders issued by the previous president. But they cannot reverse laws passed by the United States Congress.

So how can one overturn Trump&rsquo;s executive order on immigration? By challenging it in court. And this one is clearly headed for a Supreme Court battle.

Executive orders have been overturned by courts before. In recent times, Obama&#39;s executive action to block deportation of five million immigrants was blocked by the Supreme Court.&nbsp;

Opponents argue Trump&rsquo;s order violates the Fifth Amendment right of due process. Further, the order gives preference to Christians, which could mean a violation of the First Amendment on freedom of religion.

But for now, the public outcry is good enough to express the sentiment against the immigration ban.

&nbsp;

Breaking down Trump's executive order banning entry of citizens from seven countries into the United States

US president Donald Trump’s executive order has sparked widespread protests in not only in the United States, but around the world. So what is the Trump order all about? Trump’s executive order explained On Friday, Trump signed an executive order imposing an indefinite ban on Syrian refugees from entering the United States. The executive order also suspended all refugee admissions for 120 days. Suspension from entry was also imposed on citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering the United States for 90 days. White House Chief of Staff Reince Preibus has said border patrol agents could question US citizens coming from the seven banned countries. Similarly, cases of green card holders will be considered on a case-by-case basis. This order has left several travellers around the world stranded, as protests continue to swell across the United States.The executive order was challenged by the American Civil Liberties Union, leading to a halt on a part of Trump’s immigration ban. President Trump, since then, has come out in defence of his order. But, the Trump administration is showing no signs of slowing down. White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus has hinted that more countries could be added to the immigration ban. The situation on the ground Atlanta Massive crowds have been gathering outside the Atlanta airport protesting the ban on entry of immigrants.Protest rallies were also carried out inside the airport premises. Reports say some protesters tried to enter the baggage claim area but were stopped. People currently protesting Donald Trump's #MuslimBan at Atlanta airport. pic.twitter.com/zFldoXFtgF — Everything Georgia (@GAFollowers) January 30, 2017 × New York Citizens continue to protest the streets of New York. The First Lady of New York City took to twitter to express her support. This is New York City. We will always fight to protect our people. #NoBanNoWall pic.twitter.com/AKaYB3jgRZ — Chirlane McCray (@NYCFirstLady) January 29, 2017 × The John F. Kennedy International Airport continues to remain at the center of the action. Lawyers continued to work pro-bono to free remaining detainees.They even have opened up a social media bureau to reach out to more people to offer help and legal assistance to travelers. Uh oh... the pro bono lawyer army at JFK Terminal 4 just opened a social media bureau. @nobanjfk pic.twitter.com/HSkjHtNGNw — Simone Wilson (@simone_electra) January 30, 2017 × Seattle Seattle saw massive protests against the immigration ban. Citizens took to the streets in large numbers. Reports say at least 13 detainees were released, as protests continued in the West Lake Part area. RT @UberFacts: A glimpse of the immigration ban protest in Seattle (via @KING5Seattle) https://twitter.com/KING5Seattle/status/825890830988648448/video/1 — (@Zoraida12098036) Jan 30 2017 × Los Angeles Local traffic was blocked in Los Angeles, as the protesters faced off with the police forces. The Los Angeles airport remained under heavy security. But that did not stop the protesters or baggage handlers from joining the protests. LAX Baggage handlers at the #laxprotest..the turn up is REAL! ?????? #lit #NoBanNoWall #RefugeesWelcome pic.twitter.com/BLCEakYiRJ — Desiree Rollins (@deltaeq) January 30, 2017 × San Francisco In San Francisco, crowds gathered at the arrivals to make their voices heard against the immigration ban order by the Trump administration. But the protests took a brutal turn, and locals recorded policemen using force. Situation Escalating at San Francisco Airport pic.twitter.com/WZtgXAhWpw — Breaking911 (@Breaking911) January 29, 2017 × What the law says An executive order is a statement by the President of the United States, declaring the policy of a government. They derive their power from Article II of the American constitution. The executive order is a legally binding document, recorded into the official journal of the government and federal register. A president can use an executive order to overturn any previous orders issued by the previous president. But they cannot reverse laws passed by the United States Congress. So how can one overturn Trump’s executive order on immigration? By challenging it in court. And this one is clearly headed for a Supreme Court battle. Executive orders have been overturned by courts before. In recent times, Obama's executive action to block deportation of five million immigrants was blocked by the Supreme Court. Opponents argue Trump’s order violates the Fifth Amendment right of due process. Further, the order gives preference to Christians, which could mean a violation of the First Amendment on freedom of religion. But for now, the public outcry is good enough to express the sentiment against the immigration ban.

Trump's executive order on travel ban explained

With Manoj Kewalramani

In a matter of days, President-elect Donald Trump will take office as the 45th President of the United States. 
&nbsp; 
Immigration is at the top of the Trump administration&rsquo;s agenda. Post victory,<a href="https://www.donaldjtrump.com/policies/immigration"> Trump&rsquo;s vision</a> on immigration&nbsp;reads, &quot;Establish new immigration controls to boost wages and to ensure that open jobs are offered to American workers first&quot;. 
&nbsp; 
Reports say that there are 11 million illegal immigrants living in the United States. Trump has scaled back his promise to deport them all, but says he still plans to deport between<a href="https://theintercept.com/2016/11/18/donald-trumps-mass-deportations-would-cost-billions-and-take-years-to-process/"> two to three million</a>.

