When the Dutch government proposed a law last fall designed to severely restrict dual citizenship, some were quick to declare the start of a European trend, spurred by the increasingly heated political rhetoric surrounding immigration. Despite efforts in the Netherlands, many countries in Europe, Latin America, and other countries as diverse as the Philippines and … Read more
When I saw a “We’re Closed” banner in the front window of a Hungarian deli in New York’s Upper East Side one morning, and that the store’s shelves were absent their traditional salami, red paprika, and huge coils of sausage, I was sure that “Little Hungary’s” last remaining meat emporium had closed its doors for … Read more
When campaigning in Puerto Rico in March, Republican Presidential Candidate Rick Santorum told a local newspaper that, just “like any other state,” Puerto Rico must comply with federal law mandating English as the “principal language.” There is, however, no federal law in the U.S. mandating English as the official language. Can Santorum’s statement be dismissed … Read more
While traditional discourse has focused on the exodus of well educated professionals from developing nations, over half a million Chinese students who had worked or studied abroad had returned home by the end of 2009. They are commonly referred to as haigui or “sea turtles.” This group is using the skills gained in their ventures … Read more
In the days following nuclear disarmament negotiations with North Korea on February 29, 2012, the United States was busy publicizing its “diplomatic breakthrough.” Meanwhile, 31 North Koreans who had crossed the border into China were captured by Chinese authorities, detained amid protests from the international community, and eventually repatriated back to the D.P.R.K. This received … Read more