World News

Parole: What to know about the GOP’s latest border sticking point on January 24, 2024 at 11:00 am

Published

2 years ago

January 24, 2024

Parole, a key component of the Biden administration’s border management strategy, is the latest in a string of once-obscure immigration and border policies elevated to the political limelight amid wrangling over migration.

Parole is in essence the executive’s prerogative to allow a foreign national or a group of foreign nationals to enter the country and receive work authorization, bypassing the regular visa process.

But it’s also the issue that has most grated on Republicans throughout discussions.

For more than a month, GOP members have warned Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Biden administration officials involved in talks that negotiations with Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) must address the issue or the party will withhold its support for the burgeoning package.

“Not where things need to be,” Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said when asked how close negotiators are on the subject. “We’ve still got more work to do. That’s something that we should make really clear to folks. For us to be successful and to get a majority of our conference, we’ve got to deliver a little bit more on the parole front or we could have real challenges.”

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) has been among the most prominent Republicans to beat the drum for parole changes, holding a press conference last week dedicated to the topic where he declared that without changes to the parole process, there will be no deal.

The South Carolina senator pointed to statistics showing a gargantuan spike in those who have been granted parole since Biden took office and claimed the White House is abusing the authority. Prior to Biden’s tenure, the average per year hovered north of 5,000, rising to nearly 800,000 during fiscal 2022.

As of Tuesday, Graham said that his concerns have not been alleviated, but that negotiators are trying to address them.

Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.), who appeared alongside Graham at the press conference, told reporters a day earlier that administration officials appear “more open” to parole changes, but that a strict cap on those granted that authority is unlikely.

“There are some changes that will be made in parole that I think will get at the abuse and misuse of it,” Thune said.

But administration officials, Senate Democrats, academics, immigration advocates and some labor leaders say culling parole would likely generate more chaos at the border and beyond.

“Working within the constraints of outdated immigration laws that Congress has failed to fix for decades, and that are directly contributing to the challenges we are facing at the border, this Administration has implemented a balanced approach that combines the largest expansion of lawful pathways in years with significantly strengthened consequences for those who cross unlawfully,” a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson told The Hill.

The talks, hosted by Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), have included technical advice provided by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who instituted the Biden administration’s use of parole as a means to attract migrants toward legal avenues of entering the United States, including through the CBP One app, which channels them to ports of entry.

The administration’s use of parole has drawn attention as a pathway for certain otherwise ineligible migrants to enter and work in the United States, and as a means for the Border Patrol to release certain migrants, a practice derided by some Republicans as “catch and release.”

Yet parole’s uses go far beyond the border enforcement actions that have soured Republicans on the practice.

“Humanitarian parole is being used in really important ways,” Sen. Debbie Stabenow (Mich.), the No. 3 Senate Democrat, told The Hill, pointing to the use of the process to help Afghans who fled after the Taliban took control of the country in 2021. “It is a tool for any president that in some way has to be maintained. It would make absolutely no sense to do away with it.”

Recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) are allowed to travel internationally under advanced parole, which gives them pre-authorization to reenter the country.

The same travel use applies for certain permanent residency applicants who have work permits but have not yet received their green cards.

“This is a critical tool to allow people that are here and contributing and paying taxes to be able to utilize until our Congress is finally able to get a federal immigration reform done. So it is an absolute critical, moral and economic tool,” said Rebecca Shi, executive director of the American Business Immigration Coalition.

On the humanitarian end, parole is also used to allow quick access to U.S. hospitals to foreign nationals without visas either for emergency or specialized medical care not available to them.

It’s also an important family unification tool — essentially the only available legal framework for undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens to regularize their paperwork.

While the Border Patrol has at times used significant public benefit or humanitarian parole in individual cases, its use of parole generally falls under a different statute that allows officers to release parolees out of custody.

Migrants paroled under those circumstances are not eligible for work permits and are put in deportation proceedings.

That use of parole has drawn the most heat for the Biden administration.

Yet a January analysis of apprehension and deportation numbers by the Cato Institute found that increased use of detention during the Trump administration did not increase repatriations — that released migrants are just as likely to be deported as detained migrants.

And the Biden administration is running a robust deportation machine: More than half of the border encounters since 2021 have resulted in removals, returns or expulsions.