 
The Obama Era 
&nbsp; 
While many have&nbsp;seen&nbsp;this as a radical departure from the past,&nbsp;if one analyses the numbers&nbsp;it is clear that the Barack Obama administration has not really been soft when it comes to dealing with migrants. 
&nbsp; 
Data from the US Department of Homeland Security shows that a record high number of removals were carried out during the eight years of Obama&#39;s presidency. 
&nbsp;

<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="226" id="datawrapper-chart-jwBBV" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" msallowfullscreen="msallowfullscreen" oallowfullscreen="oallowfullscreen" src="//datawrapper.dwcdn.net/jwBBV/2/" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="100%"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">if("undefined"==typeof window.datawrapper)window.datawrapper={};window.datawrapper["jwBBV"]={},window.datawrapper["jwBBV"].embedDeltas={"100":304,"200":252,"300":252,"400":226,"500":226,"600":226,"700":226,"800":226,"900":226,"1000":226},window.datawrapper["jwBBV"].iframe=document.getElementById("datawrapper-chart-jwBBV"),window.datawrapper["jwBBV"].iframe.style.height=window.datawrapper["jwBBV"].embedDeltas[Math.min(1e3,Math.max(100*Math.floor(window.datawrapper["jwBBV"].iframe.offsetWidth/100),100))]+"px",window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if("undefined"!=typeof a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var b in a.data["datawrapper-height"])if("jwBBV"==b)window.datawrapper["jwBBV"].iframe.style.height=a.data["datawrapper-height"][b]+"px"});</script>

As per the numbers, more than 2.7 million immigrants were deported from the United States between 2009 and 2015. The maximum number of deportations during the Obama presidency took place in 2013. 
&nbsp;

<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="340" id="datawrapper-chart-fDUSj" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" msallowfullscreen="msallowfullscreen" oallowfullscreen="oallowfullscreen" src="//datawrapper.dwcdn.net/fDUSj/1/" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="100%"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">if("undefined"==typeof window.datawrapper)window.datawrapper={};window.datawrapper["fDUSj"]={},window.datawrapper["fDUSj"].embedDeltas={"100":418,"200":392,"300":366,"400":340,"500":340,"600":340,"700":340,"800":340,"900":340,"1000":340},window.datawrapper["fDUSj"].iframe=document.getElementById("datawrapper-chart-fDUSj"),window.datawrapper["fDUSj"].iframe.style.height=window.datawrapper["fDUSj"].embedDeltas[Math.min(1e3,Math.max(100*Math.floor(window.datawrapper["fDUSj"].iframe.offsetWidth/100),100))]+"px",window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if("undefined"!=typeof a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var b in a.data["datawrapper-height"])if("fDUSj"==b)window.datawrapper["fDUSj"].iframe.style.height=a.data["datawrapper-height"][b]+"px"});</script>

However, the data also shows that there has been a sharp decline in deportations of criminals and non-criminals during the last few years of the Obama administration. 
&nbsp; 
The number of non-criminal deportations dropped by 22 per cent&nbsp;in 2015, while deportations post criminal convictions fell by 17 per cent. Most of these deportations were to countries in North America, followed by countries in South America and Asia. 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

What about South Asians? 
&nbsp; 
Focussing specifically on South Asia, under Obama, criminal and non-criminal deportations to six South Asian countries, excluding the Maldives, dropped drastically when compared to the Bush administration. 
&nbsp;

<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="300" id="datawrapper-chart-9Wjcd" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" msallowfullscreen="msallowfullscreen" oallowfullscreen="oallowfullscreen" src="//datawrapper.dwcdn.net/9Wjcd/1/" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="100%"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">if("undefined"==typeof window.datawrapper)window.datawrapper={};window.datawrapper["9Wjcd"]={},window.datawrapper["9Wjcd"].embedDeltas={"100":404,"200":352,"300":326,"400":326,"500":300,"600":300,"700":300,"800":300,"900":300,"1000":300},window.datawrapper["9Wjcd"].iframe=document.getElementById("datawrapper-chart-9Wjcd"),window.datawrapper["9Wjcd"].iframe.style.height=window.datawrapper["9Wjcd"].embedDeltas[Math.min(1e3,Math.max(100*Math.floor(window.datawrapper["9Wjcd"].iframe.offsetWidth/100),100))]+"px",window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if("undefined"!=typeof a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var b in a.data["datawrapper-height"])if("9Wjcd"==b)window.datawrapper["9Wjcd"].iframe.style.height=a.data["datawrapper-height"][b]+"px"});</script>

From 2009 to 2015, the US deported 7,496 people around South Asia. In contrast, during the Bush era, a total of 11,554 South Asians were deported. 
&nbsp; 
During the Bush era, the number of deportations spiked in 2005, hitting the highest level in 2006. On the other hand, the Obama administration recorded high number of deportations at the beginning of his term. 
&nbsp; 
That number has dropped significantly towards the end of his tenure. While the number of criminal deportations remained consistent, the number of non-criminal deportation halved.

