Latest news with #Security
Politico
20 minutes ago
- Politics
- Politico
DHS terminates temporary protected status for Haitians in the US
The Department of Homeland Security on Friday announced that it would terminate temporary protected status for Haiti, setting the groundwork for hundreds of thousands of Haitians to potentially be deported from the United States once the designation expires later this summer. The termination of temporary protected status — a designation that shields from deportation people who have traveled to the U.S. from countries that are deemed unsafe because of natural disasters, armed conflict or other extraordinary conditions — would put up to 500,000 Haitians at risk of deportation, as gang violence continues to roil the country. According to a DHS release, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem 'determined that conditions in Haiti no longer meet the TPS statutory requirements,' after concluding that conditions in the country have improved sufficiently for Haitians in the U.S. to return. The DHS plans to terminate the designation effective on Sept. 2. 'This decision restores integrity in our immigration system and ensures that Temporary Protective Status is actually temporary,' an unnamed DHS spokesperson said in the release. 'Haitian nationals may pursue lawful status through other immigration benefit requests, if eligible.' But while DHS said Haiti is 'safe for Haitian citizens to return home,' the country still remains at a 'level four' designation by the State Department, which has advised Americans not to travel there due to risk of 'kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and limited health care.' Haiti was also included in President Donald Trump's new travel ban. Trump has threatened mass deportation for Haitians since his presidential campaign, when he began attacking Haitian immigrants, zeroing in on migrants in Springfield, Ohio, that he said were 'destroying' the town's 'way of life.' Both Trump and Vice President JD Vance at the time boosted conspiracy theories about Haitians in Springfield eating a slew of local wildlife, including cats, dogs and geese, sparking outcry from Democrats. 'It's simply wrong,' then-President Joe Biden said of Trump and Vance's comments, adding that the Haitian American community was 'under attack.' The decision is the latest in the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration and follows a February move by the DHS rescinding temporary legal protections for Haitians in the U.S. that had been granted under the Biden administration, which cited at the time the dangerous conditions in Haiti that made their return unsafe. The Trump administration has also made similar moves terminating protections for Afghans, Venezuelans and Cameroonians in the country, and won a legal battle in the Supreme Court in May after justices cleared the way for the administration to immediately end deportation protections for roughly 350,000 Venezuelans in the U.S.
Al Etihad
a day ago
- Politics
- Al Etihad
Federal Supreme Court: Life imprisonment for defendants in ‘Justice and Dignity Organisation' case
27 June 2025 15:06 ABU DHABI (WAM)In its session held on Thursday, June 26, the Criminal Chamber of the Federal Supreme Court ruled to partially overturn the judgment issued by the State Security Chamber at the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal and to reconvict 24 defendants in the case known publicly as the "Terrorist Justice and Dignity Organisation" court sentenced the defendants to life imprisonment for collaborating with the "Terrorist Justice and Dignity Organisation," and providing funds to the "Al-Islah Terrorist Organization,", in addition to ordering the confiscation of all funds and items seized in connection with these General, Chancellor Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, had partially appealed the appellate court's ruling that dismissed the criminal case against the defendants for collaborating with the "Terrorist Justice and Dignity Organisation" and financing the "Al-Islah Terrorist Organisation," citing their prior trial in Case No. 79 of 2012 - State Security. The Attorney General argued that the ruling was legally flawed in its application of the law, and should therefore be overturned. He emphasised that the court should have applied the penalties prescribed for the more serious offenses of financing and collaborating with a terrorist organisation, while accounting for any portion of the sentence already served under the previous ruling. The court's decision to dismiss the criminal case for these two offenses based on a final ruling issued in Case No. 79 of 2012 - State Security Crimes - was misplaced. The prior judgement only convicted the defendants of a single crime, namely the establishment and management of the "Al-Islah Organization" as stipulated in Article 180/1 of the Penal Code, and did not address the separate crimes of financing a terrorist organization and collaborating with it, both of which are stipulated in Federal Law No. 1 of 2004 on Combating Terrorist Crimes, and carry independent and more severe Federal Supreme Court reviewed the Attorney General's appeal, and in its session yesterday, ruled to partially overturn the judgment and reconvict 24 defendants, sentencing them to life imprisonment. The court based its decision on the clear legal distinction between the incidents in the two cases, which invalidates any claim that they share the same cause or subject matter. Each incident constitutes an independent criminal act subject to its own punishment under the the previous ruling in Case No. 79 of 2012 - State Security Crimes - does not carry legal weight that would prevent the prosecution of the defendants for the charges of financing and collaboration in the present case. Since the challenged judgment overlooked this principle and dismissed the criminal case based on the prior ruling- despite the difference in cause and subject matter- the judgment erred in its application of the law. This necessitated the partial overturning of these specific charges, limited to the defendants named in the Attorney General's is worth noting that the State Security Chamber of the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal had previously convicted, in Case No. 87 of 2023, known publicly as the "Terrorist Justice and Dignity Organization" case, 53 defendants who were leaders and members of the terrorist Muslim Brotherhood organization, in addition to 6 companies. Sentences ranged from life and temporary imprisonment to fines totaling Dh20 million, while one defendant was acquitted. Following yesterday's ruling by the State Security Chamber of the Federal Supreme Court, the total number of convicted individuals in this case has risen to 83 out of 84 referred to trial.
