India/ Bangladesh: People living on the border region's
"enclaves" have been stateless and living in destitute poverty for nearly 60 years, but have seen their living
conditions deteriorate even further as river waters rise and engulf
their villages. Now, villagers from both sides are protesting to ask
the government to implement a border enclaves exchange that will swap
territories and make it possible for people to gain citizenship and
access to basic public services.
People Stateless at India-Bangladesh border (with video) (via IBN)
Border Agreements- The End of the Enclaves (via The Economist)
Australia: Everyone is still miffed about the abandoned Malaysian Refugee Swap solution. The public is angry about the alleged $4.6 million in preaparatory costs for the plan. Tbe Prime Minister isn't thrilled about leaks about the plan from the cabinet making its way to the media. And would-be refugees are probably pissed that the shelving of the deal also means an additional 1000 yearly spots for refugees in Australia are off the table. In sum, what a disaster.
Government defends cost of Malaysia Solution (via ABC Sydney)
PM Guillard warns against cabinet leaks (via Sydney Morning Herald)
California: Governor Jerry Brown signs in a new package of laws aimed at helping undocumented migrants. Most importantly, he signed a state-version of the
DREAM Act that makes it possible for undocumented students to apply for student aid. As the NY Times puts it, "With these new laws, California is telling immigrants not to stay hidden but to get educated and keep working hard." What a contrast to the message being sent in
Alabama.
Brown Signs California Dream Act (via LA Times)
A Sensible Path in California (via NY Times)
