TheNewsGuru

Tag: Executive Order

  • Trump Admin signs Executive Order to halt student visas of pro-Palestinian protesters

    Trump Admin signs Executive Order to halt student visas of pro-Palestinian protesters

    US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at combating antisemitism, with a focus on college campuses.

    The order promises “immediate action” from the Justice Department to prosecute threats, vandalism, and violence against American Jews, which have reportedly surged since the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas.

    Trump warned that non-citizen college students who participated in pro-Palestinian protests will face deportation, Reuters reports.

    “To all the resident aliens who joined in the pro-jihadist protests, we put you on notice: come 2025, we will find you, and we will deport you,” he stated.

    The president also vowed to cancel the student visas of Hamas sympathizers on college campuses, citing a rise in radicalism.

     

    “I will also quickly cancel the student visas of all Hamas sympathizers on college campuses, which have been infested with radicalism like never before,” the president said, echoing a 2024 campaign promise.

    The executive order has sparked mixed reactions. Some Jewish students have welcomed the move, saying they’ve experienced harassment and intimidation on campus.

    However, civil rights groups have raised concerns that the order could infringe on free speech and target certain groups unfairly.

    Rights groups and legal scholars said the new measure would violate constitutional free speech rights and would likely draw legal challenges, according Reuters.

     

    “The First Amendment protects everyone in the United States, including foreign citizens studying at American universities,” said Carrie DeCell, senior staff attorney at the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University.

    “Deporting non-citizens on the basis of their political speech would be unconstitutional.”

    The Council on American-Islamic Relations, a large Muslim advocacy group, said it would consider challenging the order in court if Trump tried to implement it.

    The Hamas attacks and the subsequent Israeli assault on the Palestinian coastal enclave of Gaza led to several months of pro-Palestinian protests that roiled U.S. college campuses.

    Civil rights groups documented a surge in hate crimes and incidents directed at Jews, Muslims, Arabs and other people of Middle Eastern descent.

    The order requires agency and department leaders to provide the White House with recommendations within 60 days on all criminal and civil authorities that could be used to fight antisemitism, according to the fact sheets.

     

    It calls for an inventory and analysis of all court cases involving K-12 schools, colleges and universities and alleged civil rights violations associated with pro-Palestinian campus protests, potentially leading to actions to remove “alien students and staff.”

     

    Many pro-Palestinian protesters denied supporting Hamas or engaging in antisemitic acts, saying they were demonstrating against Israel’s military assault on Gaza, where health authorities say more than 47,000 people have been killed.

  • TNG EXPLAINER: How President Tinubu’s four new executive orders will affect industries and you

    TNG EXPLAINER: How President Tinubu’s four new executive orders will affect industries and you

    In a move aimed at mitigating economic hardship and creating a more business-friendly environment, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed four Executive Orders that curbs arbitrary taxation policies in Nigeria.

    The announcement was made by the Special Adviser to the President Dele Alake, during an interactive session with State House Correspondents on Thursday.

    Shedding light on the key provisions of these orders, Alake said the orders are in furtherance of President Tinubu’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment.

    The first Executive Order, known as the Finance Act (Effective Date Variation) Order, defers the implementation of changes in the Finance Act from May 23, 2023, to September 1, 2023.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) notes that the National Tax Policy (NTP), first published in 2012, underwent a review in 2016 to align with the government’s goals of creating a business-friendly environment and simplifying taxation.

    However, some tax changes did not adhere to the 90-day notice period prescribed by the 2017 NTP, putting businesses in violation of the new tax regime even before the changes were gazetted.

    These inconsistencies and uncertainties prompted President Tinubu’s deferral to ensure that taxpayers receive a 90-day notice period before any tax changes take effect, allowing for better preparation and compliance.

    The second Executive Order, the Customs, Excise Tariff (Variation) Amendment Order, also shifts the start date of tax changes from March 27, 2023, to August 1, 2023.

    This alteration provides businesses with additional time to adapt to any modifications in customs and excise duties, enabling them to make informed decisions and mitigate potential disruptions.

    Recognizing the impact of excessive taxation on certain sectors, President Tinubu has suspended the five per cent Excise Tax on telecommunication services, the Excise Duties escalation on locally manufactured products, and the newly introduced Green Tax on single-use plastics.

    The Excise Tax on telecommunication services was introduced as part of the 2022 Fiscal Policy Measures and Tariffs Amendments Order and is applicable to all telecommunications services provided in Nigeria, including postpaid and prepaid services.

