Elon Musk, the world's richest man, backed Donald Trump for US presidency online and on the ground. In return, he is being offered to run an agency of his own design to cut government spending. But it appears all is not well between the X owner and the incoming American president.

Eyebrows are being raised about the changed body language of the duo when Trump attended a launch event of SpaceX, owned by Musk, on Tuesday (Nov 19) in Texas.

Watch: Trump, Musk Solidify Bond With Texas Trip 
&nbsp;

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Multiple media reports are speculating that the cause could be Musk's assertive and mercurial personality, and his claiming of credit for Trump's shock victory against Democrat Kamala Harris in the November 5 election.

The apparent coldness - or even anxiety- of Trump at the Tuesday SpaceX event comes amid Musk's reported arguments with other members of the Trump transition team.

Earlier, US media reports said that there was an argument at Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida between Musk and Boris Epshteyn, a member of the Trump legal team.

Musk reportedly complained that Epshteyn was pushing people who were not qualified for jobs in the incoming Trump administration.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-trumps-inner-circle-cracking-musk-and-trumps-legal-adviser-had-a-blow-up-report-suggests-777218">Also read: Is Trump's inner circle cracking? Musk and Trump's legal adviser had a blow-up, report suggests</a>

It is also possible that Musk will differ on the issues of visas and migration with incoming deputy chief of policy, Stephen Miller, who is hawkish&nbsp;on immigration.

Miller was seen as the architect of the 'Muslim ban' in the first Trump administration.

NBC News reported citing sources that Musk was behaving like 'a co-president' and making&nbsp;Trump 'feel indebted' to him. That's not going to go down well with the Republican.

<h2>Body language expert breaks down lack of warmth between Trump and Musk</h2>

A report in the UK paper The Telegraph even employed a body language expert to examine the changed attitude of Trump towards Musk.

The expert, Darren Stanton, said Trump looked like a 'fish out of water' at the SpaceX event.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-wont-go-home-cant-get-rid-of-him-trump-says-after-billionaires-constant-presence-at-his-home-776219">Also read: 'Elon won't go home, can't get rid of him,' Trump says after billionaire's constant presence at his home</a> 
 
Trump 'kept his arms hanging limply at his side: an act of anxiety and awkwardness,' the paper cited Stanton, who found Trump to be "very uneasy… usually he comes over as this alpha male, the most empowered, most powerful person in the room."

"I think he’s quite intimidated by Musk...He was out of his depth – his hands were just by his side like a mannequin.”

The report said Trump's 'power gestures' characteristic of his alpha male persona were missing.

As Musk gestured across to Starship of SpaceX, the largest rocket ever built, Trump "buttoned up his jacket before checking each of his pockets",&nbsp;according to Stanton who suggested he was 'a little intimidated'.

Stanton claimed that the only other person Trump is similarly submissive to is Russian President Vladimir Putin. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk, the world's richest man, backed Donald Trump for US presidency online and on the ground. In return, he is being offered to run an agency of his own design to cut government spending.

Elon Musk, the world's richest man, backed Donald Trump for US presidency online and on the ground. In return, he is being offered to run an agency of his own design to cut government spending. But it appears all is not well between the X owner and the incoming American president. Eyebrows are being raised about the changed body language of the duo when Trump attended a launch event of SpaceX, owned by Musk, on Tuesday (Nov 19) in Texas. Watch: Trump, Musk Solidify Bond With Texas Trip × Multiple media reports are speculating that the cause could be Musk's assertive and mercurial personality, and his claiming of credit for Trump's shock victory against Democrat Kamala Harris in the November 5 election. The apparent coldness - or even anxiety- of Trump at the Tuesday SpaceX event comes amid Musk's reported arguments with other members of the Trump transition team. Earlier, US media reports said that there was an argument at Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida between Musk and Boris Epshteyn, a member of the Trump legal team. Musk reportedly complained that Epshteyn was pushing people who were not qualified for jobs in the incoming Trump administration. Also read: Is Trump's inner circle cracking? Musk and Trump's legal adviser had a blow-up, report suggests It is also possible that Musk will differ on the issues of visas and migration with incoming deputy chief of policy, Stephen Miller, who is hawkish on immigration. Miller was seen as the architect of the 'Muslim ban' in the first Trump administration. NBC News reported citing sources that Musk was behaving like 'a co-president' and making Trump 'feel indebted' to him. That's not going to go down well with the Republican. Body language expert breaks down lack of warmth between Trump and Musk A report in the UK paper The Telegraph even employed a body language expert to examine the changed attitude of Trump towards Musk. The expert, Darren Stanton, said Trump looked like a 'fish out of water' at the SpaceX event. Also read: 'Elon won't go home, can't get rid of him,' Trump says after billionaire's constant presence at his home Trump 'kept his arms hanging limply at his side: an act of anxiety and awkwardness,' the paper cited Stanton, who found Trump to be "very uneasy… usually he comes over as this alpha male, the most empowered, most powerful person in the room." "I think he’s quite intimidated by Musk...He was out of his depth – his hands were just by his side like a mannequin.” The report said Trump's 'power gestures' characteristic of his alpha male persona were missing. As Musk gestured across to Starship of SpaceX, the largest rocket ever built, Trump "buttoned up his jacket before checking each of his pockets", according to Stanton who suggested he was 'a little intimidated'. Stanton claimed that the only other person Trump is similarly submissive to is Russian President Vladimir Putin. (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk and Donald Trump - Is the honeymoon over already? Body language changes raise eyebrows

Apart from literally dodging the bullet, there were a number of things Republican Donald Trump did right in his successful bid to return as United States president. Here is a breakdown of the factors that contributed to doing what was deemed impossible: winning the White House for a non-consecutive second term.

<h2>1. Early bird gets the votes: Starting campaign before election season</h2>

Trump's campaign was not months, but years old. He announced his re-election campaign way back in 2022, as soon as the dust settled on the Covid pandemic. He established his campaign team, without allowing any of them to dominate the headlines, unlike people like Kellyanne Conway in his first campaign of 2016, who became the story. In 2024, his comms team was almost invisible, till he called them on stage to thank them during his victory speech on the night of November 5. Susie Wiles, who will now become his chief of staff, is one among them.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-20-cabinet-who-is-susie-wiles-the-ice-maiden-and-first-woman-white-house-chief-of-staff-774501">Also read: Trump 2.0 cabinet: Who is Susie Wiles, the 'ice maiden' and first woman White House chief of staff?</a>

<h2>2. Playing victim card on legal troubles</h2>

There was an appearance that the Democratic regime was trying to send Trump to jail over a number of cases: election subversion related to the Capitol riots of 6 January 2021, tax-related lawsuits and the Stormy Daniels affair being prominent among them. But each court appearance made him a star in the eyes of his supporters, who only grew in numbers as the cases dragged on. Trump called it a 'witch hunt', as it was pretty clear that none of these would lead to any logical conclusion, for fear of upsetting presidential immunity. Had Trump been jailed (if he lost the election), that would have set the precedent of future governments prosecuting past presidents. Trump played the victim card to the hilt, which appears to have appealed to more voters than Democrats expected.

Watch: US Elections 2024: Tracking 'Moments' Leading To Trump 2.0

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<h2>3. Not involving his family: It was always 'I, me, myself'</h2>

Trump's family – particularly his wife Melania, daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner – were hounded with disparaging stories in the liberal media throughout his presidency of 2016-2020. This time around, he appears to have taken a conscious decision not to foreground his family. Most of the time, Ivanka and Kushner kept a low profile, even appearing to distance themselves from the campaign. Melania came to the limelight with her book, but Trump only occasionally mentioned her on the campaign trail, and she herself appeared only sporadically with him.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2024-results-live-updates-latest-news-on-2024-presidential-election-donald-trump-vs-kamala-harris-773440">Also read: AS IT HAPPENED | US Election Results 2024: Donald Trump wins presidency with clear mandate</a>

<h2>4. Dodging the bullet in a key swing state</h2>

The biggest moment for Trump's entire campaign was the failed assassination bid on&nbsp;July 13, when he was addressing a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. In hindsight, the fact that it happened in Pennsylvania was to his great advantage, with the crucial swing state eventually giving him the electoral college votes that put paid to the election. Trump's fist-pumping and exhortation to the crowd 'fight, fight, fight' later became a rallying cry and campaign slogan/placard sign for his base. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-dont-get-it-moment-polling-nostradamus-realises-his-prediction-of-kamala-harris-win-is-wrong-774169">Also read: 'I don’t get it': Moment ‘polling Nostradamus’ realises his prediction of Kamala Harris' win is wrong</a>

<h2>5. Not talking to liberal press and not&nbsp;depending on celebrity endorsements</h2>

This time, Trump carefully chose who he gave interviews to, almost always avoiding the liberal media. He instead gave a long interview to Joe Rogan, the popular podcaster, and Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News host. It helped that former Fox News host Megyn Kelly was by his side and spoke for him at his rallies, giving a different perspective to the stereotype that Trump was disliked by women.

<h2>6. Not taking part in primary debates</h2>

Trump mostly ignored his own party's candidate nomination process, not taking part in the Republican primary debates, instead focusing on holding rallies across the country to activate his base. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, his first major challenger, eventually exited. Those who came up as his potential challengers during the primaries either joined him – like Vivek Ramaswamy – or grudgingly accepted his dominance as the presumptive nominee – like Nikki Haley, who was the holdout until the last minute. Outside the party, the only non-viable yet, potentially vote-cutting, independent candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr eventually endorsed Trump.

<h2>7. Changing the Republican party to suit him: The Trump takeover</h2>

Over the past years, Trump moulded the Republican party on his own self. Its concerns became the same as his: fight against illegal immigration, upholding conservative values when it came to issues like abortion and transgender rights, advocating the least government intervention including no tax hikes for the upper middle class and the wealthy. He endorsed Republican candidates for Senate, House and governor races, and even some local polls, with most of them going on to win. The icing on the cake was his appointment of a family member as the Republican Party's National Committee. Lara Trump, the former TV producer married to Trump's son Eric, became the RNC co-chair in March, a crowning moment for the Trump takeover of his party.

<h2>8. Appealing to the grassroots, amplifying their fears</h2>

Trump appealed to the overwhelming fears of the white majority about illegal immigration, disruption of the family unit through increasing rights for same-sex unions and transgenders, and perceived threat to deeply held Christian values in much of middle and southern America. As the final electoral results map shows, this helped him cut into the so-called blue states, essentially breaking the votes from north to south in the middle of America, leaving the Democratic contender Kamala Harris with only the more liberal states in the east and west coasts. While Democrats felt abortion was a major issue that would swing women against Trump, it appears that many women disagreed.

<h2>9. Knowing the pulse of working class on immigration, economy</h2>

By amplifying the concerns about slow job growth, illegal migration&nbsp;and urban blight, Trump was able to add more supporters from non-white communities too. Hispanics in the country were equally fearful of the migration caravans coming in from Latin America as much as the white majority. Because one, it disrupted their lives and exposed them to racist attacks. And two, illegal migrants were competition for them. Many Latinos who voted for Trump may have carefully considered these issues before making that decision. With the African American community too, there appears to have been a shift, albeit minor. Those Blacks who voted for Trump were basically doing a protest vote against the Democrats, who they felt appeared to lecture them. Every election season, leaders like Barack Obama and Michelle Obama appeal to the Black community, even as Democratic governments did not make their lives any better. At least that was the perception among the pro-Trump Blacks, who voted in hopes that any improvement in the economy under Trump would help them get jobs.

<h2>10. Not doing too many debates</h2>

Trump never appeared too keen to do presidential debates. The only time he debated Joe Biden (he was the 'original' Democratic presidential candidate, remember?), he came out on top, not by his own performance but because of how incoherent the incumbent president sounded. To his credit, Trump was much more calm and collected when he debated Kamala Harris, a far cry from his aggressive ways during the debates with Hillary Clinton in 2016.

<h2>11. Concentrating on swing states, and getting shot in one of them</h2>

Trump concentrated much of his energies on the seven swing states: Georgia, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Nevada, Michigan, Wisconsin and North Carolina. Among these, Georgia and North Carolina with their anti-Black racist history and population dynamics were tough to crack into. Georgia was also the scene of battle of the 2020 election rigging claims by Trump, so it sounded improbable that he would win there. Trump concentrated on these states during his campaign, was shot at in one of them as mentioned earlier, and eventually won or flipped all of them.

<h2>12. Appealing to young voters: TikTok generation loved him</h2>

It might sound improbable, but Trump's non-committal stance on banning TikTok, the Chinese-owned video-sharing platform massively loved by American youth, may have contributed to his appeal among Gen Z. Many TikTokers and TikTok users hated the Biden administration for the ban move. At a desperate moment, Biden himself joined TikTok even amid these moves, but it was far too little, too late. Trump supporters amplified his views and stances on various issues through TikTok as well as other social media apps.

<h2>13. Embracing social media, and Elon Musk</h2>

Trump started Truth Social when his social media accounts, particularly Twitter under the old management, banned his accounts. Over the years, Twitter was taken over by Elon Musk, a 'free-speech absolutist' who did not squirm at any of the white supremacist conspiracies being peddled on the now-rechristened X. Contrary to market pundits' expectations, Truth Social took off massively as the platform to share pro-Trump and Conservative views. When Trump rejected a platform, he created his own.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/musks-interview-with-trump-on-x-hit-by-massive-cyberattack-749606">Also read: Donald Trump's interview with Elon Musk on X hit by 'massive' cyberattack</a>

Democrats underestimated the fact that half of the electorate was logged on to a non-legacy platform and getting their information from it. Towards the final lap of his campaign, Musk became an open supporter of Trump and addressed his rallies. For Musk, it was a desperate moment, as he feared Harris, if elected, would have folded up X. Add to this the legacy media's unwillingness to endorse Harris, Los Angeles Times and Washington Post being the most prominent examples.

<h2>14. Having a lot of money</h2>

Money speaks in American politics, and having a lot of it is helpful. Trump practically ran most of his campaign out of his own pocket, with the erstwhile mass donors like super PACs not emerging as key players unlike in past elections. Trump's wealth, fuelled mainly by the growth of Truth Social was listed in stock exchanges in March this year and helped bankroll a major part of his campaign, along with some super donors. Clearly, having the richest man in the world Elon Musk by his side may have helped things too.

<h2>15. A little bit of help from Democrats</h2>

Much more than anything Trump did, it was perhaps the disarray and disunity among Democrats and the often incoherent speeches of both its candidates – Biden and Harris – that probably led many undecided voters to cast their ballots in favour of Trump. 'Chaos' was a favourite word of Trump-bashing media during his presidency, but Democrats became the embodiment of that description this election season.

The first issue was Biden's insistence on seeking another term despite pressure from his own party, a stark contrast with his public appearances and statements that exposed the weak state of his mind and body.

When Kamala Harris was thrust into the campaign, the Democratic primaries had already chosen Biden as their candidate in the primaries. That she did not have to go through the pains of the primaries contest may have alienated even many Democrats, because, let's face it, it ain't fair.

