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Worldnews

Ripple Effect: In US, Anti-immigrant Policy Strains Child And Eldercare

Immigrants are scared to show up to work, exacerbating a worker shortage in key industries. When she saw the Trump sign in the yard, Camila knew she would have to watch out. It was February 2025, and Camila* had shown up at a home in North Texas to meet the new family for whom she would nanny. The 22-year-old college student doesn’t have legal documentation, but that’s never been an issue. In her experience, many families like to pay their childcare workers in cash. Still, this new family posed an interesting challenge. The interior of the home was filled with more Trump paraphernalia. “Trump everything, everywhere,” Camila says. It turned out the father works for Fox News. “It was very ironic,” Camila told Al Jazeera. “If I were to say, ‘Hey, this is my legal situation,’ it could have gone one of two ways. Maybe they wouldn’t care, or maybe they would’ve told me to get out. And who knows what would’ve happened then.” She ultimately decided not to tell them and just focused on her job of caring for their children. The uncomfortable encounter and the “chill” it gave Camila evoke a larger problem. In the US, immigrant labour, including undocumented workers, has long propped up the childcare, home care and elder care industries. Yet amid the anti-immigrant policy and posture in US President Donald Trump’s second administration, including the threat of “mass deportations”, those ailing industries face new threats that experts say could have a “ripple effect” on millions of Americans. “People are not showing up for work because they’re concerned about raids happening in their workplace,” said Lori Smetanka, executive director of the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care. And children, she added, “have been really worried about their parents and whether or not they’re going to be coming home at the end of the day”. Economists have documented the devastating effect mass deportations would have on the economy, and organisations like the American Immigration Council map the trillions of dollars immigrants contribute to the US in taxes and spending power. But some industries are uniquely vulnerable to shifts in immigration policy. For instance, about one in five US childcare workers are immigrants, and some studies indicate that nearly 30 percent of direct care workers are immigrants. As multiple experts emphasised to Al Jazeera, these roles have a far-reaching effect on communities across the country. “There are going to be ripple effects based on some of the policies that we’re seeing being put into place,” Smetanka said. The policies, she continued, “are impacting the ability of immigrants to not only come to this country, but get their citizenship, to feel safe in staying and working in this country, and to provide the services that are necessary in those communities”. Early in his second term, Trump rescinded the “sensitive areas” guidance that has prevented immigration raids from occurring in schools, churches and places of employment. The government is also denying or delaying H-1B visa permits, which continues a decade-long trend of diminishing access to a programme that helps immigrants find work. “We want people, by the way, to come into our country, but we want them to come in through a legal process,” President Trump said in his April 2 tariffs announcement. “We need people to run these plants and to help the auto workers and the teamsters and the non-union people and everybody else, but we need people.” Despite this rhetoric, the president’s administration has limited legal pathways by freezing the US refugee resettlement programme. Then, in an interview on April 15, Trump proposed a new pathway by which “great people” could be eligible to re-enter the US and attain permanent citizenship status if they first leave the country, then receive sponsorship from an employer. The president has also proposed the creation of a “gold card” visa that would cost applicants $5m. Colleen Putzel-Kavanaugh, a policy analyst for the Migration Policy Institute, said the policy’s core objective “seems to be to bring wealth to the US”. To evaluate if the legal pathways for immigrants are getting stronger, one would have to look at not just the number of visas granted but also “who those visas are reaching, if strengthening legal pathways reduces irregular migration, or the timeframe in which visas are processed”. In other words, admitting more immigrants through a “legal process” Trump referred to in his April 2 speech would involve making visas easier to attain, something he failed to do in his first term, where so-called legal migration diminished. Further still, the revocation of temporary protected status has school administrators, nursing home leaders and daycare operators wondering who they can hire and how they can protect them. Wendy Cervantes says these changes have been made so that immigrant families are “attacked from every angle”. Cervantes is the director of immigration and immigrant families at The Center for Law and Social Policy, and her team recently held a webinar to provide technical assistance for childcare providers across the US. She said more than 1,000 people showed up, driven by the “stress and fear” created by the new administration’s approach to immigration. “People aren’t just worried about parents any more; they’re worried about staff, too,” she told Al Jazeera. As a result, administrators in fields like childcare are learning about the intricacies of warrants: Which kind of documentation is needed, and what information an immigration officer needs to provide to be legally allowed on the premises. “This knowledge at least gives them some measure of agency,” she said. “But that’s a really scary place to be in.” One of Cervantes’s goals is similar to that of the economists tracking the effect of deportations: She wants people to realise how much their lives are shaped by immigrants. This is especially true for anyone whose family has some connection to the childcare, home care or elder care sectors. Roughly 20 percent of all US seniors live in rural communities, and in the last five years, 40 new counties have become nursing home deserts: Areas where nursing care is needed but unavailable, forcing residents to drive long distances for much-needed care. According to Smetanka, when a nursing home closes, it leaves a gaping hole in the community. Dozens lose jobs, and patients – who likely had few options to begin with – are left scrambling to find a new home. It’s difficult to quantify the economic and psychological effect this has on a family or a community at large, just as, for Cervantes, it’s difficult to quantify the damage done to a child’s psyche when they’re afraid of being deported. Despite all of this, Smetanka says it’s important to remember how much immigrants want to remain in the US and keep working in places like nursing homes. The average hourly pay for direct care workers increased by less than $3 between 2014 and 2023, but healthcare fields remain widely popular among immigrants. Sarah Valdez, an immigration lawyer based in Austin, Texas, puts it bluntly, “You [won’t be able to] replace the 10 people you deported with 10 American-born workers.” Camila, the nanny from North Texas, is one of those people who is willing to work long hours, without complaint, and for little pay. Nannying may not be her long-term career, but she chose the field because she needed to pay for her school, and she loves working with kids. In many cases, she feels as if she spends as much time with her clients as their parents do. Her typical day involves getting up at 6am and working until about 10pm, while finding time for classwork and studies in any free time she can manage. She’s helped multiple children cope with divorce and sudden deaths in the family, among many other life situations. “With everything happening in the world, I don’t know what’s next for me,” she said. “I’m just taking it day by day, week by week. But I know I want to stay. I’m just glad to be here right now.” *Camila’s name has been changed to protect her identity. Follow Al Jazeera English:...