 
How Obama differs from Trump? 
&nbsp; 
A report by the Pew<a href="http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/12/16/u-s-immigrant-deportations-fall-to-lowest-level-since-2007/"> Research Center</a>&nbsp;says that the sharp decline in numbers could have been due to a change in the deportation <a href="http://(https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/dhs-releases-end-fiscal-year-2015-statistics">enforcement priorities</a>&nbsp;by the administration. This change has led to a shift, focusing &quot;exclusively on only those who have been convicted of a crime; those deemed a threat to public safety; and those who have recently crossed the border&quot;. 
&nbsp; 
Further, a report by the <a href="http://cis.org/Immigration-Enforcement-Deportations-Decline-2016">Center of Immigration Studies</a>&nbsp;claims that the immigrations office has eased enforcement, thereby putting less people on the path to deportation. 
&nbsp; 
Those are priorities that are likely to change under a Trump presidency. Reports suggest that Trump is expected to target not just those considered a security threat or threat to public safety, but also those who have either arrived in the US illegally or have overstayed their visas. 
&nbsp; 
Trump&rsquo;s statements about deporting anyone who has entered the US illegally hint at a possible re-look at Obama&rsquo;s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which was brought into force to protect young immigrants brought illegally into the United States as children. 
&nbsp; 
There are also concerns that the new president could tinker with the rules, such as redefining what constitutes a criminal act, in order to make it easier to deport people, while arguing that the administration was focussed on deporting those with criminal records. However, with the recent protests on the streets and by legislators, pushing through these changes is not likely to be an easy process. 
 
Watch: 
 
&nbsp;

<center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="430" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kfnhyNc7aq8" width="770"></iframe></center>

(WION) 
&nbsp;

While many worry about Donald Trump, Obama removed more immigrants than any American president in US history

With Manoj Kewalramani In a matter of days, President-elect Donald Trump will take office as the 45th President of the United States. Immigration is at the top of the Trump administration’s agenda. Post victory, Trump’s vision on immigration reads, "Establish new immigration controls to boost wages and to ensure that open jobs are offered to American workers first". Reports say that there are 11 million illegal immigrants living in the United States. Trump has scaled back his promise to deport them all, but says he still plans to deport between two to three million. The Obama Era While many have seen this as a radical departure from the past, if one analyses the numbers it is clear that the Barack Obama administration has not really been soft when it comes to dealing with migrants. Data from the US Department of Homeland Security shows that a record high number of removals were carried out during the eight years of Obama's presidency. As per the numbers, more than 2.7 million immigrants were deported from the United States between 2009 and 2015. The maximum number of deportations during the Obama presidency took place in 2013. However, the data also shows that there has been a sharp decline in deportations of criminals and non-criminals during the last few years of the Obama administration. The number of non-criminal deportations dropped by 22 per cent in 2015, while deportations post criminal convictions fell by 17 per cent. Most of these deportations were to countries in North America, followed by countries in South America and Asia. What about South Asians? Focussing specifically on South Asia, under Obama, criminal and non-criminal deportations to six South Asian countries, excluding the Maldives, dropped drastically when compared to the Bush administration. From 2009 to 2015, the US deported 7,496 people around South Asia. In contrast, during the Bush era, a total of 11,554 South Asians were deported. During the Bush era, the number of deportations spiked in 2005, hitting the highest level in 2006. On the other hand, the Obama administration recorded high number of deportations at the beginning of his term. That number has dropped significantly towards the end of his tenure. While the number of criminal deportations remained consistent, the number of non-criminal deportation halved. How Obama differs from Trump? A report by the Pew Research Center says that the sharp decline in numbers could have been due to a change in the deportation enforcement priorities by the administration. This change has led to a shift, focusing "exclusively on only those who have been convicted of a crime; those deemed a threat to public safety; and those who have recently crossed the border". Further, a report by the Center of Immigration Studies claims that the immigrations office has eased enforcement, thereby putting less people on the path to deportation. Those are priorities that are likely to change under a Trump presidency. Reports suggest that Trump is expected to target not just those considered a security threat or threat to public safety, but also those who have either arrived in the US illegally or have overstayed their visas. Trump’s statements about deporting anyone who has entered the US illegally hint at a possible re-look at Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which was brought into force to protect young immigrants brought illegally into the United States as children. There are also concerns that the new president could tinker with the rules, such as redefining what constitutes a criminal act, in order to make it easier to deport people, while arguing that the administration was focussed on deporting those with criminal records. However, with the recent protests on the streets and by legislators, pushing through these changes is not likely to be an easy process. Watch: (WION)

Trump and Obama: Surprisingly similar on deportation

The European Union and the Malian government signed an agreement to enable the return of migrants to root out &quot;illegal migration&quot;, AFP reported today.&nbsp;

The migrants sent back would be the ones who have reached Europe&#39;s shores and&nbsp;whose asylum requests have been refused.

