News Round-Up In Brief

Updates from the US:

• This week, the Arizona State Senate voted on Bill SB 1405, which mandates that hospital staff verify the citizenship status of patients before providing any service.  Despite the input of  health care providers and hospitals during the last night’s session, including vocal protest, the bill passed 8-5.

• Other  bills on the AZ table include a pair that challenge the birthright clause of the 14th Amendment, along with SB 1611, which one Arizona Republic reporter has called “SB 1070 on steroids”.

International News:

• Meetings of European Union ministers this week to address change in the Middle East were dominated by the possibility of increased migration from North Africa if regional unrest grows. Meanwhile, the EU will deploy Frontex experts along with aerial and naval support to assist with the rush of immigrants in Lampedusa.

• On a lighter but none less disturbing note, Dutch right-wing extremists have called for the deportation of illegal immigrant Scottish Highland cattle and Polish ponies.