United Kingdom's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak refused to remain committed to the pledge made by Boris Johnson of bringing annual net migration numbers below 250,000 till the next elections, as he argued that handling illegal migration is "undoubtedly the country's priority". 
 
The Conservative Party's 2019 manifesto committed to making sure "overall numbers come down". At the time, the country's net migration remained at 226,000, which was seen as an effective target to meet during this parliament. 
 
While interacting with journalists on his way to the G7 summit in Japan, PM Sunak accepted that he had "inherited some numbers", but he thrice refused to explicitly recommit to cutting down legal immigration in the country to that level.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/rishi-sunak-taps-linkedin-to-boost-uk-businesses-585925">Rishi Sunak taps LinkedIn to boost UK businesses</a>

"I've said I do want to bring legal migration down. I think illegal migration is undoubtedly the country's priority, and you can see all the work I'm putting into that. But on legal migration as well, we are committed to bringing those numbers down,” Sunak said.

<h2>Sunak&nbsp;focuses on curbing illegal small boat crossings</h2>

Speaking about the meeting he had conducted in Iceland earlier this week, Sunak stated that talks with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had resulted in "a big step forward" in his efforts to stop small boat crossings in the Channel. 
 
"That is of practical value to us in stopping illegal migration - sharing intelligence, operational co-operation will make a difference to our ability to stop the boats, tackle organised crime upstream. That’s a very tangible result of the engagement and diplomacy we conducted,” Sunak said. 
 
Explaining his unwillingness to place a hard target on legal migration levels, PM Sunak said, "The key thing for people is to know [when it comes to legal migration] is why people are here, the circumstances and the terms on which they are here, making sure they contribute, to public services like the NHS for example. Those are all now part of our migration system and they weren't before."

WATCH | PM Rishi Sunak visits Japanese Naval Base ahead of G7 Summit

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According to media reports, Sunak's focus on curbing illegal small boat crossings and not on setting a specific target for reducing the number of illegal migrants reflects the prime minister's pragmatism. 
 
"His motto is deliver on promises and don't promise what you can't deliver," stated one government official. 
 
However, the recent remarks made by the prime minister are likely to stoke tensions in the cabinet where divisions can be seen appearing between those who want to prioritise cutting down overall numbers and those who argue that such measure can limit the country's economic growth.&nbsp;

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United Kingdom's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak refused to remain committed to the pledge made by Boris Johnson of bringing annual net migration numbers below 250,000 till the next elections, as he argued that handling illegal migration is "undoubtedly the country's priority".

United Kingdom's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak refused to remain committed to the pledge made by Boris Johnson of bringing annual net migration numbers below 250,000 till the next elections, as he argued that handling illegal migration is "undoubtedly the country's priority". The Conservative Party's 2019 manifesto committed to making sure "overall numbers come down". At the time, the country's net migration remained at 226,000, which was seen as an effective target to meet during this parliament. While interacting with journalists on his way to the G7 summit in Japan, PM Sunak accepted that he had "inherited some numbers", but he thrice refused to explicitly recommit to cutting down legal immigration in the country to that level. ALSO READ | Rishi Sunak taps LinkedIn to boost UK businesses "I've said I do want to bring legal migration down. I think illegal migration is undoubtedly the country's priority, and you can see all the work I'm putting into that. But on legal migration as well, we are committed to bringing those numbers down,” Sunak said. Sunak focuses on curbing illegal small boat crossings Speaking about the meeting he had conducted in Iceland earlier this week, Sunak stated that talks with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had resulted in "a big step forward" in his efforts to stop small boat crossings in the Channel. "That is of practical value to us in stopping illegal migration - sharing intelligence, operational co-operation will make a difference to our ability to stop the boats, tackle organised crime upstream. That’s a very tangible result of the engagement and diplomacy we conducted,” Sunak said. Explaining his unwillingness to place a hard target on legal migration levels, PM Sunak said, "The key thing for people is to know [when it comes to legal migration] is why people are here, the circumstances and the terms on which they are here, making sure they contribute, to public services like the NHS for example. Those are all now part of our migration system and they weren't before." WATCH | PM Rishi Sunak visits Japanese Naval Base ahead of G7 Summit According to media reports, Sunak's focus on curbing illegal small boat crossings and not on setting a specific target for reducing the number of illegal migrants reflects the prime minister's pragmatism. "His motto is deliver on promises and don't promise what you can't deliver," stated one government official. However, the recent remarks made by the prime minister are likely to stoke tensions in the cabinet where divisions can be seen appearing between those who want to prioritise cutting down overall numbers and those who argue that such measure can limit the country's economic growth. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK PM Rishi Sunak no longer committed to bringing net migration below 250,000

An investigation conducted by the BBC in the UK has found that a number of British men are taking payments of thousands of pounds to pose as fathers for migrant women's babies. The investigation, by BBC newsnight, found that the fraud is happening in different communities around the UK. It uncovered agents operating across the UK who find british men to be fake fathers. British men are being offered up to 10,000 pounds to add their names to birth certificates - enabling a child to get UK citizenship and giving mothers a residency route.

British men are taking thousands of pounds to pose as fathers for migrant womens' babies

Former White House advisor Amy Pope is set to become the first woman to head the United Nations’ migration agency after she won the vote on Monday (May 15) in Geneva against the Portuguese incumbent Antonio Vitorino. She will become the organisation’s first woman chief on October 1.&nbsp;

In a statement, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said that her five-year term will begin in a couple of months. Following the win, Pope took to Twitter and wrote, “Humbled and honoured to be chosen as the next Director General of (IOM). I am ready to work with ALL our member states and global partners to unleash the opportunities provided by effective, orderly and humane migration.”&nbsp;

She had previously served as Deputy Director General for Management and Reform at IOM under the leadership of Antonio Vitorino who took office in 2018.

Pope was chosen by a secret ballot where IOM’s 175 member states voted her as the new director general. She was competing against Portugal’s former deputy prime minister Vitorino.&nbsp;

Pope also managed to secure the lead after a first round of voting, missing just 12 votes to reach the two-thirds majority needed to declare victory, but before the vote to go to a second round, Vitorino bowed out of the race.

According to reports, over 100 million people are forcibly displaced around the world and the more than 70-year-old agency seeks to ensure humane and orderly migration and intervenes where needed.

In a statement, following Pope’s win, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, “As IOM’s largest bilateral donor, the United States strongly supports Ms. Pope's vision and looks forward to working with her to implement the critical reforms necessary to create a more effective, inclusive IOM.”&nbsp;

Notably, UN agency chiefs who apply for a second term are typically shooed in without challenge and when Pope announced her candidacy in October, “it was a bit of a shock…It was not seen as a friendly move,” a European diplomat in Geneva acknowledged to AFP on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

The 66-year-old incumbent Vitorino had previously called the vote unprecedented and said, “We have never happened to have an incumbent director general that faces a competition with one of his deputy generals. Let's call it an innovation,” as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Former White House advisor Amy Pope is set to become the first woman to head the United Nations’ migration agency after she won the vote on Monday (May 15) in Geneva against the Portuguese incumbent Antonio Vitorino.

Former White House advisor Amy Pope is set to become the first woman to head the United Nations’ migration agency after she won the vote on Monday (May 15) in Geneva against the Portuguese incumbent Antonio Vitorino. She will become the organisation’s first woman chief on October 1. In a statement, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said that her five-year term will begin in a couple of months. Following the win, Pope took to Twitter and wrote, “Humbled and honoured to be chosen as the next Director General of (IOM). I am ready to work with ALL our member states and global partners to unleash the opportunities provided by effective, orderly and humane migration.” She had previously served as Deputy Director General for Management and Reform at IOM under the leadership of Antonio Vitorino who took office in 2018. Pope was chosen by a secret ballot where IOM’s 175 member states voted her as the new director general. She was competing against Portugal’s former deputy prime minister Vitorino. Pope also managed to secure the lead after a first round of voting, missing just 12 votes to reach the two-thirds majority needed to declare victory, but before the vote to go to a second round, Vitorino bowed out of the race. According to reports, over 100 million people are forcibly displaced around the world and the more than 70-year-old agency seeks to ensure humane and orderly migration and intervenes where needed. In a statement, following Pope’s win, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, “As IOM’s largest bilateral donor, the United States strongly supports Ms. Pope's vision and looks forward to working with her to implement the critical reforms necessary to create a more effective, inclusive IOM.” Notably, UN agency chiefs who apply for a second term are typically shooed in without challenge and when Pope announced her candidacy in October, “it was a bit of a shock…It was not seen as a friendly move,” a European diplomat in Geneva acknowledged to AFP on condition of anonymity. The 66-year-old incumbent Vitorino had previously called the vote unprecedented and said, “We have never happened to have an incumbent director general that faces a competition with one of his deputy generals. Let's call it an innovation,” as quoted by Reuters. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

White House veteran Amy Pope becomes first woman to head UN's International Organization for Migration

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe - US Secretary Antony Blinken participated in a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony on the Global Equality Fund with Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares.

US-Spain to cooperate on migration centres in America | WION Speed News

If you are planning to move abroad for a job, there is some good news for you.&nbsp;

The latest World Development Report by the World Bank states that it is more viable for Indians to move abroad.

