Australia’s foreign-born population has reached a record high of 30.7%, according to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This is the highest proportion since 1891 and follows decades of steady growth in overseas migration. The increase is largely driven by immigration from England, India, China, and New Zealand. Globally, Australia ranks ninth in terms of the number of foreign-born residents, with 29.9% of its population born outside the country.
London’s façade of familiarity masks deep disquiet stemming from Brexit, creating a near-universal expectation of Labour’s victory in upcoming elections. The United States faces a similar immigration debate, leading to the rise of right-wing sentiments in both countries. Brexit, predicated on false promises, has led to economic contraction and public service collapse. Despite these drawbacks, some relish the inconvenience in exchange for reduced immigration. Nevertheless, a third of Britons now express regret over Brexit, acknowledging its detrimental impact. The Labour Party cautiously avoids embracing rejoining the EU but faces a dilemma as its support includes Brexit proponents. The UK’s fair play ethos persists, even amid Brexit’s challenges, while the United States grapples with a lack thereof.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), a unit within Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has undergone a rebranding to distance itself from the negative connotations associated with the ICE moniker. The move is intended to enhance HSI’s ability to conduct investigations without facing political backlash. However, the rebranding has caused frustration within the Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) branch of ICE, which maintains the ICE branding. ERO officials have promised that they will not follow suit and will prioritize their mission despite political pressure.
A senior immigration official has been criticized for her conduct in handling the case of an Ethiopian citizen who attempted to take his life after being tricked into admitting he was in South Africa illegally. The high court has ordered that the admission of guilt fine paid by Tsegaye Esyas be set aside and refunded, and that the case be referred back to the magistrate’s court for a fair hearing with a competent interpreter. The court also ordered that the immigration officer, Annelise van Dyk, be removed from the case.
In the aftermath of a political stunt by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, which saw migrants being sent to Martha’s Vineyard under false pretenses, some victims have received visa protections. Lawyers for Civil Rights (LCR), representing the migrants, have secured U-visas for at least three individuals, providing a pathway to permanent residency and protection from deportation. The visas were granted after civil rights lawyers argued that the migrants were victims of crimes, including false imprisonment and abduction. The LCR is also urging attorneys general in several states to review legal options to stop the reckless transportation of migrants.
Republican-controlled states are expanding local police authority and imposing criminal penalties on undocumented immigrants as the issue of border crossings takes center stage in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election. Oklahoma’s recently passed law criminalizes unauthorized presence in the state, with potential prison sentences of up to two years. Other states, including Texas, Tennessee, Iowa, and Louisiana, are considering or have implemented similar measures. These efforts draw criticism from immigration advocates, who assert that immigration is a federal matter and that state laws will face legal challenges.
On April 23rd, hundreds of migrants arrived in the UK, with 402 being brought to Dover, Kent. This came on the same day as five people, including a young girl, died attempting to cross the Channel. The arrivals included 57 individuals escorted to British shores after being intercepted by the French navy following the tragic deaths on an overcrowded dinghy. French investigators reported that several dozen people were rescued and brought to the UK after their dinghy, carrying 112 migrants, faltered off the French coast. The incident led to the deaths of a woman, three men, and a seven-year-old girl, while 47 others were rescued. The remaining 57 passengers were escorted to the UK after their boat became functional again.
Germany has emerged as the most sought-after non-English-speaking country for foreign workers worldwide, with Berlin ranking among the most popular destinations. The study highlights the significance of immigration for Germany and raises questions about the country’s future immigration needs.
The North Carolina General Assembly is commencing its annual work session on Wednesday with additional funding and a limited number of pressing issues to address. The Republican-led legislature, which enacted significant policy changes in 2023, aims to conclude the session swiftly in light of upcoming key elections and the departure of long-standing state government leaders. While certain proposals, such as immigration enforcement assistance for sheriffs and increased funding for private-school vouchers, are under consideration, the legislature’s primary focus is to adjust the second year of the state government’s two-year operating budget.
In an exclusive interview with Action News, former President Donald Trump discussed his ongoing hush-money trial, immigration, abortion, and the economy. Despite a gag order, Trump criticized key witness Michael Cohen, calling him a ‘convicted liar’ and accusing the trial of being election interference. Trump also expressed his belief that President Biden is ‘the worst president in our history’ and criticized the Biden Administration’s policies. The interview comes as a recent poll shows a tight presidential race in Pennsylvania, a battleground state.