In her short and sprightly campaign, Kamala appeared out of touch with the realities of middle-class America, even as she kept on saying she comes from such a family. Her record as a prosecutor who sent many Blacks to jail did not augur well for her campaign either. 
 
Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

Apart from literally dodging the bullet, there were a number of things Republican Donald Trump did right in his successful bid to return as United States president.

Apart from literally dodging the bullet, there were a number of things Republican Donald Trump did right in his successful bid to return as United States president. Here is a breakdown of the factors that contributed to doing what was deemed impossible: winning the White House for a non-consecutive second term. 1. Early bird gets the votes: Starting campaign before election season Trump's campaign was not months, but years old. He announced his re-election campaign way back in 2022, as soon as the dust settled on the Covid pandemic. He established his campaign team, without allowing any of them to dominate the headlines, unlike people like Kellyanne Conway in his first campaign of 2016, who became the story. In 2024, his comms team was almost invisible, till he called them on stage to thank them during his victory speech on the night of November 5. Susie Wiles, who will now become his chief of staff, is one among them. Also read: Trump 2.0 cabinet: Who is Susie Wiles, the 'ice maiden' and first woman White House chief of staff? 2. Playing victim card on legal troubles There was an appearance that the Democratic regime was trying to send Trump to jail over a number of cases: election subversion related to the Capitol riots of 6 January 2021, tax-related lawsuits and the Stormy Daniels affair being prominent among them. But each court appearance made him a star in the eyes of his supporters, who only grew in numbers as the cases dragged on. Trump called it a 'witch hunt', as it was pretty clear that none of these would lead to any logical conclusion, for fear of upsetting presidential immunity. Had Trump been jailed (if he lost the election), that would have set the precedent of future governments prosecuting past presidents. Trump played the victim card to the hilt, which appears to have appealed to more voters than Democrats expected. Watch: US Elections 2024: Tracking 'Moments' Leading To Trump 2.0 × 3. Not involving his family: It was always 'I, me, myself' Trump's family – particularly his wife Melania, daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner – were hounded with disparaging stories in the liberal media throughout his presidency of 2016-2020. This time around, he appears to have taken a conscious decision not to foreground his family. Most of the time, Ivanka and Kushner kept a low profile, even appearing to distance themselves from the campaign. Melania came to the limelight with her book, but Trump only occasionally mentioned her on the campaign trail, and she herself appeared only sporadically with him. Also read: AS IT HAPPENED | US Election Results 2024: Donald Trump wins presidency with clear mandate 4. Dodging the bullet in a key swing state The biggest moment for Trump's entire campaign was the failed assassination bid on July 13, when he was addressing a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. In hindsight, the fact that it happened in Pennsylvania was to his great advantage, with the crucial swing state eventually giving him the electoral college votes that put paid to the election. Trump's fist-pumping and exhortation to the crowd 'fight, fight, fight' later became a rallying cry and campaign slogan/placard sign for his base. Also read: 'I don’t get it': Moment ‘polling Nostradamus’ realises his prediction of Kamala Harris' win is wrong 5. Not talking to liberal press and not depending on celebrity endorsements This time, Trump carefully chose who he gave interviews to, almost always avoiding the liberal media. He instead gave a long interview to Joe Rogan, the popular podcaster, and Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News host. It helped that former Fox News host Megyn Kelly was by his side and spoke for him at his rallies, giving a different perspective to the stereotype that Trump was disliked by women. 6. Not taking part in primary debates Trump mostly ignored his own party's candidate nomination process, not taking part in the Republican primary debates, instead focusing on holding rallies across the country to activate his base. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, his first major challenger, eventually exited. Those who came up as his potential challengers during the primaries either joined him – like Vivek Ramaswamy – or grudgingly accepted his dominance as the presumptive nominee – like Nikki Haley, who was the holdout until the last minute. Outside the party, the only non-viable yet, potentially vote-cutting, independent candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr eventually endorsed Trump. 7. Changing the Republican party to suit him: The Trump takeover Over the past years, Trump moulded the Republican party on his own self. Its concerns became the same as his: fight against illegal immigration, upholding conservative values when it came to issues like abortion and transgender rights, advocating the least government intervention including no tax hikes for the upper middle class and the wealthy. He endorsed Republican candidates for Senate, House and governor races, and even some local polls, with most of them going on to win. The icing on the cake was his appointment of a family member as the Republican Party's National Committee. Lara Trump, the former TV producer married to Trump's son Eric, became the RNC co-chair in March, a crowning moment for the Trump takeover of his party. 8. Appealing to the grassroots, amplifying their fears Trump appealed to the overwhelming fears of the white majority about illegal immigration, disruption of the family unit through increasing rights for same-sex unions and transgenders, and perceived threat to deeply held Christian values in much of middle and southern America. As the final electoral results map shows, this helped him cut into the so-called blue states, essentially breaking the votes from north to south in the middle of America, leaving the Democratic contender Kamala Harris with only the more liberal states in the east and west coasts. While Democrats felt abortion was a major issue that would swing women against Trump, it appears that many women disagreed. 9. Knowing the pulse of working class on immigration, economy By amplifying the concerns about slow job growth, illegal migration and urban blight, Trump was able to add more supporters from non-white communities too. Hispanics in the country were equally fearful of the migration caravans coming in from Latin America as much as the white majority. Because one, it disrupted their lives and exposed them to racist attacks. And two, illegal migrants were competition for them. Many Latinos who voted for Trump may have carefully considered these issues before making that decision. With the African American community too, there appears to have been a shift, albeit minor. Those Blacks who voted for Trump were basically doing a protest vote against the Democrats, who they felt appeared to lecture them. Every election season, leaders like Barack Obama and Michelle Obama appeal to the Black community, even as Democratic governments did not make their lives any better. At least that was the perception among the pro-Trump Blacks, who voted in hopes that any improvement in the economy under Trump would help them get jobs. 10. Not doing too many debates Trump never appeared too keen to do presidential debates. The only time he debated Joe Biden (he was the 'original' Democratic presidential candidate, remember?), he came out on top, not by his own performance but because of how incoherent the incumbent president sounded. To his credit, Trump was much more calm and collected when he debated Kamala Harris, a far cry from his aggressive ways during the debates with Hillary Clinton in 2016. 11. Concentrating on swing states, and getting shot in one of them Trump concentrated much of his energies on the seven swing states: Georgia, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Nevada, Michigan, Wisconsin and North Carolina. Among these, Georgia and North Carolina with their anti-Black racist history and population dynamics were tough to crack into. Georgia was also the scene of battle of the 2020 election rigging claims by Trump, so it sounded improbable that he would win there. Trump concentrated on these states during his campaign, was shot at in one of them as mentioned earlier, and eventually won or flipped all of them. 12. Appealing to young voters: TikTok generation loved him It might sound improbable, but Trump's non-committal stance on banning TikTok, the Chinese-owned video-sharing platform massively loved by American youth, may have contributed to his appeal among Gen Z. Many TikTokers and TikTok users hated the Biden administration for the ban move. At a desperate moment, Biden himself joined TikTok even amid these moves, but it was far too little, too late. Trump supporters amplified his views and stances on various issues through TikTok as well as other social media apps. 13. Embracing social media, and Elon Musk Trump started Truth Social when his social media accounts, particularly Twitter under the old management, banned his accounts. Over the years, Twitter was taken over by Elon Musk, a 'free-speech absolutist' who did not squirm at any of the white supremacist conspiracies being peddled on the now-rechristened X. Contrary to market pundits' expectations, Truth Social took off massively as the platform to share pro-Trump and Conservative views. When Trump rejected a platform, he created his own. Also read: Donald Trump's interview with Elon Musk on X hit by 'massive' cyberattack Democrats underestimated the fact that half of the electorate was logged on to a non-legacy platform and getting their information from it. Towards the final lap of his campaign, Musk became an open supporter of Trump and addressed his rallies. For Musk, it was a desperate moment, as he feared Harris, if elected, would have folded up X. Add to this the legacy media's unwillingness to endorse Harris, Los Angeles Times and Washington Post being the most prominent examples. 14. Having a lot of money Money speaks in American politics, and having a lot of it is helpful. Trump practically ran most of his campaign out of his own pocket, with the erstwhile mass donors like super PACs not emerging as key players unlike in past elections. Trump's wealth, fuelled mainly by the growth of Truth Social was listed in stock exchanges in March this year and helped bankroll a major part of his campaign, along with some super donors. Clearly, having the richest man in the world Elon Musk by his side may have helped things too. 15. A little bit of help from Democrats Much more than anything Trump did, it was perhaps the disarray and disunity among Democrats and the often incoherent speeches of both its candidates – Biden and Harris – that probably led many undecided voters to cast their ballots in favour of Trump. 'Chaos' was a favourite word of Trump-bashing media during his presidency, but Democrats became the embodiment of that description this election season. The first issue was Biden's insistence on seeking another term despite pressure from his own party, a stark contrast with his public appearances and statements that exposed the weak state of his mind and body. When Kamala Harris was thrust into the campaign, the Democratic primaries had already chosen Biden as their candidate in the primaries. That she did not have to go through the pains of the primaries contest may have alienated even many Democrats, because, let's face it, it ain't fair. In her short and sprightly campaign, Kamala appeared out of touch with the realities of middle-class America, even as she kept on saying she comes from such a family. Her record as a prosecutor who sent many Blacks to jail did not augur well for her campaign either. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

US elections 2024 analysis: How Trump won against Harris - 15 things his campaign got right

Immigration remains an important and contentious topic in the 2024 US election. Former president Donald Trump has adopted a firm stance, aiming to deport large numbers of immigrants and refugees, whereas Vice President Kamala Harris has indicated she would uphold the Biden administration’s policies with her own adjustments.

Immigration remains an important and contentious topic in the 2024 US election. Former president Donald Trump has adopted a firm stance, aiming to deport large numbers of immigrants and refugees, whereas Vice President Kamala Harris has indicated she would uphold the Biden administration’s policies with her own adjustments. How will President Trump affect immigration policies? Throughout the campaign and debates, Trump has repeatedly accused Harris of supporting “open borders.” He has also wrongly claimed that immigrants are responsible for a rise in crime. His argument that immigration is “out of control” has become a main point in his campaign. One of his biggest promises is to deport millions of undocumented immigrants if he wins. Also read: Trump told Netanyahu to end Gaza war ‘before he returns to office’: Report Additionally, the 78-year-old Trump has proposed ending birthright citizenship for children born to immigrants residing illegally in the US, a move that has raised concerns within various immigrant communities, including those from Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. Many pro-immigration groups have criticised Trump’s stance, especially his push to end birthright citizenship. They argue that this right is protected by the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution. At a recent rally, Trump accused Harris, 60, of allowing "migrant gangs and illegal alien criminals" into the country, calling her approach to immigration “a crime against our country.” How will immigration policies change under Kamala Harris? On the other side, Vice President Harris, running as the Democratic candidate, has talked about reducing illegal immigration and described the current system as “broken.” She believes it needs new laws to make it work better. Rather than focusing on harsh policies, Harris says she wants to improve border security and help people seeking asylum with fair processing. She claims this will address what she calls a "broken immigration system." Harris has also argued that Trump’s focus on punishment and conflict is a distraction from important issues like the economy and healthcare. She believes a more compassionate approach would serve the country better. The election outcome is expected to have significant implications for US immigration policy. If Trump wins, the policies will probably get tougher, while a Harris administration would aim to introduce reforms balancing security concerns with humanitarian priorities. (With inputs from agencies)

US elections | How US election results affect immigration policies

US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris clashed with Fox News’s Bret Baier Wednesday night (Oct 17), as she appeared on the channel labelled as ‘pro-Republican’ by the US media. Within a few minutes into the interview, Harris was back to her classic “May I please finish, you have to let me finish” dialogue.

<h2>‘Broken immigration system’</h2>

During the interview, Harris, who was appointed as ‘Border Czar’ under the Joe Biden administration, admitted the USA’s immigration system was ‘broken’.

“The point is that we have a broken immigration system that needs to be repaired,” said Harris. “So, your Homeland Security Secretary said that 85 per cent of apprehensions,” Mr Baier interjected. “I'm not finished. We have an immigration system,” Harris shot back.

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Vice President Harris: Within hours of taking the oath, we introduced a bill to fix our broken immigration system. It was not taken up 
 
Fox host: *interrupts* 
 
Vice President Harris: May I finish responding to you? I supported a bill by some of the most conservative members of… <a href="https://t.co/48dpkPzr6h">pic.twitter.com/48dpkPzr6h</a>
— Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHQ/status/1846677685671457076?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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“It's a rough estimate that 6 million people have been released into the country,” the Fox News anchor cut Harris off again.

“And let me just finish. I'll get to the question. I promise you. I was beginning to answer,” Harris pleaded.

“We recognized from day one that to the point of this being your first question, it is a priority for us as a nation and for the American people. Our focus has been on fixing a problem. From day one, then, we have done a number of things, including to address our asylum system and put more resources, getting more judges, what we needed to do to tighten up penalties and increase penalties for illegal crossings, what we needed to do to deal with points of entry between border, entry points,” she said.

<h2>Donald Trump ‘Unstable’</h2>

Harris took the opportunity to attack her rival, GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump, calling him unstable" and questioning the 78-year-old former president's fitness for office.

"He has talked about turning the American military on the American people. He has talked about going after the people who are engaged in peaceful protest. He has talked about locking people up because they disagree with him," she said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiFzb64j5WJAxXfyqACHVT9ISIQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-harris-losing-arab-american-support-in-coming-elections-768137" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/is-harris-losing-arab-american-support-in-coming-elections-768137&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiFzb64j5WJAxXfyqACHVT9ISIQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE">Is Kamala Harris losing Arab-American support in coming US elections?</a>

"He is unstable, and we should all be concerned," she told Baier.

<h2>‘Not a continuation of Joe Biden’s policies’</h2>

Harris also tried to do same damage control after last week, saying that she couldn’t do much different from the unpopular democratic leader over the last four years.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiFzb64j5WJAxXfyqACHVT9ISIQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-elections-2024-donald-trump-takes-betting-odds-lead-against-kamala-harris-768149" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-elections-2024-donald-trump-takes-betting-odds-lead-against-kamala-harris-768149&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiFzb64j5WJAxXfyqACHVT9ISIQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE">US Elections 2024: Donald Trump Takes Betting Odds Lead Against Kamala Harris</a>

“My presidency will not be a continuation of Joe Biden’s presidency,” Harris said. “Like every new president that comes into office, I will bring my life experiences and my professional experiences and fresh and new ideas.”

(With inputs from agencies)

US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris clashed with Fox News’s Bret Baier Wednesday night (Oct 17), as she appeared on the channel labelled as ‘pro-Republican’ by the US media.

