Germany issued 90,000 study visas in 2024, up from 63,000 in 2021. That's a 43% rise in four years. Work visas also rose by 77%, reaching 172,000 in 2024. Asylum approvals, however, dropped sharply.

In early 2025, asylum applications fell 37% compared to 2024, and first-time asylum requests dropped 43%. Germany is pushing for more skilled immigration, and new policies support this goal. Integration courses now include asylum seekers.

Ukrainian refugees receive early language help. Citizenship laws are easier for long-term residents. But those with anti-democratic views risk rejection. The government wants to balance openness with strong immigration controls.

Over 100 Asian immigrants protested in Lisbon over delays in residence permit processing. They gathered outside AIMA, demanding faster procedures and equal rights. Protesters carried signs like "We are all legal." The Immigrant Solidarity Association organized the protest.

Its president, Timóteo Macedo, urged better conditions and criticized Portugal's fast-track hiring agreements. Many complaints came from immigrants from Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and India.

In January, AIMA launched an online platform to help regularize those with job contracts. It now requires just one month of Social Security contributions. Despite reforms, the effectiveness of these efforts remains unclear amid ongoing dissatisfaction.

A 52-year-old Chinese woman died by suicide while in US Border Patrol custody in Arizona. She was arrested near Needles, California, for overstaying her B1/B2 visa. Officials also found over $220,000 during the arrest.

She was later moved to the Yuma station, where she died on 29 March. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal said required welfare checks were not properly done.

Surveillance showed the woman tying a noose, but no help came for nearly two hours. Jayapal demanded answers from CBP. The agency said medical aid was given, but she died at a hospital. An investigation is ongoing into the incident.