&quot;It is the first time the EU establishes such a precise mechanism with an African country with regards to returning failed asylum seekers,&quot; said a statement from the Dutch foreign ministry yesterday, which signed the agreement on the EU&#39;s behalf.

According to the agreement, Mali and neighbouring countries should ramp up border security to help fight against smugglers, AFP said.

EU leaders in 2015 had agreed to set up a&nbsp;1.8-billion-euro ($1.9-billion) fund to help address the problem of illegal migration, in return of which African countries had agreed to repatriate those who had no right to remain in Europe.&nbsp;

Under the deal, &quot;Malian civil servants will travel to EU member states to help determine the identity of migrants, in order to accelerate their return&quot;, the statement said.

(WION with inputs from AFP)

The agreement aims to send back those who have reached Europe and whose asylum requests have been refused

The European Union and the Malian government signed an agreement to enable the return of migrants to root out "illegal migration", AFP reported today. The migrants sent back would be the ones who have reached Europe's shores and whose asylum requests have been refused. "It is the first time the EU establishes such a precise mechanism with an African country with regards to returning failed asylum seekers," said a statement from the Dutch foreign ministry yesterday, which signed the agreement on the EU's behalf. According to the agreement, Mali and neighbouring countries should ramp up border security to help fight against smugglers, AFP said. EU leaders in 2015 had agreed to set up a 1.8-billion-euro ($1.9-billion) fund to help address the problem of illegal migration, in return of which African countries had agreed to repatriate those who had no right to remain in Europe. Under the deal, "Malian civil servants will travel to EU member states to help determine the identity of migrants, in order to accelerate their return", the statement said. (WION with inputs from AFP)

European Union, Mali sign deal to return migrants

Republican US presidential candidate Donald Trump in his Wednesday meeting told Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto that he will erect a border wall if elected but there were ambiguities over who would pay for it. 
 
&quot;We recognize and respect the right of either country to build a physical barrier or wall on any of its borders,&quot; Trump said at the presidential residence after meeting Pena Nieto. 
 
&quot;We didn&rsquo;t discuss who pays for the wall,&quot; Trump said. 
 
However, Pena Nieto soon took to Twitter, where he stated, &quot;At the start of the conversation with Donald Trump, I made it clear that Mexico will not pay for the wall.&quot; 
 
Trump&rsquo;s opponent, Democratic Hillary Clinton argued that Trump &quot;lied&quot; about whether he defended the core of his campaign when it counted. 
 
&quot;Trump just failed his first foreign test,&quot; Clinton tweeted. &quot;Diplomacy isn&rsquo;t as easy as it looks.&quot; 
 
Trump had launched his campaign last year saying Mexico was sending &quot;rapists&quot; and other criminals across the border. 
 
Pena Nieto had then compared Trump to with Nazi leader Adolf Hitler and fascist Benito Mussolini. 
 
On Wednesday, however, Pena Nieto was diplomatic. 
 
&quot;Even though we may not agree on everything, I trust that together we&rsquo;ll be able to find better prosperity and security,&quot; he stated. 
 
&quot;Mexican people felt hurt by the comments made. But I&rsquo;m sure that the genuine interest is to build a relationship that will give both of our societies better welfare,&quot; Pena Nieto said alongside Trump. 
 
Trump has on many occasion in the past hit at the Mexicans for illegally crossing the border into the United States. Hardline immigration policies form the focus of his campaign. 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies)

Trump, with his immigration-based election campaign, has in the past hit at the Mexicans for illegally crossing the border into the US

Republican US presidential candidate Donald Trump in his Wednesday meeting told Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto that he will erect a border wall if elected but there were ambiguities over who would pay for it. "We recognize and respect the right of either country to build a physical barrier or wall on any of its borders," Trump said at the presidential residence after meeting Pena Nieto. "We didn’t discuss who pays for the wall," Trump said. However, Pena Nieto soon took to Twitter, where he stated, "At the start of the conversation with Donald Trump, I made it clear that Mexico will not pay for the wall." Trump’s opponent, Democratic Hillary Clinton argued that Trump "lied" about whether he defended the core of his campaign when it counted. "Trump just failed his first foreign test," Clinton tweeted. "Diplomacy isn’t as easy as it looks." Trump had launched his campaign last year saying Mexico was sending "rapists" and other criminals across the border. Pena Nieto had then compared Trump to with Nazi leader Adolf Hitler and fascist Benito Mussolini. On Wednesday, however, Pena Nieto was diplomatic. "Even though we may not agree on everything, I trust that together we’ll be able to find better prosperity and security," he stated. "Mexican people felt hurt by the comments made. But I’m sure that the genuine interest is to build a relationship that will give both of our societies better welfare," Pena Nieto said alongside Trump. Trump has on many occasion in the past hit at the Mexicans for illegally crossing the border into the United States. Hardline immigration policies form the focus of his campaign. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Mexico contradicts Trump on paying for border wall

An Austrian court remanded nine Iraqi migrants in custody today for their alleged involvement in the gang rape of a German tourist on New Year&#39;s Eve in Vienna. 
 