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Worldnews

US Attacks Yemen Again After At Least 80 People Killed In Hodeidah

UN chief Antonio Guterres says he is ‘gravely concerned’ about US air strikes this week on Yemen. The United States has carried out 13 air strikes on Hodeidah’s port and airport, the Houthi-affiliated TV channel Al Masirah says, two days after a US air strike targeted the Ras Isa port, also in Hodeidah, killing at least 80 people and wounding more than 150. Al Masirah also reported Saturday that three people were killed and four injured due to a US attack on al-Thawra, Bani Matar, and al-Safiah districts in the capital Sanaa. The Houthis have promised to carry out “more operations” despite the ongoing US attacks. US President Donald Trump’s administration announced a major military offensive against the Houthis a few weeks ago. It said the air strikes are aimed at forcing the Houthis to stop threatening ships sailing on the Red Sea on a route crucial to international trade. Since November 2023, the group has reportedly launched more than 100 attacks on vessels it says are linked to Israel in response to Israel’s war on Gaza and in solidarity with Palestinians. On Friday, Houthi official Mohammed Nasser al-Atifi told Al Masirah that the “American enemy’s crimes” will not deter the Yemeni people from supporting Gaza, but “rather will strengthen their steadfastness and resilience”. The Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah or “supporters of God”, are an armed group that controls most parts of Yemen, including Sanaa. The group emerged in the 1990s but rose to prominence in 2014 when it seized Sanaa and forced President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi to flee the country. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “is gravely concerned about the airstrikes conducted by the United States over the course of 17 and 18 April in and around Yemen’s port of Ra’s Isa, which reportedly resulted in scores of civilian casualties, including five humanitarian workers injured,” Guterres spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement on Saturday. Guterres expressed fears of damage to the port and “possible oil leaks into the Red Sea”, Dujarric added. The strikes on Ras Isa aimed to cut off supplies and funds for the Houthis, the US military said. It was the deadliest attack of Washington’s 15-month campaign against the Iran-aligned group. About 70 percent of Yemen’s imports and 80 percent of its humanitarian assistance pass through the ports of Ras Isa, Hodeidah and as-Salif. Ras Isa also is the terminus of Yemen’s main oil pipeline, which, along with its port, are “critical and irreplaceable infrastructure” in Yemen, according to the UN Development Programme. Follow Al Jazeera English:...

