Biden unveils plan to deter asylum seekers at Mexico border:
Migrants queue near the border fence, after crossing the Rio Bravo river, to request asylum in El Paso. José Luis González/Reuters
A proposal unveiled on Tuesday could bar tens of thousands of migrants arriving at the US-Mexico border from claiming asylum. This would be the most wide-ranging attempt yet by Joe Biden’s administration to deter unauthorized crossings. The new rules would generally deny asylum to migrants who arrive at the southern border without first seeking protection in a country they passed through, mirroring an attempt by the Trump administration that was blocked in court. The measure will be subject to a 30-day public comment period before it can be formally adopted. It would also be temporary and limited to a period of two years, with the possibility to extend it. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) vowed to fight the Biden rule in court, comparing it to the Trump restriction, which was dubbed a “transit ban” by activists.
DeSantis discusses Digital Bill of Rights at news conference in West Palm Beach:
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis
Wednesday afternoon , Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference at Palm Beach Atlantic University to discuss the Digital Bill of Rights. DeSantis said the focus is protecting minors from online harm and eliminating unfair censorship. His proposal also bans the use of Tik Tok and other social media platforms with ties to China from all state government devices and through internet services at colleges, universities, and public schools. “Our Digital Bill of Rights will ensure Floridians are protected from the overreach and surveillance we have seen from Big Tech companies,” DeSantis said. “Today’s proposal builds on our efforts to stop Big Tech censorship and combat the malign influence of China through the removal of nefarious platforms like TikTok from any state-supported activity.”
Tennessee takes lead in Republican effort to restrict drag shows:
Participants dressed in drag dance during the "Drag Queen Story Hour" event, which according to organizers involves participants reading stories to children for an hour, in downtown Monterrey, Mexico June 9, 2019. REUTERS/Daniel Becerril
On Thursday, Tennessee lawmakers passed a bill restricting drag performances in public or in front of children. This puts the state at the forefront of a Republican-led effort to limit drag in at least 15 states in recent months. The more than 20 bills nationwide are a pushback against modern drag, which has grown from an underground performance art using costumes and makeup to play with gender norms. "It gives confidence to parents that they can take their kids to a public or private show and will not be blindsided by a sexualized performance," Tennessee Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, a Republican, said in a statement. This month, Johnson and his Senate colleagues passed a bill criminalizing "adult cabaret entertainment" in public or where it could be seen by children, though it would still be allowed in age-restricted venues. The bill will head to Governor Bill Lee, a Republican, for signing into law.
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DeSantis discusses Digital Bill of Rights at news conference in West Palm Beach
Tennessee takes lead in Republican effort to restrict drag shows | Reuters