“We have removed or returned more non-citizens without a basis to remain in the United States each day than at any time since fiscal year 2010. This includes over 482,000 individuals since May 12, who have been returned or repatriated and that includes more than 81,000 individual family unit members,” an administration official told reporters last week.

“In fact, through the end of 2023 removals and returns exceed the number of removals and returns each fiscal year from 2015 to 2019. And daily removals and enforcement returns are nearly double what they were compared to our pre-pandemic average from 2014 to 2019.”

And parole, which has been in place in some form since the early 1900s, has historically proven an effective geopolitical tool for both Republican and Democratic administrations.

According to a Cato Institute paper last year, the U.S. government has issued parole to categories or populations of foreign nationals 123 times since 1952, when parole was first codified under that name.

The first use of parole for a group was for Hungarians escaping the 1956 Red Army invasion that crushed the country’s anti-Soviet revolution.

It was also used to receive Vietnamese, Laotian and Cambodian nationals after the Vietnam War, and most recently by the Biden administration to manage arrivals from Afghanistan, Ukraine, Haiti, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Colombia.

“As a result of these efforts, hundreds of thousands of noncitizens have followed lawful pathways and orderly processes instead of crossing illegally between ports of entry,” said the DHS spokesperson.

“The fact remains that, for decades, Republican and Democratic Administrations alike have used parole authority on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.”

Senate negotiations over a border policy proposal tied to aid for Ukraine are snagged on the White House’s immigration parole authority, according to GOP senators who have publicly weighed in on the talks. Parole, a key component of the Biden administration’s border management strategy, is the latest in a string of once-obscure immigration and border…

Business

GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT RETURNS FOR ITS 5TH EDITION AT THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT – HOUSE OF LORDS, PALACE OF WESTMINSTER

Published

4 weeks ago

May 16, 2026

Bolanle Media Staff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Theme: “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation”

London, United Kingdom — The Global Sustainability Summit (GSS) is officially back for its landmark 5th Edition, continuing its legacy as one of the leading international platforms driving sustainable development, climate action, ethical investment, innovation, and global collaboration.

Convened annually at the prestigious British Parliament, House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, by Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto, the Summit has, over the last four years, successfully fostered international dialogue and partnerships that have contributed to the advancement of global sustainability goals, the establishment of sustainability-focused ministries, departments and policy structures across national and subnational governments, and the attraction of major investors into sustainable development projects, corporations and emerging economies.

This year’s summit, themed “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation,” will explore how emerging technologies, responsible leadership, sustainable finance, innovation, and global partnerships can shape a more inclusive, resilient and environmentally conscious future.

The 5th Edition promises to be the most impactful yet, bringing together world leaders, policymakers, diplomats, investors, academics, innovators, climate experts and youth leaders from across the globe to discuss actionable solutions toward achieving a sustainable and equitable future.

Among the distinguished speakers, delegates and honorees already lined up for the Summit are:

• His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq — Executive Governor of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum

• His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Otu — Executive Governor of Cross River State, Nigeria

• Ambassador Patricia Espinosa Cantellano — Former Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Former Foreign Minister of Mexico

• Lord Marvin Rees, Baron Rees of Easton OBE — Member of the House of Lords, United Kingdom

• Hon. Neema K. Lugangira — Secretary-General of Women Political Leaders (WPL), Brussels and Former Member of Parliament

• Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah — President of the Republic of Namibia

• His Excellency Nangolo Mbumba — Former President of Namibia

• Former President of Tanzania

• Her Excellency Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq — First Lady of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairperson of Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum

• Your Excellency Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, PhD, CON — Executive Governor of Katsina State and Chairman of the Northwest Governors Forum, Nigeria

• Hon. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma — Governor of Khomas Region, Namibia

• H.E. Mr. Veiccoh Nghiwete — High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia to the United Kingdom

• Her Excellency Ms. Macenje “Che Che” Mazoka — High Commissioner of Zambia to the United Kingdom

• Ms. Danielle Newman — Partner Lead, ICT, World Economic Forum

• Leanne Elliott Young — Co-founder, Institute of Digital Fashion & CommuneEast

• Ms. Chloe Russell — Producer & Presenter, Art, Science and Nature

• Professor Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger — University of Cambridge & University of Waterloo

• Dr. Alexandra R. Harrington — IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law (WCEL)

• Professor Payam Akhavan — Massey College, University of Toronto

• Mr. Mallai C. E. Sathya — President, Dravida Vetri Kazhagam and International Movement for Tamil Culture Asia

The Summit will feature high-level panel discussions, strategic investment conversations, sustainability awards, policy dialogues, innovation showcases, youth engagement sessions and international networking opportunities focused on climate resilience, ethical financing, food-water-energy sustainability, circular economy, artificial intelligence, diplomacy and sustainable development.