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News_Naija

Author Pledges Book Proceeds For Polio Eradication

An author, Mr Abiodun Oshinibosi, has promised to commit proceeds from his book, “Project Management Extraordinaire” to fund polio eradication efforts in Nigeria. Oshinibosi gave the commitment during his 50th birthday celebration and book launch, held recently. Reacting to his announcement that proceeds from the sale of the book will go into the fight against polio, the chairman of Nigeria’s National PolioPlus committee, Joshua Hassan, stressed the urgency of such intervention. “Nigeria bears 30 per cent of global polio cases. Misinformation fuels vaccine hesitancy, but contributions like Oshinibosi’s will save lives. We cannot relent until polio is history.” Speakers at the event described the book as informative in bridging gaps in project management and experiential marketing. The author, who is Project Marshal of Abelinis Limited, stressed that the book spotlighted the release of his seminal work, Project Management Extraordinaire.  Speakers to include Programme Director at Nottingham Business School, UK, Dr Rotimi Olaniyan, said the book demystifies project execution in experiential marketing, offering wisdom for professionals, students, and brands. “It passes the test of invaluable literature—a must-read for anyone serious about mastering their craft,” Olaniyan said. On his part, the project manager/product specialist at Dell Technology USA, Tolu Fadamitan noted that the book demystifies planning, stakeholder management, risk mitigation, and ROI analysis in experiential projects. “It’s an eye-opener, showing project management isn’t just for big corporations. The sections on post-project reconciliation and ROI are game-changers,” Fadamitan added. Canadian Rotary Club representative, Warren Thomson emphasized its strategic value. “PMX is a vivid guide on trust, risk assessment, and assembling the right teams. Make it your career companion—read it, revisit it, and let it guide your journey,” Thomson said. A major highlight of the book launch was the special awards recognition for 13 exceptional individuals who have made contributions to the fields of Experiential Management and Marketing. They included, Executive Director, The Eureka Tribe of Marketing & Communication Ltd, Dele Olukoju; Group Managing Director, Republicom Group, Tunji Adeyinka; Chief Executive Officer, Emporium Communications Ltd, Olajire Anifalaje; Lead Consultant, Aster Integrated Marketing Ltd, Tolu Medebem; CEO, Nilayo Sports Management Ltd, Bukola Olopade. Others are Lead Consultant, PRM Africa, ; Mike Dada; CEO, Zapphaire Events, Funke Bucknor-Obruthe; Specialist, Event & Entertainment Consult, Wale Oluwaleimu; Head Consultant, Showbiz Network Services Ltd/Patagonia Multi-Media Productions, Edi Lawani; Co-Founder, The Wedding Guru Nigeria, Christine Ogbeh; Head Consultant, Indoor Design & Concept Ltd, Kingsley James.

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Worldnews

Vaibhav Suryavanshi Breaks Record For Youngest IPL Debutant At 14

At 14 years and 23 days, Vaibhav Suryavanshi made an immediate impact for Rajasthan by scoring 34 runs, including three sixes, against Lucknow. Vaibhav Suryavanshi was thrust into the Indian Premier League (IPL) spotlight as its youngest debutant, and the 14-year-old announced himself in spectacular style with a massive six off the first ball he faced. The Rajasthan Royals left-hander came into the squad for the clash with the Lucknow Super Giants in place of captain Sanju Samson on Saturday and was an impact substitute during their chase of 181, where he started by smashing Shardul Thakur over extra cover. “My word, what the hell was that?” Australia’s Shane Watson said during the broadcast. “One of the hardest shots in cricket is to gain power over cover off the front shoe … Power to burn from the 14-year-old. What a way to announce yourself to the world.” Suryavanshi, who idolises West Indian great Brian Lara, hit two more sixes in his stunning 20-ball, 34-run innings and was dismissed after forging an 85-run opening stand with Yashasvi Jaiswal, but his team went on to lose the match by two runs. “It was important to give him an opportunity. He batted well in the nets, his preparation was good,” Rajasthan’s spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule told reporters. “Obviously we missed Sanju but it created an opportunity for Vaibhav and he made the most of it. He batted beautifully. “He’s a great kid with a really good head on his shoulders. He’s got a game that’s almost 360 degrees. He’s courageous and you saw his approach. He’s dominating and wants to play his shots. His theory is, ‘watch the ball, hit the ball’.” Suryavanshi grabbed headlines in November when he became the youngest player to earn a contract in the lucrative Twenty20 league at the age of 13 after his team outbid the Delhi Capitals and signed him for 11 million Indian rupees ($128,750). The youngster made his debut in the domestic Ranji Trophy red-ball competition aged 12 last year and has played for India’s Under-19 side against Australia, scoring a 58-ball ton. There were murmurs about his immense talent after he made a triple-century in a local tournament in his home state of Bihar, and fans will hope he can continue to sparkle for his IPL team. Follow Al Jazeera English:...