Latest news with #Ries
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Police oppose bill meant to encourage sex workers to call 911 if they are victims of crime
(Photo: Ronda Churchill/Nevada Current) A recent survey of sex workers in Nevada found nearly all lack confidence in the criminal legal system and feel law enforcement doesn't take sexual assault allegations seriously. As a result, those engaging in sex work are often afraid to report crimes or come forward to get medical help, said UNLV sociology professor Barb Brent, who conducted the survey of 334 people. Assembly Bill 209, sponsored by Democratic Assemblymember David Orentlicher, hopes to change that. The bill would grant sex workers immunity from criminal liability from prostitution-related offenses if they call 911 seeking medical assistance. Orentlicher said sex workers are 'one of our most marginalized communities' and often 'face a significantly increased risk of rape and other physical violence.' 'Despite their elevated risk of grave harm, sex workers face a serious barrier to receiving medical care,' he continued. 'If they go to the hospital, police may be called in, and sex workers worry that, because they engage in prohibited conduct, they would be arrested.' AB 209 passed out of the Assembly in April on a party-line vote and was heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. It must pass out of the committee by Friday or it will be declared dead. The bill was originally broader and included protections for sex workers who called the police if they were victims or witnesses of crime, including assault or human trafficking. In an attempt to appease law enforcement, Orentlicher narrowed the bill specifically to protect sex workers seeking medical assistance. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the Nevada Sheriffs' and Chiefs' Association, and the Nevada Association of District Attorneys still oppose the legislation. Eve Hanan, a professor at UNLV's Boyd School of Law who presented alongside Orentlicher, said nine states have passed similar laws to offer some protections to sex workers who seek medical assistance or report crimes against them. 'This is not the type of bill that has met with opposition in the other states where it's passed and where it's being considered,' she told lawmakers. Chris Ries, representing LVMPD, asked for examples of police arresting sex workers who seek medical help. Ries said the bill implies that officers would 'prioritize an arrest over addressing an emergency situation.' 'During discussions with the proponents, they were unable to provide an example of this,' Ries said. 'Bluntly, this does not happen. Perpetuating this inaccurate narrative exacerbates the mistrust.' He encouraged sex workers to come forward without fear when seeking medical services and emergency assistance. But proponents of the bill countered that part of the problem is that people aren't seeking medical help or reporting crimes out of fear of being arrested. 'This person who is engaging in sex work is incredibly vulnerable to sexual and other forms of assault while she's engaged in sex work, yet the costs of reporting a serious, violent crime committed against her, they're simply too high for her to risk reporting,' Hanan said. 'It's a problem of being unable to report out of fear of what the possible consequences would be.' In a recent study published this year, Brent found 92% of the 334 people interviewed said they don't think 'police takes rape against sex workers seriously.' Brent submitted written testimony from the people she interviewed. They described 'belligerently intoxicated and aggressive' encounters and 'predators posing as clients.' 'They count on you (the lawmakers) to keep it this way, so that they can prey on our vulnerability through the law,' wrote one anonymous worker. While Ries said he didn't think the bill was needed and suggested people could seek assistance without fear, some Democratic lawmakers pushed back. 'Would you not believe that putting into law proactive and protective measures such as this bill might encourage those victims to come forward more fully because they feel more comfortable, because there are protections in law,' asked Democratic state Sen. Rochelle Nguyen. Republican state Sen. Ira Hansen said the legislation seemed like a Band-Aid to a larger problem and questioned why Clark County didn't just legalize prostitution. He later clarified he would be against any measure to decriminalize sex work. AB 209 is supported by the ACLU of Nevada, the Nevada Fines and Fees Justice Center, and both Clark and Washoe public defenders office 'By removing the fear of arrest by seeking emergency and medical care, we can reduce harm, save lives and build bridges between vulnerable individuals and the support systems that they so desperately need,' said Angela Knott with the Washoe County Public Defender's Office.
New York Times
16-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- New York Times
These Sleek Toiletry Bottles Keep Your Products Airtight. But Are They Any Good?
