muslim minority: Officials are warning of the global religious extremism threat to China, according to Toronto Star. STR / AFP/GETTY IMAGES By Gerry Shih The Associated Press Mon., March 13, 2017 BEIJING Chinese officials are issuing new warnings about the spectre of global religious extremism seeping into the country, following reports of fighters from China's Muslim minority fighting alongside militants in Syria and Iraq. Daesh militants from China's Uighur ethnic minority have vowed to return home and shed blood like rivers according to a jihadist-tracking firm, in what experts said marked the first Daesh threat against Chinese targets. Sharhat Ahan, a top political and legal affairs party official in Xinjiang, on Sunday became the latest official from a predominantly Muslim region to warn about China becoming destabilized by the international anti-terror situation and calling for a people's war. Those demonstrations are intended to declare war against terrorists, to showcase the party and the government's resolve to fight terror, resolve to preserve public safety and China's mighty combat strength, Ahan told officials gathered in Beijing for this month's National People's Congress. Over the past year, regional leaders in Xinjiang, home to the Uighur ethnic minority, have ramped up surveillance measures and police patrols and staged massive rallies intended to showcase the power of the security forces. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

multicultural cast: It then goes to Portland, Oregon; Salt Lake City, Utah; Costa Mesa, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; Des Moines, Iowa; Cleveland, Ohio; and Minneapolis, Minnesota, according to Metro News. The new company follows the first national tour, which began in San Francisco last week, as well as the Chicago production, which began in September 2016, and the London staging, which debuts in November. Producer Jeffrey Seller said Monday a second tour of the megahit musical will start in Seattle for six weeks in February 2018. Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda's multiple award-winning take on the nation's first U.S. treasury secretary, has a varied score and has been cheered for reclaiming the nation's founding story with a multicultural cast. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

murder case: The twist One of the 12 jurors will be Syrian immigrant Mohamed Bob Shouman, a recent newcomer to St, according to CBC. John's from Damascus. John's will arrive with a timely twist for 2017. 12 Angry Men, which will run from March 14-18 at the Barbara Barrett Theatre at the Arts & Culture Centre, will feature a cast of 12 jurors deliberating over a guilty or not guilty verdict in a murder case. This is a very big challenge for me to do this with another language, the English language, and I hope to do this very well, said Shouman. John's. Mohamed Bob Shouman will act in a play for the first time on March 14 at the Arts & Culture Centre in St. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

resilience i: She said Nida has such resilience, according to Hamilton Spectator. I found her to be such an inspiration. The 46-year-old supermodel met children at the Za'atari Refugee Camp in Jordan and subsequently admitted to feeling inspired by the children she had encountered, including 13-year-old Nida, who has lived in the temporary city in the Jordanian desert for the past three years. Naomi, who has travelled to Za'atari with Save the Children to meet children who have escaped the Syrian war, admitted the trip had made a real impression on her. They are very proud and dignified, they are not looking for sympathy. She told the Daily Mirror newspaper I've met some amazing people who had to flee their country because of war. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

russian lawmakers: Russian broadcaster Channel One announced on Sunday that 27-year-old Yulia Samoylova would represent Russia at the contest with the song Flame is Burning, according to CTV. Samoylova, who has used a wheelchair since childhood, was a finalist in Russia's X Factor in 2013 and sang at the opening of the 2014 Paralympic Games in Sochi. Several Russian lawmakers and entertainment stars have called to boycott the competition to be held in the Ukrainian capital in May as once friendly relations between the two-countries turned into open animosity following Russia's annexation of Crimea and support for separatist rebels. The Eurovision contest was often used as the stage for settling political scores. Samoylova's song about hope and perseverance contrasts with Ukraine's winning entry in 2016 that gave the country the right to host the competition this year. A year after a brief war between Russia and Georgia in 2008, Georgia was told by the organizers to change its entry for the contest which referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

