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Immigration News Roundup: April 1-7


FILE - Sen. Lindsey Graham, center, speaks of immigration reform legislation outlined by the Senate's "Gang of Eight" that would create a path for unauthorized immigrants to apply for U.S. citizenship, April 18, 2013, in Washington.
FILE - Sen. Lindsey Graham, center, speaks of immigration reform legislation outlined by the Senate's "Gang of Eight" that would create a path for unauthorized immigrants to apply for U.S. citizenship, April 18, 2013, in Washington.

Editor's note: Here is a look at immigration-related news around the U.S. this week. Questions? Tips? Comments? Email the VOA immigration team: ImmigrationUnit@voanews.com.

Immigration system problems linger

Ten years ago this month, Senator Chuck Schumer declared, “We all know that our immigration system is broken, and it’s time to get to work on fixing it.” Senator John McCain quoted Winston Churchill. But it was Lindsey Graham who offered the boldest prediction. “I think 2013 is the year of immigration reform,” the South Carolina Republican said.

It wasn’t. And neither has any year since those “Gang of Eight” senators from both parties gathered in a Washington auditorium to offer hopeful pronouncements. Reported by The Associated Press.

Immigration Reform Remains Stalled Decade After Gang of 8's Big Push

Relocation of Afghans continues

Inside a large building that was once used as a commercial guesthouse for foreign visitors in Kabul are numerous rooms occupied by families and individuals who are not allowed to go outside or disclose their exact location to anyone. Brought from different parts of Afghanistan, the residents are hosted in the facility before their flights to a third country where they will be processed for final relocation to the United States. Story by Akmal Dawi.

US Continues Relocating Afghans Even Under Taliban Rule

Venezuelan migrant family forges ahead

After her husband survived a fire that killed dozens of migrants at a detention center in northern Mexico, Venezuelan Viangly Infante crossed into the United States on Saturday, in search of new opportunities for her three children. Reuters reports.

Survivor of Mexico Detention Fire, His Family Cross Into US

Thousands head back to Puerto Rico yearly

Achieving economic stability is typically the main reason that many Puerto Ricans migrate to the U.S. mainland. At the same time, thousands return to Puerto Rico annually, describing their homecoming as "a dream come true." After 22 years abroad, married doctors Sheila Perez Colon and Lionel Lazaro Collazo decided to practice medicine in Puerto Rico. Story by Salome Ramirez.

Many Puerto Ricans Leaving US Mainland

Problems of undocumented in Sudan

More than 10 years after South Sudan split from Sudan, as many as 1.2 million ethnic South Sudanese could be living in Sudan without citizenship for either country, the U.N. refugee agency says. In this report from Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, reporter Henry Wilkins meets undocumented people and discovers they have problems accessing work, education and medical care.

Over 1M Undocumented Ethnic South Sudanese Thought to Be in Sudan

Women face junta's brutality in Myanmar, activist says

A Myanmar human rights activist told VOA in a recent interview that the ruling junta in Myanmar “is using rape and other violence against women as a bigger part of its campaign to crack down against opposition groups.” Story by Ingyin Naing.

Women Seen Targeted by Myanmar Forces With 'Rape and Other Violence'

In brief

— U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services updates guidance on administrative naturalization ceremony venues.

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