Biden’s Proposed 'Asylum Ban'

The article features commentary from various individuals on different topics. Lisa Parisio from the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP) discusses President Biden's proposed 'asylum ban,' which is likely a policy change affecting the asylum process in the United States. Mufalo Chitam provides insights into the layoffs announced by Abbott, a healthcare company, which could be related to business performance or restructuring. Violet Ikong covers the elections in Nigeria, providing analysis or updates on the electoral process and its implications for the country's future.

Maine's Tigray Community Demonstrates to Bring Attention to Crisis in Ethiopia

The article by Jean Damascene Hakuzimana, with photos by Joseph Shaw, reports on a demonstration by the Tigray Community of Maine to highlight the humanitarian crisis in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. The conflict between the Ethiopian federal government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) has led to widespread hunger, displacement, and reports of war crimes. Amnesty International and U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken have expressed concerns about the situation, with Blinken labeling it as ethnic cleansing. The article includes personal accounts from Tigrayans in Maine, who are worried about their families back home. It also touches on the historical context of the conflict, the involvement of Eritrean forces, and the U.S. government's diplomatic efforts to address the crisis.

New England Prepares to Welcome Afghan Refugees Amid Ongoing Crisis

The article by Jean Damascene Hakuzimana focuses on the efforts of organizations in New England to prepare for the arrival of Afghan refugees. Ascentria Care Alliance and Catholic Charities Maine are leading the resettlement efforts in their respective states. The refugees, many of whom are currently on U.S. military bases, are awaiting relocation to local communities. The U.S. Department of State has created a program to assist with their resettlement, and Catholic Charities Maine is set to resettle 67 to 100 Afghans by March 2022. Concerns about housing affordability and the need for federal and state funding are highlighted. The article also touches on the fears of Afghan evacuees for their families left behind and the broader impact on global refugee resettlement, including those from Africa, due to the focus on Afghanistan.