The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
U.S. signs agreements with Guatemala and Honduras to take asylum-seekers, Noem says
Guatemala and Honduras have signed agreements with the United States to potentially offer refuge to people from other countries who otherwise would seek asylum in the United States, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said on Thursday (June 26, 2025) at the conclusion of her Central America trip. The agreements expand the Trump administration's efforts to provide the U.S. government flexibility in returning migrants not only to their own countries, but also to third countries as it attempts to ramp up deportations. Ms. Noem described it as a way to offer asylum-seekers options other than coming to the United States. She said the agreements had been in the works for months. with the U.S. government applying pressure on Honduras and Guatemala to get them done. 'Honduras and now Guatemala after today will be countries that will take those individuals and give them refugee status as well,' Ms. Noem said. 'We've never believed that the United States should be the only option, that the guarantee for a refugee is that they go somewhere to be safe and to be protected from whatever threat they face in their country. It doesn't necessarily have to be the United States.' Both governments denied having signed safe third-country agreements when asked following Ms. Noem's comments. Guatemala's presidential communications office said the government did not sign a safe third-country agreement nor any immigration related agreement during Ms. Noem's visit. They reaffirmed that Guatemala would receive Central Americans sent by the United States as a temporary stop on the return to their countries. Ms. Noem had said on Thursday that 'politically, this is a difficult agreement for their governments to do.' Both countries have limited resources and many needs making support for asylum-seekers from other countries a tougher sell domestically. There are also the optics of two left-of-center governments appearing to help the Trump administration limit access to U.S. asylum. Ms. Noem said that during her Guatemala meeting, she was given the already signed agreement. While later there was a public signing ceremony for a memorandum of understanding that establishes a Joint Security Program that will put U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in the Guatemalan capital's international airport to help train local agents to screen for terrorist suspects. Honduras' Immigration Director Wilson Paz denied such an agreement was signed and its Foreign Affairs Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. During U.S. President Donald Trump's first term, the U.S. signed such accords called safe third-country agreements with Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala. They effectively allowed the U.S. to declare some asylum seekers ineligible to apply for U.S. protection and permitted the U.S. government to send them to those countries deemed 'safe.' The U.S. has had such an agreement with Canada since 2002. The practical challenge was that all three Central American countries at the time were seeing large numbers of their own citizens head to the U.S. to escape violence and a lack of economic opportunity. They also had extremely under-resourced asylum systems. In February, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed deals with El Salvador and Guatemala that allowed the U.S. to send migrants from other nations there. But in Guatemala's case it was to only be a point of transit for migrants who would then return to their homelands, not to apply for asylum there. And in El Salvador, it was broader, allowing the U.S. to send migrants to be imprisoned there. Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Tuesday (June 24, 2025) that Mexico would not sign a safe third-country agreement, but at the same time Mexico has accepted more than 5,000 migrants from other countries deported from the U.S. since Mr. Trump took office. She said Mexico accepted them for humanitarian reasons and helped them return to their home countries. The U.S. also has agreements with Panama and Costa Rica to take migrants from other countries though so far the numbers sent have been relatively small. The Trump administration sent 299 to Panama in February and fewer than 200 to Costa Rica. The agreements give U.S. authorities options, especially for migrants from countries where it is not easy for the U.S. to return them directly.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Retirement Checklist: Essential Steps For A Smooth Transition