    However, this tax faced significant controversy, as industry players raised concerns about multiple taxes on their operations and the potential negative impact on the sector’s growth and affordability of services.

    The Excise Duties escalation on locally manufactured products on the other hand was introduced as part of efforts to enhance revenue generation and promote local production.

    It involved increasing excise duties on various goods manufactured within Nigeria, presenting challenges for businesses, as it affected production costs, competitiveness, and ultimately, their ability to thrive in the market.

    The Green Tax, including the Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) tax, aimed to reduce plastic waste and promote environmental sustainability, by imposing an excise duty of 10 per cent on single-use plastics, including plastic containers, films, and bags.

    The tax aimed to discourage the use of SUPs and encourage the adoption of more sustainable alternatives.

    Nevertheless, concerns were raised regarding the impact on businesses and the need for a comprehensive approach that considers the country’s net zero plan without negatively affecting the economy.

    Additionally, the President has ordered the suspension of the Import Tax Adjustment (IAT) levy on certain vehicles, which initially took effect on June 1, 2023. This decision aims to ease the financial burden on individuals and businesses involved in the importation of affected vehicles.

    The IAT levy was introduced to adjust taxes on imported vehicles based on engine size and value, imposing a two per cent tax on vehicles with engine sizes ranging from 2 to 3.9 litres, and a four per cent tax on vehicles with engine sizes of 4 litres and above.

    The levy also allows the federal government to charge N75 per litre of beer, stout or wine imported into Nigeria.

    The IAT aimed to generate revenue and encourage local vehicle manufacturing, but imposed additional costs on importers and affected the affordability of these items.

    Over the past month, Nigerians have expressed their concerns and frustrations following the abrupt removal of subsidies on fuel and foreign exchange by President Tinubu, after his swearing-in on May 29.

    The sudden removal of subsidies led to increased fuel and commodity prices, as well as a weakened purchasing power, placing a significant burden on Nigerians.

    However, by issuing these orders for the suspension of these taxes, the President aims to ameliorate the adverse impacts of tax adjustments on businesses and provide much-needed relief in these challenging times.

    These measures also signify a deliberate effort to strike a balance between revenue generation and ensuring the sustainability and growth of businesses in Nigeria.

    The signing of these Executive Orders has been hailed in some quarters as a significant step towards curbing arbitrary taxation policies, promoting stability, and providing much-needed relief to businesses and households.

    It is expected that these measures would contribute to a more conducive business environment, alleviating the burden of taxation on citizens and fostering sustainable growth, in line with economic recovery efforts.

  • Newly sworn-in Enugu Governor, Mbah performs first function

    Newly sworn-in Enugu Governor, Mbah performs first function

     

    Newly sworn-in Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has signed three Executive Orders for the effective governance of the state.

    Mbah made his first signing shortly after his inauguration a the governor of the state.

    The others are: Order 001 of 2023, which is an Executive Order for the Development of Citizens’ Charter; Executive Order 002 of 2023, which is Order for the Removal of Unauthorised Street Barriers Across the State Within 100 Days; and Executive Order 003 of 2023, which is for the Promotion of Economic Growth through Transparency and Efficiency in Government.

    The Governor explained that by Order 001 for Citizens Charter, the government undertook to provide the citizens with a “peaceful and tranquil living environment devoid of insecurity and all threats to life”.

    “A justice system that efficiently adjudicates on all civil or criminal matters.

    “Critical social amenities including but not limited to good and motorable roads, qualitative world class education, portable water in every household, affordable and qualitative medical services; refuse disposal, provision of open spaces for recreation and sports and other social services as will assure a good living environment for citizens.

    “Creation of jobs to achieve the eradication of poverty in Enugu State by 2030.

    “Ensuring the maintenance of a physical and policy environment in Enugu State that will make the State conducive for establishment of new businesses and growth of existing businesses.

    “Detailed development planning defined by timely quality budget preparation and approval for implementation.

    “Transparent and inclusive governance on web and to the press defined by a regular rendering of accounts and information on government budgets and expenditure plans, including a statement about how your money is being spent, as well as quarterly summaries of government revenue, borrowings and expenditure; timely production and publishing of audited annual accounts; and consultative townhall meetings to present government’s plans and receive citizens’ feedback”.

    Others are: “The establishment of a price intelligence unit to ensure that government contract prices reflect costs that will ensure good value for money.

    “Formation of a public budget revenue and expenditure monitoring committee with broad based membership from the State, citizens and prominent Development agencies and multilateral agencies and civil society groups.