US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris clashed with Fox News’s Bret Baier Wednesday night (Oct 17), as she appeared on the channel labelled as ‘pro-Republican’ by the US media. Within a few minutes into the interview, Harris was back to her classic “May I please finish, you have to let me finish” dialogue. ‘Broken immigration system’ During the interview, Harris, who was appointed as ‘Border Czar’ under the Joe Biden administration, admitted the USA’s immigration system was ‘broken’. “The point is that we have a broken immigration system that needs to be repaired,” said Harris. “So, your Homeland Security Secretary said that 85 per cent of apprehensions,” Mr Baier interjected. “I'm not finished. We have an immigration system,” Harris shot back. Vice President Harris: Within hours of taking the oath, we introduced a bill to fix our broken immigration system. It was not taken up Fox host: *interrupts* Vice President Harris: May I finish responding to you? I supported a bill by some of the most conservative members of… pic.twitter.com/48dpkPzr6h — Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) October 16, 2024 × “It's a rough estimate that 6 million people have been released into the country,” the Fox News anchor cut Harris off again. “And let me just finish. I'll get to the question. I promise you. I was beginning to answer,” Harris pleaded. “We recognized from day one that to the point of this being your first question, it is a priority for us as a nation and for the American people. Our focus has been on fixing a problem. From day one, then, we have done a number of things, including to address our asylum system and put more resources, getting more judges, what we needed to do to tighten up penalties and increase penalties for illegal crossings, what we needed to do to deal with points of entry between border, entry points,” she said. Donald Trump ‘Unstable’ Harris took the opportunity to attack her rival, GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump, calling him unstable" and questioning the 78-year-old former president's fitness for office. "He has talked about turning the American military on the American people. He has talked about going after the people who are engaged in peaceful protest. He has talked about locking people up because they disagree with him," she said. Also read: Is Kamala Harris losing Arab-American support in coming US elections? "He is unstable, and we should all be concerned," she told Baier. ‘Not a continuation of Joe Biden’s policies’ Harris also tried to do same damage control after last week, saying that she couldn’t do much different from the unpopular democratic leader over the last four years. Also read: US Elections 2024: Donald Trump Takes Betting Odds Lead Against Kamala Harris “My presidency will not be a continuation of Joe Biden’s presidency,” Harris said. “Like every new president that comes into office, I will bring my life experiences and my professional experiences and fresh and new ideas.” (With inputs from agencies)

Kamala Harris labels Trump ‘unstable’, immigration system ‘broken’ in rare Fox interview

A Texas federal judge temporarily blocked on Monday (August 26) a Biden administration order that could effectively give citizenship to up to half a million undocumented immigrants married to US citizens. A total of 16 Republican-led states had sued the Biden administration for the program.

Judge J. Campbell Barker of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued an administrative stay. This stay stops the Biden administration from approving these citizenship applications.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rupert-murdoch-is-in-legal-battle-to-change-his-trust-terms-lachlan-pitted-against-james-and-sisters-report-743995">Rupert Murdoch is in legal battle to change his trust terms, Lachlan pitted against James and sisters: Report</a>

The administration began accepting such applications last week based on the merits of the case.&nbsp;

<h2>What did the federal judge say?</h2>

Judge Barker while suspending the initiative said that the 67-page complaint filed last week raised legitimate questions about the authority of the executive branch to bypass Congress and set immigration policy.

"The claims are substantial and warrant closer consideration than the court has been able to afford to date." wrote Judge Barker who was&nbsp;appointed by former US President Donald Trump.

The suspension of the policy will remain in place for two weeks and is subject to extension.&nbsp;

<h2>US immigration policy 2024: What next?</h2>

The Biden administration can continue to accept applications for the program but can no longer approve them, according to Judge Barker's order.&nbsp;

The Biden administration's latest immigration program, called Keeping Families Together, has drawn sharp criticism from Republicans led by Donald Trump.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Controversial U.S. Immigration policy Title 42 ends

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In the lawsuit, the Republican-led states said that the program appears to be an "amnesty" for immigrants who entered the United States unlawfully.

<h2>What is Biden administration's Keeping Family Together programme?</h2>

The program eases legalisation for undocumented people who are married to Americans and have been living in the United States for more than 10 years. The potential beneficiaries have been in the country for 23 years, on average, according to the Homeland Security Department.

While marrying a US citizen is enough for a pathway to the US citizenship, the individuals who cross the southern border illegally are required to return to their home countries to complete the green card process.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Texas federal judge temporarily blocked on Monday (August 26) a Biden administration order that could effectively give citizenship to up to half a million undocumented immigrants married to US citizens.

A Texas federal judge temporarily blocked on Monday (August 26) a Biden administration order that could effectively give citizenship to up to half a million undocumented immigrants married to US citizens. A total of 16 Republican-led states had sued the Biden administration for the program. Judge J. Campbell Barker of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued an administrative stay. This stay stops the Biden administration from approving these citizenship applications. Also read | Rupert Murdoch is in legal battle to change his trust terms, Lachlan pitted against James and sisters: Report The administration began accepting such applications last week based on the merits of the case. What did the federal judge say? Judge Barker while suspending the initiative said that the 67-page complaint filed last week raised legitimate questions about the authority of the executive branch to bypass Congress and set immigration policy. "The claims are substantial and warrant closer consideration than the court has been able to afford to date." wrote Judge Barker who was appointed by former US President Donald Trump. The suspension of the policy will remain in place for two weeks and is subject to extension. US immigration policy 2024: What next? The Biden administration can continue to accept applications for the program but can no longer approve them, according to Judge Barker's order. The Biden administration's latest immigration program, called Keeping Families Together, has drawn sharp criticism from Republicans led by Donald Trump. Also watch | Gravitas: Controversial U.S. Immigration policy Title 42 ends × In the lawsuit, the Republican-led states said that the program appears to be an "amnesty" for immigrants who entered the United States unlawfully. What is Biden administration's Keeping Family Together programme? The program eases legalisation for undocumented people who are married to Americans and have been living in the United States for more than 10 years. The potential beneficiaries have been in the country for 23 years, on average, according to the Homeland Security Department. While marrying a US citizen is enough for a pathway to the US citizenship, the individuals who cross the southern border illegally are required to return to their home countries to complete the green card process. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump-appointed judge halts path to citizenship of over half a million immigrants

Republicans in the US Senate, on Wednesday (Feb 7) rejected the $118 billion bipartisan bill which combined an overhaul of the country’s immigration policy and security measures at its border with Mexico with a foreign aid package for Ukraine and Israel.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened?</h2>

The bill failed to garner the minimum 60 votes needed for it to move forward in the US Senate and was defeated by a vote of 49-50, largely along party lines.&nbsp;

This comes as the Senate Republicans were expected to block the bill amid opposition and pressure from former US President Donald Trump and members of their own party in the House of Representatives.

The vote took place on the $118 billion bill, which includes aid for both Israel and Ukraine but is also tied to strict US immigration curbs demanded by the Republicans.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/show-some-spine-biden-calls-out-republicans-over-ukraine-aid-bill-blames-trump-687666">‘Show some spine’: Biden calls out Republicans over Ukraine aid bill, blames Trump</a>

However, many Republicans promptly rejected the package when it was released on Sunday (Feb 4) even though it included some of their demands.&nbsp;

The rejection reportedly came after Trump ramped up pressure on Republican lawmakers to reject any compromise on the package as he campaigns to defeat Joe Biden in the upcoming presidential election.&nbsp;

“Some have been very clear with me they have political differences with the bill,” said Republican Senator James Lankford, one of the negotiators of the bill. He added, “They say it’s the wrong time to solve the problem, let the presidential election solve the problem.”

Meanwhile, an independent senator from the US state of Arizona, Kyrsten Sinema, one of the authors of the deal, said she was baffled by the sudden shift. She told the chamber that the Republican abandonment of efforts to pass immigration reform was “shameful”.&nbsp;

<h2>What now?</h2>

The Senate is now looking to vote on a $96 billion package that excludes the immigration provisions but keeps foreign aid intact.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-stands-in-way-of-118bn-immigration-ukraine-and-israel-package-deal-passed-by-senate-687347">Trump stands in way of $118bn immigration, Ukraine and Israel package deal, passed by Senate</a>

This comes after the Senate Majority Leader and Democrat Chuck Schumer said that they would hold another procedural vote later on Wednesday on the watered-down version of the foreign aid package, which includes funds for Ukraine and Israel but not for border security.

The $95.34 billion spending bill includes security assistance for Ukraine ($60.06 billion) and Israel ($14.1 billion), international humanitarian aid ($9.15 billion) and resources to help allies in the Indo-Pacific ($4.83 billion), including Taiwan.&nbsp;

The bill would also allocate $2.44 billion to the Pentagon for operations around the Red Sea, where the US forces have sought to stop attacks on shipping by the Iran-backed Yemen-based Houthi rebels.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Republicans in the US Senate, on Wednesday (Feb 7) rejected the $118 billion bipartisan bill which combined an overhaul of the country’s immigration policy and security measures at its border with Mexico with a foreign aid package for Ukraine and Israel.

Republicans in the US Senate, on Wednesday (Feb 7) rejected the $118 billion bipartisan bill which combined an overhaul of the country’s immigration policy and security measures at its border with Mexico with a foreign aid package for Ukraine and Israel. What happened? The bill failed to garner the minimum 60 votes needed for it to move forward in the US Senate and was defeated by a vote of 49-50, largely along party lines. This comes as the Senate Republicans were expected to block the bill amid opposition and pressure from former US President Donald Trump and members of their own party in the House of Representatives. The vote took place on the $118 billion bill, which includes aid for both Israel and Ukraine but is also tied to strict US immigration curbs demanded by the Republicans. ALSO READ | ‘Show some spine’: Biden calls out Republicans over Ukraine aid bill, blames Trump However, many Republicans promptly rejected the package when it was released on Sunday (Feb 4) even though it included some of their demands. The rejection reportedly came after Trump ramped up pressure on Republican lawmakers to reject any compromise on the package as he campaigns to defeat Joe Biden in the upcoming presidential election. “Some have been very clear with me they have political differences with the bill,” said Republican Senator James Lankford, one of the negotiators of the bill. He added, “They say it’s the wrong time to solve the problem, let the presidential election solve the problem.” Meanwhile, an independent senator from the US state of Arizona, Kyrsten Sinema, one of the authors of the deal, said she was baffled by the sudden shift. She told the chamber that the Republican abandonment of efforts to pass immigration reform was “shameful”. What now? The Senate is now looking to vote on a $96 billion package that excludes the immigration provisions but keeps foreign aid intact. ALSO READ | Trump stands in way of $118bn immigration, Ukraine and Israel package deal, passed by Senate This comes after the Senate Majority Leader and Democrat Chuck Schumer said that they would hold another procedural vote later on Wednesday on the watered-down version of the foreign aid package, which includes funds for Ukraine and Israel but not for border security. The $95.34 billion spending bill includes security assistance for Ukraine ($60.06 billion) and Israel ($14.1 billion), international humanitarian aid ($9.15 billion) and resources to help allies in the Indo-Pacific ($4.83 billion), including Taiwan. The bill would also allocate $2.44 billion to the Pentagon for operations around the Red Sea, where the US forces have sought to stop attacks on shipping by the Iran-backed Yemen-based Houthi rebels. (With inputs from agencies)

Republicans in US Senate block Bipartisan bill on immigration, aid for Israel and Ukraine

The United States has announced a steep hike in the fee for various categories of non-immigrant visas, including the H-1B, L-1 and EB-5. These visas, which are most popular among Indians, will affect thousands who apply every year.

As per a PTI news agency report, the hike will come into force starting April 1st. Here's all you need to know about the increased fee.

<h2>How much of a hike is there?</h2>

Starting April 1st, the application fee for an H-1B visa or form I-129 will be increased from the current USD 460 to USD 780 — a 69.5 per cent hike. Furthermore, the H-1B registration will be increased from USD 10 to USD 215, starting next year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-h-1b-visa-renewal-online-drive-begins-heres-how-to-apply-685254">US H-1B visa renewal drive begins online. Here's how to apply</a>

The fee for L-1 visas has been hiked from the current USD 460 to USD 1,385 — a 201 per cent hike. This non-immigrant visa category is designed for intra-company transferees and allows multinational companies to transfer certain employees from their foreign offices to work in the US temporarily.&nbsp;

Additionally, investor visas or EB-5 visas will soon cost USD 11,160, instead of the current USD 3,675 — a 203 per cent increase.

<h2>Why have the visa fees been hiked?</h2>

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) argues that the final rule changes will bring several benefits, including reduced administrative burdens and fee processing errors for the government. It is expected to enhance efficiency in the adjudicative process and enable a better assessment of the cost of providing services, allowing for better-aligned fees in future regulations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-approves-sale-of-mq-9b-remotely-piloted-aircraft-to-india-686080">US approves sale of 31 MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft to India</a>

In its federal notification, the DHS said fee adjustments, as well as changes to the forms and fee structures used by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), will result in net costs, benefits, and transfer payments.

The estimated annualised net costs to the public over the 10 years (FY 2024 through FY 2033) are projected to be USD 157,005,952, discounted at three and seven per cent. The total net costs over a decade are estimated at USD 1,339,292,617 discounted at three per cent and USD 1,102,744,106 discounted at seven per cent.

<h2>What benefits can H-1B and other visa applicants expect?</h2>

Applicants and petitioners seeking immigration benefits will also reportedly experience benefits, including reduced fee processing errors, increased efficiency in the adjudicative process, simplification of the fee payment process for some forms, elimination of the USD 30 returned check fee, and, for many applicants, limited fee increases and additional fee exemptions to reduce financial burdens. The federal notification also notes minor reductions in visa application fees in several categories.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States has announced a steep hike in the fee for various categories of non-immigrant visas, including the H-1B, L-1 and EB-5. These visas, which are most popular among Indians, will affect thousands who apply every year.

The United States has announced a steep hike in the fee for various categories of non-immigrant visas, including the H-1B, L-1 and EB-5. These visas, which are most popular among Indians, will affect thousands who apply every year. As per a PTI news agency report, the hike will come into force starting April 1st. Here's all you need to know about the increased fee. How much of a hike is there? Starting April 1st, the application fee for an H-1B visa or form I-129 will be increased from the current USD 460 to USD 780 — a 69.5 per cent hike. Furthermore, the H-1B registration will be increased from USD 10 to USD 215, starting next year. Also read | US H-1B visa renewal drive begins online. Here's how to apply The fee for L-1 visas has been hiked from the current USD 460 to USD 1,385 — a 201 per cent hike. This non-immigrant visa category is designed for intra-company transferees and allows multinational companies to transfer certain employees from their foreign offices to work in the US temporarily. Additionally, investor visas or EB-5 visas will soon cost USD 11,160, instead of the current USD 3,675 — a 203 per cent increase. Why have the visa fees been hiked? The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) argues that the final rule changes will bring several benefits, including reduced administrative burdens and fee processing errors for the government. It is expected to enhance efficiency in the adjudicative process and enable a better assessment of the cost of providing services, allowing for better-aligned fees in future regulations. Also read | US approves sale of 31 MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft to India In its federal notification, the DHS said fee adjustments, as well as changes to the forms and fee structures used by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), will result in net costs, benefits, and transfer payments. The estimated annualised net costs to the public over the 10 years (FY 2024 through FY 2033) are projected to be USD 157,005,952, discounted at three and seven per cent. The total net costs over a decade are estimated at USD 1,339,292,617 discounted at three per cent and USD 1,102,744,106 discounted at seven per cent. What benefits can H-1B and other visa applicants expect? Applicants and petitioners seeking immigration benefits will also reportedly experience benefits, including reduced fee processing errors, increased efficiency in the adjudicative process, simplification of the fee payment process for some forms, elimination of the USD 30 returned check fee, and, for many applicants, limited fee increases and additional fee exemptions to reduce financial burdens. The federal notification also notes minor reductions in visa application fees in several categories. (With inputs from agencies)

US announces massive hike in H-1B and other visa fees. Here's all you need to know

A controversial US immigration policy, Title 42, will come to an end on May 11. What will happen on the U.S-Mexico border? Is the US on the brink of an immigration crisis? Mohammed Saleh reports.

