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Straits Times
19 minutes ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Immigrants scramble for clarity after Supreme Court birthright ruling
FILE PHOTO: The U.S. Supreme Court building is seen in Washington, U.S., May 20, 2024. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/File Photo FILE PHOTO: A ball lies stuck on the fencing at the Bluebonnet Detention Facility, where Venezuelans at the center of a Supreme Court ruling on deportation are held, in Anson, Texas, U.S. April 22, 2025. REUTERS/Daniel Cole/File Photo WASHINGTON - The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling tied to birthright citizenship prompted confusion and phone calls to lawyers as people who could be affected tried to process a convoluted legal decision with major humanitarian implications. The court's conservative majority on Friday granted President Donald Trump his request to curb federal judges' power but did not decide the legality of his bid to restrict birthright citizenship. That outcome has raised more questions than answers about a right long understood to be guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution: that anyone born in the United States is considered a citizen at birth, regardless of their parents' citizenship or legal status. Lorena, a 24-year-old Colombian asylum seeker who lives in Houston and is due to give birth in September, pored over media reports on Friday morning. She was looking for details about how her baby might be affected, but said she was left confused and worried. "There are not many specifics," said Lorena, who like others interviewed by Reuters asked to be identified by her first name out of fear for her safety. "I don't understand it well." She is concerned that her baby could end up with no nationality. "I don't know if I can give her mine," she said. "I also don't know how it would work, if I can add her to my asylum case. I don't want her to be adrift with no nationality." Trump, a Republican, issued an order after taking office in January that directed U.S. agencies to refuse to recognize the citizenship of children born in the U.S. who do not have at least one parent who is an American citizen or lawful permanent resident. The order was blocked by three separate U.S. district court judges, sending the case on a path to the Supreme Court. The resulting decision said Trump's policy could go into effect in 30 days but appeared to leave open the possibility of further proceedings in the lower courts that could keep the policy blocked. On Friday afternoon, plaintiffs filed an amended lawsuit in federal court in Maryland seeking to establish a nationwide class of people whose children could be denied citizenship. If they are not blocked nationwide, the restrictions could be applied in the 28 states that did not contest them in court, creating "an extremely confusing patchwork" across the country, according to Kathleen Bush-Joseph, a policy analyst for the non-partisan Migration Policy Institute. "Would individual doctors, individual hospitals be having to try to figure out how to determine the citizenship of babies and their parents?" she said. The drive to restrict birthright citizenship is part of Trump's broader immigration crackdown, and he has framed automatic citizenship as a magnet for people to come to give birth. "Hundreds of thousands of people are pouring into our country under birthright citizenship, and it wasn't meant for that reason," he said during a White House press briefing on Friday. WORRIED CALLS Immigration advocates and lawyers in some Republican-led states said they received calls from a wide range of pregnant immigrants and their partners following the ruling. They were grappling with how to explain it to clients who could be dramatically affected, given all the unknowns of how future litigation would play out or how the executive order would be implemented state by state. Lynn Tramonte, director of the Ohio Immigrant Alliance said she got a call on Friday from an East Asian temporary visa holder with a pregnant wife. He was anxious because Ohio is not one of the plaintiff states and wanted to know how he could protect his child's rights. "He kept stressing that he was very interested in the rights included in the Constitution," she said. Advocates underscored the gravity of Trump's restrictions, which would block an estimated 150,000 children born in the U.S. annually from receiving automatic citizenship. "It really creates different classes of people in the country with different types of rights," said Juliana Macedo do Nascimento, a spokesperson for the immigrant rights organization United We Dream. "That is really chaotic." Adding uncertainty, the Supreme Court ruled that members of two plaintiff groups in the litigation - CASA, an immigrant advocacy service in Maryland, and the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project - would still be covered by lower court blocks on the policy. Whether someone