Latest news with #Mitch
NZ Herald
6 days ago
- Politics
- NZ Herald
In September, Homeland Security will end temporary protections for more than 50,000 Hondurans and Nicaraguans
The decision, announced in early July, has been met with outrage from immigrant communities across the country, prompting a lawsuit by the National TPS Alliance, an advocacy group, and seven impacted individuals. The parties allege that the decision violated federal law by 'relying on a predetermined political decision' and 'racial animus', while ignoring 'dire' local conditions in those countries. Immigration advocates hope federal courts will step in to intervene. But the order has left tens of thousands of people grappling with the possibility that they will be forced to leave their families and US-citizen children to return to countries where they have no immediate family, no community, no jobs - places that in some cases they haven't seen in nearly three decades. 'My life has been here in the Bay Area,' said Jhony Silva, 29, a certified nursing assistant from Honduras, who is suing the Trump Administration for ending the programme. His parents brought him to the US as a toddler in 1998. 'I've been doing everything the right way this whole time,' said Silva, who fears being separated from his 9-year-old child, a US citizen. 'I am very, very worried.' President Bill Clinton established temporary protections for Hondurans and Nicaraguans after Hurricane Mitch devastated the Central American nations in 1998. Since then, the Government has renewed the programme every six to 18 months, but the Trump Administration let it expire on July 5. The Administration has also moved to revoke TPS for as many as 900,000 people from Haiti, Venezuela, Afghanistan, Cameroon and Nepal living in the US, arguing that the programmes for nationals of countries facing conflict and environmental disaster was always intended to be temporary. Hondurans and Nicaraguans have had temporary protections for much longer - in some cases decades more - than immigrants from the other countries. Nearly 27 years after Hurricane Mitch, 'Honduran citizens can safely return home', Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement about ending that country's programme. Of Nicaragua's termination, a DHS spokesperson said the programme 'was never meant to last a quarter of a century'. It's not clear whether people affected will leave the US voluntarily or try to lie low to avoid deportation. The average TPS holder from Honduras and Nicaragua is aged 48 and has been in the US for more than 30 years, according to estimates from an immigration advocacy group. TPS holders from Honduras and Nicaragua told the Washington Post they now identify as American. Maria Elena Hernandez, 67, came to the US from Nicaragua in 1996 and has worked as a cleaner at a university in Broward County, Florida, for more than 17 years. She stands to lose her job and her employer-sponsored health insurance, which covers medication for asthma and a heart condition. 'This news destroyed me,' said Hernandez, who is also suing the federal Government. 'I am going to be separated from my family. I'm going to lose my medical insurance. I have a medicine that I have to take for life.' The Trump Administration's termination of multiple humanitarian programmes could strip three million immigrants of their status and work authorisation, according to some immigration experts. About 72,000 Hondurans and 4000 Nicaraguans have temporary protections, although roughly 22,100 of them have received green cards, according to the Department of Homeland Security, and therefore will be able to stay. Typically, administrations notify TPS holders six months or more before winding down TPS programmes for countries that have had the designation for more than three years. But when the Administration announced the terminations of the programmes for Hondurans and Nicaraguans on July 7, the programme had already expired two days earlier. 'The cruelty is really extraordinary,' said Emi MacLean, a senior lawyer at the ACLU Foundation of Northern California who is working on the lawsuit. 'These people have no criminal history, because you cannot maintain TPS with criminal history. They've been paying their taxes for decades. They've been paying to reregister. And the administration waiting until after the end date to announce a termination is something that has not been done before.' Jackey Baiza, now 30, was 2 when she came to Boston from Honduras with her mother. Her employer told her a day before the Fourth of July weekend that it was placing her on leave while awaiting notice as to whether the Trump Administration would extend the TPS programme for Honduras past its July 5 expiration. Baiza has since been asked to return to her human resources job until the programme runs out in early September. 'I have no direct communication with anyone in Honduras,' Baiza said. 