security forces: Over the past year, regional leaders in Xinjiang, home to the Uighur pronounced WEE-gur ethnic minority, have ramped up surveillance measures and police patrols and staged massive rallies intended to showcase the power of the security forces, according to The Chronicle Herald. Those demonstrations are intended to declare war against terrorists, to showcase the party and the government's resolve to fight terror, resolve to preserve public safety and China's mighty combat strength, Ahan told officials gathered in Beijing for this month's National People's Congress. Sharhat Ahan, a top political and legal affairs party official in Xinjiang, on Sunday became the latest official from a predominantly Muslim region to warn about China becoming destabilized by the international anti-terror situation and calling for a people's war. Although some scholars question whether global jihadi networks are active in the country, top Chinese officials are increasingly echoing strands of international discourse to back up claims that Islamic extremism is growing worldwide and needs to be rolled back. While it has provided little evidence, the government, says Xinjiang faces a grave separatist threat from Uighur fighters linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. In recent years, hundreds have died in violent incidents mainly in Xinjiang that officials blame on Uighur separatists inspired by the global Jihadi cause. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

sunday afternoon: More than a 1,000 people attended, many young, according to Rabble. Their evident enthusiasm indicated they thought it worth braving Ottawa's wicked wind chill to be there. Please consider supporting his work with a monthly donation Support Karl on Patreon today for as little as 1 per month!NDP organizers seemed almost giddy Sunday afternoon at the success of the de-facto launch of the party's leadership race, the first candidates' debate, at a downtown Ottawa hotel. One person who attended rated the four candidates in this way Guy Caron, because of his substantive ideas, candid way of expressing himself in both languages, and surprising flashes of humour;Niki Ashton, because of her poise and clear commitment to a progressive vision with the caveat traditional working class NDP voters in Hamilton or Windsor might not relate to Ashton's talk of such matters as intersectionality ;Peter Julian, for his solid, if somewhat too-earnest-by-half, grasp of the issues; and Charlie Angus, who came in last mostly because his French seemed, to this debate watcher, a bit on the dubious side. Others thought all candidates acquitted themselves well, and none were either winners or losers. The northern Ontario MP did get points for folksy charm, even if some thought he might have laid it on a bit thick at times. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

tatiana: It won best dramatic series and best lead actress in a dramatic role for star Tatiana Maslany, who plays multiple clones in the sci-fi show, all with different personalities and accents, according to Hamilton Spectator. It's been such an amazing journey, this show, for me. Including awards handed out before the televised gala, Orphan Black nabbed nine trophies. I've really grown up on it. We're saying bye to characters every day and that's just devastating. It's been a huge responsibility and a huge privilege and I've made a family on it that I'm going to miss so much, she said backstage, referring to the show's final upcoming season. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

winter jacket: Near-fatal border crossing in Quebec prompts calls for immigration reform Refugee claims soar at Quebec-U.S. border, new figures show Mamadou huddled under a winter jacket at the immigration detention facility in Laval, just north of Montreal, shivering as he told his story, according to CBC. Tears streamed from his bloodshot eyes. It has been a recurring dream ever since he was found, barely conscious, by police in the snowy woods near the Lacolle, Que.-U.S. border crossing in the early hours of March 5. His feet, swollen and discoloured, are covered in blisters. I went through hell, I'm telling you, walking, he told CBC News during an interview in a small, sparsely furnished visitor room at the detention centre. His hands are too sore to hold a pen. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

zuan zhong: Now a permanent resident, he applied to bring his wife and daughter here under the family reunification policy, according to Toronto Star. But a Canadian immigration official in Hong Kong turned down his application, arguing that the girl he had raised from infancy is not part of his family. Zuan Zhong came to this country in 2010, fleeing persecution as a Catholic. He and his wife had found her abandoned on their doorstep in 1997 and took her into their home. The immigration official, scrupulously applying Canada's immigration rules, decided that the girl, named Shanrong and now 20 years old, did not qualify to be sponsored as Zhong's daughter. But they never officially adopted her because of the stigma that surrounds such illegal or black children in China. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