in a state where Trump's policy could go into effect could join one of the organizations to avoid the restrictions or how state or federal officials would check for membership remained unclear. Betsy, a U.S. citizen who recently graduated from high school in Virginia and a CASA member, said both of her parents came to the U.S. from El Salvador two decades ago and lacked legal status when she was born. "I feel like it targets these innocent kids who haven't even been born," she said, declining to give her last name for concerns over her family's safety. Nivida, a Honduran asylum seeker in Louisiana, is a member of the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project and recently gave birth. She heard on Friday from a friend without legal status who is pregnant and wonders about the situation under Louisiana's Republican governor, since the state is not one of those fighting Trump's order. "She called me very worried and asked what's going to happen," she said. "If her child is born in Louisiana … is the baby going to be a citizen?" REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Hindustan Times
34 minutes ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Immigrants scramble for clarity after Supreme Court birthright ruling
* Immigrants scramble for clarity after Supreme Court birthright ruling Supreme Court ruling causes confusion over birthright citizenship * Lawyers and advocates field calls from anxious clients * Uncertainty remains on policy across different states By Ted Hesson and Kristina Cooke WASHINGTON, - The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling tied to birthright citizenship prompted confusion and phone calls to lawyers as people who could be affected tried to process a convoluted legal decision with major humanitarian implications. The court's conservative majority on Friday granted President Donald Trump his request to curb federal judges' power but did not decide the legality of his bid to restrict birthright citizenship. That outcome has raised more questions than answers about a right long understood to be guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution: that anyone born in the United States is considered a citizen at birth, regardless of their parents' citizenship or legal status. Lorena, a 24-year-old Colombian asylum seeker who lives in Houston and is due to give birth in September, pored over media reports on Friday morning. She was looking for details about how her baby might be affected, but said she was left confused and worried. "There are not many specifics," said Lorena, who like others interviewed by Reuters asked to be identified by her first name out of fear for her safety. "I don't understand it well." She is concerned that her baby could end up with no nationality. "I don't know if I can give her mine," she said. "I also don't know how it would work, if I can add her to my asylum case. I don't want her to be adrift with no nationality." Trump, a Republican, issued an order after taking office in January that directed U.S. agencies to refuse to recognize the citizenship of children born in the U.S. who do not have at least one parent who is an American citizen or lawful permanent resident. The order was blocked by three separate U.S. district court judges, sending the case on a path to the Supreme Court. The resulting decision said Trump's policy could go into effect in 30 days but appeared to leave open the possibility of further proceedings in the lower courts that could keep the policy blocked. On Friday afternoon, plaintiffs filed an amended lawsuit in federal court in Maryland seeking to establish a nationwide class of people whose children could be denied citizenship. If they are not blocked nationwide, the restrictions could be applied in the 28 states that did not contest them in court, creating "an extremely confusing patchwork" across the country, according to Kathleen Bush-Joseph, a policy analyst for the non-partisan Migration Policy Institute. "Would individual doctors, individual hospitals be having to try to figure out how to determine the citizenship of babies and their parents?" she said. The drive to restrict birthright citizenship is part of Trump's broader immigration crackdown, and he has framed automatic citizenship as a magnet for people to come to give birth. "Hundreds of thousands of people are pouring into our country under birthright citizenship, and it wasn't meant for that reason," he said during a White House press briefing on Friday. WORRIED CALLS Immigration advocates and lawyers in some Republican-led states said they received calls from a wide range of pregnant immigrants and their partners following the ruling. They were grappling with how to explain it to clients who could be dramatically affected, given all the unknowns of how future litigation would play out or how the executive order would be implemented state by state. Lynn Tramonte, director of the Ohio Immigrant Alliance said she got a call on Friday from an East