According to the report, Indian workers see a 120 percent&nbsp;rise in their incomes outside India, while internal migration within India will only add about 40 percent&nbsp;to personal incomes.&nbsp;

"Migration leads to large wage increases for most people whose skills and attributes are a strong match with the needs of the destination society. These gains often exceed what could be achieved in the country of origin, even from internal migration to relatively better-off locations," says the report.&nbsp;

Moving abroad is even more rewarding for low-skilled workers from less developed and developing countries such as India.&nbsp;

A low-skilled Indian worker is likely to see a whopping 500 percent rise in income in the United States. The United Arab Emirates is the next favourite destination for low-skilled workers, who can earn 300 percent more than in India. &nbsp;

"The gains are so large that at current rates of economic growth it would take decades for the average low-skilled person working in some countries of origin to earn the income they achieve by migrating to a high-income country," notes the report.&nbsp;

According to the International Labour Organisation, low-skilled work consisting of “simple and routine tasks which require the use of hand-held tools and often some physical effort”.&nbsp;

Tech brain drain a boon in disguise?&nbsp;

Migration of talented Indians to the developed world has often been dubbed "brain drain" in the media. While there may well be some truth in it, the World Bank report argues that "brain drain" may have played a role in India's Information Technology revolution.&nbsp;

Many techies from India have not only prospered in the Silicon Valley but also become an integral part of the Indian diaspora -- the largest in the world. Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella and Arvind Krishna are some of the best examples of Indian migrants making it big in the US. &nbsp;

These illustrious names, the report argues, have helped develop industries in India by transferring knowledge and fostering innovation.

"Indian migrants in California’s Silicon Valley have launched large Information Technology–related firms in India. In 2006, firms established by returnees accounted for some 90 percent of firms in software technology parks in Bangalore," notes the report.&nbsp;

Economic migration - a major source of remittances&nbsp;

In many cases, migration to developed countries can economically help the country of origin.&nbsp;

"Remittances are a stable source of income for migrants’ families, supporting investments in children’s education, health care, housing, and entrepreneurial activities," observes the report.&nbsp;

India is the biggest beneficiary of remittances in the world, having crossed the $100 billion-mark in 2022.

A large part of the remittances to India come from migrants living in the Gulf. According to the report, low-skilled Indian migrants in Gulf countries send, on average, nearly 70 percent of their earnings to their families.

According to India's Ministry of External Affairs, nearly 50 per cent of India's migrant population works in Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries of&nbsp;Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.&nbsp;

If you are planning to move abroad for a job, there is some good news for you. The latest World Development Report by the World Bank states that it is more viable for Indians to move abroad.

If you are planning to move abroad for a job, there is some good news for you. The latest World Development Report by the World Bank states that it is more viable for Indians to move abroad. According to the report, Indian workers see a 120 percent rise in their incomes outside India, while internal migration within India will only add about 40 percent to personal incomes. "Migration leads to large wage increases for most people whose skills and attributes are a strong match with the needs of the destination society. These gains often exceed what could be achieved in the country of origin, even from internal migration to relatively better-off locations," says the report. Moving abroad is even more rewarding for low-skilled workers from less developed and developing countries such as India. A low-skilled Indian worker is likely to see a whopping 500 percent rise in income in the United States. The United Arab Emirates is the next favourite destination for low-skilled workers, who can earn 300 percent more than in India. "The gains are so large that at current rates of economic growth it would take decades for the average low-skilled person working in some countries of origin to earn the income they achieve by migrating to a high-income country," notes the report. According to the International Labour Organisation, low-skilled work consisting of “simple and routine tasks which require the use of hand-held tools and often some physical effort”. Tech brain drain a boon in disguise? Migration of talented Indians to the developed world has often been dubbed "brain drain" in the media. While there may well be some truth in it, the World Bank report argues that "brain drain" may have played a role in India's Information Technology revolution. Many techies from India have not only prospered in the Silicon Valley but also become an integral part of the Indian diaspora -- the largest in the world. Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella and Arvind Krishna are some of the best examples of Indian migrants making it big in the US. These illustrious names, the report argues, have helped develop industries in India by transferring knowledge and fostering innovation. "Indian migrants in California’s Silicon Valley have launched large Information Technology–related firms in India. In 2006, firms established by returnees accounted for some 90 percent of firms in software technology parks in Bangalore," notes the report. Economic migration - a major source of remittances In many cases, migration to developed countries can economically help the country of origin. "Remittances are a stable source of income for migrants’ families, supporting investments in children’s education, health care, housing, and entrepreneurial activities," observes the report. India is the biggest beneficiary of remittances in the world, having crossed the $100 billion-mark in 2022. A large part of the remittances to India come from migrants living in the Gulf. According to the report, low-skilled Indian migrants in Gulf countries send, on average, nearly 70 percent of their earnings to their families. According to India's Ministry of External Affairs, nearly 50 per cent of India's migrant population works in Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Indian workers earn 120% more abroad: World Bank report

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees&nbsp;issued a warning about "further displacement" of people from Sudan, following a&nbsp;thousands-strong migration into South Sudan and neighbouring Chad despite an uncertain cease-fire between the two rival Sudanese generals fighting for control of the nation.&nbsp;The conflict has thrown Sudan into instability, putting the already highly dependent on aid African country on the verge of collapsing.&nbsp;

At least 20,000 <a href="https://www.unhcr.org/news/unhcr-mobilizes-help-people-fleeing-sudan-neighbouring-countries">Sudanese have fled into Chad</a> since violence broke out on April 15 and some 4,000 South Sudanese refugees who had been living in Sudan have returned home, according to Olga Sarrado, a spokesperson&nbsp;for the The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), reported the Associated Press.

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UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is scaling up to assist people seeking safety in countries neighbouring Sudan, where the fighting looks set to trigger further displacement both within and outside the country.<a href="https://twitter.com/Refugees?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Refugees</a> Briefing on Sudan: 
⬇️<a href="https://t.co/rmx5wVbhP5">https://t.co/rmx5wVbhP5</a> <a href="https://t.co/0UExspaL9Z">pic.twitter.com/0UExspaL9Z</a>
— UNHCR News (@RefugeesMedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/RefugeesMedia/status/1650885348132544512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
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She warned that the numbers might increase. Sarrado lacked data for the five nations bordering Sudan, although UNHCR has reported that an unspecified number of people departing Sudan and arriving in Egypt.

“The fighting looks set to trigger further displacement both within and outside the country,” she said, speaking at a UN briefing in Geneva.

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&nbsp;

She stated that the UNHCR was expanding its operations despite the haste by foreign countries to evacuate their embassy personnel and residents from Sudan. Many Sudanese have frantically looked for ways to flee the chaos because of concern that after the evacuations are finished, they might get involved in an all-out power struggle.

Over 800,000 South Sudanese refugees reside in Sudan, with 25 per cent&nbsp;of them in Khartoum, the country's capital, where the violence has a direct impact on them.

Marie-Helene Verney, the UNHCR's chief in South Sudan, said from its capital of Juba that “the planning figure that we have for the most likely scenario is 125,000 returns of South Sudanese refugees into South Sudan, and 45,000 refugees,” Sudanese fleeing the fighting.

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Dramatic scenes at Joda border as South Sudanese refugees fleeing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Khartoum?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Khartoum</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sudan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sudan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/UNHCRSouthSudan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UNHCRSouthSudan</a> screening out the most vulnerable as families rush to board trucks that will take them nearer to their relatives inside 🇸🇸 <a href="https://t.co/OAJUZ6yIFQ">pic.twitter.com/OAJUZ6yIFQ</a>
— Marie-Helene Verney (@MarieHVerney) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarieHVerney/status/1650800338843344897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Healthcare system pushed to the brink</h2>

Tens of thousands of pregnant women, including 24,000 women due to give birth in the next few weeks, are at risk due to the violence, according to the UN Population Fund. According to the agency, it is too risky for 219,000 pregnant women nationwide to leave their homes in the midst of hostilities to seek emergency care in hospitals and clinics.

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⚠️ If violence in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sudan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sudan</a> doesn’t stop, there’s a danger that pregnant women and their unborn children will die.<a href="https://twitter.com/UNFPA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UNFPA</a> joins <a href="https://twitter.com/UN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN</a> Secretary-General <a href="https://twitter.com/antonioguterres?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@antonioguterres</a> in calling for the humanitarian pause to be respected so people can access healthcare: <a href="https://t.co/T8ngStz2Cd">https://t.co/T8ngStz2Cd</a> <a href="https://t.co/7iGHUT3Vv3">pic.twitter.com/7iGHUT3Vv3</a>
— UNFPA (@UNFPA) <a href="https://twitter.com/UNFPA/status/1650514816291799043?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The UN's health office warned on Tuesday that as conflict continues, medical supplies and workers in Sudan are running low, and the country's healthcare system is in danger of collapsing.