dalhousie university: The Hadhads say Peace by Chocolate has been struggling to keep up with orders since earning a shout out from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at an address to the United Nations last year, according to Brandon Sun. Trudeau even had a chance to sample some maple leaf-shaped treats upon meeting the chocolate makers during a trip to Sydney, N.S. last November. Tareq Hadhad spoke about his family's journey from war-torn Syria to Nova Scotia, at a TEDx conference at Dalhousie University in Halifax Sunday. It's not a chocolate business, as you all think. Peace is the most noble value that human beings should fight for ... Chocolate is the magic product of happiness. It's all about a message from newcomers to their new community, Hadhad told the crowd. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

russian lawmakers: Russian broadcaster Channel One announced on Sunday that 27-year-old Yulia Samoylova would represent Russia at the contest with the song Flame is Burning, according to Brandon Sun. Samoylova, who has used a wheelchair since childhood, was a finalist in Russia's X Factor in 2013 and sang at the opening of the 2014 Paralympic Games in Sochi. Several Russian lawmakers and entertainment stars have called to boycott the competition to be held in the Ukrainian capital in May as once friendly relations between the two-countries turned into open animosity following Russia's annexation of Crimea and support for separatist rebels. The Eurovision contest was often used as the stage for settling political scores. Samoylova's song about hope and perseverance contrasts with Ukraine's winning entry in 2016 that gave the country the right to host the competition this year. A year after a brief war between Russia and Georgia in 2008, Georgia was told by the organizers to change its entry for the contest which referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

security forces: Over the past year, regional leaders in Xinjiang, home to the Uighur pronounced WEE-gur ethnic minority, have ramped up surveillance measures and police patrols and staged massive rallies intended to showcase the power of the security forces, according to Brandon Sun. Those demonstrations are intended to declare war against terrorists, to showcase the party and the government's resolve to fight terror, resolve to preserve public safety and China's mighty combat strength, Ahan told officials gathered in Beijing for this month's National People's Congress. Sharhat Ahan, a top political and legal affairs party official in Xinjiang, on Sunday became the latest official from a predominantly Muslim region to warn about China becoming destabilized by the international anti-terror situation and calling for a people's war. Although some scholars question whether global jihadi networks are active in the country, top Chinese officials are increasingly echoing strands of international discourse to back up claims that Islamic extremism is growing worldwide and needs to be rolled back. While it has provided little evidence, the government, says Xinjiang faces a grave separatist threat from Uighur fighters linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. In recent years, hundreds have died in violent incidents mainly in Xinjiang that officials blame on Uighur separatists inspired by the global Jihadi cause. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

culture: Every Tuesday evening, Shamrose for Syrian Culture organizes a Speak English Cafe, where newly arrived Syrian refugees can meet residents of Waterloo region and learn English and about Canadian culture, according to CBC. Syrian newcomer who refused social assistance, finds job in Cambridge Syrian refugees describe what it's like to start over in Waterloo Region Syrian refugees won't be left homeless in KW as federal financial support ends The Syrians who attend also share aspects of their own culture with the local volunteers. That is why a local Syrian settlement group is helping refugees in the region through that process. We want to introduce both communities, Helen Ala Rashi, an organizer with Shamrose, told CBC News. Ala Rashi said knowledge of the English language is hugely important for these newcomers because not knowing it can impede their ability to do things like make a basic appointment or even get a job interview. While they learn about each other, they use English as a tool. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

encounter u.s: Definitely don't sign anything, according to CBC. That is some of the advice being given in New York City and around the country at training sessions, put on by advocacy organizations, aimed at helping immigrants living in the country illegally get in as little trouble as possible if they encounter U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ICE officials. If you are taken into custody, tell them your name and nothing else. Called know your rights training, the sessions have been pushed by some groups as a way to prepare for a possible crackdown on illegal immigration under President Donald Trump. Avoiding detention The idea, organizers said, is to give immigrants guidance on how to legitimately push back against attempts to detain them, mostly using tactics designed to keep agents from learning anything they don't already know. Similar training programs are scheduled in New Mexico and Texas. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