Asian temporary visa holder with a pregnant wife. He was anxious because Ohio is not one of the plaintiff states and wanted to know how he could protect his child's rights. "He kept stressing that he was very interested in the rights included in the Constitution," she said. Advocates underscored the gravity of Trump's restrictions, which would block an estimated 150,000 children born in the U.S. annually from receiving automatic citizenship. "It really creates different classes of people in the country with different types of rights," said Juliana Macedo do Nascimento, a spokesperson for the immigrant rights organization United We Dream. "That is really chaotic." Adding uncertainty, the Supreme Court ruled that members of two plaintiff groups in the litigation - CASA, an immigrant advocacy service in Maryland, and the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project - would still be covered by lower court blocks on the policy. Whether someone in a state where Trump's policy could go into effect could join one of the organizations to avoid the restrictions or how state or federal officials would check for membership remained unclear. Betsy, a U.S. citizen who recently graduated from high school in Virginia and a CASA member, said both of her parents came to the U.S. from El Salvador two decades ago and lacked legal status when she was born. "I feel like it targets these innocent kids who haven't even been born," she said, declining to give her last name for concerns over her family's safety. Nivida, a Honduran asylum seeker in Louisiana, is a member of the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project and recently gave birth. She heard on Friday from a friend without legal status who is pregnant and wonders about the situation under Louisiana's Republican governor, since the state is not one of those fighting Trump's order. "She called me very worried and asked what's going to happen," she said. "If her child is born in Louisiana … is the baby going to be a citizen?" This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Miami Herald
an hour ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
U.N. sounds alarm over worsening human rights crisis in Venezuela
Civil and political freedoms in Venezuela have sharply deteriorated over the past year, according to the United Nations' top human rights official, who cited a wave of arbitrary arrests, disappearances and alleged torture amid growing political unrest. In a presentation before the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva, High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said Friday that the Venezuelan government has intensified its crackdown on dissent, using vague anti-terrorism laws to detain opposition figures, activists and foreign nationals ahead of the country's contentious 2024 elections. Türk also criticized the United States, expressing concern over the deportation of Venezuelans back to what he described as unsafe conditions. 'I repeat my call on the U.S. government to ensure compliance with due process … and to stop the removal of any person to any country where there is a risk of irreparable harm,' he said. Deportation flights resumed this year as part of U.S. efforts to curb irregular migration. Rights groups warn that many deportees face retaliation or mistreatment upon return to Venezuela. Türk's report details at least 70 politically motivated arrests in the lead-up to recent regional and parliamentary elections, including 17 foreign nationals. Following the vote, authorities announced the dismantling of a so-called terrorist network allegedly tied to humanitarian and rights organizations — claims Türk dismissed as a misuse of counterterrorism legislation. The U.N. rights chief called for the 'immediate and unconditional' release of all individuals arbitrarily detained, naming several high-profile human rights defenders, including Rocío San Miguel, Javier Tarazona, Carlos Julio Rojas and Eduardo Torres. According to the report, some detainees have disappeared without a trace, while others face legal proceedings without basic safeguards. At least 28 enforced disappearances were documented after Venezuela's July 2024 presidential election, including 12 foreign nationals who were reportedly denied access to consular support. Since the election, more than 2,000 people have been arrested, including minors. Dozens of political opponents and protesters have been killed or have vanished. Victims include not only Venezuelan citizens but also foreign nationals, such as Colombian aid worker Manuel Tique and French-American tourist Lucas Hunter, both missing since late 2024. The humanitarian crisis is compounded by Venezuela's crumbling infrastructure. Power outages and water shortages are frequent, and inflation has made basic goods inaccessible to much of the population. According to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, more than five million Venezuelans are facing hunger. Preventable diseases like malaria and measles are spreading amid a collapsed healthcare system. Public services have disintegrated, and violent crime — including kidnappings, armed robberies, and extortion — is widespread. 