"I want to be very clear: All parties must ensure unrestricted and safe access to health facilities for those injured and everyone in need of medical care," World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a media briefing, as reported by Reuters.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees issued a warning about "further displacement" of people from Sudan, following a thousands-strong migration into South Sudan and neighbouring Chad despite an uncertain cease-fire between the two rival Sudanese generals fighting for control of the nation.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees issued a warning about "further displacement" of people from Sudan, following a thousands-strong migration into South Sudan and neighbouring Chad despite an uncertain cease-fire between the two rival Sudanese generals fighting for control of the nation. The conflict has thrown Sudan into instability, putting the already highly dependent on aid African country on the verge of collapsing. At least 20,000 Sudanese have fled into Chad since violence broke out on April 15 and some 4,000 South Sudanese refugees who had been living in Sudan have returned home, according to Olga Sarrado, a spokesperson for the The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), reported the Associated Press. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is scaling up to assist people seeking safety in countries neighbouring Sudan, where the fighting looks set to trigger further displacement both within and outside the country.@Refugees Briefing on Sudan: ⬇️https://t.co/rmx5wVbhP5 pic.twitter.com/0UExspaL9Z — UNHCR News (@RefugeesMedia) April 25, 2023 × She warned that the numbers might increase. Sarrado lacked data for the five nations bordering Sudan, although UNHCR has reported that an unspecified number of people departing Sudan and arriving in Egypt. “The fighting looks set to trigger further displacement both within and outside the country,” she said, speaking at a UN briefing in Geneva. She stated that the UNHCR was expanding its operations despite the haste by foreign countries to evacuate their embassy personnel and residents from Sudan. Many Sudanese have frantically looked for ways to flee the chaos because of concern that after the evacuations are finished, they might get involved in an all-out power struggle. Over 800,000 South Sudanese refugees reside in Sudan, with 25 per cent of them in Khartoum, the country's capital, where the violence has a direct impact on them. Marie-Helene Verney, the UNHCR's chief in South Sudan, said from its capital of Juba that “the planning figure that we have for the most likely scenario is 125,000 returns of South Sudanese refugees into South Sudan, and 45,000 refugees,” Sudanese fleeing the fighting. Dramatic scenes at Joda border as South Sudanese refugees fleeing #Khartoum #Sudan @UNHCRSouthSudan screening out the most vulnerable as families rush to board trucks that will take them nearer to their relatives inside 🇸🇸 pic.twitter.com/OAJUZ6yIFQ — Marie-Helene Verney (@MarieHVerney) April 25, 2023 × Healthcare system pushed to the brink Tens of thousands of pregnant women, including 24,000 women due to give birth in the next few weeks, are at risk due to the violence, according to the UN Population Fund. According to the agency, it is too risky for 219,000 pregnant women nationwide to leave their homes in the midst of hostilities to seek emergency care in hospitals and clinics. ⚠️ If violence in #Sudan doesn’t stop, there’s a danger that pregnant women and their unborn children will die.@UNFPA joins @UN Secretary-General @antonioguterres in calling for the humanitarian pause to be respected so people can access healthcare: https://t.co/T8ngStz2Cd pic.twitter.com/7iGHUT3Vv3 — UNFPA (@UNFPA) April 24, 2023 × The UN's health office warned on Tuesday that as conflict continues, medical supplies and workers in Sudan are running low, and the country's healthcare system is in danger of collapsing. "I want to be very clear: All parties must ensure unrestricted and safe access to health facilities for those injured and everyone in need of medical care," World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a media briefing, as reported by Reuters. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Data Lab | UN warns of further 'displacement' from Sudan despite ceasefire

British interior minister Suella Braverman has arrived in Rwanda. She is in Kigali to discuss an agreement regarding the migrant situation. According to this agreement, UK will be relocating migrants arriving without any prior permission to Rwanda, since its inception, the plan has been mired in legal challenges and controversy.

UK's Interior Minister Braverman in Rwanda, to sign joint communique

UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman laid down government’s Illegal Migration Bill before House of Commons in London on Tuesday.&nbsp;

This comes as UK is mooting ways to deal with the issue of illegal immigrants crossing from the English Channel in small boats. Braverman while addressing the House of Commons expressed her apprehensions around the illegal migrants trickling down on UK shores.

Braverman said that countries like UK will face "unprecedented pressures" in the coming future if this persists. She said that the small boats problem has become a “global migration crisis”.&nbsp;

In the coming years, the Home Secretary added the developed countries will face unprecedented pressures from ever greater numbers of people leaving the developing world for places like the UK.

"Unless we act today, the problem will be worse tomorrow. And the problem is already unsustainable." she added.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-defence-secretary-lloyd-austin-visits-iraq-vows-defence-support-against-daesh-569575">US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin visits Iraq, vows defence support against Daesh</a>

She pointed out that about 100 million people could qualify to come to UK if safe and legal routes had no limits in place. Men under 40 forms the bulk of the these arrivals, she said.&nbsp;

Braverman told the House that the steps have not been enough and today’s laws are “not fit for purpose."&nbsp;

Additionally, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is also expected to make a statement, according to the reports.&nbsp;

Many migrants who cross the channel apply for asylum in UK. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak earlier expressed his discontent over the issue and gave a straight forward message, “Make no mistake, if you come here illegally, you will not to be able to stay.”

The bill is expected to make the asylum inadmissible. Sunak had also said earlier that the illegal migrants will deported "within days"&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/germany-planning-to-ban-huawei-zte-from-parts-of-5g-networks-paper-569540">Germany planning to ban Huawei, ZTE from parts of 5G networks: Paper</a>

“The system that we need, the system that I want to introduce, is one whereby if you come here illegally, you should be swiftly detained and then in a matter of days or weeks we will hear your claim, not months and years, and then we will safely remove you somewhere else,” Sunak had told TalkTV. “And if we do that, that’s how we’ll break the cycle.”

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UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman laid down government’s Illegal Migration Bill before House of Commons in London on Tuesday. This comes as UK is mooting ways to deal with the issue of illegal immigrants crossing from the English Channel in small boats.

UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman laid down government’s Illegal Migration Bill before House of Commons in London on Tuesday. This comes as UK is mooting ways to deal with the issue of illegal immigrants crossing from the English Channel in small boats. Braverman while addressing the House of Commons expressed her apprehensions around the illegal migrants trickling down on UK shores. Braverman said that countries like UK will face "unprecedented pressures" in the coming future if this persists. She said that the small boats problem has become a “global migration crisis”. In the coming years, the Home Secretary added the developed countries will face unprecedented pressures from ever greater numbers of people leaving the developing world for places like the UK. "Unless we act today, the problem will be worse tomorrow. And the problem is already unsustainable." she added. Also Read | US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin visits Iraq, vows defence support against Daesh She pointed out that about 100 million people could qualify to come to UK if safe and legal routes had no limits in place. Men under 40 forms the bulk of the these arrivals, she said. Braverman told the House that the steps have not been enough and today’s laws are “not fit for purpose." Additionally, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is also expected to make a statement, according to the reports. Many migrants who cross the channel apply for asylum in UK. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak earlier expressed his discontent over the issue and gave a straight forward message, “Make no mistake, if you come here illegally, you will not to be able to stay.” The bill is expected to make the asylum inadmissible. Sunak had also said earlier that the illegal migrants will deported "within days" Also Read | Germany planning to ban Huawei, ZTE from parts of 5G networks: Paper “The system that we need, the system that I want to introduce, is one whereby if you come here illegally, you should be swiftly detained and then in a matter of days or weeks we will hear your claim, not months and years, and then we will safely remove you somewhere else,” Sunak had told TalkTV. “And if we do that, that’s how we’ll break the cycle.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman lays down Illegal Migration Bill before House of Commons

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) says it has seized over 6,000 national identity and voter cards from migrants in 21 border states. 3,823 identity cards and 2,393 voter cards unlawfully were possessed by migrants were intercepted and confiscated in about 23 states. WION’s Louisa Olaniyi explains.

NIS seizes 6,216 national IDs, PVCs from migrants

Illegal migration from Cuba to US has hit an all-time high. Within a period between December 2021 and 2022 there were 227,000 instances of Cubans illegally entering US territory. The figure logged by US border authorities far exceeds two previous figures the Mariel boatlift, when 125,000 Cubans left for the United States in 1980, and the 1994 departure of 34,000 people to US shores within a month, said Jorge Duany, a Cuba expert at Florida International University. Duany was quoted by news agency AFP.

There has always been an exodus of people from Cuba to the United States. Cuba, an impoverished nation, is a Communist state.

"In Cuba, you lose hope," said 34-year-old David Gonzalez. He was quoted by AFP. Gonzalez is an illegal migrant.

Gonzalez's journey started with a flight to Nicaragua.&nbsp;

The government of the Central American country, an ally of the Havana regime, removed visa requirements for Cubans in November 2021, making Managua the first stop on the road to the United States for most migrants from the island.&nbsp;

The journey cost Gonzalez some $7,000&nbsp;for the airfare and another $3,500 for smugglers to take him overland from Nicaragua to the United States -- a huge sum for the average Cuban salary of 3,768 pesos a month, about $157. &nbsp;

Gonzalez scrounged half the money by selling his motorcycle and other belongings. A friend sent him the rest from Miami.&nbsp;

From his 30-day trip through Central America and Mexico, he remembers above all the long rides with dozens of people crammed on a bus or in the back of a truck.&nbsp;

But it wasn't the prospect of thirst, lack of air, unbearable heat during the day and biting cold at night that scared him the most on the journey. &nbsp;

"My biggest fear was that I would be deported to Cuba," he said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Illegal migration from Cuba to US has hit an all-time high. Within a period between December 2021 and 2022 there were 227,000 instances of Cubans illegally entering US territory.