Gravitas: Controversial U.S. Immigration policy Title 42 ends

Anna Sorokin, a Russian -German woman and convicted swindler who tricked wealthy New Yorkers claiming to be an heiress, said she would fight against her deportation to Germany.

On Friday, Sorokin&nbsp;was granted conditional release by a judge after posting a bond. She is currently confined to her home in New York City, wearing an electronic bracelet and is prohibited from using social media, local media reported.

For 18 months, she has been fighting her deportation order to Germany, lodging a series of appeals.

The 31-year-old phoney socialist, whose scams inspired a Netflix series, was arrested in 2019 after deceiving banks, hotels and well-off New Yorkers of $275,000 to finance her luxurious lifestyle from 2013 to 2017.

Who is Anna Sorokin?

Russian-origin Sorokin holds German citizenship. Her father is a truck driver and a shopkeeper who emigrated to Germany in 2007.

What were her crimes?

Sorokin had tricked many into believing that she was Anna Delvey — a German heiress who claimed to have a fortune of $60 million.

Showing off her fake wealth, Sorokin would persuade members of the elite to invest in an exclusive arts club bearing her name.

During this time, Sorokin amassed tens of thousands of dollars in loans, free trips on a private jet and accommodation in some of New York’s tony boutique hotels.

After her story came to light, American producer Shonda Rhimes decided to make a Netflix miniseries “Inventing Anna,” starring Julia Garner.

When was she arrested?

She was arrested in 2017 and was sentenced to two years in a detention centre in 2019. Though she was released for good behaviour in 2021, Sorokin was again detained by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) for overstaying her tourist visa. Since February she has faced a deportation order.

What is Sorkin saying?

Recently Sorokin talked to the New York Times (NYT) from her home confinement in New York City, where she vowed to fight for her stay in the United States.

“Letting them deport me would have been like a sign of capitulation — confirmation of this perception of me as this shallow person who only cares about obscene wealth, and that’s just not the reality,” she told the NYT.

“I could have left,” Sorokin added, “but I chose not to because I’m trying to fix what I’ve done wrong. I have so much history in New York and I felt like if I were in Europe, I’d be running from something.”

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE: 

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Anna Sorokin, a Russian -German woman and convicted swindler who tricked wealthy New Yorkers claiming to be an heiress, said she would fight against her deportation to Germany.

Anna Sorokin, a Russian -German woman and convicted swindler who tricked wealthy New Yorkers claiming to be an heiress, said she would fight against her deportation to Germany. On Friday, Sorokin was granted conditional release by a judge after posting a bond. She is currently confined to her home in New York City, wearing an electronic bracelet and is prohibited from using social media, local media reported. For 18 months, she has been fighting her deportation order to Germany, lodging a series of appeals. The 31-year-old phoney socialist, whose scams inspired a Netflix series, was arrested in 2019 after deceiving banks, hotels and well-off New Yorkers of $275,000 to finance her luxurious lifestyle from 2013 to 2017. Who is Anna Sorokin? Russian-origin Sorokin holds German citizenship. Her father is a truck driver and a shopkeeper who emigrated to Germany in 2007. What were her crimes? Sorokin had tricked many into believing that she was Anna Delvey — a German heiress who claimed to have a fortune of $60 million. Showing off her fake wealth, Sorokin would persuade members of the elite to invest in an exclusive arts club bearing her name. During this time, Sorokin amassed tens of thousands of dollars in loans, free trips on a private jet and accommodation in some of New York’s tony boutique hotels. After her story came to light, American producer Shonda Rhimes decided to make a Netflix miniseries “Inventing Anna,” starring Julia Garner. When was she arrested? She was arrested in 2017 and was sentenced to two years in a detention centre in 2019. Though she was released for good behaviour in 2021, Sorokin was again detained by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) for overstaying her tourist visa. Since February she has faced a deportation order. What is Sorkin saying? Recently Sorokin talked to the New York Times (NYT) from her home confinement in New York City, where she vowed to fight for her stay in the United States. “Letting them deport me would have been like a sign of capitulation — confirmation of this perception of me as this shallow person who only cares about obscene wealth, and that’s just not the reality,” she told the NYT. “I could have left,” Sorokin added, “but I chose not to because I’m trying to fix what I’ve done wrong. I have so much history in New York and I felt like if I were in Europe, I’d be running from something.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Who is Anna Sorokin, the fake heiress recently released from jail?

As US and Chinese officials began talks in Alaska for the first time under the Biden administration, China top diplomat Yang Jiechi threatened "firm actions" against "US interference". However, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken hit back saying China's actions "threaten the rules-based order that maintains global stability" during the meeting in Anchorage.

Meanwhile, amid a surge in coronavirus cases, France on Thursday announced limited lockdown in Paris and several other regions to combat the virus. French PN&nbsp;Jean Castex said there were increased threats due to a "third wave" with nearly 1,200 people in intensive care in the Paris region even as the British variant of the virus has been responsible for the most number of cases in recent weeks.

In the US, the contentious immigration bills were passed in the House of Representatives that would provide legal status for millions of undocumented immigrants. The House on Thursday voted to open a gateway to citizenship for young Dreamers and immigrants who have fled war or natural disasters abroad, giving Democrats a win in the year's first vote on an issue.

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/abandon-cold-war-mentality-us-chinese-officials-spar-during-talks-in-alaska-371538">'Abandon Cold War mentality: US, Chinese officials spar during talks in Alaska</a>

<img alt="US, China talks" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="eac04061-ed39-483e-a943-aa65a01344eb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1_52.jpg" />

Blinken said the US will discuss "deep concerns with actions by China, including Xinjiang", "genocide" against Uyghur Muslims including dialogue on "Hong Kong, Taiwan, cyberattacks on the United States, economic coercion toward our allies."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-government-imposes-limited-lockdown-in-paris-amid-covid-19-variant-surge-371536">French government imposes limited lockdown in Paris amid COVID-19 variant surge</a>

<img alt="Paris lockdown" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="de4f7485-e2f9-43b7-850c-fbba2c156101" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/F1_0.jpg" />

French PM&nbsp;Jean Castex&nbsp;said there were increased threats due to a&nbsp;"third wave"&nbsp;with nearly 1,200 people in intensive care in the Paris region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-divided-us-house-passes-immigration-bills-including-pathway-for-dreamers-371541">Divided US House passes immigration bills, including pathway for 'Dreamers'</a>

<img alt="Biden" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5ff32357-3cec-4052-8cc8-9df3c3f5f638" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Pel1_1.jpg" />

The House on Thursday voted to open a gateway to citizenship for young Dreamers and immigrants who have fled war or natural disasters abroad, giving Democrats a win in the year's first vote on an issue.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gunmen-kill-13-police-in-ambush-in-central-mexico-371544">Gunmen kill 13 police in ambush in central Mexico</a>

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Armed gunmen killed at least eight Mexican police officials and five prosecution investigators in an ambush in the central State of Mexico on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-pakistan-makes-another-peace-offer-to-india-371523">Watch:&nbsp;Pakistan makes another peace offer to India</a>

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As US and Chinese officials began talks in Alaska for the first time under the Biden administration, China top diplomat Yang Jiechi threatened "firm actions" against "US interference".

As US and Chinese officials began talks in Alaska for the first time under the Biden administration, China top diplomat Yang Jiechi threatened "firm actions" against "US interference". However, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken hit back saying China's actions "threaten the rules-based order that maintains global stability" during the meeting in Anchorage. Meanwhile, amid a surge in coronavirus cases, France on Thursday announced limited lockdown in Paris and several other regions to combat the virus. French PN Jean Castex said there were increased threats due to a "third wave" with nearly 1,200 people in intensive care in the Paris region even as the British variant of the virus has been responsible for the most number of cases in recent weeks. In the US, the contentious immigration bills were passed in the House of Representatives that would provide legal status for millions of undocumented immigrants. The House on Thursday voted to open a gateway to citizenship for young Dreamers and immigrants who have fled war or natural disasters abroad, giving Democrats a win in the year's first vote on an issue. Click on headlines to read more 'Abandon Cold War mentality: US, Chinese officials spar during talks in Alaska Blinken said the US will discuss "deep concerns with actions by China, including Xinjiang", "genocide" against Uyghur Muslims including dialogue on "Hong Kong, Taiwan, cyberattacks on the United States, economic coercion toward our allies." French government imposes limited lockdown in Paris amid COVID-19 variant surge French PM Jean Castex said there were increased threats due to a "third wave" with nearly 1,200 people in intensive care in the Paris region. Divided US House passes immigration bills, including pathway for 'Dreamers' The House on Thursday voted to open a gateway to citizenship for young Dreamers and immigrants who have fled war or natural disasters abroad, giving Democrats a win in the year's first vote on an issue. Gunmen kill 13 police in ambush in central Mexico Armed gunmen killed at least eight Mexican police officials and five prosecution investigators in an ambush in the central State of Mexico on Thursday. Watch: Pakistan makes another peace offer to India

Morning news brief: US, Chinese officials clash in Alaska, limited lockdown in Paris & more!

US President Joe Biden has urged migrants to not make their way to the United States, as criticism mounted over a surge in people arriving at the southern border with Mexico -- including thousands of unaccompanied children.

"Yes I can say quite clearly don't come over... Don't leave your town or city or community," he said in an interview with ABC News, addressing the migrants.

Biden on Tuesday spoke a day after top Republican congressman, Kevin McCarthy, visited the border in Texas with fellow Republican lawmakers and accused Biden of creating a "crisis," and hours after his head of homeland security, Alejandro Mayorkas, defended the administration's immigration policies.

He also shrugged off claims that his dismantling of former president Donald Trump's tough stance had encouraged the surge, pointing out that there had been similar surges in 2019 and 2020.

"The idea that Joe Biden said 'come' - I heard the other day that they're coming because I'm a nice guy... Here's the deal, they're not," he said.

On January 20, his first day in office, Biden scrapped several of Donald Trump's contentious immigration policies, including halting new construction of a border wall and proposing legislation to create a citizenship pathway for the nearly 11 million people living illegally in the US.

Mayorkas acknowledged the United States was "on pace" to encounter more migrants at the border than at any time in two decades, but said such spikes were "not new," having also occurred in 2019, 2014 and earlier.

"The situation we are currently facing at the southwest border is a difficult one," Mayorkas said in a statement.&nbsp;

"We are keeping our borders secure, enforcing our laws, and staying true to our values and principles."

Mayorkas said the rise in unaccompanied children -- some as young as six or seven -- comes from ending the policies of Trump, whose administration "cruelly expelled young children into the hands of traffickers."

"They are vulnerable children and we have ended the prior administration's practice of expelling them," he said.

The Biden administration continues to expel most single adults and people travelling in families.

In February, the US Customs and Border Protection agency (CBP) arrested about 100,000 people at the southern border -- including nearly 9,500 unaccompanied children -- a 28 percent jump over January.

Mayorkas blasted the Trump administration for having cut aid to El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras meant to tackle the root causes of migration such as violence and the impacts of natural disasters.

Holding facilities for apprehended migrants are crowded, Mayorkas said, noting authorities had not "had the capacity to intake the number of unaccompanied children we have been encountering."

Complicating conditions, pandemic-related physical distancing protocols have further reduced space, said Mayorkas, who has asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help activate additional facilities.

(with inputs)

US President Joe Biden has urged migrants to not make their way to the United States, as criticism mounted over a surge in people arriving at the southern border with Mexico -- including thousands of unaccompanied children.

US President Joe Biden has urged migrants to not make their way to the United States, as criticism mounted over a surge in people arriving at the southern border with Mexico -- including thousands of unaccompanied children. "Yes I can say quite clearly don't come over... Don't leave your town or city or community," he said in an interview with ABC News, addressing the migrants. Biden on Tuesday spoke a day after top Republican congressman, Kevin McCarthy, visited the border in Texas with fellow Republican lawmakers and accused Biden of creating a "crisis," and hours after his head of homeland security, Alejandro Mayorkas, defended the administration's immigration policies. He also shrugged off claims that his dismantling of former president Donald Trump's tough stance had encouraged the surge, pointing out that there had been similar surges in 2019 and 2020. "The idea that Joe Biden said 'come' - I heard the other day that they're coming because I'm a nice guy... Here's the deal, they're not," he said. On January 20, his first day in office, Biden scrapped several of Donald Trump's contentious immigration policies, including halting new construction of a border wall and proposing legislation to create a citizenship pathway for the nearly 11 million people living illegally in the US. Mayorkas acknowledged the United States was "on pace" to encounter more migrants at the border than at any time in two decades, but said such spikes were "not new," having also occurred in 2019, 2014 and earlier. "The situation we are currently facing at the southwest border is a difficult one," Mayorkas said in a statement. "We are keeping our borders secure, enforcing our laws, and staying true to our values and principles." Mayorkas said the rise in unaccompanied children -- some as young as six or seven -- comes from ending the policies of Trump, whose administration "cruelly expelled young children into the hands of traffickers." "They are vulnerable children and we have ended the prior administration's practice of expelling them," he said. The Biden administration continues to expel most single adults and people travelling in families. In February, the US Customs and Border Protection agency (CBP) arrested about 100,000 people at the southern border -- including nearly 9,500 unaccompanied children -- a 28 percent jump over January. Mayorkas blasted the Trump administration for having cut aid to El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras meant to tackle the root causes of migration such as violence and the impacts of natural disasters. Holding facilities for apprehended migrants are crowded, Mayorkas said, noting authorities had not "had the capacity to intake the number of unaccompanied children we have been encountering." Complicating conditions, pandemic-related physical distancing protocols have further reduced space, said Mayorkas, who has asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help activate additional facilities. (with inputs)

Biden asks migrants to not head to US as criticism grows

US President Joe Biden's immigration bill will be unveiled on Thursday to begin its legislative process. The said bill aims to create a path to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants who can prove they were in the United States on January 1, 2021.

