Greece will keep moving asylum seekers from overcrowded camps on its islands to the mainland, government officials said on Monday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/riots-at-greek-migrant-camp-after-two-die-in-a-fire-252708">after a woman died</a> following clashes and a fire at a refugee camp on the island of Lesbos.

The violent clashes began at the Moria refugee camp on Sunday after a fire broke out inside a shipping container, one of the means Greek authorities use to house refugees. At least 17 people were hurt.

The migrant camp, the country's biggest, is operating at almost four times its capacity.

The charred remains of a woman were taken to hospital, the health ministry said in a statement. Reports of a second victim remained unconfirmed, officials said, adding that the cause of the fire was under investigation.

Deputy Citizen Protection Minister Eleftherios Oikonomou told reporters that 250 people would be transferred from Moria to the mainland by the end of Monday.

The issue would be discussed during a cabinet meeting chaired by the prime minister, a government official said.

About 12,000 migrants and refugees are holed up in Moria camp, a collection of tents and shipping containers, according to data released by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-unhcr-to-survey-rohingya-regarding-return-to-myanmar-244201">United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees</a> (UNHCR), the U.N. refugee agency. The government aims to move at least 3,000 people from its islands to the mainland by the end of October, the official said.

Moving asylum seekers from island camps to the mainland is not a new policy. It was announced by the conservative government last month as part of measures intended to deal with a resurgence in refugee and migrant flows from neighbouring Turkey.

More than 9,000 people arrived <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/asylum-seekers-and-locals-clash-on-greek-island-of-lesbos-over-migrant-crisis-132304">in Greece</a> in August, the highest number in the three years since the European Union and Ankara implemented a deal to shut off the Aegean migrant route. More than 8,000 people have arrived in September, according to the UNHCR.

Nearly a million refugees, many of them fleeing war in Syria, crossed from Turkey to Greece's eastern Aegean islands in 2015. Human rights groups have long criticised the poor conditions at the refugee camps.

Greece will keep moving asylum seekers from overcrowded camps on its islands to the mainland, government officials said on Monday, after a woman died following clashes and a fire at a refugee camp on the island of Lesbos.

Greece will keep moving asylum seekers from overcrowded camps on its islands to the mainland, government officials said on Monday, after a woman died following clashes and a fire at a refugee camp on the island of Lesbos. The violent clashes began at the Moria refugee camp on Sunday after a fire broke out inside a shipping container, one of the means Greek authorities use to house refugees. At least 17 people were hurt. The migrant camp, the country's biggest, is operating at almost four times its capacity. The charred remains of a woman were taken to hospital, the health ministry said in a statement. Reports of a second victim remained unconfirmed, officials said, adding that the cause of the fire was under investigation. Deputy Citizen Protection Minister Eleftherios Oikonomou told reporters that 250 people would be transferred from Moria to the mainland by the end of Monday. The issue would be discussed during a cabinet meeting chaired by the prime minister, a government official said. About 12,000 migrants and refugees are holed up in Moria camp, a collection of tents and shipping containers, according to data released by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the U.N. refugee agency. The government aims to move at least 3,000 people from its islands to the mainland by the end of October, the official said. Moving asylum seekers from island camps to the mainland is not a new policy. It was announced by the conservative government last month as part of measures intended to deal with a resurgence in refugee and migrant flows from neighbouring Turkey. More than 9,000 people arrived in Greece in August, the highest number in the three years since the European Union and Ankara implemented a deal to shut off the Aegean migrant route. More than 8,000 people have arrived in September, according to the UNHCR. Nearly a million refugees, many of them fleeing war in Syria, crossed from Turkey to Greece's eastern Aegean islands in 2015. Human rights groups have long criticised the poor conditions at the refugee camps.

Greece steps up migrant transfers after Lesbos clashes

A US federal judge has dealt a new blow to President Donald Trump's anti-immigration efforts, blocking a measure meant to relax the criteria for deporting undocumented migrants.

The ruling concerns a policy known as expedited removal under which migrants previously found within 100 miles (160 kilometers) of the border within 14 days of their arrival were deported without appearing before an immigration judge.

In July, the Department of Homeland Security implemented a policy to expand the measure to include immigrants found within two years of arrival and located anywhere in the United States.

The decision issued late Friday evening by US District Court Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson prohibits the DHS from applying the expanded criteria.

The move, she said, would leave those affected by the expansion "irreparably harmed."

"The Trump administration intended to deport as many noncitizens as possible using a process that is profoundly flawed and puts noncitizens, including asylum-seekers, at serious risk of wrongful deportation," said Trina Realmuto, directing attorney of the American Immigration Council (AIC) which was one of the plaintiffs in the case.

According to the AIC, some undocumented migrants potentially exempt from deportation due to security risks in their country of origin would be denied due process under the expansion.

On Saturday, the White House issued a statement calling the struck-down expansion a tool that is "vital to addressing the many aliens in the United States who have no right to remain here."

"Once again, a single district judge has suspended application of Federal law nationwide—removing whole classes of illegal aliens from legal accountability," White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham said.

A spokesperson for the US Department of Justice said the decision "squarely conflicts" with authority granted to the Department of Homeland Security to act quickly to "remove from the country aliens who have no right to be here."

Also Friday, a federal judge in California rejected an attempt by the administration to reverse an agreement preventing the indefinite detention of undocumented children.

The United States is facing a migration crisis on its southern border with Mexico, where tens of thousands of people from Central America cross into the United States every month. 
&nbsp;

A US federal judge has dealt a new blow to President Donald Trump's anti-immigration efforts, blocking a measure meant to relax the criteria for deporting undocumented migrants.

A US federal judge has dealt a new blow to President Donald Trump's anti-immigration efforts, blocking a measure meant to relax the criteria for deporting undocumented migrants. The ruling concerns a policy known as expedited removal under which migrants previously found within 100 miles (160 kilometers) of the border within 14 days of their arrival were deported without appearing before an immigration judge. In July, the Department of Homeland Security implemented a policy to expand the measure to include immigrants found within two years of arrival and located anywhere in the United States. The decision issued late Friday evening by US District Court Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson prohibits the DHS from applying the expanded criteria. The move, she said, would leave those affected by the expansion "irreparably harmed." "The Trump administration intended to deport as many noncitizens as possible using a process that is profoundly flawed and puts noncitizens, including asylum-seekers, at serious risk of wrongful deportation," said Trina Realmuto, directing attorney of the American Immigration Council (AIC) which was one of the plaintiffs in the case. According to the AIC, some undocumented migrants potentially exempt from deportation due to security risks in their country of origin would be denied due process under the expansion. On Saturday, the White House issued a statement calling the struck-down expansion a tool that is "vital to addressing the many aliens in the United States who have no right to remain here." "Once again, a single district judge has suspended application of Federal law nationwide—removing whole classes of illegal aliens from legal accountability," White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham said. A spokesperson for the US Department of Justice said the decision "squarely conflicts" with authority granted to the Department of Homeland Security to act quickly to "remove from the country aliens who have no right to be here." Also Friday, a federal judge in California rejected an attempt by the administration to reverse an agreement preventing the indefinite detention of undocumented children. The United States is facing a migration crisis on its southern border with Mexico, where tens of thousands of people from Central America cross into the United States every month.

US judge rejects Trump policy of expanded deportation

With nearly 30,000 migrant workers employed on World Cup construction projects, Qatar's labour rights have come under global scrutiny.

Qatar’s labour rights questioned with thousands of migrants working on World Cup projects

Libya's Coast Guard said late on Thursday that it had picked up 493 migrants on six inflatable boats as a part of six operations in a week in the areas northeast and northwest of Tripoli, the capital.

"The migrants, including 28 women and five children, are from Sub-Saharan, Arab, and Asian countries. They were all moved to detention centres run by the UN-backed Government of National Accord", Coast Guard spokesperson Ayoub Qassem said.&nbsp;

Libya’s western coast is the main departure point for migrants fleeing war and poverty and hoping for new lives in Europe, though the number of crossings has dropped sharply since July 2017.

According to Qassem, the migrants were taken to various detention centres: 173 to Komas, some 120 km&nbsp;east of Tripoli, 166 to Tripoli, 50 to Zawiya, and 104 to Zuwarah, both towns that are west of Tripoli.

Earlier on Thursday, a Sudanese migrant died at the Abu Sittah Naval Base in Tripoli from a bullet wound, hours after being returned to shore by the Libyan Coast Guard. There was no immediate comment on the incident from the Coast Guard.

Libya plunged into chaos following the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) backed uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, with many armed groups and two administrations vying for power.

Libya's Coast Guard said late on Thursday that it had picked up 493 migrants on six inflatable boats as a part of six operations in a week in the areas northeast and northwest of Tripoli, the capital.

Libya's Coast Guard said late on Thursday that it had picked up 493 migrants on six inflatable boats as a part of six operations in a week in the areas northeast and northwest of Tripoli, the capital. "The migrants, including 28 women and five children, are from Sub-Saharan, Arab, and Asian countries. They were all moved to detention centres run by the UN-backed Government of National Accord", Coast Guard spokesperson Ayoub Qassem said. Libya’s western coast is the main departure point for migrants fleeing war and poverty and hoping for new lives in Europe, though the number of crossings has dropped sharply since July 2017. According to Qassem, the migrants were taken to various detention centres: 173 to Komas, some 120 km east of Tripoli, 166 to Tripoli, 50 to Zawiya, and 104 to Zuwarah, both towns that are west of Tripoli. Earlier on Thursday, a Sudanese migrant died at the Abu Sittah Naval Base in Tripoli from a bullet wound, hours after being returned to shore by the Libyan Coast Guard. There was no immediate comment on the incident from the Coast Guard. Libya plunged into chaos following the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) backed uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, with many armed groups and two administrations vying for power.

Libyan Coast Guard picks up 500 migrants near Tripoli

Led by a dream of marrying on US soil, a young Honduran couple travelled thousands of miles from their home in the port city of La Ceiba, narrowly escaping a kidnapping in Mexico before seeking asylum across the border in Texas.

But the couple, Dexy Maldonado and Marvin Madrid, decided, in the end, to settle for a wedding in less than dream-like conditions.

First, US&nbsp;authorities sent them back to wait for months in a violent region of Mexico for their asylum hearings. Then a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-pushes-back-after-top-us-court-favours-trump-on-shunning-migrants-249280">ruling on Wednesday by the US&nbsp;Supreme Court</a> threatened to scupper their plans -- and those of thousands of other Central American migrants who have traveled through Mexico in pursuit of their own dreams in the United States.

So Maldonado, 20, and Madrid, 28, married on Thursday just over the Rio Grande in a Mexican border town, under open skies at a crowded tent camp in an impromptu religious ceremony -- and without registering the wedding with a government.

"The pastor said it wasn`t `legal, legal,` but it might give us a better chance of staying together," said Maldonado, whom US&nbsp;immigration agents had separated from Madrid after detaining the pair in July with their toddler daughter before returning them to Mexico.

Abrupt shifts in US&nbsp;immigration policy have pitched hundreds of mostly Central American asylum-seekers into a life of limbo in the border city of Matamoros, many of them crammed into tents on the end of a bridge from Brownsville, Texas.

The newlyweds are among at least 42,000 asylum seekers who since January have been sent to troubled Mexican border cities to await hearings with US immigration judges under a US program known as the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP).

In July, the Trump administration extended MPP to Matamoros, one of two receiver cities in Tamaulipas, an eastern state so riven by drug cartels that the US State Department ranks it as a "level 4" danger zone on a par with Afghanistan or Somalia.

Asylum seekers experienced a harsher blow still with the Supreme Court`s ruling on Wednesday allowing the Trump administration to enforce a ruling that would require anyone who passes through a third country, including Mexico, to seek asylum there instead of the United States. The decision, which allows US authorities to enforce the rule on asylum seekers as litigation challenging its legality proceeds, piles pressure on Mexico and migrants alike.

"It`s a disaster," said Jennifer Harbury, a Texas-based immigration attorney. "No one knows what it`s going to do to MPP."

Marrying between tents and toilets

The Supreme Court ruling fed the anxieties of asylum seekers who had already been returned to Matamoros and were struggling to stay afloat, caught between two worlds in an unforgiving city where jobs are elusive and criminal gangs treat migrants as lucrative trafficking commodities.

By day, many of some two dozen returnees whom Reuters spoke with worried about leaving the relative safety of a sidewalk near the bridge to search for work. By night, some forced themselves to stay awake lest gangsters snatch their children from inside their tents.

Then there was the question of whether to marry.

Maldonado and Madrid were the first of seven asylum-seeking couples who all tied the knot in the camp beside the bridge on Thursday afternoon.

Reverend Isaac Collins, from Charlottesville, Virginia, officiated the brief but emotional ceremony on a patch of parking lot between two portable toilets, three tents, and a sickly tree whose twigs someone clipped off for makeshift bouquets.

Another migrant fashioned Maldonado a wedding ring from aluminum foil. A third shared with other brides her ring with a mermaid tail, Collins said. 
Earlier, lacking other options to bathe, they cooled off from the stifling heat in the murky green waters of the Rio Grande, despite the rashes that many migrants said it caused. Red blotches marked Madrid`s wrist and their 2-year-old daughter`s armpit.