Illegal migration from Cuba to US has hit an all-time high. Within a period between December 2021 and 2022 there were 227,000 instances of Cubans illegally entering US territory. The figure logged by US border authorities far exceeds two previous figures the Mariel boatlift, when 125,000 Cubans left for the United States in 1980, and the 1994 departure of 34,000 people to US shores within a month, said Jorge Duany, a Cuba expert at Florida International University. Duany was quoted by news agency AFP. There has always been an exodus of people from Cuba to the United States. Cuba, an impoverished nation, is a Communist state. "In Cuba, you lose hope," said 34-year-old David Gonzalez. He was quoted by AFP. Gonzalez is an illegal migrant. Gonzalez's journey started with a flight to Nicaragua. The government of the Central American country, an ally of the Havana regime, removed visa requirements for Cubans in November 2021, making Managua the first stop on the road to the United States for most migrants from the island. The journey cost Gonzalez some $7,000 for the airfare and another $3,500 for smugglers to take him overland from Nicaragua to the United States -- a huge sum for the average Cuban salary of 3,768 pesos a month, about $157.  Gonzalez scrounged half the money by selling his motorcycle and other belongings. A friend sent him the rest from Miami. From his 30-day trip through Central America and Mexico, he remembers above all the long rides with dozens of people crammed on a bus or in the back of a truck. But it wasn't the prospect of thirst, lack of air, unbearable heat during the day and biting cold at night that scared him the most on the journey.  "My biggest fear was that I would be deported to Cuba," he said.  (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Illegal migration from Cuba to the United States hits an all-time high

Britain and France on Monday (November 14) inked a 72.2 million euros ($74.5 million) deal to boost efforts to stop illegal migrants from making dangerous journey through the English Channel. So far, 40,000 people have crossed the English Channel this year. This is up from 28,526 last year.

The increased number of migrants had put pressure on British PM Rishi Sunak and interior minister Suella Braverman.&nbsp;

"It is in the interests of both the UK and French governments to work together to solve this complex problem," Braverman said in a statement, after meeting French interior minister Gerald Darmanin in Paris on Monday morning.

Darmanin took to Twitter and said that France and Britain were making their co-operation against illegal immigration stronger.

But Franck Dhersin, the mayor of Teteghem in northern France, told BBC Radio that migrants would try again if they are stopped.

"They don't want to stay in Belgium, in Germany or in France. They want to go to England (to) see members of their family," he said.

British government said that the multi-level deal will result in a 40% increase in the number of UK-funded officers patrolling French beaches in the next five months.

British officers will also be embedded in French-led control rooms and on the ground with their counterparts for the first time to improve coordination and information sharing.

France has previously resisted calls from Britain to have their own immigration officers on the ground in France over concerns the move would threaten its sovereignty.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Britain and France on Monday (November 14) inked a 72.2 million euros ($74.5 million) deal to boost efforts to stop illegal migrants from making dangerous journey through the English Channel.

Britain and France on Monday (November 14) inked a 72.2 million euros ($74.5 million) deal to boost efforts to stop illegal migrants from making dangerous journey through the English Channel. So far, 40,000 people have crossed the English Channel this year. This is up from 28,526 last year. The increased number of migrants had put pressure on British PM Rishi Sunak and interior minister Suella Braverman. "It is in the interests of both the UK and French governments to work together to solve this complex problem," Braverman said in a statement, after meeting French interior minister Gerald Darmanin in Paris on Monday morning. Darmanin took to Twitter and said that France and Britain were making their co-operation against illegal immigration stronger. But Franck Dhersin, the mayor of Teteghem in northern France, told BBC Radio that migrants would try again if they are stopped. "They don't want to stay in Belgium, in Germany or in France. They want to go to England (to) see members of their family," he said. British government said that the multi-level deal will result in a 40% increase in the number of UK-funded officers patrolling French beaches in the next five months. British officers will also be embedded in French-led control rooms and on the ground with their counterparts for the first time to improve coordination and information sharing. France has previously resisted calls from Britain to have their own immigration officers on the ground in France over concerns the move would threaten its sovereignty. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

UK and France sign $74mn deal, look to stem illegal migration

A 15-year-old Rohingya boy was killed and at least six people were injured when mortar shells fired from Myanmar exploded in Bangladesh, the latest in a series of violent incidents, officials and a Rohingya leader said.

More than a million Rohingya are living in camps in southern Bangladesh that comprise the world's largest refugee settlement, the vast majority having fled from Myanmar during a military crackdown in 2017.

The Rohingya have been caught in the crossfire between Myanmar's military and the Arakan Army, an armed group fighting for self-determination for ethnic minorities in the Rakhine state.

The teenager was killed late on Friday, said Dil Mohammed, a Rohingya leader in no man's land, a strip of land along the Myanmar-Bangladesh border where an estimated 4,000 Rohingya live. "We are living here in constant fear. Anytime any catastrophe can happen," Mohammed told Reuters by phone.&nbsp;

Strong protests would be lodged with Myanmar over the incident, a Bangladesh government official and border guard official said.

Bangladesh this month issued a statement expressing "deep concern over falling mortar shells inside Bangladesh territory, indiscriminate aerial firing from Myanmar in the bordering areas, and air space violation from Myanmar".

The Myanmar envoy in Dhaka has been summoned three times in recent weeks so that those concerns could be conveyed.

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A 15-year-old Rohingya boy was killed and at least six people were injured when mortar shells fired from Myanmar exploded in Bangladesh, the latest in a series of violent incidents, officials and a Rohingya leader said.

A 15-year-old Rohingya boy was killed and at least six people were injured when mortar shells fired from Myanmar exploded in Bangladesh, the latest in a series of violent incidents, officials and a Rohingya leader said. More than a million Rohingya are living in camps in southern Bangladesh that comprise the world's largest refugee settlement, the vast majority having fled from Myanmar during a military crackdown in 2017. The Rohingya have been caught in the crossfire between Myanmar's military and the Arakan Army, an armed group fighting for self-determination for ethnic minorities in the Rakhine state. The teenager was killed late on Friday, said Dil Mohammed, a Rohingya leader in no man's land, a strip of land along the Myanmar-Bangladesh border where an estimated 4,000 Rohingya live. "We are living here in constant fear. Anytime any catastrophe can happen," Mohammed told Reuters by phone. Strong protests would be lodged with Myanmar over the incident, a Bangladesh government official and border guard official said. Bangladesh this month issued a statement expressing "deep concern over falling mortar shells inside Bangladesh territory, indiscriminate aerial firing from Myanmar in the bordering areas, and air space violation from Myanmar". The Myanmar envoy in Dhaka has been summoned three times in recent weeks so that those concerns could be conveyed. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Teen Rohingya killed, six injured in Bangladesh from mortar shells fired by Myanmar

The Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area has launched a project surpassing $3 million to determine the number of elephants in the area by using the data gathered by Artificial Intelligence.

Artificial intelligence will help track elephants’ migration patterns in Botswana

In what can be described as a bizarre event, hundreds of migratory white storks bound for Africa in the winter months, have dropped anchor in the garbage landfills of Spain and settled there for good. It is being reported that the long-legged birds have figured out the cheat code for migration.

Earlier, these birds used to take the long, arduous journey from Europe to Africa through the dangerous Strait of Gibraltar, where strong winds, often caused problems and led to the death of many birds.

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-migratory-birds-killed-by-strong-winds-over-europe-291732">Thousands of migratory birds killed by strong winds over Europe</a>

Storks gets acclimatized to the abundance of food and warm climate

The migration was necessitated as the birds needed a warmer climate and an abundance of food. However, the garbage dumps in Spain offer a buffet of eating options for the birds. Moreover, the warm climate in most of the dumps allows the storks to construct their nests nearby.

It is estimated that a single landfill in Spain receives 200 tonnes to 300 tonnes of food waste per day. The storks quickly pounce upon the fresh batch and receive their fill for the day.

What started as an aberration has now turned into a phenomenon as over 70 per cent of storks have stopped with the migration.&nbsp;According to a 2020 survey, the population of white storks in Spain stood at 36,217; meaning, more and more storks were starting to permanently settle in the European country.&nbsp;

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/migratory-birds-flock-to-pakistan-as-lockdown-keeps-poachers-at-bay-308043">Migratory birds flock to Pakistan as lockdown keeps poachers at bay</a>

While it may be a good news for the storks, who do not have to risk their lives for food and warmth, the change in migratory patterns is a cause of concern for humans. With Europe facing one of its worst summer crises as sweltering heatwaves mercilessly brush the continent, more and more species will be looking to curb their natural instincts.&nbsp;

The change in migratory pattern is a direct result of the human activities on the planet that has raised the global temperatures.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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In what can be described as a bizarre event, hundreds of migratory white storks bound for Africa in the winter months, have dropped anchor in the garbage landfills of Spain and settled there for good.