Two Democratic legislators, California Congresswoman Linda Sanchez and New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez, will present the initiative in the House of Representatives and the Senate, respectively.

The legislation will benefit the so-called Dreamers, people who were brought to the United States illegally as children and grew up there.

The bill will also replace the term "alien," used to refer to foreigners in immigration legislation, with "non-citizen" "to better reflect the president's values on immigration".

Then-president Barack Obama issued an executive order in 2012 which offered protection for Dreamers at renewable two-year periods, including authorisation to work.&nbsp;

His successor Donald Trump attempted to end the programme in 2017 as part of his crackdown on all kinds of immigration.

The case ended up in the US Supreme Court, which ruled that the Trump administration had not followed proper administrative procedures to end the policy, although the Department of Homeland Security reinstated it only partially.

People benefiting from Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which prevents the deportation of citizens from countries affected by natural disasters or conflict, and farmworkers who can show a history of employment in the United States will also be able to get permanent residence.

Since coming to power, Biden has announced a push to reform immigration and roll back his predecessor's hardline policies, including with the creation of a special task force to reunite families separated by Trump's "zero tolerance" border policy towards undocumented immigrants.

Starting this week, he will begin to dismantle the controversial "stay in Mexico" programme, which forced tens of thousands of asylum seekers to remain at the border pending resolution of their cases.

The Trump administration had passed more than 400 executive orders to curb immigration and punish the undocumented.

US President Joe Biden's immigration bill will be unveiled on Thursday to begin its legislative process. The said bill aims to create a path to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants who can prove they were in the United States on January 1, 2021.

US President Joe Biden's immigration bill will be unveiled on Thursday to begin its legislative process. The said bill aims to create a path to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants who can prove they were in the United States on January 1, 2021. Two Democratic legislators, California Congresswoman Linda Sanchez and New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez, will present the initiative in the House of Representatives and the Senate, respectively. The legislation will benefit the so-called Dreamers, people who were brought to the United States illegally as children and grew up there. The bill will also replace the term "alien," used to refer to foreigners in immigration legislation, with "non-citizen" "to better reflect the president's values on immigration". Then-president Barack Obama issued an executive order in 2012 which offered protection for Dreamers at renewable two-year periods, including authorisation to work. His successor Donald Trump attempted to end the programme in 2017 as part of his crackdown on all kinds of immigration. The case ended up in the US Supreme Court, which ruled that the Trump administration had not followed proper administrative procedures to end the policy, although the Department of Homeland Security reinstated it only partially. People benefiting from Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which prevents the deportation of citizens from countries affected by natural disasters or conflict, and farmworkers who can show a history of employment in the United States will also be able to get permanent residence. Since coming to power, Biden has announced a push to reform immigration and roll back his predecessor's hardline policies, including with the creation of a special task force to reunite families separated by Trump's "zero tolerance" border policy towards undocumented immigrants. Starting this week, he will begin to dismantle the controversial "stay in Mexico" programme, which forced tens of thousands of asylum seekers to remain at the border pending resolution of their cases. The Trump administration had passed more than 400 executive orders to curb immigration and punish the undocumented.

Biden's US immigration reform bill to be unveiled on Thursday

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

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

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

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

When Joselaine Cordeiro arrived at the U.S. border in 2017, she spent seven months in immigration detention in Texas while her 14-year-old son, James, languished in a shelter in Chicago.

As the months wore on, her child’s case worker reported that he was depressed, and suggested putting him up for adoption. “I thought, my God, I will never see my child again,” recalled Cordeiro, who had fled an abusive husband in Brazil.

She and her son were among the first of more than 5,500 migrant families separated at the southwestern border under the Trump administration’s most hotly debated immigration policy — a program that President Joe Biden must now find a way to unravel years after the policy was abandoned.

On Tuesday, the White House is expected to announce a task force that will look at demands for restitution, expanded mental health services, the readmission of deported parents and possible permanent legal residency for families like Cordeiro’s who suffered lingering damage from a policy intended to make it too emotionally punishing for migrant families to attempt to cross into the United States.

More than 1,000 migrant children still in the United States likely remain separated from their parents, and another 500 or more were taken from their parents who have yet to be located, according to the latest estimates from lawyers working on the issue.

One of the continuing obstacles to reunification is that hundreds of parents have been deported to their home countries — places they had fled because of the danger there — and are fearful of having their children sent home to them. And some children are being deported even though their parents are still in the United States trying to obtain legal residence.

Cordeiro became the second named plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit that the American Civil Liberties Union brought against the family separation policy and that has accomplished much of the work of identifying relatives all over the world.

“When we brought this case in 2018, we never thought there would be thousands of families separated, much less that we would still be looking for hundreds of them three years later,” said Lee Gelernt, lead counsel in the ACLU lawsuit.

Having inherited the crisis, the Biden administration has committed to addressing it: On Tuesday, Biden is expected to announce a task force that will look at demands for restitution, expanded mental health services, the readmission of deported parents and possible permanent legal residency for families disrupted by separations.

The task force, with representatives from the departments of Homeland Security, Health and Human Services and State, will be headed by Alejandro Mayorkas, Biden’s pick to lead the Department of Homeland Security.

Biden has already encountered resistance to dismantling Trump administration policies, signaling roadblocks ahead. A federal court last week temporarily blocked his administration from enforcing a 100-day suspension of deportations until the judge considers a lawsuit brought by Texas. The Senate confirmation of Mayorkas was stalled by Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo.

But given the firestorm that family separations generated across party lines, Biden will be asked to take a wide range of actions to make amends.

“There’s a clear moral imperative here,” said Oscar Chacón, executive director of Alianza Americas, an advocacy group. “At a minimum, they should be offered the opportunity to be reunited and settled in the U.S. as eventual permanent residents.”

In addition to proposals for legal residency and demands for financial compensation, some immigrant advocacy groups are calling for those in the senior levels of the Trump White House who were responsible for crafting and carrying out the policy to be held accountable.

That would include the chief architect of the policy, Stephen Miller, former President Donald Trump’s primary adviser on immigration, and the former attorney general, Jeff Sessions, who issued the official memorandum on “zero tolerance” in April 2018. Former senior officials at the Justice Department, as well as in the Department of Homeland Security, also could be included in accountability investigations.

Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, the chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, has called for the creation of a committee to investigate the policy and identify officials to be held responsible and face consequences.

The policy epitomized the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration. According to a report issued last month by the Justice Department’s inspector general, top department officials were a “driving force” behind the decision to separate families in their quest to fulfill Trump’s agenda.

Nearly 3,000 migrant children were separated from their parents while zero tolerance was in force. It later emerged that another 1,000 families had been separated during a pilot program conducted in 2017 near El Paso, Texas. And even after Trump officially rescinded the policy, border authorities removed more than 1,000 children from their families, sometimes for reasons as minor as committing a traffic infraction or failing to change a baby’s diaper, according to court documents.

The revelation late in the presidential campaign that parents of hundreds of children had yet to be found by a committee charged with contacting families created outrage anew, prompting Biden to promise to address the families’ plight. Two-thirds of the parents are believed to be in their home countries, including some whose children may be living in the United States, and a third are believed to be in the United States but might have gone under the radar because of their own fears of being deported.

Some advocates said it was vital that the White House push for legislation to prevent such extreme punitive measures from being employed as a deterrence tool in the future.

“We must right the wrongs committed and make sure this doesn’t happen again under another administration,” said Jennifer Podkul, vice president for policy and advocacy for Kids in Need of Defense, which represents some of the families.

Locating missing parents will continue to be a daunting task. Contact information for many parents is outdated or unavailable, and conditions in Central America make searches on the ground difficult and dangerous. The coronavirus pandemic and hurricanes have caused further delays. Some families, understanding their children to be in safe hands, have not answered their phones or have declined to talk after what they endured.

Even if the Biden administration is willing to offer green cards to parents who were deported, the logistics will be challenging because many remain suspicious of the government and worry they will be arrested again. It is also not clear whether the issue of redress for the effects of family separation will be folded into Biden’s broader immigration plans, which some Republicans might oppose.

Unless Biden revamps border procedures, further separations will almost certainly occur when Border Patrol agents suspect that someone accompanying a child is not a parent or a legal guardian. Some parents lack birth certificates and documents to prove lineage. Border officials are tasked with guarding against the trafficking of children across borders.

In Cordeiro’s case, after months had passed, she finally found a friend willing to take her son from the shelter. But the authorities told her that the woman did not qualify because she was not related.

After acting out, James was administered antidepressants and other drugs, according to his mother.

When she finally was released seven months later, red tape delayed their reunification by another two months.

They are now living in the Boston area, and James has been weaned off the medication, Cordeiro said, but he has few friends and spends most of his time alone. “I never imagined a government would do this to human beings,” she said. “It was pure cruelty.”

Among parents hoping that Biden’s administration will allow them back into the United States is a woman from El Salvador named Xiomara, who was deported without her daughter after they were separated at the border on Mother’s Day in 2018.

“I can hardly wait for the day when I will wake up from this nightmare,” said Xiomara, 34, who spoke on condition that she be identified only by her first name because of security concerns.

One of her last acts of motherhood was to bathe and dress her daughter, after being told by border officials that Briselda, then 8, would be taken away. She said she watched helplessly as officials escorted Briselda to join a line of children, most of them crying, who were waiting to board a van bound for the airport.

For her daughter’s safety, Xiomara said she had preferred that Briselda remain in the United States with family rather than return to her in El Salvador. They are in regular contact over WhatsApp, she said, but the distance has taken an emotional toll, and Xiomara has battled depression and recently started seeing a therapist.

Others continue to suffer repercussions despite being reunited.

Fifteen days passed before Oscar, an immigrant from Honduras who was locked up in McAllen, Texas, heard from his son, Daniel, then 8, from whom he had been separated.

“I felt mad. I was going crazy,” recalled Oscar, 35, who spoke on condition that he be identified only by his middle name.

On a tearful call, his son told him he was staying in a shelter in Houston. Father and son were reunited after 33 days, thanks to a judge’s order, and they moved to Charlotte, North Carolina.

Since then, Oscar has been grappling with how to help his son, whom he described as “not the same boy since we were separated.” Daniel runs away whenever he sees someone in police uniform and wakes up screaming at night, Oscar said.

Recently, Oscar learned that his child had been ordered deported even though his own case is still pending, a result of Daniel’s immigration case not being transferred to North Carolina and consolidated with his father’s.

He struggles to imagine what would happen to his son in Honduras without him.

“I pray to God that this country won’t separate us again,” Oscar said.

When Joselaine Cordeiro arrived at the U.S. border in 2017, she spent seven months in immigration detention in Texas while her 14-year-old son, James, languished in a shelter in Chicago.

When Joselaine Cordeiro arrived at the U.S. border in 2017, she spent seven months in immigration detention in Texas while her 14-year-old son, James, languished in a shelter in Chicago. As the months wore on, her child’s case worker reported that he was depressed, and suggested putting him up for adoption. “I thought, my God, I will never see my child again,” recalled Cordeiro, who had fled an abusive husband in Brazil. She and her son were among the first of more than 5,500 migrant families separated at the southwestern border under the Trump administration’s most hotly debated immigration policy — a program that President Joe Biden must now find a way to unravel years after the policy was abandoned. On Tuesday, the White House is expected to announce a task force that will look at demands for restitution, expanded mental health services, the readmission of deported parents and possible permanent legal residency for families like Cordeiro’s who suffered lingering damage from a policy intended to make it too emotionally punishing for migrant families to attempt to cross into the United States. More than 1,000 migrant children still in the United States likely remain separated from their parents, and another 500 or more were taken from their parents who have yet to be located, according to the latest estimates from lawyers working on the issue. One of the continuing obstacles to reunification is that hundreds of parents have been deported to their home countries — places they had fled because of the danger there — and are fearful of having their children sent home to them. And some children are being deported even though their parents are still in the United States trying to obtain legal residence. Cordeiro became the second named plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit that the American Civil Liberties Union brought against the family separation policy and that has accomplished much of the work of identifying relatives all over the world. “When we brought this case in 2018, we never thought there would be thousands of families separated, much less that we would still be looking for hundreds of them three years later,” said Lee Gelernt, lead counsel in the ACLU lawsuit. Having inherited the crisis, the Biden administration has committed to addressing it: On Tuesday, Biden is expected to announce a task force that will look at demands for restitution, expanded mental health services, the readmission of deported parents and possible permanent legal residency for families disrupted by separations. The task force, with representatives from the departments of Homeland Security, Health and Human Services and State, will be headed by Alejandro Mayorkas, Biden’s pick to lead the Department of Homeland Security. Biden has already encountered resistance to dismantling Trump administration policies, signaling roadblocks ahead. A federal court last week temporarily blocked his administration from enforcing a 100-day suspension of deportations until the judge considers a lawsuit brought by Texas. The Senate confirmation of Mayorkas was stalled by Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo. But given the firestorm that family separations generated across party lines, Biden will be asked to take a wide range of actions to make amends. “There’s a clear moral imperative here,” said Oscar Chacón, executive director of Alianza Americas, an advocacy group. “At a minimum, they should be offered the opportunity to be reunited and settled in the U.S. as eventual permanent residents.” In addition to proposals for legal residency and demands for financial compensation, some immigrant advocacy groups are calling for those in the senior levels of the Trump White House who were responsible for crafting and carrying out the policy to be held accountable. That would include the chief architect of the policy, Stephen Miller, former President Donald Trump’s primary adviser on immigration, and the former attorney general, Jeff Sessions, who issued the official memorandum on “zero tolerance” in April 2018. Former senior officials at the Justice Department, as well as in the Department of Homeland Security, also could be included in accountability investigations. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, the chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, has called for the creation of a committee to investigate the policy and identify officials to be held responsible and face consequences. The policy epitomized the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration. According to a report issued last month by the Justice Department’s inspector general, top department officials were a “driving force” behind the decision to separate families in their quest to fulfill Trump’s agenda. Nearly 3,000 migrant children were separated from their parents while zero tolerance was in force. It later emerged that another 1,000 families had been separated during a pilot program conducted in 2017 near El Paso, Texas. And even after Trump officially rescinded the policy, border authorities removed more than 1,000 children from their families, sometimes for reasons as minor as committing a traffic infraction or failing to change a baby’s diaper, according to court documents. The revelation late in the presidential campaign that parents of hundreds of children had yet to be found by a committee charged with contacting families created outrage anew, prompting Biden to promise to address the families’ plight. Two-thirds of the parents are believed to be in their home countries, including some whose children may be living in the United States, and a third are believed to be in the United States but might have gone under the radar because of their own fears of being deported. Some advocates said it was vital that the White House push for legislation to prevent such extreme punitive measures from being employed as a deterrence tool in the future. “We must right the wrongs committed and make sure this doesn’t happen again under another administration,” said Jennifer Podkul, vice president for policy and advocacy for Kids in Need of Defense, which represents some of the families. Locating missing parents will continue to be a daunting task. Contact information for many parents is outdated or unavailable, and conditions in Central America make searches on the ground difficult and dangerous. The coronavirus pandemic and hurricanes have caused further delays. Some families, understanding their children to be in safe hands, have not answered their phones or have declined to talk after what they endured. Even if the Biden administration is willing to offer green cards to parents who were deported, the logistics will be challenging because many remain suspicious of the government and worry they will be arrested again. It is also not clear whether the issue of redress for the effects of family separation will be folded into Biden’s broader immigration plans, which some Republicans might oppose. Unless Biden revamps border procedures, further separations will almost certainly occur when Border Patrol agents suspect that someone accompanying a child is not a parent or a legal guardian. Some parents lack birth certificates and documents to prove lineage. Border officials are tasked with guarding against the trafficking of children across borders. In Cordeiro’s case, after months had passed, she finally found a friend willing to take her son from the shelter. But the authorities told her that the woman did not qualify because she was not related. After acting out, James was administered antidepressants and other drugs, according to his mother. When she finally was released seven months later, red tape delayed their reunification by another two months. They are now living in the Boston area, and James has been weaned off the medication, Cordeiro said, but he has few friends and spends most of his time alone. “I never imagined a government would do this to human beings,” she said. “It was pure cruelty.” Among parents hoping that Biden’s administration will allow them back into the United States is a woman from El Salvador named Xiomara, who was deported without her daughter after they were separated at the border on Mother’s Day in 2018. “I can hardly wait for the day when I will wake up from this nightmare,” said Xiomara, 34, who spoke on condition that she be identified only by her first name because of security concerns. One of her last acts of motherhood was to bathe and dress her daughter, after being told by border officials that Briselda, then 8, would be taken away. She said she watched helplessly as officials escorted Briselda to join a line of children, most of them crying, who were waiting to board a van bound for the airport. For her daughter’s safety, Xiomara said she had preferred that Briselda remain in the United States with family rather than return to her in El Salvador. They are in regular contact over WhatsApp, she said, but the distance has taken an emotional toll, and Xiomara has battled depression and recently started seeing a therapist. Others continue to suffer repercussions despite being reunited. Fifteen days passed before Oscar, an immigrant from Honduras who was locked up in McAllen, Texas, heard from his son, Daniel, then 8, from whom he had been separated. “I felt mad. I was going crazy,” recalled Oscar, 35, who spoke on condition that he be identified only by his middle name. On a tearful call, his son told him he was staying in a shelter in Houston. Father and son were reunited after 33 days, thanks to a judge’s order, and they moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. Since then, Oscar has been grappling with how to help his son, whom he described as “not the same boy since we were separated.” Daniel runs away whenever he sees someone in police uniform and wakes up screaming at night, Oscar said. Recently, Oscar learned that his child had been ordered deported even though his own case is still pending, a result of Daniel’s immigration case not being transferred to North Carolina and consolidated with his father’s. He struggles to imagine what would happen to his son in Honduras without him. “I pray to God that this country won’t separate us again,” Oscar said.

