Thousands of Caribbean nationals to benefit from new US immigration act

Thousands of Caribbean nationals to benefit from new US immigration act
Published on December 10, 2010 Email To Friend Print Version

by Global News Staff

WASHINGTON, USA -- Thousands of Caribbean nationals stand to benefit from a Bill described as "Dream Act", which was passed in the House of Representatives in Washington on Wednesday.

The measure will provide a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants who came to the United States before age 16.

The Act was passed by 216-198 after sometimes heated debate.

A Reuters report stated that the legislation would provide legal residency to undocumented young people who graduate from high school, complete two years of college or military service and have no criminal record.

The measure is backed by President Barack Obama and Hispanic activists, who have been disappointed by Democrats' failure to deliver on Obama's promise of comprehensive immigration reform.

In a statement, Obama said, "This vote is not only the right thing to do for a group of talented young people who seek to serve a country they know as their own by continuing their education or serving in the military, but it is the right thing for the United States of America.”

The bill is opposed by Republicans, who slammed it as a "nightmare act".


For the source, see this link:
http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/immigration.php?news_id=3904&start=0&category_id=47

Boat smashed on Australian cliff; 28 migrants die

By KRISTEN GELINEAU and TANALEE SMITH, Associated Press – Wed Dec 15, 6:58 pm ET
SYDNEY – Australians on a high cliff watched helplessly Wednesday as a wooden boat smuggling as many as 100 would-be migrants was smashed against the jagged rocks by monstrous waves, dumping screaming men, women and children into the stormy surf. At least 28 people died and 44 were rescued.
The deaths off Christmas Island, a remote Australian territory, underscored the dangers faced by hundreds of refugees who have tried to sail from Indonesia to Australia in recent years — often in cramped, barely seaworthy boats — to start new lives after escaping from poor, war-ravaged countries.
Photos and video from witnesses showed the boat crashing into jagged rocks and breaking apart, as well as people floating in the water amid the wreckage. The boat was about 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters) long, with a cabin covered by a sheet of fabric or plastic.
"When the boat hit the cliff, there was a sickening crack. All the people on board rushed to the land side, which is the worst thing they could do, but I don't think anybody could swim," island resident Simon Prince told The Associated Press.
"It was just horrible," he said. "People getting crushed. Bodies, dead children, the whole thing was pretty awful."
Some of those aboard were from Iraq, Home Minister Brendan O'Connor said from Christmas Island, which is closer to Indonesia than the Australian mainland.
In Canberra, Immigration Minister Chris Bowen said 28 people died and 44 have been rescued. Of those saved, 11 were children.

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Caricom boycott backlash

T&T manufacturers fear losses...

By by Curtis Rampersad Business Editor
Story Created: Dec 1, 2010 at 12:41 AM ECT
Story Updated: Dec 1, 2010 at 12:41 AM ECT
Local manufacturers have complained their exports in Caricom countries faced product boycotts after Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar's statements on how Trinidad and Tobago would offer assistance following the destruction caused by Hurricane Tomas.
Philippe Agostini, executive chairman of Laventille oils producer CGA Ltd, said yesterday he received complaints from his agent in Jamaica after Persad-Bissessar said Trinidad and Tobago was willing to help Tomas-affected countries like St Lucia and Jamaica but it would have to benefit this country as well.
Agostini was making a point to Trade Minister Stephen Cadiz during a luncheon hosted by the Chamber of Commerce at its Westmoorings offices.

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Sabga: Diaspora 'sleeping giant'

Chairman Emeritus of the ANSA McAL Group of Companies, Dr. Anthony N. Sabga says this country has a “sleeping giant” in the Diaspora as far as business and economic possibilities go, but he stressed that incentives and tax relief need to be strengthened as part of the encouragement package for people to return.

Dr. Sabga said that he has seen Guyanese in the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States who could be encouraged to return home and invest provided there is a “safe and welcoming environment”. He posited that Guyana could reach its full potential if persons in the Diaspora with the expertise return home and contribute to this country’s development.

President offers citizenship for Chinese nationals in Guyana

For many years it has been argued that Guyana needs a positive immigration policy that takes account of the stagnation in its population growth – a combination of heavy migration and a low birth rate. A low population density and vast open spaces suitable for settlement provide the opportunities for attracting migrants, or more feasibly, re-migrants. It also makes sense to try to boost population numbers as a larger internal economy is created and there is a greater growing of wealth. Had there not been the exodus of decades before, the population of Guyana today could easily have been over two million and providing the ignition for greater economic development. Today the population hovers around 740,000 with great concentration on the coastland and the sparsely populated interior.

It is unclear whether President Jagdeo was contemplating this conundrum when he met with Chinese nationals on Friday at the Chinese-built International Convention Centre at Liliendaal. Whatever his motivation, President Jagdeo delivered yet another puzzling performance that will leave policymakers and lawmakers wondering whether they have a role at all in the affairs of this country.

While there was nothing wrong with the Presi-dent convening a meeting with Chinese nationals, it was utterly unacceptable for him to unilaterally declare that Chinese nationals who were living here legally for seven years would now be entitled to citizenship of the country and that work permits would be extended from one to three years.

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