In what can be described as a bizarre event, hundreds of migratory white storks bound for Africa in the winter months, have dropped anchor in the garbage landfills of Spain and settled there for good. It is being reported that the long-legged birds have figured out the cheat code for migration. Earlier, these birds used to take the long, arduous journey from Europe to Africa through the dangerous Strait of Gibraltar, where strong winds, often caused problems and led to the death of many birds. Read More: Thousands of migratory birds killed by strong winds over Europe Storks gets acclimatized to the abundance of food and warm climate The migration was necessitated as the birds needed a warmer climate and an abundance of food. However, the garbage dumps in Spain offer a buffet of eating options for the birds. Moreover, the warm climate in most of the dumps allows the storks to construct their nests nearby. It is estimated that a single landfill in Spain receives 200 tonnes to 300 tonnes of food waste per day. The storks quickly pounce upon the fresh batch and receive their fill for the day. What started as an aberration has now turned into a phenomenon as over 70 per cent of storks have stopped with the migration. According to a 2020 survey, the population of white storks in Spain stood at 36,217; meaning, more and more storks were starting to permanently settle in the European country. Read More: Migratory birds flock to Pakistan as lockdown keeps poachers at bay While it may be a good news for the storks, who do not have to risk their lives for food and warmth, the change in migratory patterns is a cause of concern for humans. With Europe facing one of its worst summer crises as sweltering heatwaves mercilessly brush the continent, more and more species will be looking to curb their natural instincts. The change in migratory pattern is a direct result of the human activities on the planet that has raised the global temperatures. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

70 per cent of white storks have found a cheat code to migration: The garbage landfills of Spain

Spain is shifting its foreign policy towards Africa while lobbying the EU and NATO for support to address migration from the continent, aggravated by the Ukraine invasion.

Spain lobbies NATO, allies over Ukraine-driven migration

US President Joe Biden on Friday unveiled new set of measures to address regional migration crisis. The unveiling happened during the Ninth Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles.&nbsp;

Twenty countries joined Biden for ceremonial unveiling but several others stayed away.

On the final day of the summit, the White House promoted a series of migrant programs agreed by countries in Western Hemisphere. However, media reports said that experts are skeptical as to effectiveness of the measures to create significant difference in the migration issue.

The measures include the US and Canada committing to take in more guest labourers, providing pathways for people from poorer countries to work in richer ones, and other countries agreeing to greater protections for migrants. Mexico also agreed to accept more Central American workers, according to a White House statement.

"We're transforming our approach to manage migration in the Americas," Biden said. "Each of us is signing up to commitments that recognizes the challenges we all share."

The flags of 20 countries, several fewer than the number attending the summit in all, festooned the stage where Biden led the rollout. But even that number was only achieved after days of U.S. pressure.

It was another sign of tensions that have marred the summit, undermining Biden's efforts to reassert U.S. leadership and counter China's growing economic footprint in the region.

(With inputs from agencies)

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US President Joe Biden on Friday unveiled new set of measures to address regional migration crisis. The unveiling happened during the Ninth Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles.

US President Joe Biden on Friday unveiled new set of measures to address regional migration crisis. The unveiling happened during the Ninth Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles. Twenty countries joined Biden for ceremonial unveiling but several others stayed away. On the final day of the summit, the White House promoted a series of migrant programs agreed by countries in Western Hemisphere. However, media reports said that experts are skeptical as to effectiveness of the measures to create significant difference in the migration issue. The measures include the US and Canada committing to take in more guest labourers, providing pathways for people from poorer countries to work in richer ones, and other countries agreeing to greater protections for migrants. Mexico also agreed to accept more Central American workers, according to a White House statement. "We're transforming our approach to manage migration in the Americas," Biden said. "Each of us is signing up to commitments that recognizes the challenges we all share." The flags of 20 countries, several fewer than the number attending the summit in all, festooned the stage where Biden led the rollout. But even that number was only achieved after days of U.S. pressure. It was another sign of tensions that have marred the summit, undermining Biden's efforts to reassert U.S. leadership and counter China's growing economic footprint in the region. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Biden unveils migration plan on the last day of Americas summit

A new set of measures were rolled out on Friday to confront the regional migration crisis by U.S. President Joe Biden and fellow leaders from the Western Hemisphere, seeking to salvage an Americas summit roiled by division.

Biden's aides had touted the migration declaration as a centrepiece of the United States-hosted Summit of the Americas, and 20 countries joined him for a ceremonial unveiling of the plan, though several others stayed away.

Capping the summit's final day, the White House promoted a series of migrant programs agreed upon by countries across the hemisphere and Spain, attending as an observer, which pledged a more cooperative approach. But analysts were sceptical that the pledges are meaningful enough to make a significant difference.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-announces-100-million-healthcare-training-plan-at-summit-of-americas-amid-partial-boycott-by-leaders-486243">US announces $100 million healthcare training plan at Summit of Americas amid partial boycott by leaders</a>

Those measures include the United States and Canada committing to taking more guests, providing pathways for people from poorer countries to work in richer ones, and other countries agreeing to greater protections for migrants. Mexico also will accept more Central American workers, according to a White House statement.

"We're transforming our approach to managing migration in the Americas," Biden said. "Each of us is signing up to commitments that recognise the challenges we all share."

The flags of 20 countries, several fewer than the number attending the summit, festooned the stage where Biden led the rollout. But that number was only achieved after days of U.S. pressure.

It was another sign of tensions that have marred the summit, undermining Biden's efforts to reassert U.S. leadership and counter China's growing economic footprint in the region.

That message was clouded by a boycott by several leaders, including Mexico's president, to protest Washington's exclusion of leftist U.S. antagonists Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua. The line-up was thinned to 21 visiting heads of state and government.

The administration, facing a record flow of illegal migrants at its southern border, pledged hundreds of millions of dollars in aid for Venezuelan migrants, renewed the processing of family-based visas for Cubans and Haitians and eased the hiring of Central American workers.

The announcements were part of the unveiling of the U.S.-led pact dubbed the "Los Angeles Declaration" and aimed at spreading responsibility across the region to contain the migration problem.

The plan culminates in a summit designed to re-establish U.S. influence among its southern neighbours after years of relative neglect under former President Donald Trump. Biden proposed an economic partnership to help the region's pandemic recovery - though it appears to be a work in progress.

Jorge Castaneda, a former Mexican foreign minister, said pledges from the Americas should allow Washington to argue it had secured major commitments, a domestic "political plus" forbidden. But he added: "On substance, there's nothing here."

Mexico, whose border with the United States is the main point of migration - backed the declaration, despite Lopez Obrador's no-show.

The absence from the summit of leaders of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador - the Northern Triangle from which many migrants come - has raised doubts about how effective the pledges will be. U.S. officials insisted the turnout did not prevent Washington from getting results.

The declaration encompasses commitments by an array of countries, including Mexico, Canada, Costa Rica, Belize and Ecuador. There was no mention, however, of pledges by Brazil, Latin America's most populous nation.

The announcement did not include any U.S. pledges for additional work visas for Mexicans. That would form part of Lopez Obrador's visit with Biden next month, an official said.

Spain pledged to "double the number of labour pathways" for Hondurans, the White House said. Madrid's temporary work program enrols 250 Hondurans, suggesting only a small increase is envisioned.

Curbing irregular migration is a priority for Biden. Republicans, seeking to regain control of Congress in November elections, have pilloried the Democratic president for reversing Republican Trump's restrictive immigration policies.

But migration has had to compete with Biden's other major challenges, including high inflation, mass shootings and the war in Ukraine. 
&nbsp;

[with inputs from agencies]

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A new set of measures were rolled out on Friday to confront the regional migration crisis by U.S. President Joe Biden and fellow leaders from the Western Hemisphere, seeking to salvage an Americas summit roiled by division.

A new set of measures were rolled out on Friday to confront the regional migration crisis by U.S. President Joe Biden and fellow leaders from the Western Hemisphere, seeking to salvage an Americas summit roiled by division. Biden's aides had touted the migration declaration as a centrepiece of the United States-hosted Summit of the Americas, and 20 countries joined him for a ceremonial unveiling of the plan, though several others stayed away. Capping the summit's final day, the White House promoted a series of migrant programs agreed upon by countries across the hemisphere and Spain, attending as an observer, which pledged a more cooperative approach. But analysts were sceptical that the pledges are meaningful enough to make a significant difference. Also read: US announces $100 million healthcare training plan at Summit of Americas amid partial boycott by leaders Those measures include the United States and Canada committing to taking more guests, providing pathways for people from poorer countries to work in richer ones, and other countries agreeing to greater protections for migrants. Mexico also will accept more Central American workers, according to a White House statement. "We're transforming our approach to managing migration in the Americas," Biden said. "Each of us is signing up to commitments that recognise the challenges we all share." The flags of 20 countries, several fewer than the number attending the summit, festooned the stage where Biden led the rollout. But that number was only achieved after days of U.S. pressure. It was another sign of tensions that have marred the summit, undermining Biden's efforts to reassert U.S. leadership and counter China's growing economic footprint in the region. That message was clouded by a boycott by several leaders, including Mexico's president, to protest Washington's exclusion of leftist U.S. antagonists Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua. The line-up was thinned to 21 visiting heads of state and government. The administration, facing a record flow of illegal migrants at its southern border, pledged hundreds of millions of dollars in aid for Venezuelan migrants, renewed the processing of family-based visas for Cubans and Haitians and eased the hiring of Central American workers. The announcements were part of the unveiling of the U.S.-led pact dubbed the "Los Angeles Declaration" and aimed at spreading responsibility across the region to contain the migration problem. The plan culminates in a summit designed to re-establish U.S. influence among its southern neighbours after years of relative neglect under former President Donald Trump. Biden proposed an economic partnership to help the region's pandemic recovery - though it appears to be a work in progress. Jorge Castaneda, a former Mexican foreign minister, said pledges from the Americas should allow Washington to argue it had secured major commitments, a domestic "political plus" forbidden. But he added: "On substance, there's nothing here." Mexico, whose border with the United States is the main point of migration - backed the declaration, despite Lopez Obrador's no-show. The absence from the summit of leaders of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador - the Northern Triangle from which many migrants come - has raised doubts about how effective the pledges will be. U.S. officials insisted the turnout did not prevent Washington from getting results. The declaration encompasses commitments by an array of countries, including Mexico, Canada, Costa Rica, Belize and Ecuador. There was no mention, however, of pledges by Brazil, Latin America's most populous nation. The announcement did not include any U.S. pledges for additional work visas for Mexicans. That would form part of Lopez Obrador's visit with Biden next month, an official said. Spain pledged to "double the number of labour pathways" for Hondurans, the White House said. Madrid's temporary work program enrols 250 Hondurans, suggesting only a small increase is envisioned. Curbing irregular migration is a priority for Biden. Republicans, seeking to regain control of Congress in November elections, have pilloried the Democratic president for reversing Republican Trump's restrictive immigration policies. But migration has had to compete with Biden's other major challenges, including high inflation, mass shootings and the war in Ukraine. [with inputs from agencies] WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Biden unveils 'Los Angeles Declaration' to confront regional migration

