Editor's note: We want you to know what's happening, why and how it could impact your life, family or business, so we created a weekly digest of the top original immigration, migration and refugee reporting from across VOA. Questions? Tips? Comments? Email the VOA immigration team: ImmigrationUnit@voanews.com.
Big decisions in a small city
A Pennsylvania city went from 5 percent to 50 percent Latino, over nearly two decades, in large part because of Dominican immigrants choosing the location for its better way of life. How has that changed the town's politics? VOA reporter Aline Barros asked residents how they see the transition to a more diverse community ahead of national elections in November.
What's next: Midterm elections are scheduled for Nov. 6, 2018
Afghans becoming Pakistani in Pakistan
Hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees born in the country will be able to apply for Pakistani citizenship. Prime Minister Imran Khan hopes the move will better integrate the refugees into the local economy and education system. "How come we have deprived them and have not arranged for offering them national identification card and passport for 30 years, 40 years?" Khan lamented.
Refugee reduction possible in the US
The U.S. secretary of state said this week that the U.S. would limit the number of refugees allowed into the country in the next 12 months to 30,000 — the lowest level ever. But he didn't mention during the announcement that officials still needed to consult with Congress as part of the process. A final decision is expected from President Donald Trump by Oct. 1.
Now what? State Department officials tell VOA they are scheduling the meetings; Congress members said that hasn't happened on schedule.
UN: Offenses against Rohingya well-planned, genocide
The UN is calling for a prosecution on genocide charges for top military leaders in Myanmar. Killings, gang rapes, and burning and looting were well-planned, the organization says. Hundreds of thousands of Muslims from the majority-Buddhist country fled violence to neighboring Bangladesh, with little headway made on a solution over the last year.