Biden faces pressure to make amends on family separation

A judge in Texas on Tuesday temporarily blocked President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-reverse-trumps-immigration-policies-biden-tells-mexican-president-358885">Biden's </a>administration's 100-day cap on deportations.

Watch:

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Judge Drew Tipton granted a 14-day temporary restraining order until the case could be further examined on request by state’s Republican attorney-general Ken Paxton.

Paxton had argued before the judge that the deportation freeze violated immigration law. Biden had signed the moratorium on the deportation of undocumented <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-signs-raft-of-orders-rolls-back-trump-policies-on-coronavirus-immigration-and-more-358220">migrants </a>who arrived in the United States before November 1, 2020 on his first day as US president. Biden had also cancelled Trump's immigration measures, including the building of a wall on the border with Mexico.&nbsp;

"I commend the court for prioritising the law and safety of our citizens," Paxton said in the statement.

During a call to Mexican President Obrador President Biden outlined his plan to create new legal path for immigration which involved "reversing the previous administration’s draconian immigration policies".&nbsp;

Biden,78, had also reversed Trump's entry ban for people from many majority Muslim nations targeted at citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen within hours of entering the White House.

Iraq and Sudan were dropped from the Trump administration's list, however, the US Supreme Court had&nbsp;upheld a later version of the ban for the other nations

Biden also signed new protections for the "Dreamers" project which involved children of illegal immigrants who have grown up in the United States. A US judge had earlier ordered the Trump administration to fully reinstate a program.

Former President Barack Obama had instituted the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals(DACA) in 2012 by executive order to help nearly 10 million people estimated to be living in America without documentation which applied to people who were brought into the United States illegally as children and then grew up there.

However, former President Donald Trump had moved to end the DACA in 2017.

A judge in Texas on Tuesday temporarily blocked President Biden's administration's 100-day cap on deportations. Watch: Judge Drew Tipton granted a 14-day temporary restraining order until the case could be further examined on request by state’s Republican attorney-general Ken Paxton.

A judge in Texas on Tuesday temporarily blocked President Biden's administration's 100-day cap on deportations. Watch: Judge Drew Tipton granted a 14-day temporary restraining order until the case could be further examined on request by state’s Republican attorney-general Ken Paxton. Paxton had argued before the judge that the deportation freeze violated immigration law. Biden had signed the moratorium on the deportation of undocumented migrants who arrived in the United States before November 1, 2020 on his first day as US president. Biden had also cancelled Trump's immigration measures, including the building of a wall on the border with Mexico. "I commend the court for prioritising the law and safety of our citizens," Paxton said in the statement. During a call to Mexican President Obrador President Biden outlined his plan to create new legal path for immigration which involved "reversing the previous administration’s draconian immigration policies". Biden,78, had also reversed Trump's entry ban for people from many majority Muslim nations targeted at citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen within hours of entering the White House. Iraq and Sudan were dropped from the Trump administration's list, however, the US Supreme Court had upheld a later version of the ban for the other nations Biden also signed new protections for the "Dreamers" project which involved children of illegal immigrants who have grown up in the United States. A US judge had earlier ordered the Trump administration to fully reinstate a program. Former President Barack Obama had instituted the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals(DACA) in 2012 by executive order to help nearly 10 million people estimated to be living in America without documentation which applied to people who were brought into the United States illegally as children and then grew up there. However, former President Donald Trump had moved to end the DACA in 2017.

US judge blocks President Biden's 100-day pause on deportations

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday extended a pair of immigration bans that block many "green card" applicants and temporary foreign workers from entering the country, measures he says are needed to protect U.S. workers amid the pandemic-battered economy.

The bans, which were issued in April and June, were set to expire on Dec. 31, but will be extended until March 31, 2021, the latest in a series of last-gasp immigration moves by the outgoing Trump administration. A broad range of businesses oppose the ban on certain foreign workers.

President-elect Joe Biden, who takes office on Jan. 20, has criticized the restrictions, but has not yet said whether he would immediately reverse them.

Trump issued the bans in the form of presidential proclamations that could be swiftly undone.

At least 20 million people remain on unemployment benefits in the United States as the novel coronavirus continues to spread nationwide.

In October, a federal judge in California blocked Trump’s ban on foreign guest workers as it applied to hundreds of thousands of U.S. businesses that fought the policy in court.

The judge found the ban would cause “irreparable harm” to the businesses by interfering with their operations and leading them to lay off employees and close open positions.

The U.S. Department of Justice appealed the decision to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which is scheduled to hear arguments on Jan. 19.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday extended a pair of immigration bans that block many "green card" applicants and temporary foreign workers from entering the country, measures he says are needed to protect U.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday extended a pair of immigration bans that block many "green card" applicants and temporary foreign workers from entering the country, measures he says are needed to protect U.S. workers amid the pandemic-battered economy. The bans, which were issued in April and June, were set to expire on Dec. 31, but will be extended until March 31, 2021, the latest in a series of last-gasp immigration moves by the outgoing Trump administration. A broad range of businesses oppose the ban on certain foreign workers. President-elect Joe Biden, who takes office on Jan. 20, has criticized the restrictions, but has not yet said whether he would immediately reverse them. Trump issued the bans in the form of presidential proclamations that could be swiftly undone. At least 20 million people remain on unemployment benefits in the United States as the novel coronavirus continues to spread nationwide. In October, a federal judge in California blocked Trump’s ban on foreign guest workers as it applied to hundreds of thousands of U.S. businesses that fought the policy in court. The judge found the ban would cause “irreparable harm” to the businesses by interfering with their operations and leading them to lay off employees and close open positions. The U.S. Department of Justice appealed the decision to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which is scheduled to hear arguments on Jan. 19.

Trump extends immigration bans despite opposition from US business groups

With fists raised in victory, Oneita and Clive Thompson were feeling jubilant as they came out of the Tabernacle United Church in Philadelphia, US.&nbsp;

The couple can finally stay in the United States after spending two and a half years in churches to avoid deportation.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/court-rules-for-dreamers-rejects-trumps-limits-on-immigration-programme-343218">Court rules for 'Dreamers', rejects Trump's limits on immigration programme</a>

"We won," Oneita Thompson, 48, told supporters who were present outside the church, as quoted by the New York Times.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-joe-biden-calls-donald-trumps-immigration-policies-criminal-337306">US election 2020: Joe Biden calls Donald Trump's immigration policies 'criminal'</a>

The victory was by no means easy for the couple, but Oneita said that she was hopeful that someday this day would arrive.&nbsp;

After living for 14 years legally in the US and bringing up seven children, in 2018 Oneita was informed by the immigration authority that she and her husband had to leave the country.&nbsp;

The couple arrived in the US in 2004 seeking asylum over gang violence in their native country Jamaica.

Each year, Thompsons application was denied, but they used to get a one-year extension to stay.

However, things changed dramatically when Donald Trump became the President of the United States in 2016.&nbsp;

The policies of Trump, who during his presidential election campaign, vowed of acting tough on immigration, meant that the Jamaican couple would now have to leave the US.

Oneita came in touch with Peter Pedemonti, co-director of the New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia, who suggested that refuge in a church is the only viable option.&nbsp;

For decades, families have stayed in churches to avoid deportation and buy time to urge immigration authorities to allow them to stay.&nbsp;

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has designated churches as "sensitive locations" and by and large don't interfere with shelters here.&nbsp;

In August 2018, the couple shifted into First United Methodist Church of Germantown with their two children.&nbsp;

After spending two years in the church, the Thompsons moved to Tabernacle United Church in September.&nbsp;

After a long struggle, help came via their eldest daughter's way.&nbsp;

On Dec 10, Oneita was got to know that since her daughter is a US citizen, she can submit a petition for an "alien relative".&nbsp;

She immediately printed the email.

"I had to physically look at it, touch it," Oneita said.&nbsp;

"I literally felt numb."&nbsp;

With fists raised in victory, Oneita and Clive Thompson were feeling jubilant as they came out of the Tabernacle United Church in Philadelphia, US. The couple can finally stay in the United States after spending two and a half years in churches to avoid deportation.

With fists raised in victory, Oneita and Clive Thompson were feeling jubilant as they came out of the Tabernacle United Church in Philadelphia, US. The couple can finally stay in the United States after spending two and a half years in churches to avoid deportation. Also read | Court rules for 'Dreamers', rejects Trump's limits on immigration programme "We won," Oneita Thompson, 48, told supporters who were present outside the church, as quoted by the New York Times. Also read | US election 2020: Joe Biden calls Donald Trump's immigration policies 'criminal' The victory was by no means easy for the couple, but Oneita said that she was hopeful that someday this day would arrive. After living for 14 years legally in the US and bringing up seven children, in 2018 Oneita was informed by the immigration authority that she and her husband had to leave the country. The couple arrived in the US in 2004 seeking asylum over gang violence in their native country Jamaica. Each year, Thompsons application was denied, but they used to get a one-year extension to stay. However, things changed dramatically when Donald Trump became the President of the United States in 2016. The policies of Trump, who during his presidential election campaign, vowed of acting tough on immigration, meant that the Jamaican couple would now have to leave the US. Oneita came in touch with Peter Pedemonti, co-director of the New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia, who suggested that refuge in a church is the only viable option. For decades, families have stayed in churches to avoid deportation and buy time to urge immigration authorities to allow them to stay. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has designated churches as "sensitive locations" and by and large don't interfere with shelters here. In August 2018, the couple shifted into First United Methodist Church of Germantown with their two children. After spending two years in the church, the Thompsons moved to Tabernacle United Church in September. After a long struggle, help came via their eldest daughter's way. On Dec 10, Oneita was got to know that since her daughter is a US citizen, she can submit a petition for an "alien relative". She immediately printed the email. "I had to physically look at it, touch it," Oneita said. "I literally felt numb."

Jamaican couple, who hid in church for 2.5 years, can finally walk free in US

The Trump administration will not accept new applications for the Obama-era program that shields from deportation certain undocumented immigrants.

Trump administration refuses to accept new application under DACA program

In United States of America (USA), the COVID-19 death toll has surpassed the mark of 50,000. Meanwhile, US President Trump has refused to take the responsibility for these 50,000 deaths.

US: COVID-19 death toll surpasses the mark of 50,000, President Trump refuse to take responsibility

US President Donald Trump has now officially signed the executive orders suspending the immigration into the United States. Watch report.

Donald Trump suspends immigration into US: Immediate relatives of US citizens exempted

Former Homeland security secretary Jeh Johnson said that US President Donald Trump's plan to suspend immigration for 60 days into the United States is a complicated thing. Watch report.

Former Homeland security secretary Jeh Johnson: Trump can't just shut down all immigration

United States President Donald Trump has announced that he will be issuing a temporary suspension of immigrants into the United States. He mentioned that this move is for the benefit of American workers.

US President Donald Trump to issue suspension of immigration for 60 days | Coronavirus Pandemic

A federal judge in Oregon on Saturday temporarily blocked a Trump administration proclamation that would have required prospective immigrants to prove they would have US health insurance within 30 days of their arrival or enough money to pay for "reasonably foreseeable medical costs."

Judge Michael Simon in US District Court in Portland, Oregon, granted a 28-day temporary restraining order that prevents the rule from taking effect on November 3. The legal challenge against it will continue.

In an 18-page order, Simon said the potential damage to would-be immigrants and their families justified a nationwide block.

“Facing a likely risk of being separated from their family members and a delay in obtaining a visa to which family members would otherwise be entitled is irreparable harm,” he wrote.

Seven U.S. citizens and an advocacy organisation filed a lawsuit to block the rule, arguing it "rewrites our immigration and healthcare laws by Presidential fiat" and could bar hundreds of thousands of prospective immigrants.

Prospective immigrants had been scrambling to figure out how to get the necessary coverage, navigating a complex healthcare bureaucracy that has, for the most part, not previously catered to those who are not yet in the country.

The Trump proclamation said it aims to stop healthcare providers and taxpayers from bearing “substantial costs in paying for medical expenses incurred by people who lack health insurance or the ability to pay for their healthcare.” It cited data that “lawful immigrants are about three times more likely than United States citizens to lack health insurance.”