The debate over migration across America's Southern border is once again heating up. In the Arizona desert, some migrants are spontaneously presenting themselves to the US Border Patrol

US: Migrants flock to Arizona border, risk lives to escape violence

Worsening environmental disasters are forcing millions of people to migrate. A fresh report now says that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the world witnessed large-scale displacements triggered by climate and weather events in 2020 and 2021

Climate change triggers migration, 40.5 million people were forced to migrate until 2020

The United Nations on Monday (May 23) released an alarming figure to highlight the massive impact of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. As per the latest data, the war has pushed the number of forcibly displaced people around the world above 100 million for the first time.&nbsp;

The staggering 100 million figure amounts to more than one per cent of the global population. The figure combines asylum-seekers, as well as more than 50 million people displaced inside their own countries.&nbsp;

In a statement, the UN Refugee Agency said: "The number of people forced to flee conflict, violence, human rights violations and persecution has now crossed the staggering milestone of 100 million for the first time on record, propelled by the war in Ukraine and other deadly conflicts."&nbsp;

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A milestone we hoped we’d never have to mark. 
100 million people have now fled their homes.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ForcedToFlee?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ForcedToFlee</a> <a href="https://t.co/kfUlSgwqrX">pic.twitter.com/kfUlSgwqrX</a>
— UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency (@Refugees) <a href="https://twitter.com/Refugees/status/1528608160017170433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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By the end of 2021, the number of forcibly displaced people worldwide was reaching 90 million. The numbers are increased after the new waves of "violence or protracted conflict" in countries including Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Myanmar, Nigeria, Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.&nbsp;

The latest data from UNHCR revealed that the Ukraine war, which began on February 24 when Russia announced a military invasion, led to the displacement of 8 million within the country this year. Apart from that, more than 6 million refugee movements from Ukraine have been registered.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/quad-summit-2022-japanese-kids-fluent-hindi-impresses-indian-pm-narendra-modi-watch-his-reaction-481364">Quad Summit 2022: Japanese kid's fluent Hindi impresses Indian PM Narendra Modi, watch his reaction</a>

UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi said, "One hundred million is a stark figure – sobering and alarming in equal measure. It's a record that should never have been set. This must serve as a wake-up call to resolve and prevent destructive conflicts, end persecution, and address the underlying causes that force innocent people to flee their homes."&nbsp;

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The United Nations on Monday (May 23) released an alarming figure to highlight the massive impact of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. As per the latest data, the war has pushed the number of forcibly displaced people around the world above 100 million for the first time.

The United Nations on Monday (May 23) released an alarming figure to highlight the massive impact of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. As per the latest data, the war has pushed the number of forcibly displaced people around the world above 100 million for the first time. The staggering 100 million figure amounts to more than one per cent of the global population. The figure combines asylum-seekers, as well as more than 50 million people displaced inside their own countries. In a statement, the UN Refugee Agency said: "The number of people forced to flee conflict, violence, human rights violations and persecution has now crossed the staggering milestone of 100 million for the first time on record, propelled by the war in Ukraine and other deadly conflicts." ALSO READ | US President Joe Biden says 13 countries to join new Asia-Pacific trade initiative A milestone we hoped we’d never have to mark. 100 million people have now fled their homes.#ForcedToFlee pic.twitter.com/kfUlSgwqrX — UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency (@Refugees) May 23, 2022 × By the end of 2021, the number of forcibly displaced people worldwide was reaching 90 million. The numbers are increased after the new waves of "violence or protracted conflict" in countries including Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Myanmar, Nigeria, Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The latest data from UNHCR revealed that the Ukraine war, which began on February 24 when Russia announced a military invasion, led to the displacement of 8 million within the country this year. Apart from that, more than 6 million refugee movements from Ukraine have been registered. ALSO READ | Quad Summit 2022: Japanese kid's fluent Hindi impresses Indian PM Narendra Modi, watch his reaction UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi said, "One hundred million is a stark figure – sobering and alarming in equal measure. It's a record that should never have been set. This must serve as a wake-up call to resolve and prevent destructive conflicts, end persecution, and address the underlying causes that force innocent people to flee their homes." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Wake-up call': More than 100 million people forcibly displaced in the world

At&nbsp;least&nbsp;six people died, including a little girl, and almost 50 others were&nbsp;rescued&nbsp;after&nbsp;an overloaded&nbsp;migrant&nbsp;boat capsized off&nbsp;north&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;during a chase by naval forces, Lebanese officials said.

The boat carrying nearly 60 people capsized on Saturday night near the port city of Tripoli, the departure point for a growing number of people attempting a potentially lethal sea escape.

The deadly accident, weeks ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for May 15, is not the first of its kind for the crisis-hit country grappling with its worst-ever financial crash.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-hands-over-337-ancient-artifacts-to-iraq-451135">Lebanon hands over 337 ancient artifacts to Iraq</a>

But it marks a grim reminder of the suffering behind a growing number of people, including Lebanese nationals and Syrian refugees, risking their lives at sea in search of a future abroad.

"The army's naval forces managed to rescue&nbsp;48&nbsp;people and retrieve the body of a&nbsp;dead&nbsp;girl... from a boat that sank while trying to illegally smuggle them out," the army said in a statement.

"Most people on board were&nbsp;rescued," the army said, without specifying their nationalities.

The army retrieved five corpses&nbsp;off&nbsp;Tripoli's coast on Sunday, the state-run National News Agency reported, hours&nbsp;after&nbsp;the body of a little girl was returned to shore.

Wails of relatives rang out from a Tripoli morgue where the corpses were being kept, according to an AFP correspondent.

Dozens looked on as a group of men stormed into the morgue and pulled out the corpse of a victim for burial, the correspondent said.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Migrant boat capsizes of Lebanon, Lebanese officials rescue 50 migrants

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Nearby dozens of young men lobbed stones at two army tanks, to vent their anger at the sea tragedy.

At Tripoli's port, relatives of the missing impatiently waited for news of their loved ones.

"My nephew, he has five children and his wife is pregnant with twins. He was trying to escape hunger and poverty," one man told AFP at the dockside harbour.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Sunk in seconds&nbsp;

Haissam Dannaoui, the head of&nbsp;Lebanon's naval forces, said the 10-meter (33-foot) boat built in 1974 was designed to only accomodate six passengers.

But it was crammed with nearly 60 would-be migrants and took to sea without any safety precautions, he told a news conference.

Dannaoui said the army tried to thwart the smuggling operation before the&nbsp;ship&nbsp;sailed out of the Qalamoun region, south of Tripoli, but could not reach the departure point in time.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-love-you-in-your-madness-lebanon-changes-slogan-to-attract-tourists-427041">‘I love you in your madness’: Lebanon changes slogan to attract tourists</a>

An ensuing sea chase saw two naval patrols trying to force the&nbsp;migrant&nbsp;boat to turn back.

"Unfortunately, the captain (of the&nbsp;migrant&nbsp;boat) decided to carry out manoeuvres to escape," leading to the vessel crashing into the patrol ships, Dannaoui said.

The impact cracked the hull of the&nbsp;migrant&nbsp;boat, which quickly submerged, he said.

"In less than five seconds, the boat was under water," Dannaoui said, adding that passengers were quickly handed life jackets.

But one of the survivors said a naval&nbsp;ship&nbsp;had deliberately crashed into the&nbsp;migrant&nbsp;boat to force it back.

"Tho patrol boat crashed into us twice... to drown us," the man told AFP at the port, before he was silenced and carried&nbsp;off&nbsp;by a crowd of survivors' relatives.

The United Nations humanitarian coordinator for&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;Najat Rochdi called for an end to these repeated tragedies.&nbsp;

"It's horrific to see deprivation still pushing people to take a perilous journey across the seas," she said on Twitter.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-says-government-cant-afford-to-resign-as-saudi-rift-widens-425326">Lebanon says government can't afford to resign as Saudi rift widens</a>

Death catches up

The latest incident stoked public anger in Tripoli,&nbsp;Lebanon's second city and one of its poorest.