The men, aged between 21 and 47, were arrested over the weekend at raids across Austria after months-long police investigations.&nbsp;They were put in detention at a jail in Vienna pending trial, a court spokeswoman said. 
 
The suspects are accused of bringing the 28-year-old victim, who was under the influence of alcohol, to one of the suspects&#39; flats and taking turns in raping her on the night of December 31, 2015.&nbsp;The men have rejected the allegations, but investigators found DNA traces of four of the accused at the alleged scene of the crime. 
 
It is not clear yet how long the Iraqis have been in Austria, but one applied for asylum after the incident took place, police said.&nbsp;Allegations of sexual assault involving migrants have been on the rise in Austria since the start of the European Union&#39;s worst refugee crisis since World War II last summer. 
 
The country has received one of the bloc&#39;s biggest influxes of asylum seekers per capita, boosting the popularity of the far-right.&nbsp;Earlier this month, neighbouring Germany passed a law making it easier to deport foreign nationals committing sex crimes, after more than 1,000 women reported sexual assaults and robberies in the city of Cologne on New Year&#39;s Eve. 
 
(AFP)&nbsp;

The men, aged between 21 and 47, were arrested over the weekend at raids across Austria after months-long police investigations

An Austrian court remanded nine Iraqi migrants in custody today for their alleged involvement in the gang rape of a German tourist on New Year's Eve in Vienna. The men, aged between 21 and 47, were arrested over the weekend at raids across Austria after months-long police investigations. They were put in detention at a jail in Vienna pending trial, a court spokeswoman said. The suspects are accused of bringing the 28-year-old victim, who was under the influence of alcohol, to one of the suspects' flats and taking turns in raping her on the night of December 31, 2015. The men have rejected the allegations, but investigators found DNA traces of four of the accused at the alleged scene of the crime. It is not clear yet how long the Iraqis have been in Austria, but one applied for asylum after the incident took place, police said. Allegations of sexual assault involving migrants have been on the rise in Austria since the start of the European Union's worst refugee crisis since World War II last summer. The country has received one of the bloc's biggest influxes of asylum seekers per capita, boosting the popularity of the far-right. Earlier this month, neighbouring Germany passed a law making it easier to deport foreign nationals committing sex crimes, after more than 1,000 women reported sexual assaults and robberies in the city of Cologne on New Year's Eve. (AFP)

Nine Iraqis held over gang rape of German tourist in Vienna

Australia on Thursday accused asylum seekers held in Pacific detention camps of falsely reporting sexual assault in order to get sent to Australia, a day after a newspaper published leaked documents detailing abuse at the Nauru immigration centre. 
 
More than 2,000 incidents, including sexual abuse, assault and attempted self-harm, were reported over two years at the Australian-funded Nauru detention centre, more than half involving children, Guardian Australia reported. 
 
Immigration minister Peter Dutton on Thursday said asylum seekers were lying about sexual abuse, and repeated comments he made earlier this year that refugee advocates were encouraging detainees to self-harm and set themselves on fire. 
 
&quot;I have been made aware of some incidents that have reported false allegations of sexual assault, because in the end, people have paid money to people smugglers and they want to come to our country,&quot; Dutton said in an interview on Australian radio.&nbsp;&quot;Some people have even gone to the extent of self-harming and people have self-immolated in an effort to get to Australia. Certainly some have made false allegations.&quot; 
 
Under its hardline immigration policy, asylum seekers intercepted trying to reach Australia by boat are sent for processing to Australian-funded camps on Nauru, which holds about 500 people, and on Manus island in Papua New Guinea. They are told they will never be settled in Australia. 
 
The harsh conditions and reports of systemic child abuse at the camps have drawn wide criticism at home and abroad. Australia, however, has vowed there will be no change to the policy, which has been pursued by successive governments.&nbsp;Australia says the policy is needed to stop asylum seekers dying at sea on the dangerous boat journey from Indonesia to Australia. Hundreds of people died attempting the trip in the years before the policy was put in place. 
 
Refugee advocates said the leaked reports show the urgent need to end Australia&#39;s offshore detention policy, and that asylum seekers must be given medical and psychological support. 
 
Hayley Ballinger, a child protection worker at the Nauru detention centre from 2014-15, said that it was an &quot;absolute insult&quot; to suggest that refugees had lied about abuse that has now been widely documented. 
 
&quot;All of the statements speak for themselves. Certainly the clients I saw there suffered and they really suffered. And this stuff really, really did happen. We witnessed it first-hand,&quot; Ballinger told Reuters. 
 