Healthcare policy experts say immigrants use the US system less often than Americans. According to an analysis by Leighton Ku, director of the Centre for Health Policy Research at George Washington University, recent immigrants without insurance accounted for less than one-tenth of 1% of US medical expenditures in 2017.

A federal judge in Oregon on Saturday temporarily blocked a Trump administration proclamation that would have required prospective immigrants to prove they would have US health insurance within 30 days of their arrival or enough money to pay for "reasonably foreseeable medical costs.

A federal judge in Oregon on Saturday temporarily blocked a Trump administration proclamation that would have required prospective immigrants to prove they would have US health insurance within 30 days of their arrival or enough money to pay for "reasonably foreseeable medical costs." Judge Michael Simon in US District Court in Portland, Oregon, granted a 28-day temporary restraining order that prevents the rule from taking effect on November 3. The legal challenge against it will continue. In an 18-page order, Simon said the potential damage to would-be immigrants and their families justified a nationwide block. “Facing a likely risk of being separated from their family members and a delay in obtaining a visa to which family members would otherwise be entitled is irreparable harm,” he wrote. Seven U.S. citizens and an advocacy organisation filed a lawsuit to block the rule, arguing it "rewrites our immigration and healthcare laws by Presidential fiat" and could bar hundreds of thousands of prospective immigrants. Prospective immigrants had been scrambling to figure out how to get the necessary coverage, navigating a complex healthcare bureaucracy that has, for the most part, not previously catered to those who are not yet in the country. The Trump proclamation said it aims to stop healthcare providers and taxpayers from bearing “substantial costs in paying for medical expenses incurred by people who lack health insurance or the ability to pay for their healthcare.” It cited data that “lawful immigrants are about three times more likely than United States citizens to lack health insurance.” Healthcare policy experts say immigrants use the US system less often than Americans. According to an analysis by Leighton Ku, director of the Centre for Health Policy Research at George Washington University, recent immigrants without insurance accounted for less than one-tenth of 1% of US medical expenditures in 2017.

Judge blocks Trump rule requiring prospective immigrants have health insurance

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-immigration-raids-sweep-up-hundreds-of-undocumented-migrants-241420">US immigration authorities</a> arrested nearly 700 people at seven agricultural processing plants across Mississippi on Wednesday in what federal officials said could be the largest worksite enforcement operation in a single state.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armed-man-dead-after-attacking-united-states-immigration-jail-235787">Immigration and Customs Enforcement</a> (ICE) said in a statement they detained about 680 people who were working illegally at the plants. They said they also seized business records as part of a federal criminal investigation.

Some of those detained will be released for "humanitarian reasons" and required to appear in the US immigration court, the US Attorney's Office of the Southern District of Mississippi, which partnered with ICE, said in a statement. Others will be transported to an ICE facility in Jena, Louisiana, it said.

A video released by ICE showed buses arriving at a Canton, Mississippi, processing facility where agents searched workers and checked their identification documents. Some workers had their hands restrained with nylon ties, the video showed.

Meanwhile, Mexico said&nbsp;that 122 of its citizens were among the&nbsp;people arrested in the raids.

Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said the government would provide consular assistance and "guarantee the adequate legal defence of all Mexican nationals" detained.

Past large operations to enforce immigration laws at workplaces have included the arrest in 2008 of more than 300 workers at a kosher meatpacking plant in Postville, Iowa.

Watch: The immigration debate: seesaws placed at US-Mexico border

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During the administration of former President Barack Obama, ICE prioritised the arrests of recent border crossers, people who had previously been ordered deported and those seen as a threat to public safety.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-to-visit-el-paso-tomorrow-following-mass-shooting-mayor-241082">President Donald Trump</a> has made cracking down on illegal immigration a centrepiece of his presidency, however, and ICE has stepped up its activities considerably since he took office in January 2017.

ICE said it has made more than 2,300 criminal and administrative arrests related to workplaces in the 2018 fiscal year, which ended in September, compared to just over 300 in the previous year.

Among the facilities targeted in Wednesday's operation was a Peco Foods processing plant in Canton. On its website, Peco Foods says it is the 8th largest poultry producer in the United States.

Tom Super, the spokesman for the National Chicken Council, an industry group, said meat processing companies do their best to hire legal workers.

"The chicken industry uses every tool in the toolbox to ensure a legal workforce," Super said.

US immigration authorities arrested nearly 700 people at seven agricultural processing plants across Mississippi on Wednesday in what federal officials said could be the largest worksite enforcement operation in a single state.

US immigration authorities arrested nearly 700 people at seven agricultural processing plants across Mississippi on Wednesday in what federal officials said could be the largest worksite enforcement operation in a single state. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said in a statement they detained about 680 people who were working illegally at the plants. They said they also seized business records as part of a federal criminal investigation. Some of those detained will be released for "humanitarian reasons" and required to appear in the US immigration court, the US Attorney's Office of the Southern District of Mississippi, which partnered with ICE, said in a statement. Others will be transported to an ICE facility in Jena, Louisiana, it said. A video released by ICE showed buses arriving at a Canton, Mississippi, processing facility where agents searched workers and checked their identification documents. Some workers had their hands restrained with nylon ties, the video showed. Meanwhile, Mexico said that 122 of its citizens were among the people arrested in the raids. Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said the government would provide consular assistance and "guarantee the adequate legal defence of all Mexican nationals" detained. Past large operations to enforce immigration laws at workplaces have included the arrest in 2008 of more than 300 workers at a kosher meatpacking plant in Postville, Iowa. Watch: The immigration debate: seesaws placed at US-Mexico border × During the administration of former President Barack Obama, ICE prioritised the arrests of recent border crossers, people who had previously been ordered deported and those seen as a threat to public safety. President Donald Trump has made cracking down on illegal immigration a centrepiece of his presidency, however, and ICE has stepped up its activities considerably since he took office in January 2017. ICE said it has made more than 2,300 criminal and administrative arrests related to workplaces in the 2018 fiscal year, which ended in September, compared to just over 300 in the previous year. Among the facilities targeted in Wednesday's operation was a Peco Foods processing plant in Canton. On its website, Peco Foods says it is the 8th largest poultry producer in the United States. Tom Super, the spokesman for the National Chicken Council, an industry group, said meat processing companies do their best to hire legal workers. "The chicken industry uses every tool in the toolbox to ensure a legal workforce," Super said.

In largest immigration raid, US authorities arrest 680 workers at Mississippi

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

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

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

US immigration raids sweep up hundreds of undocumented migrants

Mexican director Guillermo del Toro was honoured Tuesday with a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame, where he urged fellow immigrants to reject fear and division in the US. 
 
The double Oscar-winning filmmaker, 54,&nbsp;is known for creating surreal worlds filled with fantastical monsters in movies such as 'Pan's Labyrinth' and 'The Shape of Water.' 
 
Speaking in the aftermath of the El Paso mass shootings, he told the crowd that "great fear" was being used to divide people, but "those divisions are complete fantasies." 
 
"When people say, 'You dwell in fantasy,' I say, 'I don't. Politicians do, churches do, I don't. I deal with facts of the soul and the stories.'" 
 
He added: "Do not believe the lies they tell about us. Believe in the stories you have inside and believe that we all can make a difference." 
 
Del Toro left Mexico in 1998 after his father was kidnapped for a $1 million ransom that he only managed to pay with the help of fellow director James Cameron. 
 
He is now known as one of the "three amigos" of Mexican film along with fellow Oscar-winning directors Alejandro&nbsp;Gonzalez Inarritu ('Birdman,' 'The Revenant') and Alfonso Cuaron ('Gravity'). 
 
He told the crowd how searching Tinseltown's sidewalk in the 1970s for the stars of&nbsp;horror legends Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney and Alfred Hitchcock had inspired him in creating his famed horror universes. 
 
"What I felt with those stars is there were people that were as weird as me and they were here, so that gave me hope," he said. 
"This star is for you, all of you that feel weird to come over and sit for a moment." 
 
'Star Wars' filmmaker JJ Abrams and singer Lana Del Rey attended the ceremony. 
 
Del Ray provides a song for 'Scary Stories&nbsp;to Tell&nbsp;in the&nbsp;Dark,' a horror film produced by Del&nbsp;Toro out Friday.

Mexican director Guillermo del Toro was honoured Tuesday with a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame, where he urged fellow immigrants to reject fear and division in the US.

Mexican director Guillermo del Toro was honoured Tuesday with a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame, where he urged fellow immigrants to reject fear and division in the US. The double Oscar-winning filmmaker, 54, is known for creating surreal worlds filled with fantastical monsters in movies such as 'Pan's Labyrinth' and 'The Shape of Water.' Speaking in the aftermath of the El Paso mass shootings, he told the crowd that "great fear" was being used to divide people, but "those divisions are complete fantasies." "When people say, 'You dwell in fantasy,' I say, 'I don't. Politicians do, churches do, I don't. I deal with facts of the soul and the stories.'" He added: "Do not believe the lies they tell about us. Believe in the stories you have inside and believe that we all can make a difference." Del Toro left Mexico in 1998 after his father was kidnapped for a $1 million ransom that he only managed to pay with the help of fellow director James Cameron. He is now known as one of the "three amigos" of Mexican film along with fellow Oscar-winning directors Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu ('Birdman,' 'The Revenant') and Alfonso Cuaron ('Gravity'). He told the crowd how searching Tinseltown's sidewalk in the 1970s for the stars of horror legends Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney and Alfred Hitchcock had inspired him in creating his famed horror universes. "What I felt with those stars is there were people that were as weird as me and they were here, so that gave me hope," he said. "This star is for you, all of you that feel weird to come over and sit for a moment." 'Star Wars' filmmaker JJ Abrams and singer Lana Del Rey attended the ceremony. Del Ray provides a song for 'Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark,' a horror film produced by Del Toro out Friday.

Filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro gets Hollywood star, urges immigrants to reject fear

There was a sharp 10 per cent decline in the approval of &nbsp;H-1B<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-lawmakers-introduce-legislation-to-protect-work-visa-of-spouses-of-h-1b-holders-222628">&nbsp;visas by the US</a> in the fiscal year 2018 which experts attributed to the "aggressive" policies of the Trump administration to clamp down on the use of the work visa programme, popular among highly-skilled Indian IT professionals.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-propose-hike-in-h-1b-application-fee-labour-secretary-216581">employ foreign workers</a> in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approved 335,000 H-1B&nbsp;visas, which included both new and renewable, in the fiscal year 2018.

This was 10 per cent less from 373,400 in the previous fiscal year of 2017, according to the USCIS's annual statistical report.

The approval rate of &nbsp;H-1B&nbsp;declined from 93 per cent in 2017 to 85 per cent in 2018.

"This administration has aggressively pursued strategies to clamp down on use of the &nbsp;H-1B&nbsp;programme, and these efforts are now showing in the data," Migration Policy Institute analyst Sarah Pierce was quoted as saying by The Mercury News.

The daily said for the first six months of this fiscal year, the overall&nbsp;H-1B&nbsp;approval rate for new and continuing visas continued to plummet to 79 per cent by the end of March, down from 85 per cent last year.

The Trump administration has tightened the noose on firms violating H-1B&nbsp;visa rules. President Donald Trump has himself accused many IT companies of abusing the work visas to deny jobs to American workers.

Two years ago, Trump signed the "Buy American and Hire American" executive order, which seeks to create higher wages and employment rates for US workers and to protect their economic interests by rigorously enforcing and administering our immigration laws.

It directed the Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with other agencies, to advance policies to help ensure&nbsp;H-1B&nbsp;visas are awarded to the most-skilled or highest-paid beneficiaries.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;H-1B&nbsp;visa programme is the main vehicle through which US employers can sponsor skilled foreign workers for admission.

According to the latest statistical annual report, in 2018, the USCIS completed 396,300 &nbsp;H-1B&nbsp;application as against 403,300 in 2017.&nbsp;

In 2018, 396,300 &nbsp;H-1B&nbsp;beneficiary petitions were processed, which is 13 per cent more over the five fiscal years and two per cent less from 2017.&nbsp;

In 2018, the USCIS completed 850,000 naturalisation requests, a five year high and granted 1.1 million green cards.

There was a sharp 10 per cent decline in the approval of H-1B visas by the US in the fiscal year 2018 which experts attributed to the "aggressive" policies of the Trump administration to clamp down on the use of the work visa programme, popular among highly-skilled Indian IT professionals.

There was a sharp 10 per cent decline in the approval of H-1B visas by the US in the fiscal year 2018 which experts attributed to the "aggressive" policies of the Trump administration to clamp down on the use of the work visa programme, popular among highly-skilled Indian IT professionals. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approved 335,000 H-1B visas, which included both new and renewable, in the fiscal year 2018. This was 10 per cent less from 373,400 in the previous fiscal year of 2017, according to the USCIS's annual statistical report. The approval rate of H-1B declined from 93 per cent in 2017 to 85 per cent in 2018. "This administration has aggressively pursued strategies to clamp down on use of the H-1B programme, and these efforts are now showing in the data," Migration Policy Institute analyst Sarah Pierce was quoted as saying by The Mercury News. The daily said for the first six months of this fiscal year, the overall H-1B approval rate for new and continuing visas continued to plummet to 79 per cent by the end of March, down from 85 per cent last year. The Trump administration has tightened the noose on firms violating H-1B visa rules. President Donald Trump has himself accused many IT companies of abusing the work visas to deny jobs to American workers. Two years ago, Trump signed the "Buy American and Hire American" executive order, which seeks to create higher wages and employment rates for US workers and to protect their economic interests by rigorously enforcing and administering our immigration laws. It directed the Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with other agencies, to advance policies to help ensure H-1B visas are awarded to the most-skilled or highest-paid beneficiaries. The H-1B visa programme is the main vehicle through which US employers can sponsor skilled foreign workers for admission. According to the latest statistical annual report, in 2018, the USCIS completed 396,300 H-1B application as against 403,300 in 2017. In 2018, 396,300 H-1B beneficiary petitions were processed, which is 13 per cent more over the five fiscal years and two per cent less from 2017. In 2018, the USCIS completed 850,000 naturalisation requests, a five year high and granted 1.1 million green cards.

H-1B visa approvals in 2018 dropped 10%: US immigration data

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-may-to-agree-departure-after-latest-brexit-deal-bid-219257">British Prime Minister Theresa May to set out timetable for her departure after latest Brexit deal bid</a>

British Prime Minister Theresa May will set out a timetable for her departure in early June after the latest attempt to get her Brexit deal approved by parliament, the chairman of a powerful Conservative committee said on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tells-aides-he-does-not-want-us-war-with-iran-219259">Trump tells aides he does not want US war with Iran</a>

US President Donald Trump has told his top advisers he does not want to get the United States involved in a&nbsp;war with Iran, three US officials said on Thursday. "He doesn`t want to go to war. It`s not who he is," one official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-us-lawmakers-press-pompeo-for-answers-on-iran-arms-control-report-219258">Top US lawmakers press Pompeo for answers on Iran arms control report</a>

The chairmen of three congressional committees on national security on Thursday pressed US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to explain whether a Trump administration arms control report was politicised and slanted assessments about Iran.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-huawei-restricted-from-using-us-suppliers-219260">China's Huawei restricted from using US suppliers</a>

The Trump administration on Thursday officially added China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd to a trade blacklist, immediately enacting restrictions that will make it extremely difficult for the telecom giant to do business with US companies.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-proposes-new-us-immigration-plan-favouring-skills-over-family-ties-219269">Trump proposes new US immigration plan favouring skills over family ties</a>

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he wants to overhaul the immigration system to favour young, educated, English-speaking applicants with job offers instead of people with family ties to Americans, a plan with little chance of advancing in Congress.

