Podcast Summary
Immigration, Russia: Biden admin plans to protect up to 100,000 undocumented immigrants, including spouses of US citizens, from deportation and offers a pathway to legal residency. Putin's visit to North Korea raises concerns about a closer Russia-North Korea relationship amidst Russia's war in Ukraine. Extreme heat harms people across the US, with many going unnoticed.
The Biden administration is planning to protect up to 100,000 undocumented immigrants from deportation. This group includes the spouses of American citizens and offers a pathway to legal residency. This announcement comes after the administration's directive to restrict asylum claims at the southern border. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently visited North Korea, raising concerns about a closer relationship between the two countries amidst Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, extreme heat is causing harm to people across the US, with many going unnoticed by decision-makers. Sponsors like SK Group, BlackRock's podcast, The Bid, and Capital One Venture card support NPR in providing the news you need to start your day.
Parole in Place program: The Biden administration's new Parole in Place program aims to provide relief to approximately 500,000 undocumented immigrants who have been married to US citizens for over 10 years, granting them a work permit, preventing deportation, and a 3-year window to apply for permanent residency, potentially leading to citizenship.
The Biden administration is implementing a new plan centered around the Parole in Place program to provide relief to approximately 500,000 migrants who have been married to US citizens and are currently in the country without authorization. This program would prevent deportation, grant a work permit, and allow a 3-year window to apply for permanent residency, with potential citizenship as a future possibility. This could significantly impact individuals like Alejandro Paz Medrano, who has lived in the US for nearly 20 years, married to a US citizen, but has faced fear of deportation and its consequences, such as not having children due to this uncertainty. To qualify, individuals must have lived in the US for at least 10 years and be married to a US citizen as of yesterday. This is not a blanket amnesty, but rather a case-by-case basis decision. People who have been deported and are back in the US will not qualify. The implementation of this plan is not yet specified.
Immigration, Extreme Heat: The Biden administration aims to protect certain migrants from deportation, while environmental, labor, and health professionals petition FEMA to treat extreme heat as a major disaster, but both policies may face legal challenges
The Biden administration is implementing a new plan to protect some migrants from deportation, which comes after a series of more restrictive immigration policies that have faced backlash from immigrant rights groups. Meanwhile, environmental, labor, and health professionals are petitioning FEMA to treat extreme heat as a major disaster, which would provide funding and support for states and communities affected by heat waves. However, FEMA has never considered heat a disaster before due to a lack of requests and the belief that states could handle it independently. Despite the potential benefits, both policies are expected to face legal challenges.
Extreme heat disasters response: FEMA could potentially provide support like setting up cooling centers, sending medical personnel, and paying electricity bills during extreme heat disasters if included in the Stafford Act
Extreme heat disasters, which are currently causing a large number of invisible deaths, are not being addressed with the same urgency as natural disasters like hurricanes. The Natural Resources Defense Council is advocating for FEMA to include extreme heat and wildfire smoke in the Stafford Act, which would allow the agency to use its powers and resources to respond to these events. FEMA has shown interest in this approach, and could potentially provide support such as setting up cooling centers, sending in medical personnel, and even paying people's electricity bills to help them afford to use air conditioning during heatwaves. FEMA administrators acknowledge their role in extreme heat response, but it is new ground for them, and everyone is still figuring out how best to approach it. Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin is making a rare visit to North Korea for a two-day state visit.
Russia-North Korea alliance: Russia's unexpected visit to North Korea signals a growing alliance between the two countries, driven by their shared struggle against the West and discussions on humanitarian needs, trade, and security issues, causing international concerns due to North Korea's nuclear and missile programs and alleged munitions provision to Russia for Ukraine invasion.
Russian President Vladimir Putin's unexpected trip to North Korea this week is the result of a growing alliance between the two countries, fueled by their shared struggle against the West, particularly the United States. Putin's meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Wednesday comes 24 years after his last visit to Pyongyang and follows a September 2022 meeting in Russia's Far East where Kim extended an invitation. The two countries are reportedly discussing humanitarian needs, trade, and security issues, and Putin's visit has raised international concerns due to North Korea's nuclear and missile programs and its alleged provision of munitions to Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Moscow and Pyongyang have denied these allegations. The alliance between Russia and North Korea is a response to the changing geopolitical landscape, with both countries facing pressure from the US and its allies.
Russia-North Korea relationship: Russia's relationship with North Korea poses military concerns due to potential impact on Ukraine, but political and military needs keep the two countries interconnected. China's influence also plays a role in their interactions.
Russia and North Korea's growing relationship is causing concern among Western nations due to potential military implications. North Korea's large stockpile of munitions could significantly impact Russia's war effort in Ukraine. However, Russia needs North Korea politically and militarily, placing the pariah state in a unique position. Russia may not be willing to offer advanced technologies to North Korea due to concerns over the Korean peninsula becoming a nuclear battleground and China's opposition. China, a bigger partner for both countries, wants to avoid Western sanctions and likely has input on any agreements between Putin and Kim. US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has declared the mental health crisis among young people an emergency, blaming social media. The idea of adding a surgeon general warning label to social media is being considered to address this issue.
Impact of Technology on Health and Policy: Excessive use of technology can negatively affect our bodies and brains. Stay informed about policy changes in Washington to protect your finances, and learn about Chevron's efforts to meet energy demands responsibly.
Our excessive use of technology, such as sitting and swiping, can have negative effects on our bodies and brains. This was discussed in NPR's Body Electric Challenge podcast series. The series explores how technology is shaping our bodies and what we can do about it. It's important to be aware of these changes and take action to mitigate their impact. Additionally, policy changes in Washington can significantly affect your portfolio. To stay informed, consider listening to Charles Schwab's original podcast for investors, Washington Wise. This podcast unpacks the stories making news in Washington and how they may impact your finances and portfolio. Lastly, Chevron, an NPR sponsor, is innovating to help meet rising energy demands in a responsible manner. Their Gulf of Mexico facilities are some of the world's lowest carbon intensity operations. To learn more about their efforts, visit chevron.com/meetingdemand.