    “Quality and timely government services by all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

    “Timely and complete payments of service providers and contractors as well as emoluments to government employees and pensioners.

    “This Charter will be internally and independently assessed on an annual basis to check to what extent the government is in compliance. The results of the assessments will be graded and published.

    “This is a progressive performance improvement plan. Performance against the standards stated here are expected to be moderate in the first instance but will progressively improve as time goes on”.

    Also, the governor said that by Order 002, which is pursuant to the authority vested in his office by the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and the Laws of Enugu State, seeks to eliminate every barrier to free movement of persons and goods in the state, noting however that the Order was limited to state and local government roads only.

    While acknowledging the reason of security adduced for the erection of the barriers, Dr. Mbah assured the people of the state that the government would step up its efforts to ensure the security of lives and property.

    Giving details on Order 003, the governor said that in order to facilitate government services, “every MDA of the Enugu State Government shall publish a complete list of all requirements or conditions for obtaining products and services within the MDA’s scope of responsibility, including permits, licenses, waivers, tax related processes, filings, and approvals”.

    The Order, among others, stipulates that “Failure of the appropriate officer to act on any application within the timeline stipulated, without lawful excuse, shall amount to misconduct and be subject to appropriate disciplinary proceedings in accordance with the law and regulations applicable to the civil or public service”.

     

    Mbah during his swearing-in ceremony   pledged that his administration would not be business as usual, saying “Enugu will rubbish ‘Japa syndrome’, not by legislation, but by creatively addressing the challenges to the future of our youths”.

    “Take notice that this administration will be business unusual. Tough decisions will be taken. Those decisions will however be taken in the best interest of Ndi Enugu and Enugu State in general. You (citizens) will constitute the driving force of every action we take as your representatives.

    “We will serve you with every fiber of our being and devote all our energy and your resources to working for you and your interests. Our driving force and governance philosophy will be always based on transcendental values.

    “We will invoke the spirit of enterprise, the creative energy of our people and the remarkable industry on the streets of Enugu State to create the difference in governance.

    “We will pursue an economic growth that is unrivalled in this part of the country.

    “We will tap into the limitless resources of the private sector to provide world-class infrastructure and productive sector growth.

    “The youths of Enugu State will be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the tomorrow that is now here today. We want to expose our youths to the skills required to grasp the emerging future and create opportunities for the genius in them to flourish.

    “We also want to invoke and instil in them the can-do spirit that is innate in the Igbo man”, he stated.

    The inauguration ceremony, which witnessed a mammoth crowd as Enugu people defied both the rain and sit-at-home, was attended by notable leaders of the state, including the former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Sullivan Chime, Okwesilieze Nwodo, and former governor of old Anambra State, Chief Jim Nwobodo as well as the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, among others.

    Mbah was sworn-in alongside his deputy, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai by the Chief Judge of Enugu, Justice Raymond Ozoemena,

  • Umahi sanctions own party for contravening Executive Order

    Umahi sanctions own party for contravening Executive Order

    Ebonyi state Gov. David Umahi has ordered that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state pays a fine of N5 million for contravening the provisions of the state’s Executive Order 3 of 2022.

    The Executive Order 3 prohibits political parties from using public places such as schools, parks, and markets among others for political activities without seeking and obtaining due clearance from the state government.

    The order, signed by the governor in November, also prohibits political parties from using critical infrastructures for pasting posters without obtaining state’s clearance.

    The order for the fine imposed on the APC in the state is contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Uchenna Orji on Sunday in Abakaliki.

    He stated that Gov. Umahi was saddened by the parties’ continuous pasting of posters on electric poles, meridians, concrete roads, and on flyover bridges.

    “These parties include the APC, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the Labour Party (LP) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

    “When APC flagged off its presidential and governorship campaigns in the state, it littered the infrastructures with posters and that made other political parties to follow suit.

    “Most of the critical infrastructure have been littered with posters against the laws of the state government and the Executive Order regarding the pasting of posters and billboards,’’ the statement noted.

    Orji noted that Gov. Umahi had consequently decided to use his political party, the APC to set example as a deterrent to others.

    “The party is thus fined N5 million for contravening the law and the Executive Order.

    “The APC must pay the money to the state’s Internally Generated Revenue account and obtain a receipt.

    “The party should publish the payment in all media platforms including the social media before Dec. 31 or risk paying a default fee of 50 million,’’ the statement read.