'Being sent back is going to a place where I have absolutely no roots. I don't know where I would go. I have no clue how to navigate the country.' She fears separation from her mother, sister, and other immediate family members, all of whom have US citizenship or permanent residence. Baiza's mother secured permanent legal residence through Baiza's younger sister who was born in the US. Over the past three decades, thousands of Hondurans and Nicaraguans have used legal pathways to obtain green cards or citizenship, including through asylum applications, marriage to US citizens or through US-citizen children. But most immigrants with temporary protections, including Baiza, do not have obvious legal ways to remain in the country after early September. Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Centre for Immigration Studies, a Washington think-tank that advocates for stricter immigration policies, called the order 'an important step in the right direction'. 'The lie of temporariness needs to end,' Krikorian said. 'It's not a great thing to uproot people who have been here for a long time, but the blame has to be on activists and politicians who have made sure TPS was perverted in this way. If the programme had lasted 12 to 18 months, it would be a lot less disruptive for people.' Many of the affected Hondurans and Nicaraguans work in construction, building and grounds maintenance, and transportation - industries that face labour shortages dating to the Covid-19 pandemic. 'Some regions are going to get hit really hard, and it's going to be even harder for folks to build things or provide healthcare,' said Brian Turmail, a vice-president at Associated General Contractors of America, a trade group that represents the construction industry. Silva worked at a Tesla factory in the paint department throughout the pandemic and was considered 'an essential worker', he said. Now he works as a certified nursing assistant in the cardiac unit at Stanford Hospital, bathing, dressing, and feeding sick patients. Growing up in the Bay Area, Silva participated in his church's youth group, went to the movies and played mini golf. He didn't think much about his immigration status, he said. When he graduated from high school in 2013 and tried to enlist in the US Army, a recruiter told him he was not eligible. 'I've tried to be as American as possible,' Silva said. 'But I've been in his country almost 30 years, and it's still so difficult for me to get any type of permanent status.' Mardoel Hernandez, 57, came by himself to the Washington DC area from Honduras at age 21 under the TPS programme. He works in real estate development and advocates for permanent status for the large Central American immigrant community in the area. The end of the programme 'means the end of everything,' Hernandez said. 'The end of the effort of my life.'
Los Angeles Times
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
Mets' top draft pick once mimicked snorting cocaine on field. ‘This isn't an issue,' team says
Mitch Voit had plenty to celebrate on Sunday after being selected by the New York Mets in the first round of the 2025 MLB draft. Chances are, that celebration did not resemble the now-infamous one the former Michigan infielder performed during a game against USC on March 16 in Ann Arbor. With two outs in the bottom of the second inning, Voit ripped a hit into center field for a three-run triple that gave the Wolverines a 5-0 lead. While still on the ground after diving into third base, Voit decided to celebrate the feat in a rather curious manner. He lowered his nose to the baseline chalk and appeared to mimic snorting cocaine. Video of the bizarre celebration went viral, and Voit issued an apology in a statement posted on social media the next day. 'I would like to apologize for my actions on third base yesterday,' Voit wrote. 'I made an immature decision in the heat of the moment. The gesture I made does not reflect my character, the household I was raised in, or the block M that I represent in any kind of way. I take full responsibility for what I did, and I am truly sorry to all those who I have negatively impacted by doing this.' Voit was not punished by the Wolverines. 'Mitch is a great young man and immediately apologized for his actions in the heat of the moment,' Michigan Athletics spokesperson David Ablauf told The Athletic in a March 18 email. 'As an athletic department, we did not feel that it was necessary to issue any discipline.' Speaking to reporters on Monday, Mets vice president of amateur scouting Kris Gross said the organization did their due diligence on the matter leading up to the draft. 'We spoke to him earlier in the spring and at the combine about it,' Gross said. 'And basically, you know, he's a young guy, it's a heat of passion, it's a big game. He made a big play for his team and made a mistake. And he's made an apology for it and owned up to it, handled it with class. 'We did a ton of research after the fact with multiple sources about his makeup. We know this isn't an issue and we feel comfortable with Mitch moving forward.' Voit was a two-way player during his first two seasons at Michigan, before undergoing internal brace surgery on his right elbow in spring 2024. As the Wolverines' starting second baseman in all 56 games this season, Voit hit .346 with 14 home runs and 60 RBI, with more walks (40) than strikeouts (34). 'He made a lot of strides, this being his first year to focus on hitting,' Gross told reporters Sunday. 'When you're scouting him, you sit there and you start to check all the boxes. He checked them all.'
