作者: admin

  • Trump says he’s terminating legal protections for Somali migrants in Minnesota

    Trump says he’s terminating legal protections for Somali migrants in Minnesota

    In a significant policy shift, former President Donald Trump declared on Friday night that he is ‘immediately’ ending Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for Somali migrants residing in Minnesota. This move is part of a broader effort to dismantle immigration protections that his administration has consistently targeted. Minnesota, home to the largest Somali community in the United States, has long been a refuge for individuals fleeing the prolonged civil war in Somalia, attracted by the state’s supportive social programs. However, the actual number of migrants affected by this decision may be minimal. A congressional report from August revealed that only 705 Somalis nationwide are currently covered by TPS. Established in 1990, the TPS program was designed to prevent the deportation of individuals to countries experiencing natural disasters, civil unrest, or other hazardous conditions. The Homeland Security Secretary has the authority to grant TPS in 18-month increments. Trump announced his decision on social media, alleging that Minnesota is ‘a hub of fraudulent money laundering activity’ and accusing Somali gangs of terrorizing the state. He vowed to send them back to their country of origin, stating, ‘It’s OVER!’ This announcement aligns with Trump’s campaign promise to deport millions of people and his administration’s broader agenda to implement stringent immigration policies. Previously, the Trump administration had revoked TPS for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans and Haitians, and sought to limit protections for migrants from Cuba, Syria, and other nations.

  • Our babies were taken after ‘biased’ parenting test – now we’re fighting to get them back

    Our babies were taken after ‘biased’ parenting test – now we’re fighting to get them back

    Keira, a 39-year-old Greenlandic mother, recounts the heart-wrenching moment her newborn daughter, Zammi, was taken from her arms just two hours after birth. ‘I started counting the minutes from the moment she was born,’ Keira recalls, her voice trembling. ‘When they took her, I sobbed uncontrollably, whispering ‘sorry’ to my baby. It felt like a part of my soul died.’ Keira’s story is not unique. She is one of many Greenlandic families living in Denmark who have had their children removed by social services following parental competency tests, known as FKUs. These tests, which include cognitive tasks, personality assessments, and interviews, have been criticized for being culturally biased and linguistically inappropriate, as they are conducted in Danish rather than Kalaallisut, the native language of most Greenlanders. In May 2023, the Danish government banned the use of FKUs on Greenlandic families after decades of criticism, but the tests continue to be used on other families. Despite the ban, only 10 cases involving FKUs have been reviewed, and no children have been returned to their families. Keira’s 2024 assessment concluded she lacked ‘sufficient parental competencies,’ a decision she disputes. She remains hopeful, keeping a cot and baby clothes ready for Zammi’s return. Meanwhile, other Greenlandic parents, like Johanne and Ulrik, whose son was adopted in 2020, face even steeper odds. The Danish government has stated it will not reopen adoption cases, leaving many families in limbo. The emotional toll on these parents is immense, as they fight to reclaim their children and preserve their cultural heritage.

  • The Christian converts the US is deporting back to Iran

    The Christian converts the US is deporting back to Iran

    In a troubling turn of events, Iranian Christian converts seeking asylum in the United States are facing deportation back to Iran, where they fear persecution and imprisonment. One such individual, Danesh (a pseudonym), fled Iran in October 2024 after enduring repeated detentions and alleged torture due to his involvement in the Mahsa Amini protests and subsequent conversion to Christianity. Despite being granted protection from removal by an immigration judge, Danesh was forcibly moved from a Texas detention center to a military airfield in Louisiana and placed on a deportation flight to Nicaragua. From there, he was routed through Venezuela and Turkey, ultimately fearing a forced return to Iran. Danesh managed to escape in Istanbul, but his story is not unique. Several Iranian Christian converts have reported similar experiences, with their asylum claims rejected and sensitive information about their religious conversions allegedly mishandled by US authorities. This situation contrasts sharply with President Trump’s vocal condemnation of Christian persecution abroad, particularly in Nigeria. The US has recently made unprecedented changes to its immigration policy, including arranging a chartered flight to Iran via Qatar, despite the lack of diplomatic ties and Iran’s poor human rights record. Dozens of Iranians, including the wife of an Iranian Christian convert now living in the US, were deported on this flight. Upon arrival, they were questioned about their religious activities, though not immediately arrested. However, the wife has since been summoned by Iranian intelligence, heightening fears for her safety. Legal experts and advocates argue that the US immigration system is failing to adequately assess the risks faced by Iranian Christian converts, leading to inconsistent asylum outcomes even within the same household. For example, Marjan, a Christian convert, was granted asylum in California, while her husband, Reza, was ordered to be removed to a third country. As the US continues its crackdown on illegal immigration, the plight of Iranian Christian converts highlights the complexities and potential dangers of deportation policies.