    Gov. Umahi also ordered the APC to remove all posters on pasted infrastructures before Dec. 31.

    “The Governor has decided to forgive all other political parties and appeal to them to remove their posters on critical infrastructures before Dec. 31.

    “They are to desist forthwith from defacing our facilities or face similar penalty like APC in Ebonyi.

    “The governor appeals to all political parties not to take this benevolence as a sign of weakness.

    “Government will seal all secretariats and campaign offices of parties that fail to remove their posters or desist from continuous pasting of posters on critical infrastructure,’’ he warned.

    Orji stated also that Gov. Umahi had banned all street campaigns in the state.

    “He has directed all local government area chairmen, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports and the Commissioner for Education among other aides, to process all applications of political parties intending to use infrastructures for campaigns.

    “Any political party that is denied such opportunity and has complied with the laws of the state and the Executive Order must report to the state governor.

    “Affected parties can also report to the Commissioner of Police or the Director of the State Security Service within 24 hours for immediate approval,’’ the statement read.

  • NCDMB emerges best MDA in ease of doing business ranking

    NCDMB emerges best MDA in ease of doing business ranking

    The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has been adjudged the best among all Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the country in the latest Executive Order (EO1) performance ranking for Ease of Doing Business from January to June.

    The report is compiled by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), under the office of the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    A statement posted on the board’s website on Wednesday said NCDMB came tops with 81.48 per cent, according to the report, released officially on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The statement said PEBEC was established in 2016 by President Muhammadu Buhari to address bottlenecks and bureaucratic constraints to executing business in Nigeria.

    According to the statement, the implication of this performance ranking shows that NCDMB has delivered service in a quality, efficient and effective manner in the past six months to its diverse stakeholders.

    It said over the years, the board had moved from the 27th position in 2019 to being the most improved MDA in the country and the third position in 2020, and presently the first in the country.

    Commenting on the report, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Mr Simbi Wabote explained that the “trend of the positions the board has been ranked shows the impressive level of work we have put into delivering quality service over the years.

    “With the right attitude, training, and support, we have achieved the number one spot.

    “We would not rest on our oars and we will continue to give our utmost best and commitment to delivering quality service to our stakeholders and also explore areas of improvement.”

    Wabote thanked the NCDMB’s employees for their efforts in accomplishing the target he had set in June 2021 when he signed the Board’s SERVICOM Service charter.

    He disclosed that the board signed Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with key stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to ensure promptness and effectiveness in the delivery of its statutory responsibilities.

    Wabote said: “At some point, we challenged the oil and gas industry that we have a 15-day rule that anything they send to us and they do not get a response within 15 days, they should assume that it has been approved.

    “Nobody has been able to take us to task on it because we meet the SLA that we signed.”

  • Insecurity: Tambuwal invokes Executive Order banning sale, transportation of cattle, firewood, others in Sokoto

    Insecurity: Tambuwal invokes Executive Order banning sale, transportation of cattle, firewood, others in Sokoto

    Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, has invoked an executive order banning motorists from plying Marnona/Issa Road linking the eastern part of the state.

    The Commissioner for Information, Isa Bajini, disclosed this via a statement issued on Wednesday, noting that the move followed the rising challenges in the state.

    Sokoto is one of the few states in the North-West that is affected by the activities of bandits who kidnap for ransom, rape, steal and attack villages.

    But the commissioner said his principal signed the order in exercising the powers conferred on him by Section 176, Subsection (2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

    The order, known as Security Challenges (containment) Order, also seeks to suspend the sale of all animals and transportation of cattle in trucks/lorries in 13 local government areas of the state.

    It further states that only designated filling stations are allowed to sell petrol and Diesel of not more than ₦5,000 to motorists in the said local council and takes immediate effect.

    The affected local governments include Gada, Goronyo, Gudu, Ilele, Isa, Kebbe, Sabin Birni, Shagari, Rabah, Tambuwal, Tangaza, Tureta and Wurno.

    See the full statement below:

     

    PRESS RELEASE

    SOKOTO STATE ON INSECURITY

    Due to the prevailing insecurity in the state, occasioned by armed banditry which has led to huge loss of lives and properties, undermining free movement of people, goods and services in the affected areas, the Governor of Sokoto State, Rt Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, CFR, Mutawallen Sokoto has approved an Executive Order in response to the situation.

    The Governor is in the exercise of powers conferred upon him by the Subsection (2) of Section 176 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, to issue the order to be known as: Security Challenges (Containment) Order.

