Latest news with #openborders
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pope asks God to 'open borders, breakdown barriers' during papal mass
June 8 (UPI) -- Pope Leo asked God to "open borders, break down walls and dispel hatred," during Sunday mass with tens of thousands of people in St. Peter's Square Sunday. The pontiff has been critical of nationalist political movements and the "exclusionary mindset" they convey, but did not name a specific country or government. "There is no room for prejudice , for 'security zones' separating us from our neighbors, for the exclusionary mindset that, unfortunately, we now see emerging in political nationalisms," the pope said during the mass. Leo added that the church "must open the borders between peoples and break down the barriers between class and race." "People must move beyond our fear of those who are different," he continued, and said the Holy Spirit "breaks down barriers and tears down the walls of indifference and hatred." While the pontiff did not mention President Donald Trump by name, he has been critical of his administration and policies. Prior to ascending to pope in May, Leo, formerly known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, routinely posted negative comments about Trump and vice-president JD Vance on social media. The Prevost X account was deactivated shortly after he became pope. Prior to Leo, pope Francis, who died earlier this year, was also critical of Trump. "A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not a Christian," Francis said about Trump when asked about him in 2016.
Reuters
12-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
What are British PM Starmer's new policies to curb net migration?
LONDON, May 12 (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Monday he would end the country's "failed experiment in open borders" with a sweeping set of reforms to significantly drive down net migration. Below is a summary of the main changes: Starmer said he would not set a target for the reduction in net migration, though his government has said in a policy document that the changes could reduce the number of people arriving by around 100,000 per year. A government official said the fall in the number of people could be larger, particularly if the government decides to take additional steps to reduce immigration. Immigrants to Britain will need to spend 10 years in the country, up from five years currently, before they get the automatic right to apply for an indefinite "leave to remain" or full citizenship. Individuals who can demonstrate their "contribution to the economy or society" will be allowed to apply sooner. The government will consult before deciding when the changes come into force and whether they will apply to immigrants already in Britain or only to new arrivals. The government said the overseas recruitment of care workers would end, a move that will add to pressure on a sector already grappling with chronic staff shortages. In the policy paper, the government said there would be a "transition period" until 2028 during which existing visas could be extended and overseas nationals in Britain could switch to a social care job. The government said in the policy document it would introduce a 32% increase in the so-called immigration skills charge, paid by employers when they take on someone from overseas via a skilled visa or similar route. The current cost of the immigration skills charge is 1,000 pounds ($1,318) per worker for a large company for the first year, and 364 pounds for worker for a small company. The government said the cost has not been increased since 2017, so the rise is in line with inflation. International students will still be able to work in Britain after they graduate but only for 18 months, down from two years currently. The government said it would explore introducing a levy on higher education providers' income from tuition fees from international students. While no final decision has been made, the policy paper modelled a 6% levy on tuition fees and said this could increase the cost of coming to studying in Britain if passed on. The government said there would be tougher English language requirements for visa routes. Adult dependents who come with arriving workers or students will need to show basic English skills to get visas. While Monday's statement focussed on reducing legal migration, the government said it would look to bring in new legislation to make it easier to remove some asylum seekers. The government said it would introduce legislation to limit asylum seekers' use of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights - which protects the right to a family - so fewer cases are treated as "exceptional". The government said further reforms to the asylum system would be published later in the year. ($1 = 0.7588 pounds)
