Immigration
Closing the Darién Gap with a barbed-wire fence
Panama has started to build a barbed-wire fence in the Darien jungle between South and Central America. The goal is to stop migrants from reaching the US. But by blocking the trails most frequently used by the migrants, the fence could reroute people on their journeys, pushing them to take dangerous detours.
New York City is trying to turn houses of worship into shelters
Fifty churches, synagogues, mosques and temples in New York City will start housing nearly 1,000 migrant men. The new plan announced by Mayor Eric Adams means the city will pay houses of worship to have beds, showers and dining areas, filling in the desperate need to provide shelter as more migrants keep arriving. The announcement comes as religious affiliation in the US is down, even among Latinos.
Afghan student struggles with adjusting to life in the US
Many women saw no future for themselves in Afghanistan when the Taliban took over. So, when offered a chance to leave, many took it. Reporter Rebecca Rosman meets a young Afghan student. Unfortunately, her temporary status in the US is a constant shadow, as she can’t go home again.
With strife behind them, a young migrant family prepares to seek asylum in Boston
Calling it a humanitarian crisis, Governor Maura Healey has activated the National Guard to support migrants at Joint Base Cape Cod and launched two welcome centers in Boston and Quincy. But the influx of desperate people is so great that families are flooding nonprofits and local hospitals.
San Diego doctor says height of the border wall is leading to more injuries from falls
Dr. Alexander Tenorio is part of a network of doctors in the San Diego area who are on call to receive individuals who attempt to climb over the 18-foot border wall, then fall on the US side where they have to be treated in local hospitals. It’s an urgent issue as the border wall is now being raised in many parts from 18 feet to 30 feet.