The couple had left Honduras after losing their jobs when authorities raided the used-clothing chain where they worked, alleging the owners used the business to launder drug money.

The two said they departed with a small group led by a self-proclaimed "guide," who asked for no money to take them up through Mexico.

However, as they neared Reynosa, a city about an hour`s drive west of Matamoros, a man apparently known to the guide pulled them off a bus and took them to a site where dozens of other people were being forcibly held, the couple said. They said they escaped, sleeping in ditches until finally crossing the Rio Grande and surrendering to US&nbsp;authorities.

It was not immediately possible for Reuters to verify the details of the apparent kidnapping.

A Department of Homeland Security document reviewed by Reuters shows that Maldonado was "subject to removal" from Texas on July 26 and told to appear at the gateway to Brownsville for a court hearing on September&nbsp;30.

"They told us the rules had changed three days earlier, which is why they sent us back here," Maldonado said.

Even before MPP was expanded to Tamaulipas, rights group Human Rights First documented more than a hundred cases of rape, kidnapping, sexual exploitation and other violent attacks against asylum seekers returned to Mexico under the program.

Madrid has now found work as a part-time laborer after a Mexican construction worker walked into the MPP encampment, looking for hires.

Wary of criminals, Madrid said he decided to try the job for a day, before sticking with it as the best option for his family as they await a court date that lawyers say may now not come.

Led by a dream of marrying on US soil, a young Honduran couple travelled thousands of miles from their home in the port city of La Ceiba, narrowly escaping a kidnapping in Mexico before seeking asylum across the border in Texas.

Led by a dream of marrying on US soil, a young Honduran couple travelled thousands of miles from their home in the port city of La Ceiba, narrowly escaping a kidnapping in Mexico before seeking asylum across the border in Texas. But the couple, Dexy Maldonado and Marvin Madrid, decided, in the end, to settle for a wedding in less than dream-like conditions. First, US authorities sent them back to wait for months in a violent region of Mexico for their asylum hearings. Then a ruling on Wednesday by the US Supreme Court threatened to scupper their plans -- and those of thousands of other Central American migrants who have traveled through Mexico in pursuit of their own dreams in the United States. So Maldonado, 20, and Madrid, 28, married on Thursday just over the Rio Grande in a Mexican border town, under open skies at a crowded tent camp in an impromptu religious ceremony -- and without registering the wedding with a government. "The pastor said it wasn`t `legal, legal,` but it might give us a better chance of staying together," said Maldonado, whom US immigration agents had separated from Madrid after detaining the pair in July with their toddler daughter before returning them to Mexico. Abrupt shifts in US immigration policy have pitched hundreds of mostly Central American asylum-seekers into a life of limbo in the border city of Matamoros, many of them crammed into tents on the end of a bridge from Brownsville, Texas. The newlyweds are among at least 42,000 asylum seekers who since January have been sent to troubled Mexican border cities to await hearings with US immigration judges under a US program known as the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP). In July, the Trump administration extended MPP to Matamoros, one of two receiver cities in Tamaulipas, an eastern state so riven by drug cartels that the US State Department ranks it as a "level 4" danger zone on a par with Afghanistan or Somalia. Asylum seekers experienced a harsher blow still with the Supreme Court`s ruling on Wednesday allowing the Trump administration to enforce a ruling that would require anyone who passes through a third country, including Mexico, to seek asylum there instead of the United States. The decision, which allows US authorities to enforce the rule on asylum seekers as litigation challenging its legality proceeds, piles pressure on Mexico and migrants alike. "It`s a disaster," said Jennifer Harbury, a Texas-based immigration attorney. "No one knows what it`s going to do to MPP." Marrying between tents and toilets The Supreme Court ruling fed the anxieties of asylum seekers who had already been returned to Matamoros and were struggling to stay afloat, caught between two worlds in an unforgiving city where jobs are elusive and criminal gangs treat migrants as lucrative trafficking commodities. By day, many of some two dozen returnees whom Reuters spoke with worried about leaving the relative safety of a sidewalk near the bridge to search for work. By night, some forced themselves to stay awake lest gangsters snatch their children from inside their tents. Then there was the question of whether to marry. Maldonado and Madrid were the first of seven asylum-seeking couples who all tied the knot in the camp beside the bridge on Thursday afternoon. Reverend Isaac Collins, from Charlottesville, Virginia, officiated the brief but emotional ceremony on a patch of parking lot between two portable toilets, three tents, and a sickly tree whose twigs someone clipped off for makeshift bouquets. Another migrant fashioned Maldonado a wedding ring from aluminum foil. A third shared with other brides her ring with a mermaid tail, Collins said. Earlier, lacking other options to bathe, they cooled off from the stifling heat in the murky green waters of the Rio Grande, despite the rashes that many migrants said it caused. Red blotches marked Madrid`s wrist and their 2-year-old daughter`s armpit. The couple had left Honduras after losing their jobs when authorities raided the used-clothing chain where they worked, alleging the owners used the business to launder drug money. The two said they departed with a small group led by a self-proclaimed "guide," who asked for no money to take them up through Mexico. However, as they neared Reynosa, a city about an hour`s drive west of Matamoros, a man apparently known to the guide pulled them off a bus and took them to a site where dozens of other people were being forcibly held, the couple said. They said they escaped, sleeping in ditches until finally crossing the Rio Grande and surrendering to US authorities. It was not immediately possible for Reuters to verify the details of the apparent kidnapping. A Department of Homeland Security document reviewed by Reuters shows that Maldonado was "subject to removal" from Texas on July 26 and told to appear at the gateway to Brownsville for a court hearing on September 30. "They told us the rules had changed three days earlier, which is why they sent us back here," Maldonado said. Even before MPP was expanded to Tamaulipas, rights group Human Rights First documented more than a hundred cases of rape, kidnapping, sexual exploitation and other violent attacks against asylum seekers returned to Mexico under the program. Madrid has now found work as a part-time laborer after a Mexican construction worker walked into the MPP encampment, looking for hires. Wary of criminals, Madrid said he decided to try the job for a day, before sticking with it as the best option for his family as they await a court date that lawyers say may now not come.

After US court ruling, Honduran newlyweds among migrants clinging to asylum dream

The Mexican government protested and Central American migrants feared deportation back to their violent homelands on Thursday after the US Supreme Court allowed President Donald Trump <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-allows-trump-to-deny-asylum-to-many-central-americans-249093">to slam the door on asylum-seekers at the US-Mexican border</a>.

The court on Wednesday found that Trump`s restrictive asylum rule could go into effect nationwide while a lawsuit challenging its underlying legality proceeds, handing the president a victory as he brandishes his anti-immigration credentials for the November 2020 presidential election.

The rule requires<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/migrants-will-pay-the-price-of-mexicos-tariff-deal-with-trump-226455"> immigrants who want asylum </a>to first seek safe haven in a third country through which they travel on the way to the United States, enabling the United States to combat a record surge in Central American asylum-seekers.

Trump`s immigration crackdown has animated his base of supporters while immigrant advocates in the United States fear the court decision will endanger the lives of migrants, many of them fleeing poverty, street gangs and domestic violence in Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador.

With the threat of automatic rejection hanging over the most recent arrivals, thousands of migrants are cramped into shelters or sleeping in the streets of Mexican border cities in places such as the state of Tamaulipas, where the US State Department has placed a "do not travel" advisory due to violent crime similar to its warnings against visiting war-torn Sudan or Syria.

One asylum-seeker from El Salvador who staying in a Tijuana shelter while awaiting her immigration hearing in San Diego said she could only hope to God she would not be sent back.

"I`m very scared, I hope this won`t affect me. I cannot return to my country, they tried to rape me there twice because I am a lesbian and the last time I ended up in a hospital in intensive care," said Veronica Martinez, 23. "I trust in God that the court`s decision does not affect me."

The Mexican government also pushed back against the US high court`s action, one that could create a new headache for Mexico.

"This is the ruling by the court, it`s a US issue, and obviously we don`t agree with it, we have a different policy," Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard told a news conference.

Tense relations

The court`s decision comes at a delicate time for Mexican-US relations.&nbsp;

Under Trump`s threat of imposing tariffs, Mexico has agreed to house many of the surging number of Central American asylum-seekers south of the border pending their US hearings.

That gesture has led to a sharp decline in US apprehensions and rejections of migrants at the border, winning Mexico praise from Trump following a White House meeting on Tuesday.

But Mexico has resisted US pressure to sign a formal "safe third country" agreement that would commit it to hearing the asylum cases of migrants from Central American and elsewhere, a move that would take even more pressure off the US border.

The downside for Mexico is that the buildup of migrants at the northern border is putting stress on schools, health clinics and housing.

"We have seen outbreaks of acts of xenophobia in Mexico that did not exist before, mainly in the north of the country," said Israel Ibarra, an immigration expert with the Continente Movil consultancy in Tijuana.

Francisco Gallardo, director of the Casa de Migrantes shelter in Reynosa, said migrants are sleeping in tents beside a bridge linking the two countries and are sure to grow more discouraged by the Supreme Court decision.

"We`ll see what measures can be taken because there are about 500 people next to the bridge," Gallardo said.

Under the so-called Migrant Protection Protocols, the US government built temporary, soft-sided courthouses near the border ports of entry in Laredo and Brownsville, Texas, and started hearing cases this week.

In Harlingen, Texas, Judge Delia Gonzalez took the bench Thursday, linked by video conference to a courtroom 30 miles (50 km) away in Brownsville.

She heard the cases of two Salvadorans who crossed from Mexico into south Texas in August, were arrested by US officers, and returned to the Mexican border town of Matamoros.

A Salvadoran woman said she had received cruel threats from gangs, and Gonzalez asked if she feared returning.

"Yes, a lot," the woman said.

After brief hearings, she and a Salvadoran man were given court dates to appear again in October.

The Mexican government protested and Central American migrants feared deportation back to their violent homelands on Thursday after the US Supreme Court allowed President Donald Trump to slam the door on asylum-seekers at the US-Mexican border.

The Mexican government protested and Central American migrants feared deportation back to their violent homelands on Thursday after the US Supreme Court allowed President Donald Trump to slam the door on asylum-seekers at the US-Mexican border. The court on Wednesday found that Trump`s restrictive asylum rule could go into effect nationwide while a lawsuit challenging its underlying legality proceeds, handing the president a victory as he brandishes his anti-immigration credentials for the November 2020 presidential election. The rule requires immigrants who want asylum to first seek safe haven in a third country through which they travel on the way to the United States, enabling the United States to combat a record surge in Central American asylum-seekers. Trump`s immigration crackdown has animated his base of supporters while immigrant advocates in the United States fear the court decision will endanger the lives of migrants, many of them fleeing poverty, street gangs and domestic violence in Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador. With the threat of automatic rejection hanging over the most recent arrivals, thousands of migrants are cramped into shelters or sleeping in the streets of Mexican border cities in places such as the state of Tamaulipas, where the US State Department has placed a "do not travel" advisory due to violent crime similar to its warnings against visiting war-torn Sudan or Syria. One asylum-seeker from El Salvador who staying in a Tijuana shelter while awaiting her immigration hearing in San Diego said she could only hope to God she would not be sent back. "I`m very scared, I hope this won`t affect me. I cannot return to my country, they tried to rape me there twice because I am a lesbian and the last time I ended up in a hospital in intensive care," said Veronica Martinez, 23. "I trust in God that the court`s decision does not affect me." The Mexican government also pushed back against the US high court`s action, one that could create a new headache for Mexico. "This is the ruling by the court, it`s a US issue, and obviously we don`t agree with it, we have a different policy," Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard told a news conference. Tense relations The court`s decision comes at a delicate time for Mexican-US relations. Under Trump`s threat of imposing tariffs, Mexico has agreed to house many of the surging number of Central American asylum-seekers south of the border pending their US hearings. That gesture has led to a sharp decline in US apprehensions and rejections of migrants at the border, winning Mexico praise from Trump following a White House meeting on Tuesday. But Mexico has resisted US pressure to sign a formal "safe third country" agreement that would commit it to hearing the asylum cases of migrants from Central American and elsewhere, a move that would take even more pressure off the US border. The downside for Mexico is that the buildup of migrants at the northern border is putting stress on schools, health clinics and housing. "We have seen outbreaks of acts of xenophobia in Mexico that did not exist before, mainly in the north of the country," said Israel Ibarra, an immigration expert with the Continente Movil consultancy in Tijuana. Francisco Gallardo, director of the Casa de Migrantes shelter in Reynosa, said migrants are sleeping in tents beside a bridge linking the two countries and are sure to grow more discouraged by the Supreme Court decision. "We`ll see what measures can be taken because there are about 500 people next to the bridge," Gallardo said. Under the so-called Migrant Protection Protocols, the US government built temporary, soft-sided courthouses near the border ports of entry in Laredo and Brownsville, Texas, and started hearing cases this week. In Harlingen, Texas, Judge Delia Gonzalez took the bench Thursday, linked by video conference to a courtroom 30 miles (50 km) away in Brownsville. She heard the cases of two Salvadorans who crossed from Mexico into south Texas in August, were arrested by US officers, and returned to the Mexican border town of Matamoros. A Salvadoran woman said she had received cruel threats from gangs, and Gonzalez asked if she feared returning. "Yes, a lot," the woman said. After brief hearings, she and a Salvadoran man were given court dates to appear again in October.

