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Greece’s Asylum Freeze Sparks Global Outcry Amid Crete Migrant Surge

In a move that has ignited fierce backlash from human rights organizations and the United Nations, Greece has passed legislation temporarily halting asylum applications from migrants arriving by sea from North Africa. The three-month suspension, approved by parliament with 177 votes in favor and 74 against, allows for expedited repatriation without prior identification. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis defended the measure as a “difficult but necessary decision” in response to a sharp rise in irregular arrivals, particularly from Libya to the island of Crete. Over 7,000 migrants have reached Crete and nearby Gavdos this year, straining local resources and prompting concerns from the tourism industry. Rights groups, including the International Rescue Committee, have condemned the ban as illegal and inhumane, warning it violates international and European law. The UNHCR echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the right to seek asylum is a fundamental human right regardless of how or wh...

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Senate Narrowly Advances Trump’s Sweeping Tax and Spending Bill in High-Stakes Weekend Vote

 

In a rare and dramatic Saturday session, U.S. Senate Republicans narrowly advanced President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and spending bill, dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” setting the stage for a high-stakes legislative showdown ahead of the July 4th deadline.

The 940-page bill, which includes approximately $3.8 trillion in tax cuts, passed a key procedural vote 51-49, with Vice President JD Vance on standby to break a potential tie. Two Republican senators—Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Rand Paul of Kentucky—joined all Democrats in opposition, citing deep concerns over proposed Medicaid cuts.

The legislation proposes making Trump-era tax breaks permanent, eliminating taxes on tips and overtime pay, and introducing new deductions for seniors and families. However, it also includes controversial provisions such as stricter work requirements for Medicaid recipients and significant reductions in food assistance programs.

Tensions ran high in the chamber, with negotiations dragging for hours and several GOP senators flipping their votes after last-minute concessions. President Trump, who spent the day at his Virginia golf course, reportedly worked the phones late into the night to rally support.

The bill now heads into a marathon amendment process, with Senate leaders hoping to finalize it in time for Independence Day. If passed, it would return to the House for a final vote before reaching the president’s desk.


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