  • India’s blind women cricketers chase history at first T20 World Cup

    India’s blind women cricketers chase history at first T20 World Cup

    The inaugural Blind Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup has become a platform for extraordinary stories of resilience and determination, particularly for the Indian team. Comprising players from diverse rural backgrounds, these women have overcome significant societal and personal challenges to compete on the global stage. The tournament, which began on November 11 in Delhi and moved to Colombo for the knockout stages, features six teams: India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia, and the USA. The Indian squad, representing nine states, has emerged as a dominant force, winning all five of their matches and securing a spot in the semi-finals. Blind cricket, played with a plastic ball containing metal bearings that produce sound, requires players to rely on auditory cues. Players are classified into B1, B2, and B3 categories based on their level of visual impairment, with B1 players being fully blind. The Indian team’s journey is led by captain Deepika TC, who lost her vision in an accident as a child. Her leadership has been pivotal, inspiring her teammates and drawing support from cricketing legends like Jemimah Rodrigues and Shubman Gill. The team’s success is a testament to the efforts of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), which has been instrumental in promoting the sport among visually impaired women. The tournament has not only provided a stage for these athletes but also highlighted the need for greater inclusivity in sports. As the semi-finals and final approach, the Indian team aims to make history by securing the championship, further elevating the profile of blind cricket globally.

  • Mahmoud Khalil sues Trump administration to release communication with anti-Palestinian groups

    Mahmoud Khalil sues Trump administration to release communication with anti-Palestinian groups

    Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil has initiated a lawsuit against the Trump administration, demanding the release of communications between federal agencies and anti-Palestinian organizations that allegedly led to his arrest in March 2025. Khalil, a green-card holder married to a U.S. citizen, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a government crackdown on alleged antisemitism across U.S. campuses. His arrest followed claims by groups like Canary Mission and Betar USA, which boasted of sharing information on pro-Palestinian activists with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Khalil accused these organizations of orchestrating a smear campaign to silence his advocacy against Israel’s actions in Gaza. The lawsuit was filed after the Trump administration ignored Khalil’s Freedom of Information Act request for related documents. During a trial, an ICE official revealed that the agency reviewed over 5,000 names provided by Canary Mission, a site accused of blacklisting pro-Palestinian voices. Khalil, who was detained in Louisiana for three months, was denied the chance to attend the birth of his child. A federal judge later ruled his detention unconstitutional, but the Trump administration attempted to deport him, alleging omissions on his green card application. Khalil is now seeking $20 million in damages and full transparency regarding the alleged collusion between federal agencies and anti-Palestinian groups.

  • Japan’s first female leader faces a taboo over entering the male-only sumo ring

    Japan’s first female leader faces a taboo over entering the male-only sumo ring

    Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, has sparked a national debate over the long-standing taboo barring women from entering the sumo ring. While Takaichi’s historic election in October marked a significant milestone for gender equality in Japan, her stance on traditional gender roles has raised questions about whether she will challenge this cultural norm. The issue came to the forefront as the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament concluded, with the winner traditionally receiving the Prime Minister’s Cup from the prime minister. However, Takaichi, who was attending the G20 summit in South Africa, missed the opportunity to make a decision this time. Her next chance will be during the New Year’s tournament in Tokyo. The controversy over women’s exclusion from the sumo ring is part of a broader debate about gender equality in Japan, where women are still banned from certain sacred spaces and festivals due to historical beliefs about female ‘impurity.’ Despite efforts to eliminate such bans, they persist in some religious and cultural practices. Sumo, with its 1,500-year history, has faced criticism for its exclusion of women, though the Japan Sumo Association denies that the ban is rooted in Shinto beliefs about impurity. Takaichi, a staunch conservative, has not indicated whether she will challenge the tradition, but her decision could have significant implications for Japan’s evolving gender dynamics.