Growing poverty and unemployment rates have turned Tripoli into a launchpad for illegal migrants.

Calls circulated on social media networks for protests outside the Tripoli home of Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who declared Monday a day of national mourning to grieve the victims.

The relatives of the victims and the missing lashed out at the country's leaders.

"Even when we are trying to run away from the filth of politicians and their corruption... death catches up with us," said Nissrine Merheb who hasn't heard from her two cousins and their three children since they embarked on the deadly voyage.&nbsp;

Lebanon&nbsp;is in the grips of an unprecedented financial crisis, with the currency losing more than 90 percent of its value and the majority of the population living below the poverty line.

The economic crash has spurred an uptick in illegal sea crossings, with Lebanese nationals increasingly featuring among the Syrian and Palestinian refugees attempting sea escapes.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-loses-electricity-as-2-power-stations-face-shut-down-amid-fuel-crisis-419481">Lebanon loses electricity as 2 power stations face shut down amid fuel crisis</a>

The UN refugee agency says at&nbsp;least&nbsp;1,570 people, 186 of them Lebanese, left or tried to leave illegally by sea from&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;between January and November 2021.

Most were hoping to reach European Union member Cyprus, an island 175 kilometres (110 miles) away.

In the second half of 2021,&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;stopped around 500 would-be migrants from crossing out of the country, the country's naval chief said Saturday.

At least six people died, including a little girl, and almost 50 others were rescued after an overloaded migrant boat capsized off north Lebanon during a chase by naval forces, Lebanese officials said.

At least six people died, including a little girl, and almost 50 others were rescued after an overloaded migrant boat capsized off north Lebanon during a chase by naval forces, Lebanese officials said. The boat carrying nearly 60 people capsized on Saturday night near the port city of Tripoli, the departure point for a growing number of people attempting a potentially lethal sea escape. The deadly accident, weeks ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for May 15, is not the first of its kind for the crisis-hit country grappling with its worst-ever financial crash. Also read | Lebanon hands over 337 ancient artifacts to Iraq But it marks a grim reminder of the suffering behind a growing number of people, including Lebanese nationals and Syrian refugees, risking their lives at sea in search of a future abroad. "The army's naval forces managed to rescue 48 people and retrieve the body of a dead girl... from a boat that sank while trying to illegally smuggle them out," the army said in a statement. "Most people on board were rescued," the army said, without specifying their nationalities. The army retrieved five corpses off Tripoli's coast on Sunday, the state-run National News Agency reported, hours after the body of a little girl was returned to shore. Wails of relatives rang out from a Tripoli morgue where the corpses were being kept, according to an AFP correspondent. Dozens looked on as a group of men stormed into the morgue and pulled out the corpse of a victim for burial, the correspondent said. Watch | Migrant boat capsizes of Lebanon, Lebanese officials rescue 50 migrants Nearby dozens of young men lobbed stones at two army tanks, to vent their anger at the sea tragedy. At Tripoli's port, relatives of the missing impatiently waited for news of their loved ones. "My nephew, he has five children and his wife is pregnant with twins. He was trying to escape hunger and poverty," one man told AFP at the dockside harbour. Sunk in seconds Haissam Dannaoui, the head of Lebanon's naval forces, said the 10-meter (33-foot) boat built in 1974 was designed to only accomodate six passengers. But it was crammed with nearly 60 would-be migrants and took to sea without any safety precautions, he told a news conference. Dannaoui said the army tried to thwart the smuggling operation before the ship sailed out of the Qalamoun region, south of Tripoli, but could not reach the departure point in time. Also read | ‘I love you in your madness’: Lebanon changes slogan to attract tourists An ensuing sea chase saw two naval patrols trying to force the migrant boat to turn back. "Unfortunately, the captain (of the migrant boat) decided to carry out manoeuvres to escape," leading to the vessel crashing into the patrol ships, Dannaoui said. The impact cracked the hull of the migrant boat, which quickly submerged, he said. "In less than five seconds, the boat was under water," Dannaoui said, adding that passengers were quickly handed life jackets. But one of the survivors said a naval ship had deliberately crashed into the migrant boat to force it back. "Tho patrol boat crashed into us twice... to drown us," the man told AFP at the port, before he was silenced and carried off by a crowd of survivors' relatives. The United Nations humanitarian coordinator for Lebanon Najat Rochdi called for an end to these repeated tragedies. "It's horrific to see deprivation still pushing people to take a perilous journey across the seas," she said on Twitter. Also read | Lebanon says government can't afford to resign as Saudi rift widens Death catches up The latest incident stoked public anger in Tripoli, Lebanon's second city and one of its poorest. Growing poverty and unemployment rates have turned Tripoli into a launchpad for illegal migrants. Calls circulated on social media networks for protests outside the Tripoli home of Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who declared Monday a day of national mourning to grieve the victims. The relatives of the victims and the missing lashed out at the country's leaders. "Even when we are trying to run away from the filth of politicians and their corruption... death catches up with us," said Nissrine Merheb who hasn't heard from her two cousins and their three children since they embarked on the deadly voyage. Lebanon is in the grips of an unprecedented financial crisis, with the currency losing more than 90 percent of its value and the majority of the population living below the poverty line. The economic crash has spurred an uptick in illegal sea crossings, with Lebanese nationals increasingly featuring among the Syrian and Palestinian refugees attempting sea escapes. Also read | Lebanon loses electricity as 2 power stations face shut down amid fuel crisis The UN refugee agency says at least 1,570 people, 186 of them Lebanese, left or tried to leave illegally by sea from Lebanon between January and November 2021. Most were hoping to reach European Union member Cyprus, an island 175 kilometres (110 miles) away. In the second half of 2021, Lebanon stopped around 500 would-be migrants from crossing out of the country, the country's naval chief said Saturday.

At least 6 dead, 48 rescued after migrant ship capsizes off Lebanon

Driven by its ever-growing population, India is facing rapid urbanisation. Unsustainable migration is pushing cities to the limit, creating a demand-supply gap in housing and employment. How can this be tackled? We look for solutions on 'Mission Sustainability - Population Vs Planet: Housing, Jobs and Migration in the Growing World.

Mission Sustainability - Population Vs Planet: Housing, Jobs and Migration in the Growing World

'Mission Sustainability - Population Vs Planet: Housing, Jobs and Migration in the Growing World

Many have been dropping everything and some have sold their homes over hopes of joining the mainland migrant highway to the United States but the country is having new travel blocks of people trying to flee.

Cuba's growing wave of migration, protests erupt over travel restrictions

The&nbsp;Dominican&nbsp;government on Sunday began&nbsp;building&nbsp;a&nbsp;wall&nbsp;that will cover almost half of the 392-kilometre (244 miles)&nbsp;border&nbsp;with&nbsp;Haiti, its only land neighbour, to stop irregular migration and the smuggling of goods, weapons and drugs.

While the two countries share the island of Hispaniola, they are worlds apart in terms of development.

Crime-plagued&nbsp;Haiti&nbsp;is one of the poorest nations in the Americas while the&nbsp;Dominican&nbsp;Republic, a popular Caribbean tourist destination, has prospered in recent decades amid marked political stability.

Many&nbsp;Haitians cross the&nbsp;border&nbsp;clandestinely in search of work in the fields or in the construction industry in the&nbsp;Dominican&nbsp;Republic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-haiti-garment-workers-protest-to-demand-higher-wages-454286">In Haiti, garment workers protest to demand higher wages</a>

"The benefit for both nations will be of great importance," said&nbsp;Dominican&nbsp;President Luis Abinader shortly before pushing the button to begin pouring concrete into the foundations of what will be the&nbsp;wall&nbsp;in the province of Dajabón, some 230 kilometres northwest of the capital.

About 500,000&nbsp;Haitians and tens of thousands of their descendants live in the&nbsp;Dominican&nbsp;Republic, a Spanish-speaking nation of about 11 million people, according to the most recent immigration survey conducted in 2018.

Abinader estimated the&nbsp;border&nbsp;wall&nbsp;will reduce the smuggling of commercial goods, weapons and help fight organized crime in both nations.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-is-everyone-going-to-the-dominican-republic-448722">&nbsp;Why is everyone going to the Dominican Republic?</a>

He started the project, which aims to build a 164-kilometre&nbsp;wall, ahead of the anniversary of the Dominican Republic's independence from&nbsp;Haiti&nbsp;on Feb. 27, 1844.

Abinader said the first phase of the project will be completed within nine months at the latest.

The 20-centimetre-thick concrete&nbsp;wall&nbsp;topped by a metal mesh will be 3.9 meters (12.8 ft) high and will have fibre optics for communications, movement sensors, cameras, radars and drones.&nbsp;

The project also includes the construction of 70 watchtowers and 41 access gates for patrolling.&nbsp;

The Dominican government on Sunday began building a wall that will cover almost half of the 392-kilometre (244 miles) border with Haiti, its only land neighbour, to stop irregular migration and the smuggling of goods, weapons and drugs.