'My office documented 32 cases of torture and ill-treatment in detention,' Türk said, noting that nearly half involved minors. Inmates were allegedly held incommunicado and denied medical care, food and water — particularly after protesting prison conditions. Türk also warned of increasing restrictions on civil society. A law passed in November regulating non-governmental organizations has made it nearly impossible for many advocacy groups to operate. Organizations now face unlawful registration demands, arbitrary fees and administrative barriers not clearly defined in the legislation. Several non-governmental organizations 'have felt compelled to end their operations in Venezuela because of legal obstacles,' he said. His report describes an atmosphere of fear that disproportionately affects women, marginalized communities, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Women remain underrepresented in public life, and victims of gender-based violence continue to face systemic barriers to justice. Abortion remains criminalized in all cases, including rape and incest. LGBTQ+ individuals, Türk added, often face abuse while in custody, and many hate crimes go unprosecuted. While focused largely on political rights, the U.N. report also highlights Venezuela's deepening economic collapse. With inflation worsening, the monthly minimum wage remains at just 130 bolívares — less than $1 — which has remained unchanged since March 2022. That's barely enough to buy half a carton of eggs, according to the report. Public services have all but collapsed. School attendance plummeted in 2024 amid widespread teacher shortages and class suspensions. Hospitals are chronically under-resourced, with 91% of patients surveyed between January and July asked to bring their own supplies for surgery. 'The authorities' ability to fund essential public services is severely limited,' Türk said. He urged Venezuelan authorities to end enforced disappearances and incommunicado detentions, to provide consular access to foreign detainees, and to repeal laws restricting civic and political participation. Türk said he remains open to reengagement with the Maduro government — but only if U.N. human rights staff are granted full access to the country, a condition Caracas has resisted in recent years. 'I believe in engagement, and I am committed to it,' he said. 'But I do hope the authorities will fulfill the necessary conditions to ensure the full return of all my staff and the implementation of our mandate.'
Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Five little-known stars who could be heading to Premier League after dazzling at the Club World Cup for Brazilian clubs
PREM SWOOP Five little-known stars who could be heading to Premier League after dazzling at the Club World Cup for Brazilian clubs WITH all four of its clubs through to the second round, Brazil has been enjoying a highly successful Club World Cup. This should not come as a complete surprise. Having a tournament like this - with a chance to have a crack at the European giants - is a dream come true for Brazilian football. Advertisement 5 Palmeiras star Estevao has impressed at the Club World Cup Credit: Getty 5 Nottingham Forest-bound Igor Jesus has also impressed in the tournament Credit: AP 5 Colombian Jhon Arias is one to keep an eye on Credit: Getty Even so, one thing remains unaltered. The Brazilian game continues to lose its outstanding talents to Europe - and, increasingly, to the Premier League. Estevao, the Palmeiras wonderkid, joins Chelsea after the tournament, and Igor Jesus, the excellent Botafogo centre forward, links up with Nottingham Forest. Gerson, the Flamengo midfielder who was so impressive in the win over Chelsea, appears on the verge of signing for Zenit in Russia - and there is a chance that one of his team-mates may also be on his way across the Atlantic. It was a mistake by Wesley that allowed Chelsea to take the lead last Friday. But the young right back recovered well. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL BRY-GHT MOVE Bryan Mbeumo set to join Man Utd next week after informing Spurs of decision WATCH EVERY MATCH OF THE CLUB WORLD CUP 2025 LIVE ON DAZN Otherwise, he was defensively sound and his quick forward bursts, both down the touchline and cutting infield, were a consistent part of his team's attacking armoury. The player, who turns 22 in September, made his breakthrough two years ago under Jorge Sampaoli, a coach who loves attacking full-backs. Current boss Filipe Luis was a fine left-back in his playing days, and has helped improve the defensive side of his game. Advertisement BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Wesley has forced his way into the Brazil squad, something which always increases the transfer value, and Flamengo expect to make a big sale in the