Mexico pushes back after top US court favours Trump on shunning migrants

Andhra Pradesh is the first state in India to enact a law guaranteeing 75 per cent job reservation for locals in private industrial units, factories, joint ventures, including public-private partnership concerns.

The enactment prescribes that if locals lack the requisite skills, companies and factories are mandated to train them with state government’s assistance and hire them.

While no state can afford to ignore local talent, shutting the doors on the migrant labour force is a regressive step. This model will prove to be very complex and a threat to the overall economic and industrial growth of the newly bifurcated state.

Lately, many regional satraps are taken in by parochial considerations and jingoist sentiments. State governments such as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Bannerjee’s preference for Bengali-speakers over non-Bengalis in employment in the state, MP Chief Minister’s penchant for 70 per cent employment for locals in the state’s industrial units, Gujarat CM Vijaya Rupani’s promise of 80 per cent job reservations for locals in the industrial and service sector, are examples that may prompt other states to follow suit.

According to Census 2011, there are 139 million internal migrants in the country, who are also a captive source of labour. Their employment does help them in earning and contributing to the state GDP. The xenophobic reaction and nativism is often an excuse to hide failures by governments for their utter misgovernance.

Viewing the whole world as one community has become a term of abuse in the hands of regional political leaders. These leaders view outsiders with suspicion and self-righteousness. According to them, “rootless cosmopolitans” are a threat to the integrity of the state.

For example, beating up Hindi-speaking auto drivers in Mumbai and a proposal from Raj-Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navanirman Sena to issue licenses only to Marathi-speaking autorickshaw drivers, the “Bongal Kheda” agitation in Assam and the fight against “dikus” (outsiders) in Jharkhand, are all examples of this disturbing trend.

Overindulgence in the domestic politics of parochialism constitute the greatest threats to regional peace and stability among different states. It is nothing but splitting the general population into groups and putting their own state citizens’ needs ahead of other citizens’ needs.

These man-created barriers do not come up overnight, but evolve over a period of time. It comes in handy for cynical politicians to hide their failures and mismanagement of the economy. Agendas such as these are often backed by selfish and personal goals at the expense of national interest.

If implemented, such laws would violate Article 14 and 16 of the Indian Constitution. Article 19(d) and 19(e) of the Constitution, which are ingrained in our fundamental rights, guarantees freedom of movement to Indian citizens within the territory of India. In the past, many Indian states have enacted such laws, but have never implemented it vigorously.

Interestingly, Andhra Pradesh has excluded some areas such as fertilisers, coal, pharmaceuticals, petroleum, cement and IT industry from the ambit of such a job guarantee statute.

Similarly, while formulating the 100 per cent reservation plan for the Kannadigas in blue-collar industries in Karnataka, both infotech and biotech have been kept outside its purview.

However, none of these local reservations have been challenged in any court of law, nor does the Constitution contain any provision for non-discriminatory commercial clause.

While responding to the changed law of job reservation for locals, the companies will be busy in adjusting the composition of the workforce to meet the changed quota regime. However, the number and nature of jobs will remain unaffected. Hence, states, instead of changing the job composition, should focus more on new job creation.

At a time, when states are competing fiercely to attract investment, it would be counter-productive for them to discriminate and reserve jobs for sons of the soil.

States who do so, will lose in the long run since the investment flow prefers places where there is low compliance costs and freedom of hiring employees, as per their choice.

To achieve higher growth rate, there is no substitute to employing skilled professionals. In order to survive and excel in the competitive globalised world, the country needs to focus on overall skill development and national goals over regional preferences.

The politics of local preference will dilute the pace of economic growth. A level playing field puts merit over domicile.

The populist stand by state governments could have a bearing on the quantity and quality of investment coming in. When the central government is seeking to achieve the goal of “One Nation One Tax” with the introduction of GST, reservation for locals take us to the other extreme.

In a hypothetical situation, if other states decide to retaliate by not employing personnel hailing from Andhra Pradesh or states reserving jobs for locals, it will add another dimension to the problem of parochialism.

No state can afford to ignore local talent, but shooing away skilled/unskilled migrants is a regressive step. Political compulsions and electoral promises made by politicians apart, reservation for the locals in the private sector is not an effective model to tackle burgeoning unemployment and underemployment.

It may prove regressive and dissuade the corporate sector to invest in a state where such a rule is prevalent. India being a labour surplus country, the internal migration of labour is quite natural.

Many studies indicate that movement of labour is good for the economy, since the regions suffering deficit of labour forces imports from the labour surplus states. 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-politics-of-native-preference-2789345">original article</a>) 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Andhra Pradesh is the first state in India to enact a law guaranteeing 75 per cent job reservation for locals in private industrial units, factories, joint ventures, including public-private partnership concerns.

Andhra Pradesh is the first state in India to enact a law guaranteeing 75 per cent job reservation for locals in private industrial units, factories, joint ventures, including public-private partnership concerns. The enactment prescribes that if locals lack the requisite skills, companies and factories are mandated to train them with state government’s assistance and hire them. While no state can afford to ignore local talent, shutting the doors on the migrant labour force is a regressive step. This model will prove to be very complex and a threat to the overall economic and industrial growth of the newly bifurcated state. Lately, many regional satraps are taken in by parochial considerations and jingoist sentiments. State governments such as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Bannerjee’s preference for Bengali-speakers over non-Bengalis in employment in the state, MP Chief Minister’s penchant for 70 per cent employment for locals in the state’s industrial units, Gujarat CM Vijaya Rupani’s promise of 80 per cent job reservations for locals in the industrial and service sector, are examples that may prompt other states to follow suit. According to Census 2011, there are 139 million internal migrants in the country, who are also a captive source of labour. Their employment does help them in earning and contributing to the state GDP. The xenophobic reaction and nativism is often an excuse to hide failures by governments for their utter misgovernance. Viewing the whole world as one community has become a term of abuse in the hands of regional political leaders. These leaders view outsiders with suspicion and self-righteousness. According to them, “rootless cosmopolitans” are a threat to the integrity of the state. For example, beating up Hindi-speaking auto drivers in Mumbai and a proposal from Raj-Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navanirman Sena to issue licenses only to Marathi-speaking autorickshaw drivers, the “Bongal Kheda” agitation in Assam and the fight against “dikus” (outsiders) in Jharkhand, are all examples of this disturbing trend. Overindulgence in the domestic politics of parochialism constitute the greatest threats to regional peace and stability among different states. It is nothing but splitting the general population into groups and putting their own state citizens’ needs ahead of other citizens’ needs. These man-created barriers do not come up overnight, but evolve over a period of time. It comes in handy for cynical politicians to hide their failures and mismanagement of the economy. Agendas such as these are often backed by selfish and personal goals at the expense of national interest. If implemented, such laws would violate Article 14 and 16 of the Indian Constitution. Article 19(d) and 19(e) of the Constitution, which are ingrained in our fundamental rights, guarantees freedom of movement to Indian citizens within the territory of India. In the past, many Indian states have enacted such laws, but have never implemented it vigorously. Interestingly, Andhra Pradesh has excluded some areas such as fertilisers, coal, pharmaceuticals, petroleum, cement and IT industry from the ambit of such a job guarantee statute. Similarly, while formulating the 100 per cent reservation plan for the Kannadigas in blue-collar industries in Karnataka, both infotech and biotech have been kept outside its purview. However, none of these local reservations have been challenged in any court of law, nor does the Constitution contain any provision for non-discriminatory commercial clause. While responding to the changed law of job reservation for locals, the companies will be busy in adjusting the composition of the workforce to meet the changed quota regime. However, the number and nature of jobs will remain unaffected. Hence, states, instead of changing the job composition, should focus more on new job creation. At a time, when states are competing fiercely to attract investment, it would be counter-productive for them to discriminate and reserve jobs for sons of the soil. States who do so, will lose in the long run since the investment flow prefers places where there is low compliance costs and freedom of hiring employees, as per their choice. To achieve higher growth rate, there is no substitute to employing skilled professionals. In order to survive and excel in the competitive globalised world, the country needs to focus on overall skill development and national goals over regional preferences. The politics of local preference will dilute the pace of economic growth. A level playing field puts merit over domicile. The populist stand by state governments could have a bearing on the quantity and quality of investment coming in. When the central government is seeking to achieve the goal of “One Nation One Tax” with the introduction of GST, reservation for locals take us to the other extreme. In a hypothetical situation, if other states decide to retaliate by not employing personnel hailing from Andhra Pradesh or states reserving jobs for locals, it will add another dimension to the problem of parochialism. No state can afford to ignore local talent, but shooing away skilled/unskilled migrants is a regressive step. Political compulsions and electoral promises made by politicians apart, reservation for the locals in the private sector is not an effective model to tackle burgeoning unemployment and underemployment. It may prove regressive and dissuade the corporate sector to invest in a state where such a rule is prevalent. India being a labour surplus country, the internal migration of labour is quite natural. Many studies indicate that movement of labour is good for the economy, since the regions suffering deficit of labour forces imports from the labour surplus states. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Politics of native preference: Shooing away migrants is economically disastrous

Greece is to step up border patrols, move asylum-seekers from its islands to the mainland and speed up deportations in an effort to deal with a resurgence in migrant flows from neighbouring Turkey.

The government`s Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence convened on Saturday for an emergency session after the arrival on Thursday of more than a dozen migrant boats carrying around 600 people, the first simultaneous arrival of its kind in three years.&nbsp;

The increase in arrivals has piled additional pressure on Greece`s overcrowded island camps, all of which are operating at least twice their capacity.

Arrivals - mostly of Afghan families - have picked up over the summer, and August saw the highest number of monthly landings in three years.&nbsp;

Greece`s Moria camp on the island of Lesbos - a sprawling facility where conditions have been described by aid organisations as inhumane - is also holding the largest number of people since the deal was agreed.

On Saturday, the government said it would move asylum-seekers to mainland facilities, increase border surveillance together with the European Union`s border patrol agency Frontex and NATO, and boost police patrols across Greece to identify rejected asylum seekers who have remained in the country.

It also plans to cut back a lengthy asylum process, which can take several months to conclude, by abolishing the second stage of appeals when an application is rejected, and deporting the applicant either to Turkey or to their country of origin.

"The asylum process in our country was the longest, the most time consuming and, in the end, the most ineffective in Europe," Greece`s deputy citizen protection minister responsible for migration policy, Giorgos Koumoutsakos, told state television.

Responding to criticism from the opposition that the move was unfair and unlawful, Koumoutsakos said, "Asylum must move quickly so that those who are entitled to international protection are vindicated ... and for us to know who should not stay in Greece."

The government was "determined to push ahead with a robust returns policy because that is what the law and the country`s best interest impose, in accordance with human rights," he said.

Greece was the main gateway to northern Europe in 2015 for nearly a million migrants and refugees from war-torn and poverty-stricken countries in the Middle East and Africa.&nbsp;

A deal between the EU and Turkey in March 2016 reduced the influx to a trickle, but closures of borders across the Balkans resulted in tens of thousands of people stranded in Greece.

Humanitarian organisations have criticised Greece for not doing enough to improve living conditions at its camps, which they have described as "shameful".

 
&nbsp;

Greece is to step up border patrols, move asylum-seekers from its islands to the mainland and speed up deportations in an effort to deal with a resurgence in migrant flows from neighbouring Turkey.

Greece is to step up border patrols, move asylum-seekers from its islands to the mainland and speed up deportations in an effort to deal with a resurgence in migrant flows from neighbouring Turkey. The government`s Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence convened on Saturday for an emergency session after the arrival on Thursday of more than a dozen migrant boats carrying around 600 people, the first simultaneous arrival of its kind in three years. The increase in arrivals has piled additional pressure on Greece`s overcrowded island camps, all of which are operating at least twice their capacity. Arrivals - mostly of Afghan families - have picked up over the summer, and August saw the highest number of monthly landings in three years. Greece`s Moria camp on the island of Lesbos - a sprawling facility where conditions have been described by aid organisations as inhumane - is also holding the largest number of people since the deal was agreed. On Saturday, the government said it would move asylum-seekers to mainland facilities, increase border surveillance together with the European Union`s border patrol agency Frontex and NATO, and boost police patrols across Greece to identify rejected asylum seekers who have remained in the country. It also plans to cut back a lengthy asylum process, which can take several months to conclude, by abolishing the second stage of appeals when an application is rejected, and deporting the applicant either to Turkey or to their country of origin. "The asylum process in our country was the longest, the most time consuming and, in the end, the most ineffective in Europe," Greece`s deputy citizen protection minister responsible for migration policy, Giorgos Koumoutsakos, told state television. Responding to criticism from the opposition that the move was unfair and unlawful, Koumoutsakos said, "Asylum must move quickly so that those who are entitled to international protection are vindicated ... and for us to know who should not stay in Greece." The government was "determined to push ahead with a robust returns policy because that is what the law and the country`s best interest impose, in accordance with human rights," he said. Greece was the main gateway to northern Europe in 2015 for nearly a million migrants and refugees from war-torn and poverty-stricken countries in the Middle East and Africa. A deal between the EU and Turkey in March 2016 reduced the influx to a trickle, but closures of borders across the Balkans resulted in tens of thousands of people stranded in Greece. Humanitarian organisations have criticised Greece for not doing enough to improve living conditions at its camps, which they have described as "shameful".

