Immigration news

Increased immigration of low-skilled workers from Mexico and Central America helps to explain the pattern of low average wage growth in the US in recent years, the Congressional Budget Office said in a report released on 10 Nov.

Latin American workers, with less education than US natives and who earn less, have cut overall average earnings in the US. But given the growth of immigrants, the increase in the earnings gap between US workers with more and less education may be less than is often suggested.

Irish nationals prefer to own their own homes, rather than rent. New arrivals to Ireland appear to have the same preference, with one estate agent reporting that non-national buyers represent up to 30 percent of new homes sales.

The US Senate approved a bill eliminating social benefits for legal immigrants, arguing that it will save the Federal Budget 35 billion dollars over the next five years.

The New York daily Tribuna Hispana assesses that 70,000 immigrants will lose their right to food stamps and Medicare services unless they become US citizens.

The House Budget Committee approved a 54 billion USD deduction package that eliminates food stamps for some 300,000 people, including thousands of immigrants, and sources expect it will be approved by the House.

From 13 November 2005, all nationals from non-EEA member states as listed below who wish to come to the UK for more than six months will need to obtain an entry clearance from a British diplomatic mission before travelling.

The entry clearance, which will cost £85.00 will enable the traveller to stay for the full period without having to apply for a residence permit unless they wish to change or extend their stay.

Refugees in Glasgow are to be targeted for a career in the health service. A new pilot scheme has been created to tap into the skills of thousands of refugees in the city who are currently out of work.

The number of new international graduate students enrolling in American universities appears to have increased slightly this autumn following three years of decline.

The figure rose 1 percent compared to a year ago, the Council of Graduate Schools says in a new report. Following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, the numbers fell 8 percent in 2002, 10 percent in 2003, and 3 percent in 2004.

Heath Brown, director of research and policy analysis at the CGS, said, "That's a positive sign. But we're certainly not rebounded to the pre-2002 levels."