EDITOR'S NOTE: Here is a look at immigration-related news around the U.S. this week. Questions? Tips? Comments? Email the VOA immigration team: ImmigrationUnit@voanews.com.))

Harris was never border czar, experts say, despite Republican claims

After President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him as the Democratic nominee, Republicans quickly focused on Harris and her work on immigration issues, calling her a "border czar." But was Harris appointed as border czar? Immigration experts say no. VOA's immigration reporter Aline Barros has more.

What would Harris do differently?

Immigration: As district attorney of San Francisco, California, Harris supported the city's sanctuary policies. In the Senate, she fought against Donald Trump's family separation policies, opposed detention of pregnant women by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and pushed for comprehensive legislation granting permanent status to undocumented immigrants who arrived as children. VOA's Alex Gendler reports.

US pauses humanitarian program for citizens of four countries

The Biden administration said Friday it had temporarily put on hold a program that allows citizens of four countries to enter the United States on humanitarian grounds while it reviews vetting and screening processes for sponsor applications. The Department of Homeland Security said that it paused the issuance of travel authorizations under the program "out of an abundance of caution" while it undertakes a review of supporter applications, a spokesperson said in a statement. Reuters reports.

Judge OKs settlement in lawsuit over US detention of Iraqi nationals

A judge approved a settlement Wednesday in a 2017 lawsuit that challenged the detention of Iraqi nationals who were targeted for deportation during the Trump administration. The agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, known as ICE, sets strict conditions for future detentions before any proposed removals, the American Civil Liberties Union said. Reported by The Associated Press.

New US citizens could determine outcomes of key elections

As the United States moves closer to the November elections, millions of new Americans are preparing to cast their ballots for the first time. According to the American Immigration Council, "More than 3 out of every 4 naturalization-eligible immigrants in the United States have become naturalized citizens, and in several key states, the number of immigrants likely eligible to naturalize outnumbered those states' margins of victory in the 2020 presidential election." Produced by Isabela Gamez.

Immigration around the world

Refugee Olympic Team boxer Cindy Ngamba wins opening bout, beating ex-world champ

Boxer Cindy Ngamba of the Refugee Olympic Team won her opening bout at the Paris Games, stunning former world champion Tammara Thibeault of Canada on Wednesday. Ngamba is one victory away from clinching the Refugee Team's first Olympic medal. She fights France's Davina Michel on Sunday in the women's 75-kilogram quarterfinals. Ngamba was born in Cameroon and moved to England at 11 years old. The Bolton resident trains alongside the British team in Sheffield. Last year she became the first boxer on the Refugee Olympic Team to secure an Olympic berth through qualifiers and not through invitation. Reported by The Associated Press.

Russia's alleged sabotage attacks stoke fear among refugees in Europe

London police in April said they had charged two British men with aiding Russian intelligence following a suspected arson attack on a business with ties to Ukraine. This and other incidents have shaken Ukrainians who feel targeted in places where they have sought refuge. Henry Wilkins reports.

News brief

— Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas met with Honduran Foreign Minister Enrique Reina to "address irregular migration and combat transnational organized crime through continued strong cooperation."