Greece to increase border patrols and deportations to curb migrant influx

Nearly 250 Migrants had tried to climb the fence

WION Dispatch: Migrants Jump over 18-feet high fence

More than 150 migrants crossed the border fence at Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta early on Friday and at least six Spanish police officers suffered minor injuries as they tried to stop them, a government spokesman in the city said. The Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla on Morocco's northern coast are a magnet for illegal African migrants trying to reach Europe in search of a better life. The enclaves are surrounded by a 6-meter-high fence topped with razor wire.

Over 150 migrants storm through Spain's enclave fence

Regional leaders on Friday called for "shock" investment in infrastructure in Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador to reduce the number of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/migrants-finally-disembark-open-arms-ship-in-italy-244628">migrants</a> flowing from the three economically fragile countries, bound for the United States.

Efforts to stem the flow of Central Americans, many <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/changes-for-a-landmark-agreement-mean-immigrant-children-face-harsher-treatment-in-us-245059">seeking legal asylum in the United States</a>, have gained impetus as US President Donald Trump continues to pursue a mix of threats and stepped-up immigration enforcement.

Poverty and rampant corruption that allows drug trafficking and criminal gangs to flourish in the so-called Northern Triangle have prompted many to seek a better life in the United States.

"The Northern Triangle region needs a shock of investment," said Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, host of a regional summit that wrapped up on Friday that also included political and business leaders from Mexico, Colombia and the Dominican Republic as well as all six Central American nations.

In the summit`s final declaration, the leaders signaled their "commitment to promote the formation of a great international initiative for the massive generation of jobs and productive investments in our countries."

The plan, which focused on infrastructure projects including railways, highways, pipelines, ports and airports, is needed to reduce the "migratory momentum," it said. 
Hernandez noted that the proposal will be submitted to the United Nations.

The summit was held in Honduras` second biggest city and industrial hub, San Pedro Sula, which has seen waves of migrants fleeing one of the world`s highest homicide rates at more than 47 per 100,000 residents, according to 2018 government data.

Regional leaders on Friday called for "shock" investment in infrastructure in Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador to reduce the number of migrants flowing from the three economically fragile countries, bound for the United States.

Regional leaders on Friday called for "shock" investment in infrastructure in Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador to reduce the number of migrants flowing from the three economically fragile countries, bound for the United States. Efforts to stem the flow of Central Americans, many seeking legal asylum in the United States, have gained impetus as US President Donald Trump continues to pursue a mix of threats and stepped-up immigration enforcement. Poverty and rampant corruption that allows drug trafficking and criminal gangs to flourish in the so-called Northern Triangle have prompted many to seek a better life in the United States. "The Northern Triangle region needs a shock of investment," said Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, host of a regional summit that wrapped up on Friday that also included political and business leaders from Mexico, Colombia and the Dominican Republic as well as all six Central American nations. In the summit`s final declaration, the leaders signaled their "commitment to promote the formation of a great international initiative for the massive generation of jobs and productive investments in our countries." The plan, which focused on infrastructure projects including railways, highways, pipelines, ports and airports, is needed to reduce the "migratory momentum," it said. Hernandez noted that the proposal will be submitted to the United Nations. The summit was held in Honduras` second biggest city and industrial hub, San Pedro Sula, which has seen waves of migrants fleeing one of the world`s highest homicide rates at more than 47 per 100,000 residents, according to 2018 government data.

'Shock' investment urged to stem flow of Central American migrants

By Kevin Johnson 
 
The Trump administration is trying to terminate the Flores settlement, a legal agreement that determines how immigrant children are treated in US immigration detention.

The 1997 settlement established basic standards for the treatment of unaccompanied minors who were in the custody of federal authorities for violating immigration laws.

It requires the federal government to place children with a close relative or family friend “without unnecessary delay,” rather than detaining them, and to keep immigrant children who are in custody in the “least restrictive conditions” possible. Generally speaking, this has meant migrant children can be kept in federal immigrant detention for only 20 days.

But a new regulation, originally proposed by the Trump administration in 2018 and finalised on August 21, would remove the requirements of the Flores settlement.

Case took years

In the 1980s, the Reagan administration aggressively used detention of Central Americans as a device to deter migration from that region, where violent civil wars had caused tens of thousands to flee.

Central Americans arrested at the US-Mexico border were held in custody – including many who sought asylum in the US because they feared persecution if returned home.

Immigrant rights groups filed a series of lawsuits challenging various aspects of the detention policies, including denying migrants access to counsel, taking steps to encourage them to “consent” to deportation and detaining them in isolated locations far from families and attorneys.

One suit was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union in 1985 on behalf of Jenny Lisette Flores, a 15-year-old from El Salvador. She had fled violence in her home country to live with an aunt who was in the US.

But Flores was detained by federal authorities at the US border for not having proper documentation permitting her to stay in the US.

The American Civil Liberties Union charged that holding Flores indefinitely violated the US&nbsp;Constitution and immigration laws. The Flores case slowly made its way to the US Supreme Court.

In its 1993 ruling in the case, the court held that a regulation allowing the government to release a migrant child to a close family member or legal guardian in the United States was legal.

But the primary legacy of the case was the subsequent settlement, to which both the Clinton administration and the plaintiffs agreed in 1997.

The Flores settlement is a landmark agreement in no small part because Central Americans continue to flee violence in their homelands and the US government has responded with mass detention of immigrant children.

Although the settlement was agreeable to the Clinton administration, the Trump administration strongly desires to detain families, including children, for periods longer than permitted by the Flores settlement – in fact, indefinitely.

Longtime contentious issue

Litigation over enforcement of the Flores settlement has exploded during the Trump administration, which has detained migrant children in poor conditions along the US-Mexico border since soon after taking office.

The lawsuits include a court case brought by immigrants’ rights and civil liberties groups in response to what they called the “imminent threat to the health and welfare” of migrant children in detention. US border officials should have “promptly released children to their relatives and provided safe and sanitary detention conditions for all children in its custody,” said an attorney representing the groups that brought the action.

Similarly, in the summer of 2018, based on the Flores settlement, a federal court barred immigration authorities from giving children psychotropic drugs without consent of parents or legal guardians.

Conditions apparently have not improved in detention centers across the country. Several children have died while in custody since January, and public outcry over the conditions of detention for the migrants have led to numerous court fights.

During recent litigation seeking to enforce the Flores settlement, the Department of Justice made headlines for its defense of the detention conditions of migrant children. The judges of the court of appeals were incredulous at the government’s claim that soap and a toothbrush were not necessarily required for detained migrant children. Not surprisingly, the court flatly rejected the government’s claim.

Last year, the Trump administration requested to amend the settlement to allow it to indefinitely detain migrant children.

The courts consistently have denied these requests and have continued to monitor the detention of migrant children, as the Flores settlement requires them to do.

Importantly, the new rule will allow the Department of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services to respond to significant changes that have occurred since the Flores settlement agreement has been in place, including dramatic increases in the numbers of unaccompanied children and family units crossing into the United States.

The rule is slated to take effect on October 23. But immigration and civil liberties advocates have vowed to challenge the rule in court, which will put the proposed change in front of US District Judge Dolly M. Gee. Gee is the judge who denied the administration’s request last year to extend family detentions. 
 
(Kevin Johnson is Dean and Professor of Public Interest Law and Chicana/o Studies, University of California, Davis)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/changes-for-a-landmark-agreement-mean-immigrant-children-face-harsher-treatment-in-us-122282">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) &nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

By Kevin Johnson The Trump administration is trying to terminate the Flores settlement, a legal agreement that determines how immigrant children are treated in US immigration detention.

By Kevin Johnson The Trump administration is trying to terminate the Flores settlement, a legal agreement that determines how immigrant children are treated in US immigration detention. The 1997 settlement established basic standards for the treatment of unaccompanied minors who were in the custody of federal authorities for violating immigration laws. It requires the federal government to place children with a close relative or family friend “without unnecessary delay,” rather than detaining them, and to keep immigrant children who are in custody in the “least restrictive conditions” possible. Generally speaking, this has meant migrant children can be kept in federal immigrant detention for only 20 days. But a new regulation, originally proposed by the Trump administration in 2018 and finalised on August 21, would remove the requirements of the Flores settlement. Case took years In the 1980s, the Reagan administration aggressively used detention of Central Americans as a device to deter migration from that region, where violent civil wars had caused tens of thousands to flee. Central Americans arrested at the US-Mexico border were held in custody – including many who sought asylum in the US because they feared persecution if returned home. Immigrant rights groups filed a series of lawsuits challenging various aspects of the detention policies, including denying migrants access to counsel, taking steps to encourage them to “consent” to deportation and detaining them in isolated locations far from families and attorneys. One suit was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union in 1985 on behalf of Jenny Lisette Flores, a 15-year-old from El Salvador. She had fled violence in her home country to live with an aunt who was in the US. But Flores was detained by federal authorities at the US border for not having proper documentation permitting her to stay in the US. The American Civil Liberties Union charged that holding Flores indefinitely violated the US Constitution and immigration laws. The Flores case slowly made its way to the US Supreme Court. In its 1993 ruling in the case, the court held that a regulation allowing the government to release a migrant child to a close family member or legal guardian in the United States was legal. But the primary legacy of the case was the subsequent settlement, to which both the Clinton administration and the plaintiffs agreed in 1997. The Flores settlement is a landmark agreement in no small part because Central Americans continue to flee violence in their homelands and the US government has responded with mass detention of immigrant children. Although the settlement was agreeable to the Clinton administration, the Trump administration strongly desires to detain families, including children, for periods longer than permitted by the Flores settlement – in fact, indefinitely. Longtime contentious issue Litigation over enforcement of the Flores settlement has exploded during the Trump administration, which has detained migrant children in poor conditions along the US-Mexico border since soon after taking office. The lawsuits include a court case brought by immigrants’ rights and civil liberties groups in response to what they called the “imminent threat to the health and welfare” of migrant children in detention. US border officials should have “promptly released children to their relatives and provided safe and sanitary detention conditions for all children in its custody,” said an attorney representing the groups that brought the action. Similarly, in the summer of 2018, based on the Flores settlement, a federal court barred immigration authorities from giving children psychotropic drugs without consent of parents or legal guardians. Conditions apparently have not improved in detention centers across the country. Several children have died while in custody since January, and public outcry over the conditions of detention for the migrants have led to numerous court fights. During recent litigation seeking to enforce the Flores settlement, the Department of Justice made headlines for its defense of the detention conditions of migrant children. The judges of the court of appeals were incredulous at the government’s claim that soap and a toothbrush were not necessarily required for detained migrant children. Not surprisingly, the court flatly rejected the government’s claim. Last year, the Trump administration requested to amend the settlement to allow it to indefinitely detain migrant children. The courts consistently have denied these requests and have continued to monitor the detention of migrant children, as the Flores settlement requires them to do. Importantly, the new rule will allow the Department of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services to respond to significant changes that have occurred since the Flores settlement agreement has been in place, including dramatic increases in the numbers of unaccompanied children and family units crossing into the United States. The rule is slated to take effect on October 23. But immigration and civil liberties advocates have vowed to challenge the rule in court, which will put the proposed change in front of US District Judge Dolly M. Gee. Gee is the judge who denied the administration’s request last year to extend family detentions. (Kevin Johnson is Dean and Professor of Public Interest Law and Chicana/o Studies, University of California, Davis) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Changes for a landmark agreement mean immigrant children face harsher treatment in US

Spain&nbsp;ordered a naval vessel on Tuesday to the Italian island of Lampedusa to bring&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;stranded there on a rescue boat to Mallorca after some of them jumped overboard, amid a prolonged stand-off&nbsp;with&nbsp;Italy's&nbsp;government over their fate.

Italian Transport Minister Danilo Toninelli welcomed&nbsp;Spain's move to take the&nbsp;migrants.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tensions-build-on-migrant-ship-off-italy-10-jump-overboard-244377">Open Arms rescue ship</a> is run by a Spanish charity of the same name and has been at sea for 19 days with almost 100&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;onboard.

It has been waiting just&nbsp;off&nbsp;the port of Lampedusa, asking to bring the mostly African&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;ashore despite an Italian ban on private rescue ships docking.

The navy ship Audaz "will depart this afternoon at 5 p.m. and will sail for three days to Lampedusa, where it will take charge of the people hosted by the Open Arms and escort the boat" to the Spanish port of Palma in Mallorca, the Socialist government said in a statement.

"The government ... considers this to be the most adequate solution that will allow a resolution of the humanitarian emergency taking place aboard the Open Arms this week," it said.

The plan is to transfer most of the&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;to the Audaz and escort the Open Arms with the remaining&nbsp;migrants, a government&nbsp;official clarified later.

The Open Arms said it had not yet been informed of the Spanish decision.