summer window. There is Premier League interest from Brighton and Chelsea, but there will be plenty of competition from other European giants. How Club World Cup feud was nearly THREE YEARS in the making as two stars 'tried to offer each other out in the tunnel' A Flamengo player who has put himself in the shop window earlier than expected is striker Wallace Yan. Advertisement The club have been bringing the 20-year-old along gently, giving him experience as a late substitute - and now in the USA he has made a real impact, coming off the bench to score against Chelsea and Los Angeles. A rangy figure who can attack from the right or through the middle, he has been running at defences with the nerveless sense of freedom of someone playing a kick-about in the park, and Wolves are said to be interested. With even the biggest Brazilian clubs selling their young stars, one of the ways that they have been becoming more competitive is to buy in from neighbouring countries. In fact, Brazil now treats the rest of South America in the same way that Europe treats Brazil, picking up some of the best talent. Advertisement An excellent recent example is that of Alvaro Montoro, an 18-year-old Argentine who has just been picked up by Botafogo. The attacking midfielder came through the ranks at home with Velez Sarsfield. His breakthrough came in this year's group stages of the Copa Libertadores, South America's Champions League. His skill and strength of character were quickly apparent as he weighed in with three goals. Botafogo signed him on the eve of the Club World Cup. Advertisement They have been delighted by his displays in training - and even more with the substitute appearances he has been making during the competition, where he is looking entirely at home in high pressure situations. Great things are expected. 5 Big things are expected of Botafogo star Alvaro Montoro Credit: Getty One who has been producing great things for a while is Colombia's Jhon Arias, the star man in the Fluminense side. He was not considered a big name in 2021 when he was still at home with Independiente Santa Fe. But Fluminense played against him, liked what they saw and picked him up for a bargain fee. Advertisement A squat little figure, for the Colombia national side he is often used as a disciplined member of a central midfield trio. For Fluminense he is a right winger with freedom to roam. He combines well, turns and surges at the opposing defence and - and he showed against Ulsan of South Korea, he strikes a mean free-kick. Arias was by far the best Fluminense player in the side that went down 4-0 to Manchester City in the Intercontinental final at the end of 2023. He demonstrated that he could hold his own in such company, and it is surprising that major European clubs did not make a move. Advertisement Age is against him - he turns 28 in September, and the current market prefers teenagers. But he is so good - and versatile - that someone should surely take a chance. Another Colombian international midfielder who has made his name in Brazil is Richard Rios of Palmeiras. His is a fascinating story. Rios was a futsal player, representing his country in an international tournament in Rio. Flamengo liked what they saw, and offered him an 11-a-side career. Advertisement After bouncing around between Brazil and Mexico, Palmeiras acquired him in 2023 and he has since become a fixture for club and country. Rangy, classy, dynamic and competitive - sometimes too competitive - Rios had an excellent Copa America last year and is confirming the good impression in the current tournament. He has just turned 25, and Palmeiras expect to make a sale in the summer window, with Manchester United believed to be among the interested parties. 5 Man Utd are interested in signing Richard Rios Palmeiras Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Five little-known stars who could be heading to Premier League after dazzling at the Club World Cup for Brazilian clubs
WITH all four of its clubs through to the second round, Brazil has been enjoying a highly successful Club World Cup. This should not come as a complete surprise. Having a tournament like this - with a chance to have a crack at the European giants - is a dream come true for Brazilian football. Advertisement 5 Palmeiras star Estevao has impressed at the Club World Cup Credit: Getty 5 Nottingham Forest-bound Igor Jesus has also impressed in the tournament Credit: AP 5 Colombian Jhon Arias is one to keep an eye on Credit: Getty Even so, one thing remains unaltered. The Brazilian game continues to lose its outstanding talents to Europe - and, increasingly, to the Premier League. Estevao, the Palmeiras wonderkid, joins Gerson, the Flamengo midfielder who was so impressive in the win over Chelsea, appears on the verge of signing for Zenit in Russia - and there is a chance that one of his team-mates may also be on his way across the Atlantic. It was a mistake by Wesley that allowed Chelsea to take the lead last Friday. But the young right back recovered well. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Otherwise, he was defensively sound and his quick forward bursts, both down the touchline and cutting infield, were a consistent part of his team's attacking armoury. The player, who turns 22 in September, made his breakthrough two years ago under Jorge Sampaoli, a coach who loves attacking full-backs. Current boss Filipe Luis was a fine left-back in his playing days, and has helped improve the defensive side of his game. Advertisement Most read in Football BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Wesley has forced his way into the Brazil squad, something which always increases the transfer value, and Flamengo expect to make a big sale in the summer window. There is Premier League interest from Brighton and Chelsea, but there will be plenty of competition from other European giants. How Club World Cup feud was nearly THREE YEARS in the making as two stars 'tried to offer each other out in the tunnel' A Flamengo player who has put himself in the shop window earlier than expected is striker Wallace Yan. Advertisement The club have been bringing the 20-year-old along gently, giving him experience as a late substitute - and now in the USA he has made a real impact, coming off the bench to score against Chelsea and Los Angeles. A rangy figure who can attack from the right or through the middle, he has been running at defences with the nerveless sense of freedom of someone playing a kick-about in the park, and Wolves are said to be interested. With even the biggest Brazilian clubs selling their young stars, one of the ways that they have been becoming more competitive is to buy in from neighbouring countries. In fact, Brazil now treats the rest of South America in the same way that Europe treats Brazil, picking up some of the best talent. Advertisement An excellent recent example is that of Alvaro Montoro, an 18-year-old Argentine who has just been picked up by Botafogo. The attacking midfielder came through the ranks at home with Velez Sarsfield. Club World Cup 2025 Guide SOME of the world's biggest clubs are in action at this summer's Club World Cup in the United States! Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Man City, and Inter Miami are among the 32 teams taking part in the tournament, which runs from June 14 to July 13. The likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Ousmane Dembele, Cole Palmer and Harry Kane are showcasing their skills to packed crowds across the US. INFO Everything you need to know about the Club World Cup LATEST NEWS & FEATURES Club World Cup top scorers His breakthrough came in this year's group stages of the Copa Libertadores, South America's Champions League. His skill and strength of character were quickly apparent as he weighed in with three goals. Botafogo signed him on the eve of the Club World Cup. Advertisement They have been delighted by his displays in training - and even more with the substitute appearances he has been making during the competition, where he is looking entirely at home in high pressure situations. Great things are expected. 5 Big things are expected of Botafogo star Alvaro Montoro Credit: Getty One who has been producing great things for a while is Colombia's Jhon Arias, the star man in the Fluminense side. He was not considered a big name in 2021 when he was still at home with Independiente Santa Fe. But Fluminense played against him, liked what they saw and picked him up for a bargain fee. Advertisement A squat little figure, for the Colombia national side he is often used as a disciplined member of a central midfield trio. For Fluminense he is a right winger with freedom to roam. He combines well, turns and surges at the opposing defence and - and he showed against Ulsan of South Korea, he strikes a mean free-kick. Arias was by far the best Fluminense player in the side that went down 4-0 to He demonstrated that he could hold his own in such company, and it is surprising that major European clubs did not make a move. Advertisement Age is against him - he turns 28 in September, and the current market prefers teenagers. But he is so good - and versatile - that someone should surely take a chance. Another Colombian international midfielder who has made his name in Brazil is Richard Rios of Palmeiras. His is a fascinating story. Rios was a futsal player, representing his country in an international tournament in Rio. Flamengo liked what they saw, and offered him an 11-a-side career. Advertisement After bouncing around between Brazil and Mexico, Palmeiras acquired him in 2023 and he has since become a fixture for club and country. Rangy, classy, dynamic and competitive - sometimes too competitive - Rios had an excellent Copa America last year and is confirming the good impression in the current tournament. He has just turned 25, and Palmeiras expect to make a sale in the summer window, with 5 Man Utd are interested in signing Richard Rios Palmeiras Credit: Getty Advertisement
