Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

On Saturday, nearly 500 migrants made the perilous journey across the English Channel in small boats, according to the Home Office. The exact number reported was 492 individuals, who made the crossing in nine separate boats. This follows a week of significant activity in the Channel, with hundreds more migrants making similar journeys. Earlier in the week, 107 migrants arrived on Wednesday, 125 on Monday, and an even larger group of 703 arrived last Sunday. The total number of arrivals over the past seven days reached 1,427, bringing the provisional total for the year to 19,066 migrants. The crossings are…

The rescue ship Geo Barents, operated by the humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders (MSF), successfully reached the Tuscan port of Livorno on Sunday, carrying 57 migrants who were rescued from the Mediterranean Sea. The ship’s arrival marked another significant moment in the ongoing efforts to save lives in the dangerous waters of the Mediterranean, where many migrants attempt perilous journeys in search of safety and better opportunities. Most of the migrants on board were adults, with a small number of women and minors also included among those rescued. These individuals had been found at sea in conditions that could have…

Chicago has seen significant changes in its handling of migrant arrivals, but as the city prepares for the Democratic National Convention, the strain of accommodating tens of thousands of new arrivals remains a pressing issue. Migrants who were once crowded in shelters and public spaces are now less visible, but the challenges of supporting those who have already arrived continue to shape local politics and community tensions. The city’s response to the influx of migrants, who were primarily bused in from Texas, reflects broader struggles within the Democratic Party over immigration policy. Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to address…

Donald Trump has pledged to carry out mass deportations of undocumented migrants if re-elected, with a campaign promise suggesting the removal of one million people as a starting point. This ambitious plan, however, faces significant legal, logistical, and financial challenges. The U.S. currently has approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants, with nearly 80% having lived in the country for over a decade. These individuals are entitled to due process, including court hearings before deportation. Expanding the already backlogged immigration court system to handle mass deportations would be a monumental task. Additionally, many cities and counties, known as “sanctuary cities,” have laws…

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has announced that it will oversee the implementation of the Italy-Albania migration protocol to ensure it aligns with human rights standards and international law. This protocol, approved by Albania’s Constitutional Court in January, allows Italy to process migrants seeking asylum in the Italian peninsula from Albania. The UNHCR will take on the role of monitoring and advising all parties involved in this protocol. Although the agency was not involved in the negotiation process, it has communicated with the Italian Minister of the Interior through a series of letters, agreeing to monitor the asylum process for…

Irregular migrant arrivals on Italy’s shores have decreased significantly by 62.3% in the first seven months of 2024, according to the Italian interior ministry. While Italy experienced a sharp decline in migration flows, Spain and Greece saw a significant rise in landings, with increases of 153% and 57% respectively. The interior ministry’s report highlighted a substantial reduction in migration along the Central Mediterranean route, where arrivals dropped by 64%. The Balkan route also saw a steep decline of 75% in migration flows. In contrast, there was a notable surge in migrant arrivals along the Western and Eastern Mediterranean routes, specifically…

Migrants will soon be largely responsible for funding English language education for their children, as immigration fees are set to rise sharply. This increase, announced by Immigration Minister Erica Stanford, will take effect in October and is part of the government’s plan to shift the cost burden of the immigration system from taxpayers to those who benefit directly from it. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has reported that the new fees and levies will help reduce the Crown’s annual costs by $108.3 million. Nearly half of this amount, $50.3 million, will be allocated to cover 80% of…

After the Harbor Police enforced a 10 a.m. deadline for clearing out encampments at Cesar Chavez Park in Barrio Logan, many homeless migrants are left struggling to find their next stop. Despite the lack of citations or arrests, the park, which had served as a temporary refuge for many, is now empty. The migrants, who had made the park their home, now face uncertainty and fear about what lies ahead. ABC 10News reporter Tali Letoi spoke with Beto, a migrant from Mexico City, who was deeply affected by the park’s closure. Beto, who relies on a wheelchair, had to pack…

Polish President Andrzej Duda has signed a new law that expands the legal use of weapons by Polish military, police, and border guards. The new legislation allows these forces to use weapons more freely, especially in situations where they are defending the country’s borders. President Duda expressed his satisfaction with the law, stating that it will enable Poland to protect its borders more effectively and make the challenging work of the military and border forces easier. In July, the Polish Sejm, the lower house of parliament, approved the bill with a majority vote. This new law removes criminal liability for…

Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing of Hong Kong recently completed a significant 10-day pastoral visit to the UK, with a noteworthy portion of his time spent in Cambridge, within the Diocese of East Anglia. The visit, from July 19-29, was eagerly awaited by the local Catholic Hong Kong migrant community. On July 23 and 24, Bishop Joseph’s presence in Cambridge was a highlight for the community, which had been forming a supportive network since March 2022 with the help of Mgr Eugene Harkness and Canon John Minh. The connection between Bishop Joseph and the community began before his arrival, with…