It earlier tweeted that "the situation is out of control" aboard the ship and that nine people had thrown themselves into the water.

It says the situation on board is desperate and some migrants are suicidal.

The passengers are sleeping jammed together on deck and sharing two toilets.

After the charity said nine had tried to swim ashore, Reuters footage showed another five people jump, although it was not immediately clear if some were lifeguards.

Italian&nbsp;coastguards went to the rescue of those who jumped, Reuters reporters saw. Reuters footage showed a few people being brought to the Open Arms on a small dinghy but it was not clear if they were among the rescued&nbsp;migrants.

Italy has taken a tough line on migrant entry, saying it has borne too much responsibility for handling African migration to Europe. Interior Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-new-migrant-standoff-italys-salvini-blocks-two-ngo-boats-242803"> Matteo Salvini</a> says the charity-run ships have become "taxis" for people smugglers.

"NO LONGER THE REFUGEE CAMP OF EUROPE"

Dozens of&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;have been taken ashore since the ship entered Italian waters because they were said to be minors or ill.

Salvini suggested on Tuesday that the charity was exaggerating the problems on board. Of eight&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;taken ashore on Monday night for urgent medical attention, he said, only two had health problems.

"Spanish NGO, Spanish ship, Spanish port: The coherence and strength of Italy has paid&nbsp;off. We are no longer the refugee camp of Europe," he said in a statement.

The standoff&nbsp;has fuelled Salvini's campaign against migrant boats from Africa&nbsp;and comes as he is trying to force Italy into snap elections.&nbsp;Italy's&nbsp;Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced his resignation on Tuesday accusing Salvini of sinking the ruling coalition for personal and political gain.

While welcoming&nbsp;Spain's latest move, Salvini's political rival Toninelli said he hoped that Madrid would now commit to stop Open Arms' activity in the future, meeting&nbsp;Italy's&nbsp;wishes.

Toninelli, who controls the&nbsp;Coast&nbsp;Guard but not port access, had earlier&nbsp;offered to take the&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;on a&nbsp;Coast&nbsp;Guard vessel to&nbsp;Spain&nbsp;under the condition that Madrid de-register the Open Arms ship by removing its Spanish flag.

"I hope that&nbsp;Spain&nbsp;answers our appeal and commits to stopping Open Arms in the future with the means and in the ways it deems right," the Italian minister said in a statement.

Without a flag, it would be difficult for the ship to continue running rescue missions.

Spain&nbsp;and five other European Union nations have&nbsp;offered to take the&nbsp;migrants. The details of the&nbsp;offers from&nbsp;Spain, France, Germany, Romania, Portugal and Luxembourg have yet to be finalised.

Spain ordered a naval vessel on Tuesday to the Italian island of Lampedusa to bring migrants stranded there on a rescue boat to Mallorca after some of them jumped overboard, amid a prolonged stand-off with Italy's government over their fate.

Spain ordered a naval vessel on Tuesday to the Italian island of Lampedusa to bring migrants stranded there on a rescue boat to Mallorca after some of them jumped overboard, amid a prolonged stand-off with Italy's government over their fate. Italian Transport Minister Danilo Toninelli welcomed Spain's move to take the migrants. The Open Arms rescue ship is run by a Spanish charity of the same name and has been at sea for 19 days with almost 100 migrants onboard. It has been waiting just off the port of Lampedusa, asking to bring the mostly African migrants ashore despite an Italian ban on private rescue ships docking. The navy ship Audaz "will depart this afternoon at 5 p.m. and will sail for three days to Lampedusa, where it will take charge of the people hosted by the Open Arms and escort the boat" to the Spanish port of Palma in Mallorca, the Socialist government said in a statement. "The government ... considers this to be the most adequate solution that will allow a resolution of the humanitarian emergency taking place aboard the Open Arms this week," it said. The plan is to transfer most of the migrants to the Audaz and escort the Open Arms with the remaining migrants, a government official clarified later. The Open Arms said it had not yet been informed of the Spanish decision. It earlier tweeted that "the situation is out of control" aboard the ship and that nine people had thrown themselves into the water. It says the situation on board is desperate and some migrants are suicidal. The passengers are sleeping jammed together on deck and sharing two toilets. After the charity said nine had tried to swim ashore, Reuters footage showed another five people jump, although it was not immediately clear if some were lifeguards. Italian coastguards went to the rescue of those who jumped, Reuters reporters saw. Reuters footage showed a few people being brought to the Open Arms on a small dinghy but it was not clear if they were among the rescued migrants. Italy has taken a tough line on migrant entry, saying it has borne too much responsibility for handling African migration to Europe. Interior Minister Matteo Salvini says the charity-run ships have become "taxis" for people smugglers. "NO LONGER THE REFUGEE CAMP OF EUROPE" Dozens of migrants have been taken ashore since the ship entered Italian waters because they were said to be minors or ill. Salvini suggested on Tuesday that the charity was exaggerating the problems on board. Of eight migrants taken ashore on Monday night for urgent medical attention, he said, only two had health problems. "Spanish NGO, Spanish ship, Spanish port: The coherence and strength of Italy has paid off. We are no longer the refugee camp of Europe," he said in a statement. The standoff has fuelled Salvini's campaign against migrant boats from Africa and comes as he is trying to force Italy into snap elections. Italy's Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced his resignation on Tuesday accusing Salvini of sinking the ruling coalition for personal and political gain. While welcoming Spain's latest move, Salvini's political rival Toninelli said he hoped that Madrid would now commit to stop Open Arms' activity in the future, meeting Italy's wishes. Toninelli, who controls the Coast Guard but not port access, had earlier offered to take the migrants on a Coast Guard vessel to Spain under the condition that Madrid de-register the Open Arms ship by removing its Spanish flag. "I hope that Spain answers our appeal and commits to stopping Open Arms in the future with the means and in the ways it deems right," the Italian minister said in a statement. Without a flag, it would be difficult for the ship to continue running rescue missions. Spain and five other European Union nations have offered to take the migrants. The details of the offers from Spain, France, Germany, Romania, Portugal and Luxembourg have yet to be finalised.

Spain sends naval ship to pick up migrants off Italy's coast

Tensions&nbsp;rose on a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../explosive-situation-on-migrant-rescue-boat-in- limbo-off-italy-243498"> rescue&nbsp;ship</a>&nbsp;stranded&nbsp;off&nbsp;southern&nbsp;Italy&nbsp;on Tuesday, as&nbsp;10&nbsp;of the&nbsp;migrants aboard&nbsp;jumped into the sea and tried to swim ashore, according to the Spanish charity that operates the vessel.

The&nbsp;ship&nbsp;Open Arms, at sea for 19 days with almost&nbsp;100&nbsp;migrants onboard, has been waiting just&nbsp;off&nbsp;the port of Lampedusa, asking permission to bring the mostly African&nbsp;migrants ashore, despite an<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-new-migrant-standoff-italys-salvini-blocks-two-ngo-boats-242803"> Italian ban</a> on private rescue&nbsp;ships docking.

Italy&nbsp;says it has borne too much responsibility for handling African migration to Europe.

It's interior minister says the charity-run&nbsp;ships have become "taxis" for people smugglers.

"Nine people have thrown themselves into the water trying desperately to reach the coast of Lampedusa. Our lifeguards and Italian coastguards are trying to rescue them. The situation is out of control," the Open Arms tweeted.

It had earlier tweeted that one other&nbsp;migrant&nbsp;had&nbsp;jumped in the water and posted a video of the&nbsp;migrant&nbsp;swimming toward the shore, his way blocked by an Italian Coast Guard boat.

"Day 19: a night of panic and a man in the water," the charity tweeted. "The night began with an urgent medical evacuation, and this morning a man has&nbsp;jumped into the water trying to reach the land before his eyes ... The situation is desperate."

The man&nbsp;overboard, a Syrian, was rescued by Italian authorities, who are caring for him, an Open Arms spokeswoman said.

Dozens of&nbsp;migrants have been taken ashore since the&nbsp;ship&nbsp;entered Italian waters because they were said to be minors or ill.

The remaining&nbsp;migrants still sleep jammed together on deck and share two toilets.

Open Arms says some are suicidal.

Interior Minister Matteo Salvini suggested on Tuesday that the charity was exaggerating the problems on board. Of eight&nbsp;migrants taken ashore on Monday night for urgent medical attention, he said, only two had health problems.

"I will never go back (on the ban)," he told Radio 24.

The standoff&nbsp;has fuelled Salvini's campaign against&nbsp;migrant&nbsp;boats from Africa and comes as he is trying to drag&nbsp;Italy&nbsp;into snap elections.

The ruling coalition, in danger of collapse later on Tuesday, has split over the issue.

Salvini's political rival, Transport Minister Danilo Toninelli, who controls the Coast Guard but not port access, has&nbsp;offered to take the migrants on a Coast Guard vessel to Spain, which has&nbsp;offered them safe harbour.

But Toninelli has set a condition -- that Madrid de-register the Open Arms&nbsp;ship&nbsp;by removing its Spanish flag. Without a flag, it would be difficult for the&nbsp;ship&nbsp;to continue running rescue missions; its insurance would be invalid and it could be intercepted at any time by a navy or coast guard force.

Separate talks are also underway between&nbsp;Italy&nbsp;and Spain to find a diplomatic solution, said a source in Rome familiar with the matter. She did not elaborate.

"They want to take the flag away from us. The price is very high," Open Arms' director and founder, Oscar Camps, said in remarks published by El Mundo newspaper on Tuesday.

Camps has ruled out the option of taking the&nbsp;migrants to Spain on the Open Arms&nbsp;ship, saying conditions on board were too miserable for them to endure such a journey.

If a solution is not found, Open Arms has not ruled out the option of defying&nbsp;Italy's ban and attempting to dock.

Asked if the&nbsp;ship&nbsp;would try and enter the port without permission, the Open Arms head of mission in Lampedusa, Riccardo Gatti, said on Monday, "Yes, it is an option".

Spain's left-wing government&nbsp;offered on Monday to allow the&nbsp;ship&nbsp;to dock at a Spanish port, and it and five other European Union nations have&nbsp;offered to take the&nbsp;migrants.

The details of the&nbsp;offers from France, Germany, Romania, Portugal, Spain and Luxembourg have yet to be finalised.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Tensions rose on a rescue ship stranded off southern Italy on Tuesday, as 10 of the migrants aboard jumped into the sea and tried to swim ashore, according to the Spanish charity that operates the vessel.

Tensions rose on a rescue ship stranded off southern Italy on Tuesday, as 10 of the migrants aboard jumped into the sea and tried to swim ashore, according to the Spanish charity that operates the vessel. The ship Open Arms, at sea for 19 days with almost 100 migrants onboard, has been waiting just off the port of Lampedusa, asking permission to bring the mostly African migrants ashore, despite an Italian ban on private rescue ships docking. Italy says it has borne too much responsibility for handling African migration to Europe. It's interior minister says the charity-run ships have become "taxis" for people smugglers. "Nine people have thrown themselves into the water trying desperately to reach the coast of Lampedusa. Our lifeguards and Italian coastguards are trying to rescue them. The situation is out of control," the Open Arms tweeted. It had earlier tweeted that one other migrant had jumped in the water and posted a video of the migrant swimming toward the shore, his way blocked by an Italian Coast Guard boat. "Day 19: a night of panic and a man in the water," the charity tweeted. "The night began with an urgent medical evacuation, and this morning a man has jumped into the water trying to reach the land before his eyes ... The situation is desperate." The man overboard, a Syrian, was rescued by Italian authorities, who are caring for him, an Open Arms spokeswoman said. Dozens of migrants have been taken ashore since the ship entered Italian waters because they were said to be minors or ill. The remaining migrants still sleep jammed together on deck and share two toilets. Open Arms says some are suicidal. Interior Minister Matteo Salvini suggested on Tuesday that the charity was exaggerating the problems on board. Of eight migrants taken ashore on Monday night for urgent medical attention, he said, only two had health problems. "I will never go back (on the ban)," he told Radio 24. The standoff has fuelled Salvini's campaign against migrant boats from Africa and comes as he is trying to drag Italy into snap elections. The ruling coalition, in danger of collapse later on Tuesday, has split over the issue. Salvini's political rival, Transport Minister Danilo Toninelli, who controls the Coast Guard but not port access, has offered to take the migrants on a Coast Guard vessel to Spain, which has offered them safe harbour. But Toninelli has set a condition -- that Madrid de-register the Open Arms ship by removing its Spanish flag. Without a flag, it would be difficult for the ship to continue running rescue missions; its insurance would be invalid and it could be intercepted at any time by a navy or coast guard force. Separate talks are also underway between Italy and Spain to find a diplomatic solution, said a source in Rome familiar with the matter. She did not elaborate. "They want to take the flag away from us. The price is very high," Open Arms' director and founder, Oscar Camps, said in remarks published by El Mundo newspaper on Tuesday. Camps has ruled out the option of taking the migrants to Spain on the Open Arms ship, saying conditions on board were too miserable for them to endure such a journey. If a solution is not found, Open Arms has not ruled out the option of defying Italy's ban and attempting to dock. Asked if the ship would try and enter the port without permission, the Open Arms head of mission in Lampedusa, Riccardo Gatti, said on Monday, "Yes, it is an option". Spain's left-wing government offered on Monday to allow the ship to dock at a Spanish port, and it and five other European Union nations have offered to take the migrants. The details of the offers from France, Germany, Romania, Portugal, Spain and Luxembourg have yet to be finalised.

