International
An immigration reform, hard to achieve even with Biden’s victory
Now that Democratic candidate, Joe Biden, has won the U.S. presidential election, an immigration reform that legalizes the status of millions of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. is the hope.
Biden, who during his election campaign pledged to “secure our values as a nation of immigrants” and to “vigorously pursue policies that will safeguard” America’s security and provide “a fair and equitable system that will help grow and improve” the economy, while securing the country’s values, has succeeded, to some degree, in reassuring the day-to-day lives of these people who live in constant turmoil with President Trump’s frequently stated speech of racism and anti-immigration.
However, it is still premature to think about a path towards legalizing 11 million undocumented immigrants, with significant challenges and setbacks, according to immigration law experts and pro-immigrant activists.
“The scenario doesn’t look good. Because Biden will be working against a Republican-dominated Senate that will try to block any proposal,” attorney Luis Salgado, an immigration law expert, told El Tiempo Latino newspaper.
However, Biden’s immigration plan includes promoting an immigration reform bill in the first 100 days similar to the one approved by the Senate in June 2013 (Initiative S.744), that includes a way to legalize millions of undocumented immigrants who have been living in the United States for a long time, who lack criminal records and who pay taxes.
Just like the Presidency, the Senate’s vote is vital, since it is Senators who pass the bills and who hold the future of immigrants in their hands.
The November 3 election – without definition in Georgia – resulted in 50 Republican and 48 Democratic senators. Should two Republicans lose in Georgia, the Senate would be left with 50-50. The Vice-President would be the tiebreaker. In this case, it would be Democrat Kamala Harris.
Republicans currently have 53 Senators versus 47 Democrats.
While there are certain actions that the President-elect could take immediately upon taking office, there are others that will take longer to negotiate and others that will not even move forward.
International
Silent Christmas in Bethlehem as Gaza conflict overshadows celebrations
Hundreds of faithful gathered on Tuesday around the Church of the Nativity in the Palestinian town of Bethlehem, which is preparing for another quiet Christmas, with no major celebrations due to the ongoing war in Gaza.
Local authorities decided to suspend large public celebrations for the second consecutive year, and in Manger Square, there are neither decorations nor the traditional giant Christmas tree, reflecting the somber mood of its residents since the war between Israel and Hamas broke out in Gaza. At the Vatican, Pope Francis will inaugurate the Holy Year 2025 on Tuesday, a major international pilgrimage expected to draw over 30 million faithful from around the world to Rome.
On this Christmas Eve, at 7:00 PM (6:00 PM GMT), in the presence of around 30,000 people and with worldwide broadcast, the Argentine Jesuit will open the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, symbolizing the start of this “ordinary” Jubilee.
Afterwards, he will preside over the Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, an occasion in which the pontiff often highlights global conflicts.
Over the weekend, Francis’ remarks calling Israeli airstrikes in Gaza “cruel” sparked criticism from the Israeli government.
International
Pope Francis to open jubilee year in Vatican, calls for global peace amid conflict
Pope Francis will open the Catholic Church’s “Holy Year” 2025 on Tuesday, a major international pilgrimage expected to bring over 30 million faithful from around the world to Rome, under the sign of the Jubilee.
On this Christmas Eve, at 7:00 PM (6:00 PM GMT), in the presence of around 30,000 people and with worldwide broadcast, the Argentine Jesuit will open the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, symbolizing the start of this “ordinary” Jubilee. Throughout the year, pilgrims will be able to pass through this heavy and imposing bronze door, closed during ordinary times, to receive the “plenary indulgence,” the forgiveness of sins according to tradition.
The 88-year-old pope, who faces frequent health issues, will preside over the Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, before delivering his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing (to the city and the world) on Wednesday at noon. It is expected that he will address global conflicts and renew his calls for a ceasefire in the Middle East, three days after condemning the “cruelty” of the attacks in Gaza, comments which provoked protests from Israeli diplomats.
Security around the Vatican has been reinforced following the deadly attack on a Christmas market in Germany. About 700 additional officers have been deployed to Rome, as announced by the Ministry of the Interior.
International
The former president of the United States Bill Clinton was hospitalized in Washington after “develoting a fever”
Former US President Bill Clinton (1993-2001) was hospitalized from Washington to undergo medical tests after “developing fever,” his office reported in a message on social networks.
Clinton, 78, was admitted to the Georgetown University Medical Center in the US capital, Angel Ureña, who served as Clinton’s deputy chief of staff, explained on his X account.
“The former president is still in good spirits and is deeply grateful for the excellent attention he is receiving,” the message deepened.
In 2004, the former president underwent quadruple bahaspas heart surgery and in 2010 he underwent another surgery related to his cardiovascular problems.
The former Democratic leader was hospitalized in 2021 in California for an infection that spread to his bloodstream.
Clinton is one of the four former presidents of the United States who are still alive, along with Donald Trump (2017-2021), Barack Obama (2009-2017), George W. Bush (2001-2009) and Jimmy Carter (1977-1981).
The latter is, at 100 years old, the longest-serving president in the history of the United States.
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Silent Christmas in Bethlehem as Gaza conflict overshadows celebrations
Pope Francis to open jubilee year in Vatican, calls for global peace amid conflict
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