Australia, followed by Canada, topped a worldwide survey of the world's favourite nations. One thousand people in 10 nations were asked to rank countries on a series of criteria, ranging across tourism, immigration, exports, investment, culture, heritage and people. The survey of 25 nations was compiled by marketing research firms Anholt-GMI.
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Immigration news
On 1 Aug., the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that 47,395 new H1B petitions had already been filed against the fiscal year (FY) 2006 cap. The United States H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa, which allows a US company to employ a foreign individual for up to six years.
The UK Home Office has clarified the amount of time that foreign investors settling in Britain are allowed to spend outside of the UK.
The anti immigration party New Zealand First has launched its election campaign across the country for the upcoming elections on 17 September.The party could be a key player in the next parliament, although other parties shy away from a coalition with what some call a "racist" and "xenophobic" party.
The Canadian government issued a warning to gay travelers following the refusal of some governments, including the US, to recognize Canadian same-sex marriages and in the aftermath of the executions of two gay men in Iran.
Canada this month became one of only four countries to legalize same-sex marriage. The Netherlands, Belgium and Spain are the other three.
Some weeks, José Edgardo Andrande makes less than $200. Other weeks, his pay tops $1,200. "But then it goes down to $500" the next week, said Mr. Andrande, 42, a job hopper from El Salvador who, for 24 years, has worked as a delivery person, electrician, restaurant worker and builder in the United States.
Despite the changes, one financial transaction has remained the same. Each month he sends $700 home to support his two sons and mother in his native San Salvador.