Although Ries bottles are sleek, easy to fill and clean, and hygienic, they put you in a bit of a double bind. Because they only pump out a bit of liquid at once, they're more suited to products where a little goes a long way. Yet the Ries bottles are designed for toiletries you need a lot of, like shampoo and conditioner, and they only come in two relatively large sizes. They're also bulky and have a limited (and hard-to-read) labeling system. At up to $18 per bottle, they feel pricey for what they are. Ries bottles (left) use an airless pump, Cadence Capsules (middle) are an open jar, and Sea to Summit offers a simple squeeze bottle (right). Maria Adelmann/NYT Wirecutter Still, people who generally use small amounts of product might be fine with the bottles' modest dispensing. I could potentially see using Ries bottles for select parts of my travel toiletry kit, like a facial moisturizer. Some people might prefer Cadence Capsules, which come in a wider range of sizes and have endless interchangeable label options, making them especially alluring for those who use a bunch of different products in smaller quantities. With satisfying magnetic parts, they're also surprisingly delightful. But Cadence Capsules concede some practicalities to aesthetics. They're heavy, they're bulky for how much they hold, they're expensive, and the open-jar concept, which requires scooping out product, isn't for everyone. (Notably, while writing this piece, Cadence released adapter lids that may mitigate the latter issue, though we haven't tried them yet.) These plastic travel containers are chic, stylish, and come in a range of sizes. Plus, they have satisfying magnetic sides and interchangeable magnetic labels. But they're pricey, heavy, and the open-jar style isn't for everyone. If attractiveness isn't a big concern, the Sea to Summit bottles are simple, lightweight, and take up very little space. For me, they were hands-down the easiest to use for dispensing everyday hygiene items like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Each Sea to Summit bottle has a screw top to prevent leaks and a removable insert in the mouth to control how much liquid is squeezed out. They're also translucent, so you can see how much product you have left. However, Sea to Summit's bottles are difficult to label and have a narrow mouth, so they're annoying to fill, empty completely, and clean. At about $33 for six bottles and a TSA-compliant liquids bag (which we like), they're not cheap, but they are the cheapest of the bunch. These basic toiletry bottles are simple, lightweight, and not bulky, plus they have a removable insert to control how much liquid is squeezed out. But the narrow neck makes them more difficult to clean and fill. Maybe there's a reason why toiletry bags are a hodgepodge. If Goldilocks is out there somewhere applying product from the perfect set of containers, I haven't gotten word of it yet. This article was edited by Hannah Rimm and Maxine Builder.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Puerto Rico no longer safe bet for illegal migrants as Trump crackdown expands to US territory
Puerto Rico, which for years was seen as a sanctuary for illegal immigrants, is now facing increased attention under the Trump administration, and an immigration expert tells Fox News Digital the U.S. island territory has long been a favored jurisdiction for evading immigration restrictions. More than 200 people have been arrested since deportation operations in Puerto Rico ramped up on Jan. 26, 149 of which have been citizens of the Dominican Republic, according to U.S. Customs and Immigration data provided to the Associated Press. Local migrants are "panicking," Jose Rodriguez, the president of the Dominican Committee of Human Rights, told the AP. "They're afraid to go out; they're afraid to take their children to school." Illegal migrants have lived in Puerto Rico "for decades," according to the report, which added that many had been staying in the U.S. territory "without fear of arrest" while many have been allowed to open bank accounts, obtain driver's licenses and even open their own businesses. But Heritage Foundation Border Security and Immigration Center director Lora Ries tells Fox that's long been a problem with island territories like Puerto Rico and Guam. Trump Policy On Border Jumpers Empowers Use Of 'Maximum Consequences,' Border Agent Tells Fox "These localities allow them to open bank accounts, give driver's licenses, allow them to open businesses, it's just facilitating and prolonging this illegal immigration," Ries said. "And then, of course, the immigrants, the aliens, if they are put into removal proceedings by ICE, then they use that as a shield, a defense, saying, 'You can't deport me because I've been here so many years, and I have a business here, and I have these financial ties.'" Read On The Fox News App The recent raids have "shattered the perception" that the island territory is a sanctuary for illegal immigrants, causing many to live in fear about their own fate. Ries said that despite the perception of safety, illegal migrants in any U.S. territory face the same potential consequences as those on the mainland United States. "They always skip over personal responsibility. They knew they broke the law. They knew they were continuing to break the law. They knew that they could be arrested and removed and detained for breaking the law … don't try to shift responsibility to the U.S. government and then play victim," Ries said. Ries noted that U.S. territories, including those in the Pacific such as Guam, are often jumping-off points for illegal migrants, who first enter there and then find easier travel to the mainland United States. Meanwhile, others start a life that they try to later use as a "shield" from immigration authorities. Influx Of Illegal Chinese Migrants Threatens Us Territory; Island Must Show 'Strength Of The Nation' A U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told the AP that the agency has focused its efforts in Puerto Rico on those with a criminal record or those who have received a final court ruling to leave the country. Nevertheless, the AP report said there has been a surge in support for Puerto Rico's illegal immigrant population, noting that volunteers have been working