    The Order takes effect immediately today, September 1, 2021 and directs as follows:

    1. Immediate total closure of Isa Marnona Road to all motorists until further notice. Travelers plying that road are advised to go through the Goronyo-Sabon Birni axis.
    2. Lorries/Trucks or other vehicles carrying firewood from the forests are hereby prohibited;
    3. Suspension of the sale of all animals at the markets of Gada, Goronyo, Gudu, Ilela, Isa, Kebbe, Sabon Birni, Shagari, Rabah Tambuwal Tangaza, Tureta and Wurno Local Governments Areas;
    4. Prohibition of transportation of cattle using trucks/lorries in Gada, Goronyo, Gudu, Illela, Isa, Kebbe, Sabon Birni, Shagari, Rabah Tambuwal Tangaza, Tureta and Wurno Local Governments Areas;
    5. Prohibition of carrying 3 persons on motorcycles and more than 3 passengers on a tricycle throughout the State;
    6. Prohibition of the sale of second-hand motorcycles at Gada, Goronyo, Gudu, Ilela, Isa, Kebbe, Sabon Birni, Shagari, Rabah Tambuwal Tangaza, Tureta, Achida, Gande, Gwadabawa and Wurno Markets;
    7. Prohibition of operation of commercial tricycles and motorcycles from 10:00 pm to 6:00 a.m in the State Capital, and 6:00 p.m 6:00 a.m in Gada Goronyo, Gudu, Gwadabawa, Illela, Isa, Kebbe, Sabon Birni, Shagari, Rabah Tambuwal Tangaz, Tureta and Wurno Local Governments Areas.
    8. Prohibition of the sale of petrol in jerrycans at filling stations.
    9. Only designated Filling stations are allowed to sell petrol and diesel of not more than N5,000.00 to motorists in Gada, Goronyo, Gudu, Ilela, Isa, Kebbe, Sabon Birni, Shagari, Rabah, Tambuwal Tangaza, Tureta and Wurno Local Governments Areas
    10. Only authorized essential workers (health personnel, security personnel and Journalists) could use tricycles and motorcycles beyond the banned periods.

    The State Governor, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal urges the people of Sokoto State to adhere to the provisions of the order, which is passed after wide consultation with all Stakeholders and constituted authorities as well security and law enforcement agencies.

    The Government has taken the measure out of the need to introduce additional countervailing measures in the affected areas in order to contain the banditry and mitigate the damages it is causing to social and economic activities and preserve peace;

    SIGNED:

    Alhaji Isa Bajini,

    Hon. Commissioner for Information, Sokoto State

  • Biden signs Executive Order reopening Obamacare enrolment

    Biden signs Executive Order reopening Obamacare enrolment

    The Joe Biden administration has reopened the option for the American public to sign up for government-subsidised health insurance.

    An executive order that Biden signed gives millions who lost insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic the opportunity to enroll online at HealthCare.gov.

    The special enrollment period runs up to May 15.

    In accordance with the Executive Order, the Centres for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that the Special Enrollment Period for the Health Insurance Marketplace will be available to consumers in the 36 states that use the HealthCare.gov platform.

    At least 13 States and the District of Columbia, which operate their own Marketplace platforms, have decided to offer a similar opportunity.

    CMS said that individuals and families who are uninsured can take this opportunity to look for coverage and find out if they qualify for financial assistance to help pay for health insurance.

    Currently nine out of 10 consumers enrolled in coverage through HealthCare.gov receive financial help and 75 per cent of consumers can purchase a plan for 50 dollars or less per month after financial assistance.

    In addition, all of the plans at HealthCare.gov cover essential health benefits, such as primary care visits, and cover many preventive care services with no out-of-pocket costs to the consumer.

    “We need to strengthen the Affordable Care Act and give more Americans access to health care, especially during this pandemic”, Biden said in a statement.

    HHS Acting Secretary Norris Cochran said that CMS intends to release data on consumer activities during the SEP for each month as consumers apply and enroll in coverage.

    The first report is anticipated in early March, which will cover consumers who applied and enrolled through SEP in February and have coverage starting March 1.

    CMS intends to release a monthly report for February, March, and April, and then a final report after May 15 covering the full period.

    Consumers who want to access the SEP to enroll in coverage and see if they qualify for financial help to reduce the cost of monthly premiums can visit HealthCare.gov or CuidadoDeSalud.gov to view 2021 plans and prices and enroll in a plan that best meets their needs, the Centres for Medicare & Medicaid Services said in a statement.