(Reuters)

Some people have even gone to the extent of self-harming and self-immolation in an effort to get to Australia: Immigration minister

Australia on Thursday accused asylum seekers held in Pacific detention camps of falsely reporting sexual assault in order to get sent to Australia, a day after a newspaper published leaked documents detailing abuse at the Nauru immigration centre. More than 2,000 incidents, including sexual abuse, assault and attempted self-harm, were reported over two years at the Australian-funded Nauru detention centre, more than half involving children, Guardian Australia reported. Immigration minister Peter Dutton on Thursday said asylum seekers were lying about sexual abuse, and repeated comments he made earlier this year that refugee advocates were encouraging detainees to self-harm and set themselves on fire. "I have been made aware of some incidents that have reported false allegations of sexual assault, because in the end, people have paid money to people smugglers and they want to come to our country," Dutton said in an interview on Australian radio. "Some people have even gone to the extent of self-harming and people have self-immolated in an effort to get to Australia. Certainly some have made false allegations." Under its hardline immigration policy, asylum seekers intercepted trying to reach Australia by boat are sent for processing to Australian-funded camps on Nauru, which holds about 500 people, and on Manus island in Papua New Guinea. They are told they will never be settled in Australia. The harsh conditions and reports of systemic child abuse at the camps have drawn wide criticism at home and abroad. Australia, however, has vowed there will be no change to the policy, which has been pursued by successive governments. Australia says the policy is needed to stop asylum seekers dying at sea on the dangerous boat journey from Indonesia to Australia. Hundreds of people died attempting the trip in the years before the policy was put in place. Refugee advocates said the leaked reports show the urgent need to end Australia's offshore detention policy, and that asylum seekers must be given medical and psychological support. Hayley Ballinger, a child protection worker at the Nauru detention centre from 2014-15, said that it was an "absolute insult" to suggest that refugees had lied about abuse that has now been widely documented. "All of the statements speak for themselves. Certainly the clients I saw there suffered and they really suffered. And this stuff really, really did happen. We witnessed it first-hand," Ballinger told Reuters. (Reuters)

Australia accuses refugees of falsely reporting sexual abuse

If US Republican candidate Donald Trump is elected president, it would be have a dangerous outcome and &quot;complicate&quot; relations between Europe and the United States, French President Francois Hollande has warned. 
 
&quot;Those who say that Donald Trump could not possibly become the next president of the United States are the same ones who thought that Brexit would never be voted in,&quot; Hollande said, referring to last week&#39;s British referendum which backed withdrawal from the European Union. 
 
Trump has been running on the kind of slogans peddled by the extreme right in France and elsewhere in Europe - fear of the wave of migration, stigmatisation of Islam, questioning representative democracy, denouncing elites - the French leader said in an interview to be published on Thursday in the French financial daily Les Echos. 
 
When asked whether a Trump presidency would be a dangerous thing, he answered &quot;yes&quot;. 
 
Trump&#39;s presence in the White House &quot;would complicate relations between Europe and the United States,&quot; Hollande added. 
 
A new opinion poll in the US showed that the race for the White House is set to be a close call. 
 
Respondents to the latest Quinnipiac University national poll put Democrat candidate Hillary Clinton ahead of Trump by just 42 per cent to 40 per cent, a narrowing from Clinton&#39;s four-point margin in the organisation&#39;s June 1 survey. 
 
Trump, the New York celebrity tycoon, has caused alarm in Europe with his abrasive style and pledges to deport millions of undocumented immigrants and build a wall on the border with Mexico. 
 
His proposal to ban Muslims from entering the United States drew ire of Britain&#39;s Prime Minister David Cameron, who called the idea &quot;stupid, divisive and wrong&quot;. 
 
Trump has criticised the continent&#39;s leaders as &quot;weak&quot; and accused them of taking inadequate measures to combat terrorism, following the Islamist attacks on Brussels in March.&nbsp; 
 
Last month French Prime Minister Manuel Valls accused the presumptive US Republican presidential nominee Trump of being a &quot;bad man&quot;. 
 
(AFP)

The French President denounced US Republican candidate Donald Trump's prejudicial stance against immigration, democracy and Muslims

If US Republican candidate Donald Trump is elected president, it would be have a dangerous outcome and "complicate" relations between Europe and the United States, French President Francois Hollande has warned. "Those who say that Donald Trump could not possibly become the next president of the United States are the same ones who thought that Brexit would never be voted in," Hollande said, referring to last week's British referendum which backed withdrawal from the European Union. Trump has been running on the kind of slogans peddled by the extreme right in France and elsewhere in Europe - fear of the wave of migration, stigmatisation of Islam, questioning representative democracy, denouncing elites - the French leader said in an interview to be published on Thursday in the French financial daily Les Echos. When asked whether a Trump presidency would be a dangerous thing, he answered "yes". Trump's presence in the White House "would complicate relations between Europe and the United States," Hollande added. A new opinion poll in the US showed that the race for the White House is set to be a close call. Respondents to the latest Quinnipiac University national poll put Democrat candidate Hillary Clinton ahead of Trump by just 42 per cent to 40 per cent, a narrowing from Clinton's four-point margin in the organisation's June 1 survey. Trump, the New York celebrity tycoon, has caused alarm in Europe with his abrasive style and pledges to deport millions of undocumented immigrants and build a wall on the border with Mexico. His proposal to ban Muslims from entering the United States drew ire of Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron, who called the idea "stupid, divisive and wrong". Trump has criticised the continent's leaders as "weak" and accused them of taking inadequate measures to combat terrorism, following the Islamist attacks on Brussels in March. Last month French Prime Minister Manuel Valls accused the presumptive US Republican presidential nominee Trump of being a "bad man". (AFP)

A President Trump would 'complicate' US-Europe ties: Hollande

In the run upto EU referedum slated for Thursday and likelihood of Brexit, speculations are rife that leaving the European Union would be a shock for the EU and the global economy.&nbsp; 
 
Some analysts warn of a potential &quot;disintegration&quot; of the EU as remaining countries seek to renegotiate their own relationships with Brussels. 
 