to provide meals to families too afraid to leave their house, while government officials from multiple jurisdictions have moved to limit cooperation with federal authorities. Ries argued the situation is no different from those that have played out in many areas of the U.S., where so-called "sanctuary" jurisdictions have severely limited cooperation with federal authorities and prioritized illegal migrants over their native citizens. Trump Putting Troops On Border Was Game Changer, San Diego Sector Chief Says: 'Force Multiplier' "It's the same thing," Ries said. "It's local officials not cooperating with federal agents, or local officials dedicating very limited resources and time and attention to illegal aliens rather than their own constituents. They need to do a better job representing their citizens to giving their resources to citizens." ICE did not immediately respond to a Fox News Digital request for article source: Puerto Rico no longer safe bet for illegal migrants as Trump crackdown expands to US territory
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump touts $5 million ‘gold card' as new path to citizenship
President Donald Trump on Tuesday said a $5 million "gold card" would go on sale "very, very soon" and would serve as a new path towards becoming a U.S. citizen. "Its like the green card, but better and more sophisticated," Trump said. "And these people will have to pay tax in our country." Trump said the newest path to citizenship "will allow the most successful job creating people from all over the world to buy a path to U.S. citizenship." Trump Declares 'America Is Back' In Speech Before Congress The "gold card" visa will also enable wealthier students to obtain permanent residency in the U.S. Trump has previously touted his plan before to attract the world's wealthiest to become U.S. citizens, though it comes at a time when he is both clamping down on illegal migration and as universities are increasingly in the spotlight amid soaring school costs and crippling student loans. Read On The Fox News App Trump announced last week that he expected the newest visa option would go on sale in the coming weeks. Trump's 'Gold Card' Visa Could Invite Fraud, National Security Risks: Expert Details of the newest visa remain unclear, but Trump said it was just one of his plans to revamp U.S. immigration policies. Following Trump's announcement earlier this month, director of the Heritage Foundation's Border Security and Immigration Center, Lora Ries, warned it could invite fraud. "Any immigration benefit draws fraud … people are willing to do anything and say just about anything to come to the U.S.," Ries told Fox News Digital. In an interview last week with Fox News' Chief Political Anchor Bret Baier on "Special Report," Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said all candidates will be "deeply vetted." He told Baier, "These are vetted people. These are going to be great global citizens who are going to bring entrepreneurial spirit, capacity and growth to America. If one of them comes in, think of the jobs they are going to bring with them, the businesses they are going to bring with them, and they are going to pay American taxes as well, so this is huge money for America." While Ries acknowledged the goals behind the program, she expressed skepticism that all applicants could be vetted to the extent needed to prevent the type of fraud that exists in the similar EB-5 visa program, which Trump's gold card would replace. "Fraud is rarely detected, let alone enforced … so it's low risk, high reward to commit immigration benefit fraud," Ries said, adding that even Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick admitted to the widespread fraud plaguing the EB-5 program. "So the question is: How is this going to be different," Ries said. "It raised the price from a million to 5 million, but how are we going to prevent the fraud? Are you just inviting wealthier fraudsters and corrupt people to exploit this?"Original article source: Trump touts $5 million 'gold card' as new path to citizenship
Fox News
05-03-2025
- Business
- Fox News
Trump touts $5 million ‘gold card' as new path to citizenship
President Donald Trump on Tuesday said a $5 million "gold card" would go on sale "very, very soon" and would serve as a new path towards becoming a U.S. citizen. "Its like the green card, but better and more sophisticated," Trump said. "And these people will have to pay tax in our country." Trump said the newest path to citizenship "will allow the most successful job creating people from all over the world to buy a path to U.S. citizenship." The "gold card" visa will also enable wealthier students to obtain permanent residency in the U.S. Trump has previously touted his plan before to attract the world's wealthiest to become U.S. citizens, though it comes at a time when he is both clamping down on illegal migration and as universities are increasingly in the spotlight amid soaring school costs and crippling student loans. Trump announced last week that he expected the newest visa option would go on sale in the coming weeks. Details of the newest visa remain unclear, but Trump said it was just one of his plans to revamp U.S. immigration policies. Following Trump's announcement earlier this month, director of the Heritage Foundation's Border Security and Immigration Center, Lora Ries, warned it could invite fraud. "Any immigration benefit draws fraud … people are willing to do anything and say just about anything to come to the U.S.," Ries told Fox News Digital. While Ries acknowledged the goals behind the program, she expressed skepticism that all applicants could be vetted to the extent needed to prevent the type of fraud that exists in the similar EB-5 visa program, which Trump's gold card would replace. "Fraud is rarely detected, let alone enforced … so it's low risk, high reward to commit immigration benefit fraud," Ries said, adding that even Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick admitted to the widespread fraud plaguing the EB-5 program. "So the question is: How is this going to be different," Ries said. "It raised the price from a million to 5 million, but how are we going to prevent the fraud? Are you just inviting wealthier fraudsters and corrupt people to exploit this?"