When you're planning for retirement, see if you're prepared with this retirement checklist. Preparing for retirement involves more than just financial planning, it's about envisioning a fulfilling next chapter. Here's a comprehensive checklist to guide individuals through this important life transition: 1. Define Post-Retirement Purpose Retirement isn't merely about leaving the workforce; it's about moving toward meaningful activities. Whether it's volunteering, pursuing hobbies, or spending more time with loved ones, having a clear purpose can make retirement deeply rewarding. 2. Assess Current Expenses Understanding current spending habits is crucial. This helps estimate future needs and ensures that retirement savings are aligned with expected lifestyle costs. 3. Address Major Expenses Pre-Retirement Consider knocking out significant home repairs or big-ticket purchases before retiring. Using current income for these expenses helps avoid future financial strain. 4. Evaluate Health Insurance Options Healthcare can be a major expense in retirement. It's important to understand what coverage will look like—whether through Medicare or private plans—and how much it will cost. 5. Develop A Social Security Strategy Timing is everything when it comes to Social Security. Deciding when to claim benefits affects monthly income and long-term outcomes. Having a strategy in place is key. 6. Plan Housing Arrangements Where someone lives in retirement matters—financially and emotionally. Considerations might include downsizing, relocating, or staying put and making modifications. 7. Create A Comprehensive Financial Plan A solid financial model pulls together income sources, spending needs, and contingencies into a clear roadmap. It's the foundation of confident decision-making in retirement. 8. Establish A Withdrawal Strategy A thoughtful drawdown plan determines how and when to tap retirement accounts. Factoring in taxes and market performance can help stretch savings further. 9. Implement A Tax Plan From Roth conversions to capital gains and Medicare surcharges, taxes play a big role in retirement planning. Having a high-level strategy can lead to better outcomes. 10. Review Debt Obligations Not all debt is bad, but it should be intentional. Whether it's a mortgage or personal loans, understanding and planning around existing debts is essential. 11. Adjust Investment Portfolio Investment goals shift in retirement. It's no longer just about growth—it's about preservation, income, and peace of mind. A tailored allocation makes all the difference. 12. Update Estate Planning Documents Estate planning isn't about preparing for the worst—it's about making sure everything is in order. Wills, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designations should all be current. 13. Reassess Insurance Coverage Beyond health insurance, it's worth reviewing life, long-term care, and liability coverage. Needs change in retirement, and so should insurance strategies. 14. Communicate With Family Retirement affects the whole family. Open conversations about plans, expectations, and goals can lead to better understanding and stronger support. By working through this checklist, individuals can better position themselves for a retirement that's not only financially secure but also purpose-driven and fulfilling.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Giuliani, Lewandowski among new members of Homeland Security advisory council
President Donald Trump announced his appointments to an advisory council inside the Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday, with a list that includes a right-wing news commentator, former lawmakers, Trump's former attorney Rudy Giuliani and a top former campaign adviser. The announcement by Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says the council, established first in 2002, will provide 'real-time, real-world and independent advice on homeland security operations.' The list includes right-wing political commentator Mark Levin, as well as Giuliani, who helped lead efforts to try and overturn the 2020 election results and was later sued for defamation by two Georgia election workers; a lawsuit he lost before a jury in Washington, DC. 'Mayor Rudy Giuliani is honored to serve the president and the secretary,' Ted Goodman, Giuliani's spokesman, told CNN. 'No one is as prepared to advise and assist this administration on issues pertaining to Homeland security and protecting the American people.' The announcement on the new council states: 'This new-look, America First HSAC will draw upon a deep well of public and private sector experience from homeland security experts committed to fulfilling President Trump's agenda.' The appointments also include Corey Lewandowski, a Trump campaign leader in 2016 who is currently a chief adviser to Noem. Other members of the council include South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, who will chair the council, as well as other government officials, attorneys, security experts, as well as the founder of 'Bikers for Trump,' according to DHS. The council will hold its first meeting early next month. This story has been updated with additional information.