Tensions rise on migrant ship off Italy; 10 jump overboard

The United Nations on Sunday appealed for more humanitarian aid for Venezuelan refugees pouring into neighbouring countries, where they are overwhelming social services and reportedly sparking local tensions.

UN High Commissioner for refugees, Filippo Grandi, had planned to visit the Brazilian town of Pacaraima this weekend, but authorities reportedly advised him to cancel the trip amid fears of protests by residents who are unhappy with the arrival of more than 500 Venezuelans each day.

Last week, the residents of Pacaraima closed shops and marched through the streets, raising slogans such as "Out with the Venezuelans", "Pacaraima is ours", "Out with the UN", and "Brazil for Brazilians".

Grandi said financial institutions such as the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank have been engaged, but they need to speed up their help to help sustain health and education systems, Al Jazeera reported.

The UNHCR, in a report, estimated that around 4.3 million Venezuelans fled economic and political turmoil in their country, mainly to Colombia, Peru, Chile and Ecuador. Around 180,000 are also staying in Brazil.

In June, the Organisation of American States said that the Venezuelan exodus may exceed eight million people by the end of next year, which would make it the largest migration crisis in the world.&nbsp;

The group's projection puts the exodus between 7.5 million and 8.2 million in 2020, far surpassing the 6.7 million people who have fled war-torn Syria in eight years.&nbsp;

Grandi said there were signs of anti-immigrant sentiment spreading across the region, reflected in mounting restrictions on the movement of Venezuelans in Andean countries. Venezuela plunged into a political and economic crisis in January after opposition leader Juan Guaido proclaimed himself as the country's interim president amid throngs of cheering supporters who called for the resignation of legitimate President Nicolas Maduro.&nbsp;

The US immediately extended its support to Guaido, followed by nations like Canada and Britain.&nbsp;

However, countries like Russia and China have backed Maduro and slammed the US for its external interference in Venezuela.

Since then, Washington has been pursuing a policy of economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation against the Maduro government in support of Guaido.

The United Nations on Sunday appealed for more humanitarian aid for Venezuelan refugees pouring into neighbouring countries, where they are overwhelming social services and reportedly sparking local tensions.

The United Nations on Sunday appealed for more humanitarian aid for Venezuelan refugees pouring into neighbouring countries, where they are overwhelming social services and reportedly sparking local tensions. UN High Commissioner for refugees, Filippo Grandi, had planned to visit the Brazilian town of Pacaraima this weekend, but authorities reportedly advised him to cancel the trip amid fears of protests by residents who are unhappy with the arrival of more than 500 Venezuelans each day. Last week, the residents of Pacaraima closed shops and marched through the streets, raising slogans such as "Out with the Venezuelans", "Pacaraima is ours", "Out with the UN", and "Brazil for Brazilians". Grandi said financial institutions such as the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank have been engaged, but they need to speed up their help to help sustain health and education systems, Al Jazeera reported. The UNHCR, in a report, estimated that around 4.3 million Venezuelans fled economic and political turmoil in their country, mainly to Colombia, Peru, Chile and Ecuador. Around 180,000 are also staying in Brazil. In June, the Organisation of American States said that the Venezuelan exodus may exceed eight million people by the end of next year, which would make it the largest migration crisis in the world. The group's projection puts the exodus between 7.5 million and 8.2 million in 2020, far surpassing the 6.7 million people who have fled war-torn Syria in eight years. Grandi said there were signs of anti-immigrant sentiment spreading across the region, reflected in mounting restrictions on the movement of Venezuelans in Andean countries. Venezuela plunged into a political and economic crisis in January after opposition leader Juan Guaido proclaimed himself as the country's interim president amid throngs of cheering supporters who called for the resignation of legitimate President Nicolas Maduro. The US immediately extended its support to Guaido, followed by nations like Canada and Britain. However, countries like Russia and China have backed Maduro and slammed the US for its external interference in Venezuela. Since then, Washington has been pursuing a policy of economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation against the Maduro government in support of Guaido.

United Nations appeals for more help to alleviate Venezuela refugee crisis

The captain of a Spanish charity ship carrying 134 rescued migrants warned Friday of the "explosive" situation on board the vessel anchored within swimming distance of Italy's Lampedusa island but forbidden to approach.

Italy has evacuated a handful of medical cases from the Open Arms but far-right<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-new-migrant-standoff-italys-salvini-blocks-two-ngo-boats-242803"> Interior Minister Matteo Salvini has been refusing to allow the vessel</a> to dock despite a European deal to take in those remaining.

The captain of the ship operated by Proactiva Open Arms, Marc Reig, said that those on board, rescued after leaving chaos-stricken Libya, were "broken psychologically".

"Every second that passes, the bomb ticks a second closer. Either someone cuts the red cable and defuses this bomb now, or the Open Arms will explode," he told Spain's TVE television.

"This is inhuman. We're close to land and people could swim there. They want to throw themselves in the water. It's untenable. They can't take it anymore."

This is the umpteenth standoff between a charity vessel rescuing migrants making the perilous journey across the Mediterranean and Salvini, but this time set against the background of a political crisis in Rome.

Thursday saw sparring between Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and Salvini, who last week pulled his party out of the ruling coalition in the hope of toppling the 14-month-old government.

Salvini's anti-immigrant League party has been<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italys-deputy-prime-minister-salvinis-quest-for-snap-election-faces-hurdles-242302"> squabbling with coalition partner </a>the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) over a host of issues.

"France, Germany, Romania, Portugal, Spain and Luxembourg have told me that they are ready to welcome the migrants," Conte said in an open letter to Salvini, who has sought to bar all NGO rescue vessels from entering Italian waters.

In a distinct change of tone since the coalition disintegrated last week, Conte slammed what he called Salvini's "obsessive focus" on an immigration policy reduced to the phrase "closed ports".

Salvini says that Italy bears an unfair burden as the first port of call for refugees crossing the Mediterranean.

Responding to Conte, Salvini wrote on Facebook: "It is clear that without (my) resolve, the European Union would never have lifted a finger, leaving Italy and the Italians on their own like (previous governments) did for years."

The UN refugee agency welcomed the news of a deal to distribute the migrants but regretted it took so long.

"People cannot be left at sea for days on end. Predictable, regional and fair approach urgently needed so no rescued person is again left at sea for so long," the UNHCR tweeted.&nbsp;

Listening to my conscience&nbsp;

After Salvini pulled the plug on his coalition with M5S last week, he had hoped for an immediate no-confidence vote but his gambit failed.

The fate of the migrants aboard the Open Arms vessel is now at the centre of Italy's political crisis.

Earlier this month, Salvini signed a decree banning the Open Arms from Italian waters, saying it was to protect public order.&nbsp;

But Proactiva appealed to an administrative court which on Wednesday suspended his decree.

Salvini then signed a new one blocking the ship, but in a demonstration of his diminished power, Italy's defence minister blocked it on Thursday.

Elisabetta Trenta, an M5S party member with the authority to sign off on Salvini's decree, announced that she decided not to do so after "listening to my conscience".

It is estimated Salvini enjoys up to 38 per cent support among the electorate, thanks largely to his hard-line against immigrants.

Spokeswoman Vanessa Mock said the European Commission welcomed the willingness of member states to help relocate the migrants.

The Commission is ready to help "once a solution has been found for the disembarkation of the persons rescued at sea. The situation where persons are stranded at sea for days and weeks on end is untenable."

The mainly African migrants aboard Open Arms had been plucked from boats in the Mediterranean this month, with weather conditions encouraging more departures from Libya.

Another rescue ship, the Ocean Viking, operated by SOS Mediterranee and Doctors without Borders (MSF), is also looking for a port to dock with more than 350 migrants on board.

&nbsp;

The captain of a Spanish charity ship carrying 134 rescued migrants warned Friday of the "explosive" situation on board the vessel anchored within swimming distance of Italy's Lampedusa island but forbidden to approach.

The captain of a Spanish charity ship carrying 134 rescued migrants warned Friday of the "explosive" situation on board the vessel anchored within swimming distance of Italy's Lampedusa island but forbidden to approach. Italy has evacuated a handful of medical cases from the Open Arms but far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini has been refusing to allow the vessel to dock despite a European deal to take in those remaining. The captain of the ship operated by Proactiva Open Arms, Marc Reig, said that those on board, rescued after leaving chaos-stricken Libya, were "broken psychologically". "Every second that passes, the bomb ticks a second closer. Either someone cuts the red cable and defuses this bomb now, or the Open Arms will explode," he told Spain's TVE television. "This is inhuman. We're close to land and people could swim there. They want to throw themselves in the water. It's untenable. They can't take it anymore." This is the umpteenth standoff between a charity vessel rescuing migrants making the perilous journey across the Mediterranean and Salvini, but this time set against the background of a political crisis in Rome. Thursday saw sparring between Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and Salvini, who last week pulled his party out of the ruling coalition in the hope of toppling the 14-month-old government. Salvini's anti-immigrant League party has been squabbling with coalition partner the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) over a host of issues. "France, Germany, Romania, Portugal, Spain and Luxembourg have told me that they are ready to welcome the migrants," Conte said in an open letter to Salvini, who has sought to bar all NGO rescue vessels from entering Italian waters. In a distinct change of tone since the coalition disintegrated last week, Conte slammed what he called Salvini's "obsessive focus" on an immigration policy reduced to the phrase "closed ports". Salvini says that Italy bears an unfair burden as the first port of call for refugees crossing the Mediterranean. Responding to Conte, Salvini wrote on Facebook: "It is clear that without (my) resolve, the European Union would never have lifted a finger, leaving Italy and the Italians on their own like (previous governments) did for years." The UN refugee agency welcomed the news of a deal to distribute the migrants but regretted it took so long. "People cannot be left at sea for days on end. Predictable, regional and fair approach urgently needed so no rescued person is again left at sea for so long," the UNHCR tweeted. Listening to my conscience After Salvini pulled the plug on his coalition with M5S last week, he had hoped for an immediate no-confidence vote but his gambit failed. The fate of the migrants aboard the Open Arms vessel is now at the centre of Italy's political crisis. Earlier this month, Salvini signed a decree banning the Open Arms from Italian waters, saying it was to protect public order. But Proactiva appealed to an administrative court which on Wednesday suspended his decree. Salvini then signed a new one blocking the ship, but in a demonstration of his diminished power, Italy's defence minister blocked it on Thursday. Elisabetta Trenta, an M5S party member with the authority to sign off on Salvini's decree, announced that she decided not to do so after "listening to my conscience". It is estimated Salvini enjoys up to 38 per cent support among the electorate, thanks largely to his hard-line against immigrants. Spokeswoman Vanessa Mock said the European Commission welcomed the willingness of member states to help relocate the migrants. The Commission is ready to help "once a solution has been found for the disembarkation of the persons rescued at sea. The situation where persons are stranded at sea for days and weeks on end is untenable." The mainly African migrants aboard Open Arms had been plucked from boats in the Mediterranean this month, with weather conditions encouraging more departures from Libya. Another rescue ship, the Ocean Viking, operated by SOS Mediterranee and Doctors without Borders (MSF), is also looking for a port to dock with more than 350 migrants on board.

'Explosive' situation on migrant rescue boat in limbo off Italy

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-immigration-agency-names-venezuelan-minister-tareck-el-aissami-among-most-wanted-239965">US officials</a> said that some 680 undocumented <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-and-mexican-counterpart-welcome-reduced-flow-of-migrants-237547">migrants</a> were detained in a major series of raids Wednesday at food processing plants in the southeastern United States, part of President Donald Trump's announced crackdown on illegal immigration.

Most of those detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were Hispanic migrants, officials said.

TV footage showed lines of arrested migrants heading to buses parked outside the processing plants with their hands behind their backs under the watchful eyes of ICE agents.

Those who were not detained, including some children, stood by waving at their friends and relatives. Several wiped away tears as they gave their farewells.

"Special agents executed administrative and criminal search warrants resulting in the detention of approximately 680 illegal aliens," said Mike Hurst, US Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi.

"They have to follow our laws, they have to abide by our rules, they have to come here legally or they shouldn't come here at all," Hurst said at a news conference.

The US attorney did not spare the employers.&nbsp;

"To those who use illegal aliens for competitive advantage or to make a quick buck, we have something to say to you: If we find that you have violated federal criminal law, we're coming after you," he said.

'Dehumanizing' raids

Matthew Albence, the interim ICE head, said the raids were the result of a year-long investigation.

He said that the children of detained parents will be sent to live with relatives or other families.

Some of the migrants will be released with electronic ankle monitors as they await a court hearing.

ICE agents raided plants in the towns of Morton, Carthage, Canton, Pelahatchie, Sebastopol and Bay Springs, all in the state of Mississippi, officials said.

"After speaking with the agents, I now know that they are identifying illegal immigrants, versus those who are legal, and rounding them up, putting them in buses and carrying them away," Canton Mayor William Truly told the local ABC News television affiliate.

