Newsletter Archive

Executive orders that limit U.S. immigration – like the one recently signed by President Donald Trump – aren’t exactly a new idea. The U.S. government has restricted the entry of foreign-born people in the past, starting in the late 1800s, when Congress targeted Asians, especially Chinese. Later, people from Eastern Europe and Africa were excluded. The basic purpose of some of these immigration restrictions was to ‘preserve the ideal of U.S. homogeneity.’

The Iranian diaspora is one of the U.S. communities most affected by President Trump’s temporary ban on travelers from seven predominantly Muslim countries.  After being thwarted or delayed by the new U.S. entry limits immediately after the ban took effect, Iranian-Americans and green card holders now worry about how the travel restrictions will affect their own travel plans and those of their relatives.

Tech finds its political voice. After mostly keeping mum in the aftermath of the U.S. presidential election, the tech industry is finally joining the conversation about immigration and national security. Silicon Valley’s first major rift with the Trump administration may signal its willingness to use social media to communicate directly with customers about political issues. But speaking out has its risks. 

VIDEO: Set for life. If confirmed, Donald Trump’s pick to fill the vacant seat on the U.S. Supreme Court will get a lifelong appointment. Some experts are calling for Constitutional reform, hoping to authorize fixed terms for positions on the nation’s highest court. Here’s the scoop.

Art imitates life. Kenyan artist Joseph Mbatia’s inspiration comes from politics and happenings around him. Whether it’s ebola or an on-going doctors’ strike, the world on Mbatia’s canvas is a chaotic, vivid and thought-provoking place. VOA visits the artist’s studio in Nairobi to watch Mbatia create pieces he believes are a powerful tool for creating awareness.

Yes, dear. Of the more than 4,000 foreign fighters from Western Europe who joined violent extremist organizations in Syria and Iraq, more than 700 are women. A new report suggests it isn’t political or religious fervor that drives female jihadists. VOA is in Kosovo where women who joined Islamic State were recruited mainly by their husbands.

Back in the fold. Morocco has rejoined the African Union after more than three decades away from the continental body. But the squabble that drove the North African country out of the union is still in play. Morocco quit the body in 1984, after the AU recognized the independence of the disputed Western Sahara territory, which Morocco continues to claim. Western Sahara remains an AU member today. In accepting Morocco back into the AU family, African leaders chose unity over harmony.

Score! In South Africa, excitement is building among soccer fans ahead of the semifinals later this week at the 2017 African Nations Cup. But supporters of the so-called ‘beautiful game’ aren’t the only ones watching. In Johannesburg, VOA meets one of several traditional South African healers, who claims links to ancient spirits, and is doing a brisk business predicting the likely winners.