Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

A new wave of immigration policies under Donald Trump is raising fresh concerns among policy experts, as sweeping restrictions on legal migration pathways threaten to significantly reduce population growth in the United States. Despite public statements supporting lawful immigration, recent actions by the administration suggest a broad effort to tighten access across nearly all visa categories. In a February State of the Union address, Trump emphasized that the United States would continue to welcome legal immigrants who contribute positively to society. However, behind this assurance, his administration has steadily introduced policies that make it harder for individuals to enter or…

The Spanish Catholic Church has strongly rejected claims from far-right politicians that it is making money from helping migrants, calling the accusations false and misleading. The response came after Santiago Abascal, leader of the Vox party, suggested that some groups benefit financially from illegal immigration. His comments were widely understood as targeting church organisations, especially Caritas Spain, which provides support to migrants and vulnerable people. However, Cesar García Magán, secretary general of the Spanish bishops’ conference, firmly denied the claims. He described the accusations as “slander” and said they are not based on facts but on political ideas. According to…

A church community in Bogotá is changing lives by helping Venezuelan migrants rebuild and succeed. One of those stories is that of Dairy Yamillet Ruedas Marquez, whose journey from loss to stability shows the power of community support. Marquez left Venezuela in 2019 during a period of political and economic crisis under President Nicolás Maduro. Unlike many migrants who left for economic reasons, she travelled to Colombia to seek better medical care for her son, who was battling cancer. The journey was difficult. With very little money, Marquez and her children travelled by bus, sharing seats and facing harsh conditions.…

Authorities in Libya have taken a major step against migrant exploitation by sentencing members of a criminal smuggling network, while Greece is increasing diplomatic efforts to reduce irregular migration across the Mediterranean. A court in Tripoli sentenced four individuals to prison terms ranging from 12 to 22 years for crimes including migrant smuggling, kidnapping, and torture. Prosecutors said the group operated along the western coastal area near Zuwara, a well-known departure point for migrants attempting dangerous journeys to Europe. According to authorities, the network kidnapped migrants and demanded ransom from their families. In many cases, they reportedly sent videos showing…

Latvian authorities have raised fresh concerns over increasing migrant pressure along their eastern border, accusing Belarus of actively encouraging irregular migration into the European Union. Officials say the situation, which slowed during winter, has started picking up again and could intensify in the coming months. According to Latvia’s State Border Guard Chief, Guntis Pujāts, there has already been a steady flow of migrants recorded in April. Speaking in an interview, he warned that this trend is likely to continue through the summer. Authorities believe the movement is not random but part of a coordinated effort involving routes through Russia and…

A new round of high-level talks between Greece and Libya is highlighting how migration, economic interests, and regional stability are becoming increasingly interconnected across the Mediterranean. Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis visited Tripoli, where he held discussions with his Libyan counterpart Taher al-Baour. The meeting reflects growing urgency on both sides to address rising migration flows and deepen bilateral cooperation. Migration pressures were at the centre of the discussions. Greek authorities have raised concerns about an increase in migrants arriving from eastern Libya, a route that has become more active in recent months. Both countries acknowledged the need for a…

The population of the United Kingdom is expected to grow more slowly than previously predicted, largely due to a decline in migration, according to new data released by the Office for National Statistics. In its latest forecast, the agency estimates that the UK population will reach around 71 million by 2034. This is lower than its earlier projection of 72.2 million, indicating a noticeable slowdown in long-term growth. As of mid-2024, the population stood at approximately 69.3 million. The revised figures highlight the significant role migration plays in shaping population trends in the UK. With fewer migrants expected to enter…

The administration of Donald Trump is preparing to speed up deportation processes for migrant children in government custody, according to new reports. The move has raised serious concerns among legal experts and child rights advocates about fairness, due process, and the wellbeing of vulnerable minors. Under the proposed changes, immigration hearings for children are being scheduled much earlier than before—sometimes weeks or even months ahead of expected timelines. These hearings are critical, as they determine whether a child can remain in the United States or be deported. Advocates warn that the accelerated process could make it harder for lawyers to…

French authorities have started intercepting migrant boats in the English Channel as part of a new strategy to reduce crossings to the United Kingdom. The policy marks a major shift in approach, as France had previously avoided such interventions due to the high risk of capsizing and drowning. The change, gradually introduced since November 2025, now allows France’s maritime forces to stop small inflatable boats already at sea. According to reports, at least seven interceptions have taken place so far under the new rules. This move comes amid continued high numbers of crossings. Since the start of 2026, more than…

In a migrant support centre in Aden, the smell of traditional Ethiopian spices is doing more than filling the air—it is helping migrants reconnect with their identity, culture, and sense of belonging. For many displaced individuals, food has become a powerful source of comfort in the middle of uncertainty. At the heart of this story is Kadra, a 30-year-old woman from Ethiopia, who found strength through cooking while staying at a migrant care facility in Yemen. Standing over a pot of simmering stew, she prepares zigni, a rich Ethiopian dish made with spices, onions, garlic, and chicken. For her, the…