Last week, Germany&#39;s Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier stressed, &quot;It would be a shock for the EU that would require mutual assurances that the EU continues to stick together and that a very successful decades-long process of integration doesn&#39;t in the end turn into disintegration.&quot; 
 
Here are some of the possible knock-on effects of a British departure from the European Union, or Brexit: 
 
&lsquo;Cameron wouldn&rsquo;t last&rsquo;: Conservative veteran Kenneth Clarke has warned that Cameron &quot;wouldn&#39;t last 30 seconds&quot; if Britons vote to leave the EU. 
 
The bookmakers&#39; favourite to replace him is believed to be former London mayor Boris Johnson, the &quot;Leave&quot; camp figurehead. 
 
Second referendum in Scotland: Following the British exit from the EU, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon may launch a second referendum on independence. 
 
This time, Scotland would possibly vote to secede from the United Kingdom, fracturing the UK. Further, Northern Ireland would also be isolated from its EU land neighbour, the Republic of Ireland, and cross-border trade could plunge. 
 
Former British prime ministers John Major and Tony Blair said it would be &quot;difficult if not impossible&quot; to maintain a free-travel area between the neighbours. 
 
The two men, who were key players in bringing an end to sectarian violence in Northern Ireland, also warned that Brexit could put the peace process at risk. 
 
Exit negotiations between London and Brussels: An onset of complicated exit negotiations may begin between London and Brussels, with access to the single market the main bone of contention. 
 
European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker has already said Britain would be &quot;a third party, who we won&#39;t be bending over backwards for.&quot; 
 
More so, WTO Director General Roberto Azevedo said the process could take up to 10 years, and that it &quot;could take quite some time before the UK got back to a similar position that it has today,&quot; given its weak negotiating position. 
 
Recession risk? Turmoil in the markets and uncertainty in the city of London financial hub could lead to a 15-20 percent fall in the pound sterling, inflation at five percent, higher interest rates, a hike in the cost of labour, and the growth rate slowing by 1.0 to 1.5 percent, according to HSBC analysts. 
 
Also, observers are of the view that thousands of jobs in the city could be transferred to Frankfurt or Paris, top companies have warned. 
 
The Brexit camp argues that the business world would adapt quickly with Britain remaining a flexible and dynamic economy, helped by new economic partners and selective immigration. 
 
Although most economic institutions predict long-term pain for post-Brexit Britain, research consultancy Capital Economics said that it would &quot;not spell disaster&quot; indefinitely for the country&#39;s valuable financial sector, highlighting Britain&#39;s legal system, language, time-zone and large pool of skilled labour as &quot;intrinsic advantages.&quot; 
 
Drop in Immigration: Immigration from the EU is likely to drop drastically, leading to a shortage of workers in the construction and service industries. 
 
A win for Brexit in the referendum -- seen by many voters as a proxy poll on immigration -- would increase pressure on the government to impose tough caps on new arrivals. Immigration consistently tops polls of the most important issues for British voters. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

Observers anticipate drop in immigration, recession risk and a possible second Scottish referendum on independence, if Britain exits from EU

In the run upto EU referedum slated for Thursday and likelihood of Brexit, speculations are rife that leaving the European Union would be a shock for the EU and the global economy. Some analysts warn of a potential "disintegration" of the EU as remaining countries seek to renegotiate their own relationships with Brussels. Last week, Germany's Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier stressed, "It would be a shock for the EU that would require mutual assurances that the EU continues to stick together and that a very successful decades-long process of integration doesn't in the end turn into disintegration." Here are some of the possible knock-on effects of a British departure from the European Union, or Brexit: ‘Cameron wouldn’t last’: Conservative veteran Kenneth Clarke has warned that Cameron "wouldn't last 30 seconds" if Britons vote to leave the EU. The bookmakers' favourite to replace him is believed to be former London mayor Boris Johnson, the "Leave" camp figurehead. Second referendum in Scotland: Following the British exit from the EU, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon may launch a second referendum on independence. This time, Scotland would possibly vote to secede from the United Kingdom, fracturing the UK. Further, Northern Ireland would also be isolated from its EU land neighbour, the Republic of Ireland, and cross-border trade could plunge. Former British prime ministers John Major and Tony Blair said it would be "difficult if not impossible" to maintain a free-travel area between the neighbours. The two men, who were key players in bringing an end to sectarian violence in Northern Ireland, also warned that Brexit could put the peace process at risk. Exit negotiations between London and Brussels: An onset of complicated exit negotiations may begin between London and Brussels, with access to the single market the main bone of contention. European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker has already said Britain would be "a third party, who we won't be bending over backwards for." More so, WTO Director General Roberto Azevedo said the process could take up to 10 years, and that it "could take quite some time before the UK got back to a similar position that it has today," given its weak negotiating position. Recession risk? Turmoil in the markets and uncertainty in the city of London financial hub could lead to a 15-20 percent fall in the pound sterling, inflation at five percent, higher interest rates, a hike in the cost of labour, and the growth rate slowing by 1.0 to 1.5 percent, according to HSBC analysts. Also, observers are of the view that thousands of jobs in the city could be transferred to Frankfurt or Paris, top companies have warned. The Brexit camp argues that the business world would adapt quickly with Britain remaining a flexible and dynamic economy, helped by new economic partners and selective immigration. Although most economic institutions predict long-term pain for post-Brexit Britain, research consultancy Capital Economics said that it would "not spell disaster" indefinitely for the country's valuable financial sector, highlighting Britain's legal system, language, time-zone and large pool of skilled labour as "intrinsic advantages." Drop in Immigration: Immigration from the EU is likely to drop drastically, leading to a shortage of workers in the construction and service industries. A win for Brexit in the referendum -- seen by many voters as a proxy poll on immigration -- would increase pressure on the government to impose tough caps on new arrivals. Immigration consistently tops polls of the most important issues for British voters.