  • Dubai Run 2025: RTA announces list of roads affected, closure timings

    Dubai Run 2025: RTA announces list of roads affected, closure timings

    As Dubai prepares for the highly anticipated Dubai Run 2025, the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) has released detailed information regarding road closures and alternative routes to ensure a smooth event. Scheduled for Sunday, November 23, 2025, the Dubai Run is a flagship event of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, transforming the city into a massive running track. The RTA has announced that road closures will be in effect from 3:00 AM to 10:00 AM on the event day. Participants are advised to plan their journeys in advance and utilize the suggested alternative routes to avoid disruptions. The event offers flexible start times for registered participants, beginning as early as 4:00 AM, with the official run commencing at 6:30 AM and the start line closing at 8:00 AM. The RTA has also shared a video highlighting the affected roads, encouraging residents and visitors to stay informed and prepared. This annual event not only promotes fitness and wellness but also showcases Dubai’s commitment to fostering a healthy and active community.

  • Dubai: Sheikh Mohammed offers condolences on passing of Osama Ahmed Al Shaafar

    Dubai: Sheikh Mohammed offers condolences on passing of Osama Ahmed Al Shaafar

    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has expressed profound condolences on the passing of Osama Ahmed Al Shaafar, a distinguished former member of the Federal National Council (FNC) and President of the Asian Cycling Confederation. Al Shaafar, who also served as the President of the UAE Cycling Federation, passed away abroad on November 19, 2025. The FNC announced his demise with a statement reflecting on his significant contributions and legacy. Funeral prayers were held on November 20 at Al-Khair Mosque, followed by his burial at Al-Quoz Cemetery. Dato’ Amarjit Singh Gill, President of the Asian Cycling Confederation, and the broader cycling community also extended their heartfelt condolences, praising Al Shaafar’s leadership and enduring impact. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, joined in mourning, offering solace to the Al Shaafar family during this challenging time.

  • Why tailoring your suits is the fashion need of the hour

    Why tailoring your suits is the fashion need of the hour

    In an era dominated by casual wear and algorithm-driven fashion trends, the art of bespoke tailoring is making a remarkable comeback. This revival is not about reviving old-world formality but about embracing personal style and individuality. From Savile Row in London to Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, the meticulous craft of tailoring is reclaiming its place in the fashion world.

  • Team Elphaba or Team Glinda? Here’s how to nail the perfect outfit for either side

    Team Elphaba or Team Glinda? Here’s how to nail the perfect outfit for either side

    As the highly anticipated cinematic adaptation of the Broadway musical *Wicked: For Good* hits theaters, fashion enthusiasts are embracing the iconic styles of its protagonists, Elphaba and Glinda. The film, a sequel to the stage adaptation of Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel *Wicked*, continues the story of the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the South, played by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, respectively. The narrative blurs the lines between good and evil, but the costume design leaves no room for ambiguity. Elphaba’s signature black ensembles contrast sharply with Glinda’s pastel pink wardrobe, symbolizing their moral dichotomies. Oscar-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell explains, ‘Colours confirm who is good, and who is wicked.’ Yet, he adds depth to the characters, noting that Elphaba is ‘intelligent, compassionate, misunderstood,’ while Glinda ‘isn’t always kind.’ This nuanced portrayal has inspired a wave of fashion trends, with emerald green and glittering pink dominating the party season. From Dubai-based brand 1001 Stories’ updated Wizard of Oz ballet flats to Sophia Webster’s official *Wicked* collection, fans can choose between Team Elphaba’s edgy sophistication and Team Glinda’s ethereal elegance. Whether it’s vegan leather blazers or sparkling crystal pumps, the film’s influence extends beyond the screen, proving that fashion can be as magical as the story itself.