Chokwe Antar Lumumba, the mayor of Mississippi state capital Jackson, took to social media to seek help for the migrants.

"I'm calling upon faith institutions in our community to become sanctuaries for our immigrant neighbours and protect them from potential harm," he wrote on his Facebook account.&nbsp;

"The ICE raids are both dehumanizing and ineffective as a tactic for protecting citizens from potential harm."

In June, Trump tweeted that ICE "will begin the process of removing the millions of illegal aliens who have illicitly found their way into the United States."

Trump has also tweeted several times about an alleged "invasion" of people crossing the southern border into the United States.

US officials said that some 680 undocumented migrants were detained in a major series of raids Wednesday at food processing plants in the southeastern United States, part of President Donald Trump's announced crackdown on illegal immigration.

US officials said that some 680 undocumented migrants were detained in a major series of raids Wednesday at food processing plants in the southeastern United States, part of President Donald Trump's announced crackdown on illegal immigration. Most of those detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were Hispanic migrants, officials said. TV footage showed lines of arrested migrants heading to buses parked outside the processing plants with their hands behind their backs under the watchful eyes of ICE agents. Those who were not detained, including some children, stood by waving at their friends and relatives. Several wiped away tears as they gave their farewells. "Special agents executed administrative and criminal search warrants resulting in the detention of approximately 680 illegal aliens," said Mike Hurst, US Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi. "They have to follow our laws, they have to abide by our rules, they have to come here legally or they shouldn't come here at all," Hurst said at a news conference. The US attorney did not spare the employers. "To those who use illegal aliens for competitive advantage or to make a quick buck, we have something to say to you: If we find that you have violated federal criminal law, we're coming after you," he said. 'Dehumanizing' raids Matthew Albence, the interim ICE head, said the raids were the result of a year-long investigation. He said that the children of detained parents will be sent to live with relatives or other families. Some of the migrants will be released with electronic ankle monitors as they await a court hearing. ICE agents raided plants in the towns of Morton, Carthage, Canton, Pelahatchie, Sebastopol and Bay Springs, all in the state of Mississippi, officials said. "After speaking with the agents, I now know that they are identifying illegal immigrants, versus those who are legal, and rounding them up, putting them in buses and carrying them away," Canton Mayor William Truly told the local ABC News television affiliate. Chokwe Antar Lumumba, the mayor of Mississippi state capital Jackson, took to social media to seek help for the migrants. "I'm calling upon faith institutions in our community to become sanctuaries for our immigrant neighbours and protect them from potential harm," he wrote on his Facebook account. "The ICE raids are both dehumanizing and ineffective as a tactic for protecting citizens from potential harm." In June, Trump tweeted that ICE "will begin the process of removing the millions of illegal aliens who have illicitly found their way into the United States." Trump has also tweeted several times about an alleged "invasion" of people crossing the southern border into the United States.

US immigration raids sweep up hundreds of undocumented migrants

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

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

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

Judge blocks Trump asylum restriction: Reports

The number of migrants reaching <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-900-children-separated-at-us-border-since-policy-halted-aclu-239605">Mexico`s border with the United States</a> has fallen almost 40 per cent since May, the Mexican government said on Tuesday, seeking to defuse tensions with US President Donald Trump over a recent surge in migration.

Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said that according to a preliminary estimate, 87,648 people would reach the US border during July. That would represent a fall of around 39.5 per cent compared to the 144,278 migrants registered in May, he added.

"This is a considerable reduction," the minister told reporters at a regular government news conference.

A jump in migrant apprehensions on the US southwest border during the first few months of 2019 prompted Trump on May 30 to threaten tariffs on all Mexican exports to the United States if Mexico did not contain the flow of people.

Mexico responded by sending out thousands of National Guardsmen to tighten up its southern and northern borders, and this month the government said it had averted the risk of having to adopt new migration rules that could allow Trump to expel thousands of asylum-seekers into Mexico.

Ebrard credited the migrant slowdown to rising job creation in Central America, spurred in part by the Mexican government`s efforts to foster development programs and growth there.&nbsp;

Most of the migrants caught trying to enter the United States illegally are from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, three countries ravaged by violence, inequality and poverty.

Mexico`s government said on Saturday that it will help Honduras create 20,000 jobs by December, building on earlier commitments to El Salvador.

The number of migrants reaching Mexico`s border with the United States has fallen almost 40 per cent since May, the Mexican government said on Tuesday, seeking to defuse tensions with US President Donald Trump over a recent surge in migration.

The number of migrants reaching Mexico`s border with the United States has fallen almost 40 per cent since May, the Mexican government said on Tuesday, seeking to defuse tensions with US President Donald Trump over a recent surge in migration. Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said that according to a preliminary estimate, 87,648 people would reach the US border during July. That would represent a fall of around 39.5 per cent compared to the 144,278 migrants registered in May, he added. "This is a considerable reduction," the minister told reporters at a regular government news conference. A jump in migrant apprehensions on the US southwest border during the first few months of 2019 prompted Trump on May 30 to threaten tariffs on all Mexican exports to the United States if Mexico did not contain the flow of people. Mexico responded by sending out thousands of National Guardsmen to tighten up its southern and northern borders, and this month the government said it had averted the risk of having to adopt new migration rules that could allow Trump to expel thousands of asylum-seekers into Mexico. Ebrard credited the migrant slowdown to rising job creation in Central America, spurred in part by the Mexican government`s efforts to foster development programs and growth there. Most of the migrants caught trying to enter the United States illegally are from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, three countries ravaged by violence, inequality and poverty. Mexico`s government said on Saturday that it will help Honduras create 20,000 jobs by December, building on earlier commitments to El Salvador.

Mexico says migrant numbers at US border down 40% since May

The American Civil Liberties Union on Tuesday asked a federal judge to stop the Trump administration`s ongoing separation of families at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/see-saw-border-unique-way-of-protest-at-us-mexico-border-239422">US-Mexico border</a>, saying the government had taken more than 900 children from their parents since the policy officially ended last year. &nbsp;

In June 2018, the government said it would end its "zero tolerance" policy of prosecuting those who<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-honduras-agree-to-create-20000-jobs-and-stem-migration-238995"> illegally cross the border</a> and separating them from their children after a public outcry and a legal challenge by the ACLU.&nbsp;

US District Court Judge Dana Sabraw in San Diego ordered the reunification of more than 2,800 migrant children in a court supervised process.

On Tuesday, the ACLU went back to court claiming that the government was still separating families, making exceptions to its pledge to end the practise.

“The government is systematically separating large numbers of families based on minor criminal history, highly dubious allegations of unfitness, and errors in identifying bona fide 
parent-child relationships."

The Trump administration has tried to deter record numbers of migrant families arriving at the US-Mexico border seeking refuge from poverty and violence in countries like Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.

The government has said it separates families when it suspects the parent has a criminal record or questions the relationship between the adult and the migrant child.

In a more than 200-page motion, the rights group said the administration is “separating young children based on such offences as traffic violations, misdemeanour property damage, and disorderly conduct violations.”&nbsp;

Sometimes separations have occurred based on “the assertion that the parent does not appear to be doing a proper job parenting,” the motion said.

The Department of Justice did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the ACLU motion. But the administration has said the practice is aimed at protecting children who may be in danger.

Given the potential harm to children of being taken from caregivers, the ACLU is seeking to block the government from separating children from parents, regardless of their criminal history.

"The administration must not be allowed to circumvent the court order,” said Lee Gelernt, lead ACLU attorney in the family lawsuit, in a statement, referring to the original ruling from the judge last year, when both sides agreed to enforce it.

The filing said 911 children were separated from their parents &nbsp;- including babies and toddlers - from June 28, 2018 to June 29, 2019.

Immigration and child advocates, Democratic lawmakers and the United Nations have condemned separations.&nbsp;

The American Civil Liberties Union on Tuesday asked a federal judge to stop the Trump administration`s ongoing separation of families at the US-Mexico border, saying the government had taken more than 900 children from their parents since the policy officially ended last year.

The American Civil Liberties Union on Tuesday asked a federal judge to stop the Trump administration`s ongoing separation of families at the US-Mexico border, saying the government had taken more than 900 children from their parents since the policy officially ended last year. In June 2018, the government said it would end its "zero tolerance" policy of prosecuting those who illegally cross the border and separating them from their children after a public outcry and a legal challenge by the ACLU. US District Court Judge Dana Sabraw in San Diego ordered the reunification of more than 2,800 migrant children in a court supervised process. On Tuesday, the ACLU went back to court claiming that the government was still separating families, making exceptions to its pledge to end the practise. “The government is systematically separating large numbers of families based on minor criminal history, highly dubious allegations of unfitness, and errors in identifying bona fide parent-child relationships." The Trump administration has tried to deter record numbers of migrant families arriving at the US-Mexico border seeking refuge from poverty and violence in countries like Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. The government has said it separates families when it suspects the parent has a criminal record or questions the relationship between the adult and the migrant child. In a more than 200-page motion, the rights group said the administration is “separating young children based on such offences as traffic violations, misdemeanour property damage, and disorderly conduct violations.” Sometimes separations have occurred based on “the assertion that the parent does not appear to be doing a proper job parenting,” the motion said. The Department of Justice did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the ACLU motion. But the administration has said the practice is aimed at protecting children who may be in danger. Given the potential harm to children of being taken from caregivers, the ACLU is seeking to block the government from separating children from parents, regardless of their criminal history. "The administration must not be allowed to circumvent the court order,” said Lee Gelernt, lead ACLU attorney in the family lawsuit, in a statement, referring to the original ruling from the judge last year, when both sides agreed to enforce it. The filing said 911 children were separated from their parents - including babies and toddlers - from June 28, 2018 to June 29, 2019. Immigration and child advocates, Democratic lawmakers and the United Nations have condemned separations.

Over 900 children separated at US border since policy halted: American Civil Liberties Union

Up to 150 people are feared to have died in a shipwreck off the coast of Libya, while another 150 were rescued and are being returned to Libya, a spokesman for the UN refugee agency UNHCR said on Thursday.

Libya is a hub for migrants, many of whom try to reach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-coastguards-rescue-11-migrants-headed-for-britain-in-channel-238221">Europe in unseaworthy boats</a>.

The latest shipwreck takes the death toll of Mediterranean migrants to over 600 this year, putting 2019 on track to be the sixth year in a row with more than 1,000 deaths, UNHCR spokesman Charlie Yaxley said.

UNHCR and other UN agencies have repeatedly called for survivors not to be returned to Libya, a conflict zone where rescued migrants and refugees are routinely jailed in inhumane conditions.

"We understand that around 300 people left Libya from Al Khoms and came into trouble off the coast of Libya. They were initially rescued, some of them by local fishermen, who were then joined by the Libyan coastguard," UNHCR spokesman Charlie Yaxley said.

"Together, they were able to save around 150 people, but from what we understand, another 150 people have tragically lost their lives at sea," he added. &nbsp;

The ship left Libya from Al Khoms, a town 120 km east of Tripoli. There were around 300 people traveling, according to the first available accounts from survivors, but it was unclear if one or two vessels were involved.

The survivors were picked up by local fishermen and then returned to the coast by Libyan coastguard, Yaxley said.

If confirmed, the number of dead would be the highest for a shipwreck in the Mediterranean this year.&nbsp;

"We need more rescue boats on the Mediterranean to prevent lives from being lost," the UNHCR spokesman asserted.

Up to 150 people are feared to have died in a shipwreck off the coast of Libya, while another 150 were rescued and are being returned to Libya, a spokesman for the UN refugee agency UNHCR said on Thursday.

Up to 150 people are feared to have died in a shipwreck off the coast of Libya, while another 150 were rescued and are being returned to Libya, a spokesman for the UN refugee agency UNHCR said on Thursday. Libya is a hub for migrants, many of whom try to reach Europe in unseaworthy boats. The latest shipwreck takes the death toll of Mediterranean migrants to over 600 this year, putting 2019 on track to be the sixth year in a row with more than 1,000 deaths, UNHCR spokesman Charlie Yaxley said. UNHCR and other UN agencies have repeatedly called for survivors not to be returned to Libya, a conflict zone where rescued migrants and refugees are routinely jailed in inhumane conditions. "We understand that around 300 people left Libya from Al Khoms and came into trouble off the coast of Libya. They were initially rescued, some of them by local fishermen, who were then joined by the Libyan coastguard," UNHCR spokesman Charlie Yaxley said. "Together, they were able to save around 150 people, but from what we understand, another 150 people have tragically lost their lives at sea," he added. The ship left Libya from Al Khoms, a town 120 km east of Tripoli. There were around 300 people traveling, according to the first available accounts from survivors, but it was unclear if one or two vessels were involved. The survivors were picked up by local fishermen and then returned to the coast by Libyan coastguard, Yaxley said. If confirmed, the number of dead would be the highest for a shipwreck in the Mediterranean this year. "We need more rescue boats on the Mediterranean to prevent lives from being lost," the UNHCR spokesman asserted.