Five possible knock-on effects of Brexit?

Authorities in Malaysia have uncovered an immigration racket involving the sabotage of a computerised passport-screening system at its main international airport, police said today, raising worries about human-trafficking and security.

The immigration department fired&nbsp;15 officials on Tuesday, took disciplinary action against 22 and said it was investigating more in connection with the security breach at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, which could have been going on for years.

Police said arrests were imminent.

&quot;We have identified the suspects.&nbsp;We are still investigating but we will make arrests soon,&quot;&nbsp;deputy police chief Noor Rashid Ibrahim told reporters today.

International and domestic syndicates were involved, Noor Rashid said, and he suggested the motive was human trafficking.

&quot;The syndicates overseas collaborate with the syndicates here. These overseas syndicates &ndash; their responsibility is to bring the man over and collect payments, while the syndicates here, their job is to accept. These are the ones that tried to penetrate the system,&quot; he said.

Authorities said last week the airport&#39;s passport-verification system was deliberately disrupted at certain times of the day, possibly since 2010, raising suspicion people were being smuggled through immigration when it was down.

The revelations come after the auditor-general said in a report tabled in parliament two weeks ago that&nbsp;the immigration system was not functioning satisfactorily.

Human rights groups have questioned Malaysia&#39;s efforts to combat human trafficking after the discovery of mass graves of suspected migrants near the border with Thailand last year.

Malaysia has an estimated two million illegal migrant laborers, many of whom work in the electronics, palm oil and construction sectors.

The immigration system breach has also raised concern about security.

Authorities in the Muslim-majority country have arrested about 170 people since the beginning of last year for suspected militant activity.

Last month, Malaysia deported three foreign suspected militants and arrested 14 Malaysians on suspicion of links to Islamic State, including an aircraft technician.

In March, deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said police had foiled an Islamic State plot to kidnap Prime Minister Najib Razak and other senior ministers last year.

Opposition lawmaker R. Sivarasa said the sabotage warranted a major criminal investigation and called for the police and the anti-corruption commission to look into it.

Scam involved the sabotage of a computerised passport-screening system at country's main international airport, could have been going on for years

Authorities in Malaysia have uncovered an immigration racket involving the sabotage of a computerised passport-screening system at its main international airport, police said today, raising worries about human-trafficking and security. The immigration department fired 15 officials on Tuesday, took disciplinary action against 22 and said it was investigating more in connection with the security breach at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, which could have been going on for years. Police said arrests were imminent. "We have identified the suspects. We are still investigating but we will make arrests soon," deputy police chief Noor Rashid Ibrahim told reporters today. International and domestic syndicates were involved, Noor Rashid said, and he suggested the motive was human trafficking. "The syndicates overseas collaborate with the syndicates here. These overseas syndicates – their responsibility is to bring the man over and collect payments, while the syndicates here, their job is to accept. These are the ones that tried to penetrate the system," he said. Authorities said last week the airport's passport-verification system was deliberately disrupted at certain times of the day, possibly since 2010, raising suspicion people were being smuggled through immigration when it was down. The revelations come after the auditor-general said in a report tabled in parliament two weeks ago that the immigration system was not functioning satisfactorily. Human rights groups have questioned Malaysia's efforts to combat human trafficking after the discovery of mass graves of suspected migrants near the border with Thailand last year. Malaysia has an estimated two million illegal migrant laborers, many of whom work in the electronics, palm oil and construction sectors. The immigration system breach has also raised concern about security. Authorities in the Muslim-majority country have arrested about 170 people since the beginning of last year for suspected militant activity. Last month, Malaysia deported three foreign suspected militants and arrested 14 Malaysians on suspicion of links to Islamic State, including an aircraft technician. In March, deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said police had foiled an Islamic State plot to kidnap Prime Minister Najib Razak and other senior ministers last year. Opposition lawmaker R. Sivarasa said the sabotage warranted a major criminal investigation and called for the police and the anti-corruption commission to look into it.

Malaysia uncovers immigration racket raising trafficking, security fears

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