Herald Sun
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Herald Sun
Mitch Cohen, Shayne O'Cass Randwick tips: July 12, 2025
Don't miss out on the headlines from Opinion. Followed categories will be added to My News. Mitch Cohen and Shayne O'Cass debate all the key chances at Royal Randwick on Saturday. IT'S A KNOCKOUT (Race 9 No.10) is Mitch's best bet of the day, while Shayno is pinning his hopes on the Jason Coyle-trained LULUMON (Race 7 No.3). • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Shayno: Hello Mitchy. Looks like a perfect track coming up at HQ on Saturday with some sunny skies and a bit of wind. Who am I? Alan Wilkie! But anyway, no excuses this end if my horses get beaten. Mitch: You were around for Alan's first broadcast weren't you Shayno? You are right. It's been a beautiful winter week in Sydney. I want to start in race 9 this week because that's where my best bet is. It's A Knockout was ultra impressive first-up and I am sticking with her. She is a stakes quality mare every day of the week. • 'Ridiculous': Top jockeys demand action over vests Shayno: It is a good race. I was keen on Razors first-up but they were a bit too sharp for him (pardon the pun). The only time he has been to this track and trip, he was beaten narrowly in the South Pacific on QE2 day at the Championships. Mitch: Will we see another Raging Force this week? I am tipping not but the two-year-old race is a competitive event all the same. I've gone the way of Crossbow. He did more than enough first-up over 1250m when narrowly pipped by Central Coast. Shayno: I love all those 'K' horses that Waller trains for Messrs Morgan and Devine. They might have another 'Special K here in Kokatahi, the son of Farnan. He was third to Central Coast on debut and we all know how good he is. • ATC chairman resigns after Rosehill sale 'lost opportunity' Mitch: Piggyback is a mare I've got a bit of time for. She was unlucky not to win last start but can pay me back. Expecting her to edge out a golfer and a tennis player – that's Hovland and Federer. Shayno: With Wimbledon on at the moment Mitchy how apt that Federer wins on Saturday? He is by Dundeel out of Jameka so every little metre added will help bring out his best IMHO. Mitch: If I was to have a second best bet, it would have to come in the Midway on Callistemon. A winner this track and trip last start with a perfect draw again. The extra 2kg doesn't worry me. • Schiller awaits all-clear to return from injury Shayno: My best is Lulumon. Talk about strong form-lines; she beat Storm The Ramparts and Hi Dubai last start! Mitch: Got her on top too Shayno so glad we agree on something. Just one value play to add in race 6, Morning Sun could do something fresh. Originally published as Randwick Turf Talk: Mitch Cohen has a Knockout tip for punters on Saturday
Perth Now
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
‘Privilege': Former Socceroos keeper retires
Former Socceroos goalkeeper Mitch Langerak has announced his retirement only six months after rejoining Melbourne Victory. Langerak, who turns 37 next month, made 11 A-League appearances after returning to the Victory following a 14-year stint abroad before a foot injury ended his 2024-25 season prematurely. Despite having another season to run on his Victory contract, Langerak has decided to hang up his gloves and will take up a coaching role with the club's academy. 'After beginning my senior career here at Melbourne Victory, it's been a privilege to go full circle and also play my final games as a professional footballer with this club,' Langerak said. 'Coming back and making Melbourne home was a wonderful way to spend my final minutes on the pitch. 'I look forward to being able to bring the experience and hunger I had as a player to my new perspective while coaching. 'Victory always strives to win and I want to continue to contribute to the club's success.' After leaving the Victory in 2010, the Queenslander joined German club Borussia Dortmund before later signing with another Bundesliga outfit, Stuttgart. Langerak then had a brief stint in Spain with Levante before joining Nagoya Grampus in 2018. He spent seven seasons with the Japanese top-flight club, which he also captained, before returning to the Victory. 'I was fortunate to find great success in Germany, Spain and then again in Japan,' he said. 'I'm so grateful to the clubs I called home for the duration of my playing career. To play and lead teams to success is the ultimate goal for any footballer, so to have achieved that in my career is a proud moment for me and my family.' Langerak was part of Australia's 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2015 AFC Asian Cup squads and was unlucky not to make more than eight Socceroos appearances, the most recent of which came in 2017. Langerak trains with the Socceroos during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. George Salpigtidis Credit: News Corp Australia Victory director of football John Didulica said Langerak had been 'one of the great success stories of Melbourne Victory and the A-League'. 'As a goalkeeper and a leader, he has had incredible success abroad and it's special for him and the club to be part of the full-circle moment of his return to Victory earlier this year,' Didulica said. 'His journey back to us is a testament to Mitch as a footballer coupled with his dedication to the game for so many years on the international stage. 'Mitch is an incredible asset and possesses the important qualities that we value at Melbourne Victory in our football department. 'Now transitioning to the next chapter, we thank Mitch for his contributions as a player and we greatly look forward to having him continue his journey with us as a coach in our academy program.' The Victory meet Wrexham at Marvel Stadium on Friday night in a pre-season trial.