Speaking ahead of the Summit, Convener Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto noted:

“As the world rapidly evolves through artificial intelligence and technological innovation, we must ensure that sustainability remains people-centered, environmentally responsible and economically inclusive. The Global Sustainability Summit continues to serve as a bridge connecting governments, institutions, innovators and investors to accelerate practical sustainability solutions globally. Our fifth edition is not only a celebration of progress made over the years, but also a renewed call for global collaboration and actionable impact toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and Net Zero ambitions.”

The Global Sustainability Summit continues to position itself as a catalyst for transformative partnerships and sustainable global progress, reinforcing the urgent need for collective action toward a more resilient and sustainable future.

More announcements regarding additional speakers, partners and summit activities will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

News

US May Completely Cut Income Tax Due to Tariff Revenue

Published

6 months ago

November 30, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

President Donald Trump says the United States might one day get rid of federal income tax because of money the government collects from tariffs on imported goods. Tariffs are extra taxes the U.S. puts on products that come from other countries.

What Trump Is Saying

Trump has said that tariff money could become so large that it might allow the government to cut income taxes “almost completely.” He has also talked about possibly phasing out income tax over the next few years if tariff money keeps going up.

How Taxes Work Now

Right now, the federal government gets much more money from income taxes than from tariffs. Income taxes bring in trillions of dollars each year, while tariffs bring in only a small part of that total. Because of this gap, experts say tariffs would need to grow by many times to replace income tax money.

Questions From Experts

Many economists and tax experts doubt that tariffs alone could pay for the whole federal budget. They warn that very high tariffs could make many imported goods more expensive for shoppers in the United States. This could hit lower- and middle‑income families hardest, because they spend a big share of their money on everyday items.

What Congress Must Do

The president can change some tariffs, but only Congress can change or end the federal income tax. That means any real plan to remove income tax would need new laws passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. So far, there is no detailed law or full budget plan on this idea.

What It Means Right Now

For now, Trump’s comments are a proposal, not a change in the law. People and businesses still have to pay federal income tax under the current rules. The debate over using tariffs instead of income taxes is likely to continue among lawmakers, experts, and voters.

News

Epstein Files to Be Declassified After Trump Order

Published

7 months ago

November 20, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing federal agencies to declassify all government files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier whose death in 2019 continues to fuel controversy and speculation.

The order, signed Wednesday at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, instructs the FBI, Department of Justice, and intelligence agencies to release documents detailing Epstein’s network, finances, and alleged connections to high-profile figures. Trump described the move as “a step toward transparency and public trust,” promising that no names would be shielded from scrutiny.

“This information belongs to the American people,” Trump said in a televised statement. “For too long, powerful interests have tried to bury the truth. That ends now.”

U.S. intelligence officials confirmed that preparations for the release are already underway. According to sources familiar with the process, the first batch of documents is expected to be made public within the next 30 days, with additional releases scheduled over several months.

Reactions poured in across the political spectrum. Supporters praised the decision as a bold act of accountability, while critics alleged it was politically motivated, timed to draw attention during a volatile election season. Civil rights advocates, meanwhile, emphasized caution, warning that some records could expose private victims or ongoing legal matters.

The Epstein case, which implicated figures in politics, business, and entertainment, remains one of the most talked-about scandals of the past decade. Epstein’s connections to influential individuals—including politicians, royals, and executives—have long sparked speculation about the extent of his operations and who may have been involved.

Former federal prosecutor Lauren Fields said the release could mark a turning point in public discourse surrounding government transparency. “Regardless of political stance, this declassification has the potential to reshape how Americans view power and accountability,” Fields noted.

Officials say redactions may still occur to protect sensitive intelligence or personal information, but the intent is a near-complete disclosure. For years, critics of the government’s handling of Epstein’s case have accused agencies of concealing evidence or shielding elites from exposure. Trump’s order promises to change that narrative.

As anticipation builds, journalists, legal analysts, and online commentators are preparing for what could be one of the most consequential information releases in recent history.