British Prime Minister Theresa May to set out timetable for her departure after latest Brexit deal bid British Prime Minister Theresa May will set out a timetable for her departure in early June after the latest attempt to get her Brexit deal approved by parliament, the chairman of a powerful Conservative committee said on Thursday.

British Prime Minister Theresa May to set out timetable for her departure after latest Brexit deal bid British Prime Minister Theresa May will set out a timetable for her departure in early June after the latest attempt to get her Brexit deal approved by parliament, the chairman of a powerful Conservative committee said on Thursday. Trump tells aides he does not want US war with Iran US President Donald Trump has told his top advisers he does not want to get the United States involved in a war with Iran, three US officials said on Thursday. "He doesn`t want to go to war. It`s not who he is," one official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Top US lawmakers press Pompeo for answers on Iran arms control report The chairmen of three congressional committees on national security on Thursday pressed US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to explain whether a Trump administration arms control report was politicised and slanted assessments about Iran. China's Huawei restricted from using US suppliers The Trump administration on Thursday officially added China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd to a trade blacklist, immediately enacting restrictions that will make it extremely difficult for the telecom giant to do business with US companies. Trump proposes new US immigration plan favouring skills over family ties US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he wants to overhaul the immigration system to favour young, educated, English-speaking applicants with job offers instead of people with family ties to Americans, a plan with little chance of advancing in Congress.

News brief: Big stories of the day

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he wants to overhaul the immigration system to favour <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-trump-immigration-plan-may-increase-visas-for-highly-skilled-workers-213463">young, educated, English-speaking applicants</a> with job offers instead of people with family ties to Americans, a plan with little chance of advancing in Congress.

Trump`s plan, roundly panned by Democrats and immigration advocacy groups, is aimed at trying to unite Republicans - some who want to boost immigration, others who want to restrict it - ahead of the November 2020 presidential and congressional elections.

"If for some reason, possibly political, we can`t get the Democrats to approve this merit-based, high-security plan, then we will get it approved immediately after the election when we take back the House (of Representatives), keep the Senate, and, of course, hold the presidency," Trump said in a Rose Garden address to Republican lawmakers and Cabinet members.

Currently, about two-thirds of the 1.1 million people allowed to emigrate to the United States each year are given green cards granting permanent residency because of family ties.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-immigration-agency-violates-human-rights-doesnt-deserve-a-dime-democrat-lawmakers-195965">US immigration agency violates human rights, doesn't deserve a dime: Democrat lawmakers</a>

Trump proposed keeping the overall numbers steady, but shift to a "merit-based" system similar to one used in Canada - a plan he said would result in 57% of green cards to be based on employment and skills.

Ahead of the speech, Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said "merit" was a "condescending" term.

"Are they saying family is without merit? Are they saying most of the people who have ever come to the United States in the history of our country, are without merit, because they don’t have an engineering degree?" Pelosi told reporters.

The plan was developed by Trump`s son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner, and Stephen Miller, an adviser known for his hard line on immigration issues.

Democratic support would be needed to advance any legislation through the Republican-led Senate - let alone the Democratic-controlled House.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer criticised the White House for failing to consult with Democratic lawmakers, and said that showed the proposal was not serious.

Trump`s plan included proposals to beef up security at the border to try to prevent people from crossing illegally and legal changes aimed at curbing a flood of Central American migrants seeking asylum.

But it left aside the thorny issue of how to deal with the roughly 11 million immigrants living in the country illegally - many for years - and protections for "Dreamer" children brought to the country illegally, a top priority for Democratic lawmakers.

"To say it’s dead on arrival would be generous," said Pili Tobar, deputy director of America`s Voice, a group that advocates for undocumented immigrants.

The plan also does not include provisions to help farmers and other seasonal employers obtain more guest workers, or reforms for technology visa programs.

Business groups said the plan was a good first step but emphasised solutions needed to be broader and bipartisan.

"It should also incorporate policies to improve access to temporary workers with skills needed in the marketplace and provide a practical solution for undocumented immigrants and those living under temporary relief from removal, including Dreamers," the Business Roundtable - a group of chief executives from large companies - said in a statement.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he wants to overhaul the immigration system to favour young, educated, English-speaking applicants with job offers instead of people with family ties to Americans, a plan with little chance of advancing in Congress.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he wants to overhaul the immigration system to favour young, educated, English-speaking applicants with job offers instead of people with family ties to Americans, a plan with little chance of advancing in Congress. Trump`s plan, roundly panned by Democrats and immigration advocacy groups, is aimed at trying to unite Republicans - some who want to boost immigration, others who want to restrict it - ahead of the November 2020 presidential and congressional elections. "If for some reason, possibly political, we can`t get the Democrats to approve this merit-based, high-security plan, then we will get it approved immediately after the election when we take back the House (of Representatives), keep the Senate, and, of course, hold the presidency," Trump said in a Rose Garden address to Republican lawmakers and Cabinet members. Currently, about two-thirds of the 1.1 million people allowed to emigrate to the United States each year are given green cards granting permanent residency because of family ties. Also read: US immigration agency violates human rights, doesn't deserve a dime: Democrat lawmakers Trump proposed keeping the overall numbers steady, but shift to a "merit-based" system similar to one used in Canada - a plan he said would result in 57% of green cards to be based on employment and skills. Ahead of the speech, Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said "merit" was a "condescending" term. "Are they saying family is without merit? Are they saying most of the people who have ever come to the United States in the history of our country, are without merit, because they don’t have an engineering degree?" Pelosi told reporters. The plan was developed by Trump`s son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner, and Stephen Miller, an adviser known for his hard line on immigration issues. Democratic support would be needed to advance any legislation through the Republican-led Senate - let alone the Democratic-controlled House. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer criticised the White House for failing to consult with Democratic lawmakers, and said that showed the proposal was not serious. Trump`s plan included proposals to beef up security at the border to try to prevent people from crossing illegally and legal changes aimed at curbing a flood of Central American migrants seeking asylum. But it left aside the thorny issue of how to deal with the roughly 11 million immigrants living in the country illegally - many for years - and protections for "Dreamer" children brought to the country illegally, a top priority for Democratic lawmakers. "To say it’s dead on arrival would be generous," said Pili Tobar, deputy director of America`s Voice, a group that advocates for undocumented immigrants. The plan also does not include provisions to help farmers and other seasonal employers obtain more guest workers, or reforms for technology visa programs. Business groups said the plan was a good first step but emphasised solutions needed to be broader and bipartisan. "It should also incorporate policies to improve access to temporary workers with skills needed in the marketplace and provide a practical solution for undocumented immigrants and those living under temporary relief from removal, including Dreamers," the Business Roundtable - a group of chief executives from large companies - said in a statement.

Trump proposes new US immigration plan favouring skills over family ties

A 67-year-old Indian national has conceded before a US court of trying to obtain American citizenship through fraudulent means, the Department of Justice said Monday.

Harpal Singh charged with one count of attempted naturalisation fraud faces up to 10 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for August 5.

According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court, Singh applied for admission into the country as a tourist in March 1992 at Los Angeles International Airport by presenting an Indian passport that purported to contain an entry visa to the United States.

He was refused admission because the entry visa was deemed fraudulent and he was detained pending exclusion proceedings.

Singh thereafter applied for asylum in the United States and he was released on bond while his asylum claim was evaluated.

In June 1993, an immigration judge in New York denied Singh's asylum application and he was ordered to surrender for deportation. But he failed to appear for his deportation as ordered.

In August 1995, Singh again fraudulently applied for asylum in the United States and claimed that he had entered the United States by crossing the United States-Mexico border in December 1994.

Singh did not disclose that he had previously been denied asylum. In March 1996, an immigration judge denied Singh's second asylum application and he was again ordered to surrender for deportation. However, he again failed to appear for his deportation.

Later in May 1996, Singh again fraudulently applied for asylum in the United States under the identity of 'Surinder Singh,' claiming that he had entered the United States by crossing the United States-Mexico border in November 1995.

Singh did not disclose that he had previously been denied asylum under his true identity Harpal Singh. The application further claimed that Surinder Singh had been beaten and tortured in India in 1994 despite the fact that Singh had been living in the United States at the time under his true identity.

In June 1996, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service granted Singh's third asylum application in the name of 'Surinder Singh' based on fraudulent information provided by him.

Later in December 2015, Singh filed an Application for Naturalisation with the US Department of Homeland Security under the identity of 'Surinder Singh'. He falsely answered questions relating to his identity, his prior immigration applications, and his immigration status, among others.

In May 2018, Singh appeared in the identity of 'Surinder Singh' before an officer of the Homeland Security in Newark for an interview, which was conducted under oath and video-recorded. Singh was also assisted by counsel and by a Punjabi interpreter.

He falsely answered additional questions relating to his identity, his prior immigration applications, and his immigration status, among others.&nbsp;

A 67-year-old Indian national has conceded before a US court of trying to obtain American citizenship through fraudulent means, the Department of Justice said Monday.

A 67-year-old Indian national has conceded before a US court of trying to obtain American citizenship through fraudulent means, the Department of Justice said Monday. Harpal Singh charged with one count of attempted naturalisation fraud faces up to 10 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for August 5. According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court, Singh applied for admission into the country as a tourist in March 1992 at Los Angeles International Airport by presenting an Indian passport that purported to contain an entry visa to the United States. He was refused admission because the entry visa was deemed fraudulent and he was detained pending exclusion proceedings. Singh thereafter applied for asylum in the United States and he was released on bond while his asylum claim was evaluated. In June 1993, an immigration judge in New York denied Singh's asylum application and he was ordered to surrender for deportation. But he failed to appear for his deportation as ordered. In August 1995, Singh again fraudulently applied for asylum in the United States and claimed that he had entered the United States by crossing the United States-Mexico border in December 1994. Singh did not disclose that he had previously been denied asylum. In March 1996, an immigration judge denied Singh's second asylum application and he was again ordered to surrender for deportation. However, he again failed to appear for his deportation. Later in May 1996, Singh again fraudulently applied for asylum in the United States under the identity of 'Surinder Singh,' claiming that he had entered the United States by crossing the United States-Mexico border in November 1995. Singh did not disclose that he had previously been denied asylum under his true identity Harpal Singh. The application further claimed that Surinder Singh had been beaten and tortured in India in 1994 despite the fact that Singh had been living in the United States at the time under his true identity. In June 1996, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service granted Singh's third asylum application in the name of 'Surinder Singh' based on fraudulent information provided by him. Later in December 2015, Singh filed an Application for Naturalisation with the US Department of Homeland Security under the identity of 'Surinder Singh'. He falsely answered questions relating to his identity, his prior immigration applications, and his immigration status, among others. In May 2018, Singh appeared in the identity of 'Surinder Singh' before an officer of the Homeland Security in Newark for an interview, which was conducted under oath and video-recorded. Singh was also assisted by counsel and by a Punjabi interpreter. He falsely answered additional questions relating to his identity, his prior immigration applications, and his immigration status, among others.

Indian faces 10 years imprisonment for trying to get US citizenship by fraud

An IT advocacy group representing more than 1,000 small IT companies mostly run by Indian-Americans has filed a lawsuit against the US immigration agency for issuing H-1B visas for shorter than three years duration.

The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.&nbsp;

These visas are typically issued for three to six years to employers to hire a foreign worker.&nbsp;

Based out of Dallas in Texas, the ITServe Alliance in its 43-page lawsuit filed last week alleged that the US Citizenship and Immigration Services has recently begun a practice of approving H-1B petitions for shorter than three years duration.

"These petitions are often valid for only months or days at a time, and some cases are expired by the time the approval is received," it said.

ITServe lawsuit against the USCIS alleges that the agency has no authority to misinterpret the existing regulations and shorten the approval durations.

In fact, the United States Congress has specifically granted power to the Department of Labor and DOL's regulations grant three-year approvals, the lawsuit said.

The lawsuit also alleges that the itinerary requirement put forth by the USCIS is also unlawful.

This is the second lawsuit filed by ITServe against USCIS. In the first lawsuit filed in July 2018, ITServe demanded USCIS to remove language from their website prohibiting F-1 STEM OPT students working at the third part client locations.

"The USCIS has been making arbitrary rules and memos for over eight years, it's our top priority to set things right and hold USCIS accountable to follow the regulations set by the United States Congress," said ITServe's national president for 2018, Gopi Kandukuri.

Referring to the recent spate of H-1B denials that ITServe members received, Kandukuri added members of ITServe Alliance are tired of receiving random denials for no reason.&nbsp;

"The new battlefield for us is the federal courthouse and not USCIS service centers,&nbsp;he said.

An IT advocacy group representing more than 1,000 small IT companies mostly run by Indian-Americans has filed a lawsuit against the US immigration agency for issuing H-1B visas for shorter than three years duration.

An IT advocacy group representing more than 1,000 small IT companies mostly run by Indian-Americans has filed a lawsuit against the US immigration agency for issuing H-1B visas for shorter than three years duration. The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. These visas are typically issued for three to six years to employers to hire a foreign worker. Based out of Dallas in Texas, the ITServe Alliance in its 43-page lawsuit filed last week alleged that the US Citizenship and Immigration Services has recently begun a practice of approving H-1B petitions for shorter than three years duration. "These petitions are often valid for only months or days at a time, and some cases are expired by the time the approval is received," it said. ITServe lawsuit against the USCIS alleges that the agency has no authority to misinterpret the existing regulations and shorten the approval durations. In fact, the United States Congress has specifically granted power to the Department of Labor and DOL's regulations grant three-year approvals, the lawsuit said. The lawsuit also alleges that the itinerary requirement put forth by the USCIS is also unlawful. This is the second lawsuit filed by ITServe against USCIS. In the first lawsuit filed in July 2018, ITServe demanded USCIS to remove language from their website prohibiting F-1 STEM OPT students working at the third part client locations. "The USCIS has been making arbitrary rules and memos for over eight years, it's our top priority to set things right and hold USCIS accountable to follow the regulations set by the United States Congress," said ITServe's national president for 2018, Gopi Kandukuri. Referring to the recent spate of H-1B denials that ITServe members received, Kandukuri added members of ITServe Alliance are tired of receiving random denials for no reason. "The new battlefield for us is the federal courthouse and not USCIS service centers, he said.

IT companies file lawsuit against US immigration agency over shorter duration of H1B visas

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