At least 150 people feared dead in shipwreck off Libya: UNHCR

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/french-submarine-lost-in-1968-located-in-mediterranean-237670&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiTv4HDz83jAhWKsI8KHRFQB5EQFjAEegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0zsnytPea_NwIasCtp9EJO">French</a> coastguards on Wednesday rescued 11 migrants, including a woman and two children, after their rigid-hulled inflatable boat hit trouble heading for Britain in the English Channel, authorities said.

The migrants themselves signalled to emergency services they were in distress off Calais and the coastguard mobilised a rescue vessel backed by a helicopter, the local maritime authorities said in a statement.

The migrants were safely returned to the port of Dunkirk and handed over to border police.

Migrants in northern France are increasingly willing to take greater risks to reach Britain due to hardline policing and increased security at ports in the area.

French authorities strongly warn against such attempts, noting that the Channel is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.

The first months of this year saw a spike in Channel crossings by <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-police-pull-back-from-isolated-outposts-as-losses-mount-238143&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjrid3Xz83jAhWBknAKHftjCXkQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0kOU8tf-giMAngvnpwP7o6">Afghan</a>, Iranian, Iraqi and African migrants trying to reach England, prompting stepped-up patrols by British and French police.

The French boss of a second-hand boat firm was sentenced to prison in May for selling dozens of vessels to migrants who used them to cross the Channel.

French coastguards on Wednesday rescued 11 migrants, including a woman and two children, after their rigid-hulled inflatable boat hit trouble heading for Britain in the English Channel, authorities said.

French coastguards on Wednesday rescued 11 migrants, including a woman and two children, after their rigid-hulled inflatable boat hit trouble heading for Britain in the English Channel, authorities said. The migrants themselves signalled to emergency services they were in distress off Calais and the coastguard mobilised a rescue vessel backed by a helicopter, the local maritime authorities said in a statement. The migrants were safely returned to the port of Dunkirk and handed over to border police. Migrants in northern France are increasingly willing to take greater risks to reach Britain due to hardline policing and increased security at ports in the area. French authorities strongly warn against such attempts, noting that the Channel is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. The first months of this year saw a spike in Channel crossings by Afghan, Iranian, Iraqi and African migrants trying to reach England, prompting stepped-up patrols by British and French police. The French boss of a second-hand boat firm was sentenced to prison in May for selling dozens of vessels to migrants who used them to cross the Channel.

French coastguards rescue 11 migrants headed for Britain in Channel

Central American migrants in the border city of Ciudad Juarez on Monday were finding it more difficult to both enter the United States and to stay in Mexico as both countries have hardened immigration policy over recent months.

'They throw us in the streets' - migrants face hardened policies on both sides of US-Mexico border

Supreme Court on Tuesday extended the deadline for the final publication of National Register of Citizens (NRC) from July 31 to August 31, 2019.

On July 19, the top court had deferred the hearing in NRC matter to fixed July 23. 
 
Solicitor General (SG) and senior Supreme Court lawyer, Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and Assam Government, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-to-hear-nrc-matter-on-july-23-india-cant-be-refugee-capital-of-the-world-says-government-237043">pleaded the Supreme Court to extend</a> the July 31 deadline for finalisation of NRC in Assam.

Mehta told the SC, "There is a growing perception that lakhs of illegal migrants have been included in the NRC list in alleged collusion with local NRC officials in the state of Assam. Illegal immigrants have to be dealt severely. India cannot be the refugee capital of the world."

Last week, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-identify-deport-illegal-immigrants-from-every-inch-of-india-says-amit-shah-236665">Union Minister Amit Shah had said</a> that the government is determined to identify all the illegal immigrants and infiltrators living on every inch of this country and deport them as per the international law.

Responding to a supplementary query by Samajwadi Party member Javed Ali Khan in the Rajya Sabha, Shah said: "It is a very good question. The NRC is part of the Assam Accord and was also in (BJP's) election manifesto based on which the government has came to power. The government will identify illegal immigrants living on every inch of the country's soil and will deport them as per international law."&nbsp;

The NRC aims to separate "genuine" citizens from "illegal immigrants". The government has maintained that its intention is to ensure no illegal immigrant is registered under the NRC and no genuine citizen is left out of it. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Supreme Court on Tuesday extended the deadline for the final publication of National Register of Citizens (NRC) from July 31 to August 31, 2019. On July 19, the top court had deferred the hearing in NRC matter to fixed July 23.

Supreme Court on Tuesday extended the deadline for the final publication of National Register of Citizens (NRC) from July 31 to August 31, 2019. On July 19, the top court had deferred the hearing in NRC matter to fixed July 23. Solicitor General (SG) and senior Supreme Court lawyer, Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and Assam Government, pleaded the Supreme Court to extend the July 31 deadline for finalisation of NRC in Assam. Mehta told the SC, "There is a growing perception that lakhs of illegal migrants have been included in the NRC list in alleged collusion with local NRC officials in the state of Assam. Illegal immigrants have to be dealt severely. India cannot be the refugee capital of the world." Last week, Union Minister Amit Shah had said that the government is determined to identify all the illegal immigrants and infiltrators living on every inch of this country and deport them as per the international law. Responding to a supplementary query by Samajwadi Party member Javed Ali Khan in the Rajya Sabha, Shah said: "It is a very good question. The NRC is part of the Assam Accord and was also in (BJP's) election manifesto based on which the government has came to power. The government will identify illegal immigrants living on every inch of the country's soil and will deport them as per international law." The NRC aims to separate "genuine" citizens from "illegal immigrants". The government has maintained that its intention is to ensure no illegal immigrant is registered under the NRC and no genuine citizen is left out of it. (With inputs from agencies)

Supreme Court extends deadline for final publication of NRC to August 31

The Supreme Court on Friday fixed July 23 for further hearing in National Register of Citizens (NRC) matter.

Solicitor General (SG) and senior Supreme Court lawyer, Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and Assam Government, pleaded the Supreme Court to extend the July 31 deadline for finalisation of NRC in Assam.

Mehta told the SC, "There is a growing perception that lakhs of illegal migrants have been included in the NRC list in alleged collusion with local NRC officials in the state of Assam. Illegal immigrants have to be dealt severely. India cannot be the refugee capital of the world."

On Wednesday, Union Minister Amit Shah had said that the government is determined to identify all the illegal immigrants and infiltrators living on every inch of this country and deport them as per the international law.

Responding to a supplementary query by Samajwadi Party member Javed Ali Khan in the Rajya Sabha, Shah said: "It is a very good question. The NRC is part of the Assam Accord and was also in (BJP's) election manifesto based on which the government has came to power. The government will identify illegal immigrants living on every inch of the country's soil and will deport them as per international law."&nbsp;

The NRC aims to separate "genuine" citizens from "illegal immigrants". The government has maintained that its intention is to ensure no illegal immigrant is registered under the NRC and no genuine citizen is left out of it.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Supreme Court on Friday fixed July 23 for further hearing in National Register of Citizens (NRC) matter. Solicitor General (SG) and senior Supreme Court lawyer, Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and Assam Government, pleaded the Supreme Court to extend the July 31 deadline for finalisation of NRC in Assam.

The Supreme Court on Friday fixed July 23 for further hearing in National Register of Citizens (NRC) matter. Solicitor General (SG) and senior Supreme Court lawyer, Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and Assam Government, pleaded the Supreme Court to extend the July 31 deadline for finalisation of NRC in Assam. Mehta told the SC, "There is a growing perception that lakhs of illegal migrants have been included in the NRC list in alleged collusion with local NRC officials in the state of Assam. Illegal immigrants have to be dealt severely. India cannot be the refugee capital of the world." On Wednesday, Union Minister Amit Shah had said that the government is determined to identify all the illegal immigrants and infiltrators living on every inch of this country and deport them as per the international law. Responding to a supplementary query by Samajwadi Party member Javed Ali Khan in the Rajya Sabha, Shah said: "It is a very good question. The NRC is part of the Assam Accord and was also in (BJP's) election manifesto based on which the government has came to power. The government will identify illegal immigrants living on every inch of the country's soil and will deport them as per international law." The NRC aims to separate "genuine" citizens from "illegal immigrants". The government has maintained that its intention is to ensure no illegal immigrant is registered under the NRC and no genuine citizen is left out of it. (With inputs from agencies)

NRC matter: 'India can't be refugee capital of the world,' Centre tells Supreme Court

Seventeen people were killed and 50 wounded after a minibus carrying migrants overturned in eastern Turkey on Thursday, the private news agency DHA reported.

Five children were among the dead in the accident in Van province near the Iranian border, DHA reported quoting Van governor Mehmet Emin Bilmez.

The agency said the migrants had entered Turkey illegally but the nationalities of the victims was not immediately known.

The governor said there were 67 people on board the minibus which he said had a capacity of 17 to 18 people. Bilmez was quoted by DHA earlier saying the death toll was 15.

Sixteen of the victims were migrants and another was the minibus driver, DHA said.

Images in Turkish media showed the damaged minibus in a field with several rescue workers tending to the injured in Ozalp district close to the border with Iran.

The agency reported that the driver lost control of the vehicle but there were no immediate details on the cause of the accident which took place at 0900 GMT.

Seventeen people were killed and 50 wounded after a minibus carrying migrants overturned in eastern Turkey on Thursday, the private news agency DHA reported. Five children were among the dead in the accident in Van province near the Iranian border, DHA reported quoting Van governor Mehmet Emin Bilmez.

Seventeen people were killed and 50 wounded after a minibus carrying migrants overturned in eastern Turkey on Thursday, the private news agency DHA reported. Five children were among the dead in the accident in Van province near the Iranian border, DHA reported quoting Van governor Mehmet Emin Bilmez. The agency said the migrants had entered Turkey illegally but the nationalities of the victims was not immediately known. The governor said there were 67 people on board the minibus which he said had a capacity of 17 to 18 people. Bilmez was quoted by DHA earlier saying the death toll was 15. Sixteen of the victims were migrants and another was the minibus driver, DHA said. Images in Turkish media showed the damaged minibus in a field with several rescue workers tending to the injured in Ozalp district close to the border with Iran. The agency reported that the driver lost control of the vehicle but there were no immediate details on the cause of the accident which took place at 0900 GMT.

Minibus with migrants overturns in Turkey killing 17

Migrants at a Libyan detention centre say they are forced to live in unhygienic conditions, and often face food shortages.

Migrants stranded at Libya detention centre

Union Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said that the government is determined to identify all the illegal immigrants and infiltrators living on every inch of this country and deport them as per the international law.

Responding to a supplementary query by Samajwadi Party member Javed Ali Khan in the Rajya Sabha, Shah said: "It is a very good question. The NRC is part of the Assam Accord and was also in (BJP's) election manifesto based on which the government has came to power. The government will identify illegal immigrants living on every inch of the country's soil and will deport them as per international law."&nbsp;

On Tuesday, the government said that it has adopted a multi-pronged approach to ensure effective surveillance and domination of international borders to check infiltration of illegal immigrants.

The Ministry of Home Affairs said in a written reply to Parvesh Sahib Singh in Lok Sabha said that physical infrastructure like border fencing, floodlighting, construction of border roads and establishment of border outposts have been created.

Currently, the National Register of Citizens (NRC) is being updated under the direct monitoring of the Supreme Court. The apex court has fixed July 31 as the deadline for finalisation of the NRC in Assam.

The NRC aims to separate "genuine" citizens from "illegal immigrants". The government has maintained that its intention is to ensure no illegal immigrant is registered under the NRC and no genuine citizen is left out of it. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Union Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said that the government is determined to identify all the illegal immigrants and infiltrators living on every inch of this country and deport them as per the international law.

Union Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said that the government is determined to identify all the illegal immigrants and infiltrators living on every inch of this country and deport them as per the international law. Responding to a supplementary query by Samajwadi Party member Javed Ali Khan in the Rajya Sabha, Shah said: "It is a very good question. The NRC is part of the Assam Accord and was also in (BJP's) election manifesto based on which the government has came to power. The government will identify illegal immigrants living on every inch of the country's soil and will deport them as per international law." On Tuesday, the government said that it has adopted a multi-pronged approach to ensure effective surveillance and domination of international borders to check infiltration of illegal immigrants. The Ministry of Home Affairs said in a written reply to Parvesh Sahib Singh in Lok Sabha said that physical infrastructure like border fencing, floodlighting, construction of border roads and establishment of border outposts have been created. Currently, the National Register of Citizens (NRC) is being updated under the direct monitoring of the Supreme Court. The apex court has fixed July 31 as the deadline for finalisation of the NRC in Assam. The NRC aims to separate "genuine" citizens from "illegal immigrants". The government has maintained that its intention is to ensure no illegal immigrant is registered under the NRC and no genuine citizen is left out of it. (With inputs from agencies)

Will identify, deport illegal immigrants from every inch of India, says Amit Shah

Trump announces new asylum rules but most migrants not eligible for asylum. To know more watch the video

Donald Trump announces new asylum rules

Hundreds of undocumented migrants surged into the Pantheon in central Paris on Friday. Watch this video to know more.

Paris: 700 undocumented migrants surged into the Pantheon

Pope Francis expressed his sorrow for the migrants killed by air strikes against a detention centre in Libya that killed at least 53 people, including six children.

Pope Francis Prays For Victims In Libya

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