  • Coup: Biden approves Executive Order to sanction Myanmar’s military leaders

    Coup: Biden approves Executive Order to sanction Myanmar’s military leaders

    President Joe Biden approved an executive order to enable the U.S. to sanction members of Myanmar’s military for their involvement in a recent coup.

    Biden announced this on Wednesday.

    “Today, I’ve approved a new executive order enabling us to immediately sanction the military leaders who directed the coup, their business interests, as well as close family members,” Biden said.

    The U.S. will identify a first round of targets this week, and will also impose export controls on the country and freeze U.S. assets that benefit the government of Myanmar.

    “Today, I again call on the Burmese military to immediately release the democratic political leaders and activists they are now detaining,” Biden said.

  • Biden signs new Executive Order to ramp up refugee admissions from Trump’s 15,000 to 125,000 per year

    Biden signs new Executive Order to ramp up refugee admissions from Trump’s 15,000 to 125,000 per year

    President Joe Biden issued an executive order on Thursday to increase refugee admissions and allow the U.S. to set a goal of providing safe haven to 125,000 people around the world fleeing violence, conflict and persecution during his first full fiscal year in office.

    According to a report by cbsnews.com, President Biden in the order called for an expansion of the decades-old U.S. refugee program, which was gutted by former President Trump, who frequently portrayed refugees as economic and security risks. After former President Obama set a 110,000-person ceiling before leaving office, Mr. Trump slashed it every fiscal year, allocating a historically low 15,000 spots in 2020.

    During a speech at the State Department earlier Thursday, Mr. Biden said the objective is to set a 125,000-person cap for fiscal year 2022, which starts in October. Mr. Biden also said he directed the State Department to consult with Congress “about making a down payment on that commitment as soon as possible,” hinting that he may move to raise the 15,000 cap for the current fiscal year.

     

    “It’s going to take time to rebuild what has been so badly damaged, but that’s precisely what we’re going to do,” Mr. Biden said during his remarks, noting that refugee resettlement has historically enjoyed bipartisan support.

     

    Last week, the United Nations refugee agency reported that countries around the globe received fewer than 23,000 refugees in 2020, the lowest number in nearly two decades, in part due to travel restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic. The agency said that out of the more than 20 million refugees it is assisting in different countries, 1.44 million are in urgent need of resettlement.

    The U.S. admitted less than 12,000 refugees in fiscal year 2020 and received nearly 1,000 between October and December, according to the latest State Department data.

    The modern U.S. refugee program, established in 1980, is designed to offer protection to people abroad who have faced persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a social group, like the LGBT community.

    In his order Thursday, Mr. Biden declared that his administration would prioritize the resettlement of women, children and others facing persecution because of their gender or sexual orientation. He also instructed an interagency examination of ways to help people displaced by climate change, including by resettling them in the U.S.

  • Biden to sign Executive Order to rescind Trump’s travel ban, others on inauguration day

    Biden to sign Executive Order to rescind Trump’s travel ban, others on inauguration day

    President-elect Joe Biden plans to sign roughly a dozen executive orders, including rejoining the Paris climate accord and ending the travel ban on predominantly Muslim countries, on his first day in office, according to a memo from incoming chief of staff Ron Klain.

    He’ll also sign orders halting evictions and student loan payments during the coronavirus pandemic and issuing a mask mandate on all federal property in an effort to either roll back moves made by the Trump administration or advance policy in a way that was impossible in the current administration.

    One of Biden’s most common campaign trail promises was to tackle an issue on his first day in office — a pledge he usually made to either contrast himself with President Donald Trump or highlight just how important he believed an issue to be.

    These promises were made on everything from climate change to immigration to foreign policy, and many are reflected in Klain’s Saturday memo, which was first reported by the New York Times.

    Beyond executive actions in his first days in office, the memo outlines that Biden plans to send Congress a large-scale immigration plan within his first 100 days in office.

    The plan would offer a pathway to citizenship for the millions of undocumented immigrations currently in the United States.

    Biden rolled out his first legislative priority this week, announcing a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package that included direct payments to Americans.

    The day after Biden is inaugurated, according to Klain, he will “sign a number of executive actions to move aggressively to change the course of the COVID-19 crisis and safely re-open schools and businesses, including by taking action to mitigate spread through expanding testing, protecting workers, and establishing clear public health standards.”

    And on January 22, Biden will direct his Cabinet agencies to “take immediate action to deliver economic relief to working families bearing the brunt of this crisis,” Klain writes.