Press and Journal
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
Mitch Reid: Tributes pour in for 'exemplary' Skye journalist following his death
A former Press and Journal reporter has been remembered for his 'exemplary' and 'outstanding' career following his death at the age of 71. Mitch Reid devoted more than four decades of his life to the media industry. Born on Skye, he followed his dreams of becoming a writer by joining The P&J as a trainee reporter back in 1974. Through his 16-year tenure in Aberdeen, he and colleague Bert Ovenstone covered a host of major events, including the fatal accident enquiry into the 1986 Chinook crash, which killed 45. Mitch and his wife Kate, a press photographer from Alness, became household names in the media scene, leaving a lasting legacy on the industry. Working his way through the ranks, Mitch enjoyed a stint as fishing editor with the P&J before joining the picket line during the Aberdeen Journal's strike. It marked the start of a new chapter in his career as he joined the Scottish press office team at British Telecom, known today as BT. For 27 years, he was the voice of the organisation, until his retirement in 2018. Growing up in Kyleakin, Mitch excelled as a Gaelic singer. He competed in the 1967 Skye Provincial Mod, where he came runner-up to his Mod rival, Donnie Munro. His luck soon turned, as he secured the James C. MacPhee Memorial Medal for boys' solo singing at the Royal National Mod in Glasgow. There was a clear talent for singing – and he could have taken it further as Mitch was offered the chance to join his Skye schoolmates in forming a band. Such was his passion for writing, he turned it down. Donnie Munro went on to form Runrig. Decades on, Mitch is being remembered by friends and former colleagues as an 'outstanding individual' who went above and beyond for his craft. He is survived by his wife Kate and daughter Rhianne Reid Armstrong. Bob Dow, communications manager for Hub North Scotland, paid homage to Mitch's outstanding achievements. Speaking to The Press and Journal, he said: 'Mitch was just an outstanding individual, both on a personal level and on a professional level. 'He was a brilliant journalist, and he was also the perfect communications expert who was completely unflappable and always delivered. 'He was so well respected by everyone. I don't think anyone would ever have had a bad word to say about him. 'He was just simply marvellous, and it's a sad loss, both personally and professionally. 'He will be sadly missed.' Mr Dow, who previously worked for the Daily Record, recalls how the Skye journalist went above and beyond to provide a unique experience on the Fair Isle. He said: 'I remember as a journalist, when I was with the Daily Record, he organised a brilliant trip for the media by helicopter when he flew out a group of us from Inverness to the Fair Isle for the unveiling of broadband up there. 'It was quite a big undertaking for them, but he pulled it off. 'He got some brilliant courage out of it, and we got some great stories.' Mitch, accompanied by his wife, was a long-standing supporter of the Highlands and Islands Press Ball and Media Awards. Chairman John Ross said the industry has lost a 'champion.' John said: 'Mitch was an exemplary journalist and PR manager. 'He was diligent, knowledgeable and courteous and liked to help others. 'And he was also great company. 'Mitch was a keen supporter of the Highlands and Islands Press Ball and Media Awards and his support was invaluable in developing the event in its early years 'We have lost a great friend and colleague and a champion of the Highlands and Islands.'