The Dominican government on Sunday began building a wall that will cover almost half of the 392-kilometre (244 miles) border with Haiti, its only land neighbour, to stop irregular migration and the smuggling of goods, weapons and drugs. While the two countries share the island of Hispaniola, they are worlds apart in terms of development. Crime-plagued Haiti is one of the poorest nations in the Americas while the Dominican Republic, a popular Caribbean tourist destination, has prospered in recent decades amid marked political stability. Many Haitians cross the border clandestinely in search of work in the fields or in the construction industry in the Dominican Republic. Also read | In Haiti, garment workers protest to demand higher wages "The benefit for both nations will be of great importance," said Dominican President Luis Abinader shortly before pushing the button to begin pouring concrete into the foundations of what will be the wall in the province of Dajabón, some 230 kilometres northwest of the capital. About 500,000 Haitians and tens of thousands of their descendants live in the Dominican Republic, a Spanish-speaking nation of about 11 million people, according to the most recent immigration survey conducted in 2018. Abinader estimated the border wall will reduce the smuggling of commercial goods, weapons and help fight organized crime in both nations. Also read | Why is everyone going to the Dominican Republic? He started the project, which aims to build a 164-kilometre wall, ahead of the anniversary of the Dominican Republic's independence from Haiti on Feb. 27, 1844. Abinader said the first phase of the project will be completed within nine months at the latest. The 20-centimetre-thick concrete wall topped by a metal mesh will be 3.9 meters (12.8 ft) high and will have fibre optics for communications, movement sensors, cameras, radars and drones. The project also includes the construction of 70 watchtowers and 41 access gates for patrolling.

Dominican Republic starts building border wall with Haiti

Chilean truck drivers lifted road blockades they had imposed to&nbsp;protest&nbsp;the killing of a colleague,&nbsp;after&nbsp;the government pledged&nbsp;new&nbsp;safety&nbsp;measures&nbsp;on Saturday.

Truck drivers had been blocking roads and setting up barricades since a clash Thursday in which a colleague died near the northern city of Antofagasta.

During the&nbsp;protest, big rigs clogged roads in northern and central&nbsp;Chile, as well as on the outskirts of the capital Santiago.&nbsp;

In the port city of Iquique, trucks sealed off the road to the airport, forcing the cancellation of all incoming and outgoing flights.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mining-of-lithium-key-to-the-climate-fight-faces-new-scrutiny-in-chile-442743">Mining of lithium, key to the climate fight, faces new scrutiny in Chile</a>

Police said the&nbsp;trucker&nbsp;died when three Venezuelans threw rocks at his rig because he refused to give them a ride. The three alleged assailants have been arrested.

To appease the protesting drivers, the government Saturday announced&nbsp;new&nbsp;crime-fighting&nbsp;measures&nbsp;in the north of the country allowing soldiers to assist police and stepped-up monitoring of roads from the ground and with aircraft.

Interior Minister Rodrigo Delgado announced the&nbsp;measures&nbsp;after&nbsp;a five-hour meeting with a truck drivers' union. He said they will go into force Monday.

Immigration has become a sensitive subject in&nbsp;Chile&nbsp;because of the deep economic woes of Venezuela, from where millions have fled seeking better lives, spreading out across Latin America.

In towns and along roads in northern&nbsp;Chile&nbsp;it is common to see migrant Venezuelan families camping out in public places and asking for money as they try to find work and start a&nbsp;new&nbsp;life.

Watch |&nbsp;Chile's youngest ever President Gabriel Boric unveils his women majority cabinet

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The death of the truck driver prompted calls for more anti-migrant protests of the kind that have unfolded in Iquique and elsewhere in&nbsp;Chile's north over the past three weeks.

A&nbsp;new&nbsp;immigration law went into effect Saturday that the Chilean government says gives authorities greater powers to expel foreigners who have false papers or have dodged immigration controls.

Chilean truck drivers lifted road blockades they had imposed to protest the killing of a colleague, after the government pledged new safety measures on Saturday.

Chilean truck drivers lifted road blockades they had imposed to protest the killing of a colleague, after the government pledged new safety measures on Saturday. Truck drivers had been blocking roads and setting up barricades since a clash Thursday in which a colleague died near the northern city of Antofagasta. During the protest, big rigs clogged roads in northern and central Chile, as well as on the outskirts of the capital Santiago. In the port city of Iquique, trucks sealed off the road to the airport, forcing the cancellation of all incoming and outgoing flights. Also read | Mining of lithium, key to the climate fight, faces new scrutiny in Chile Police said the trucker died when three Venezuelans threw rocks at his rig because he refused to give them a ride. The three alleged assailants have been arrested. To appease the protesting drivers, the government Saturday announced new crime-fighting measures in the north of the country allowing soldiers to assist police and stepped-up monitoring of roads from the ground and with aircraft. Interior Minister Rodrigo Delgado announced the measures after a five-hour meeting with a truck drivers' union. He said they will go into force Monday. Immigration has become a sensitive subject in Chile because of the deep economic woes of Venezuela, from where millions have fled seeking better lives, spreading out across Latin America. In towns and along roads in northern Chile it is common to see migrant Venezuelan families camping out in public places and asking for money as they try to find work and start a new life. Watch | Chile's youngest ever President Gabriel Boric unveils his women majority cabinet The death of the truck driver prompted calls for more anti-migrant protests of the kind that have unfolded in Iquique and elsewhere in Chile's north over the past three weeks. A new immigration law went into effect Saturday that the Chilean government says gives authorities greater powers to expel foreigners who have false papers or have dodged immigration controls.

Chile government pledges new safety measures after trucker protest

A new study has found that the decline of seed-dispersing animals is damaging plants’ ability to adapt to climate breakdown.

Animal decline hurts plants' ability to adapt climate change

Warning America on record levels of northbound migration, Mexico has said the United States needs to invest more heavily in central America if it hopes to slow record levels of northbound migration.

Mexico asks America to invest more if it hopes to slow northbound migration

Thousands of refugees and migrants in Libya are trapped in a vicious cycle of cruelty. With little to no hope of finding safe and legal pathways out, they have been enduring unethical suffering in Libya. They risk their lives at sea seeking safety in Europe only to be intercepted, transferred back to Libya to endure the same abuses they sought to escape.

Thousands of refugees, migrants in Libya demand immediate deportation

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Monday he had urged his US counterpart Joe Biden to act immediately to invest in Central America to stem the flow of migrants.

Lopez Obrador spoke after the United States said Saturday that it would ramp up deportation flights for thousands of migrants massed beneath a bridge at the border with Texas.

The Mexican leader said he had written to Biden appealing for swift action to tackle the root causes of a wave of migration by people fleeing poverty and violence.

"As we have mentioned on other occasions, the migratory phenomenon requires a completely new treatment," says the letter read by Lopez Obrador at his daily news conference.

He stressed "the need to act immediately in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador" by investing in economic support programs for farmers and young apprentices.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-gather-under-bridge-at-us-mexico-border-amid-growing-migrant-crisis-413913">Also read |&nbsp;Thousands gather under bridge at US-Mexico border amid growing migrant crisis</a>

If the United States invests in Central America "we would be assisting 330,000 people in less than six months who would see this joint action as a hope," he said.

Lopez Obrador has repeatedly proposed expanding one of his domestic welfare programs into Central America in the aim of generating 1.2 million jobs in the region.

He has also proposed allowing participants to qualify for a US work visa after three years.

As well as the migrants at the border, tens of thousands of Haitians and Central Americans are stranded in the southern Mexican city of Tapachula, waiting for documents that would allow them to continue north.

Mexican authorities have arrested more than 147,000 undocumented migrants already this year&nbsp;-- three times more than in the same period of 2020, according to the National Migration Institute.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Monday he had urged his US counterpart Joe Biden to act immediately to invest in Central America to stem the flow of migrants.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Monday he had urged his US counterpart Joe Biden to act immediately to invest in Central America to stem the flow of migrants. Lopez Obrador spoke after the United States said Saturday that it would ramp up deportation flights for thousands of migrants massed beneath a bridge at the border with Texas. The Mexican leader said he had written to Biden appealing for swift action to tackle the root causes of a wave of migration by people fleeing poverty and violence. "As we have mentioned on other occasions, the migratory phenomenon requires a completely new treatment," says the letter read by Lopez Obrador at his daily news conference. He stressed "the need to act immediately in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador" by investing in economic support programs for farmers and young apprentices. Also read | Thousands gather under bridge at US-Mexico border amid growing migrant crisis If the United States invests in Central America "we would be assisting 330,000 people in less than six months who would see this joint action as a hope," he said. Lopez Obrador has repeatedly proposed expanding one of his domestic welfare programs into Central America in the aim of generating 1.2 million jobs in the region. He has also proposed allowing participants to qualify for a US work visa after three years. As well as the migrants at the border, tens of thousands of Haitians and Central Americans are stranded in the southern Mexican city of Tapachula, waiting for documents that would allow them to continue north. Mexican authorities have arrested more than 147,000 undocumented migrants already this year -- three times more than in the same period of 2020, according to the National Migration Institute.

Mexico urges immediate US action on migration causes

The Supreme Court verdict refused to revoke Donald Trump's migration protection protocols which forced asylum seekers to stay in Mexico awaiting US hearings.

US Supreme Court requires Biden to revive Trump-era 'remain in Mexico' policy

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