everyone: Kennedy said Sunday in an interview, according to Globe and Mail. We don't need to reinvent the wheel. Everything the government needs to do is in that report, Ms. Edmonton MP Randy Boissonnault, who is special adviser to Mr. We're not going to please everyone with the speed with which we're working, but we're doing this so it lasts a long time, he told The Globe and Mail. Trudeau on LGBTQ issues, insists the government remains committed to implementing the report's recommendations. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

immigration agents: This year's festival includes headliners The Avett Brothers, Weezer and the Wu-Tang Clang dropping into Austin, Texas, according to Metro News. It's more than just promises of bands using the festival as a stage for politically-charged performances in the wake of President Donald Trump's executive orders on immigration. Tensions over immigration have put a heavy air over the typically breezy weeklong bash that begins Monday. South by Southwest itself has come under fire itself for warning international artists that bad behaviour could result in the festival making a call to U.S. immigration agents. Festival organizers now say they'll remove the clause from future contracts. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

politically-charged performances: It's more than just promises of bands using SXSW as a stage for politically-charged performances in the wake of President Donald Trump's executive orders on immigration The festival has come under fire itself for warning international artists that bad behavior could result in it making a call to U.S. immigration agents, according to CBC. Unrelated, but still stoking concerns, was the Italian band Soviet Soviet posting on Facebook on Friday that it was denied entry into the U.S. Soviet Soviet claimed U.S. customs officials in Seattle said the band members needed work visas, but the band says it didn't believe work visas were required for a promotional and unpaid tour. Tensions over immigration have put a heavy air over the typically breezy weeklong music bash that begins Monday and includes headliners The Avett Brothers, Weezer and the Wu-Tang Clan dropping into Austin, along with roughly 2,000 other acts from around the world. Trump's revised travel ban blocks new visas for people from six predominantly Muslim countries including Somalia, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen. Unlike the original order, the new one says current visa holders won't be affected, and it removes language that would give priority to religious minorities. It also temporarily shuts down the U.S. refugee program. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

portland timbers: Wallace, who played four seasons with the Portland Timbers but spent last season in Portugal and Brazil, sent a cross to Villa, who headed it into the left-hand corner in the 28th, according to Hamilton Spectator. NYCFC completed a dominant first half with Moralez, an Argentine designated player who replaced the retired Frank Lampard, putting it into the left corner of the net from the top off the penalty area after a pass from Villa in the 39th. Neither team scored in its opener last week but NYCFC 1-1-0 got off to a quick start with Wallace firing in the rebound of Jack Harrison's shot off the crossbar in the eighth minute. Villa scored his second goal in the 75th, putting it in from a narrow angle on the left side. Sean Johnson made four saves against D.C. United. Harkes, a homegrown midfielder who starred at Wake Forest and is the son of two-time MLS Cup winner John Harkes, took two shots, neither on goal. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

riot gear: He said Ankara would retaliate for the treatment of the Turkish family affairs minister, who on Saturday was blocked by police in riot gear from entering her country's consulate in Rotterdam, according to Hamilton Spectator. That came hours after Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu was denied airport landing rights to address crowds at a Rotterdam rally. While Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte worked to contain the diplomatic damage, Erdogan made it clear that Turkey would not be easily appeased. Saying that he was wrong to think Nazism was over, Erdogan made the comment to an audience in Istanbul. The Dutch prime minster said it was important for his government not to bow to pressure from Turkey, especially after Ankara threatened sanctions if the Dutch kept Turkish ministers out. The remarks were similar to ones he made about Germany earlier this month. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

riverhead books: Riverhead Books Brian Hughes/Toronto Star By Sadiya Ansari Special to the Star Sun., March 12, 2017 As the world experiences the highest number of displaced people on record and debates rage around who is worthy enough to open doors for, novelist Mohsin Hamid focuses on a basic, but often forgotten, fact becoming a refugee is not a choice anyone wants to make, according to Toronto Star. Exit West is the Pakistani-British award-winning author's fourth novel. Riverhead Books Exit West, by Mohsin Hamid, Riverhead Books, 240 pages, 35. His debut, Moth Smoke, provided a contemporary portrait of Pakistan through a man on trial for murder, which was followed by The Reluctant Fundamentalist, where Hamid explored the tricky relationship between America and Islam in a post-9/11 world. His latest work follows a romance developing in an unlikely place an unnamed, seemingly South Asian city being taken over by militants. He fashioned his third novel as a cheeky guide to opportunistic wealth in How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

shrimp croquettes: Emilio Morenatti / The Associated Press In The Hague's most culturally diverse neighbourhoods, many women wear Muslim headscarves, according to Toronto Star. Emilio Morenatti / The Associated Press By John Leicester The Associated Press Sat., March 11, 2017 THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS That Duindorp has few immigrants is part of its charm for Willem van Vliet, whose Willem and Toet fish bar serves crispy shrimp croquettes and other Dutch snacks. The NVU is not fielding any candidates in the election but said it was using Saturday's demonstration to give its supporters voting advice. When the cook leaves the tidy, quiet neighbourhood next to The Hague's port and travels the few kilometres to more culturally diverse areas of the city, he sees a Netherlands not enriched by immigration, but ravaged by it. Enough is enough. Too many people have come to Holland with no education, no work experience, and they are coming here only for money from the government, he said. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

syrian refugees: Four speakers took to the stage to share with a variety of attendees, including students, interested citizens, government employees and people working with those facing challenges in the system, according to The Chronicle Herald. Russell Daye, minister at St. The symposium invites speakers to help educate and promote awareness of issues and barriers that refugees face here in Canada and abroad. Andrew's United Church in Dartmouth, spoke to the crowd about his lengthy travels through the Middle East and the partnership made between his church and a church in Minyara, Lebanon, where thousands of Syrian refugees are displaced. St. Lebanon itself has an estimated one to two million Syrians living in the country. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

training sessions: If you are arrested, tell them your name and nothing else, according to Toronto Star. Definitely don't sign anything. Frank Franklin II / The Associated Press By Deepti Hajela The Associated Press Sun., March 12, 2017 NEW YORK Don't open the front door if immigration officials knock. That is some of the advice being given in New York City and around the country at training sessions, put on by advocacy organizations, aimed at helping immigrants living in the country illegally get in as little trouble as possible if they encounter U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials. Similar trainings are scheduled in New Mexico and El Paso. Called know your rights training, the sessions have been pushed by some groups as a way to prepare for a possible crackdown on illegal immigration under President Donald Trump. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

encounter u.s: Definitely don't sign anything, according to Brandon Sun. That is some of the advice being given in New York City and around the country at training sessions, put on by advocacy organizations, aimed at helping immigrants living in the country illegally get in as little trouble as possible if they encounter U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials. If you are taken into custody, tell them your name and nothing else. Called know your rights training, the sessions have been pushed by some groups as a way to prepare for a possible crackdown on illegal immigration under President Donald Trump. The idea, organizers said, is to give immigrants guidance on how to legitimately push back against attempts to detain them, mostly using tactics designed to keep agents from learning anything they don't already know. Similar trainings are scheduled in New Mexico and El Paso. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.

immigration agents: This year's festival includes headliners The Avett Brothers, Weezer and the Wu-Tang Clang dropping into Austin, Texas, according to Brandon Sun. It's more than just promises of bands using the festival as a stage for politically-charged performances in the wake of President Donald Trump's executive orders on immigration. Tensions over immigration have put a heavy air over the typically breezy weeklong bash that begins Monday. South by Southwest itself has come under fire itself for warning international artists that bad behaviour could result in the festival making a call to U.S. immigration agents. Festival organizers now say they'll remove the clause from future contracts. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.