Last week, Kirstjen Nielsen, the Homeland Security Secretary, testified once again in front of Congress in an attempt to justify the federal government’s ongoing actions against undocumented people at the border. Among her assertions, Nielsen said that the chain-link enclosures used to hold undocumented children could not really be described as cages, and that some parents who had been separated from their children at the border were subsequently deported without their kids. These grim updates to the Trump administration’s “zero-tolerance” policy of immigrant family separation shortly preceded a report from the New York Times that revealed the extent to which family separation remains ongoing — despite a federal judge’s order to halt the practice some nine months ago.
“The latest data reported to the federal judge monitoring one of the most controversial of President Trump’s immigration policies shows that 245 children have been removed from their families since the court ordered the government to halt routine separations under last spring’s ‘zero tolerance’ border enforcement policy,” reads the March 9 Times report.
The Texas Civil Rights Project (TCRP) reports that the total number of immigrant children removed from their families since the summer of 2018 may be even higher. In the six months after Trump issued an Executive Order to end the practice, the organization interviewed nearly 10,000 immigrants and asylum-seekers who entered US border custody at or near McAllen, Texas. Through that process, the TCRP identified 272 adults who said they had been forcibly separated from one or more children under the age of 18.
“The government has admitted what we’ve known for months: they never stopped separating families who came to this country seeking safety,” Efrén C. Olivares, the Racial and Economic Justice Program Director at Texas Civil Rights Project, said in a statement made available to us. “The Trump Administration has tried every strategy it can think of in our courts to continue taking children away from their parents, with no transparency about how these decisions are made, no plan to reunite them, and no accountability.”
According to the TCRP, among the 272 adults they spoke to who said they had been separated from child family members, 38 were parents or legal guardians who reported being separated from a total of 46 children were separated. 25 of these children were reportedly under the age of 10. The youngest infant impacted was 8.5 months old at the time of separation from her mother.
“To date, the government has not reported these children to anyone — neither to the courts nor to Congress — and the government has admitted it may be impossible to find all separated children,” TCRP reports.
The TCRP report recounts an interview with a father who was allegedly separated from his seven-year-old son because of a misdemeanor conviction for battery over 10 years ago. Another father was reportedly separated from his one-year-old daughter and nine-year-old son on “uncorroborated allegations of gang affiliation.” A woman, who fled her country because she was being held captive as a sexual slave, was reportedly separated from her child because officials said she was “a danger to society and unfit to be a parent” after they learned she had shot her captor non-fatally in self-defense. The list goes on and on.
According to NBC News, immigration officials can separate children “if the adult is not the parent or legal guardian of the child” and “if the safety of the child is at risk or because of ‘serious criminal activity’ by the adult.” Legal recourse can be limited for these parents.
But there is hope. Earlier this year, we reported that several law firms including the Southern Poverty Law Center have filed a lawsuit on behalf of 10,000 detained immigrant children due to allegations of unfit facilities, illegal prolonged stays, sexual abuse, and much more.
On March 8, in a promising victory for undocumented families, US District Judge Dana Sabraw ruled in favor of a separate lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) against the Trump administration and said that “all migrant families separated during the government’s border crackdown should be included in a class-action lawsuit,” the Texas Tribunereports.
“The hallmark of a civilized society is measured by how it treats its people and those within its borders,” Sabraw wrote in a 14-page ruling. “That Defendants may have to change course and undertake additional effort to address these issues does not render modification of the class definition unfair; it only serves to underscore the unquestionable importance of the effort and why it is necessary (and worthwhile).”
(Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
We're thrilled to kick off our new Jetset Journeys series, where we turn the best U.S. cities to explore this year into our own personal playgrounds. This is not just a travel guide but a way to spark your creativity and your wanderlust for weekend and week-long travel. Pack your bags , join us here every week, and get jetsetty this summer.
Miami has an undeniable appeal for visitors, but with so many neighborhoods to explore and even more bars and restaurants to try, it can be overwhelming, especially if you’re short on time. Recent years have also seen a boom in development, making it even harder to keep up with all the latest offerings. I first came to Miami as a tourist, but after more than a decade of calling South Florida home, I’ve learned a thing or two about this city’s best of the best. It also helps that friends and family are constantly visiting since I live in the land of eternal sunshine (except hurricane season).
Photo by Jason Briscoe on Unsplash
Whether you’re traveling with your closest pals or embarking on a romantic getaway with your partner, here’s one local’s perspective on where you should eat, stay and play in Miami.
Where To Stay in Miami
Photo: Eden Roc Miami Beach
Before digging into your weekend plans with tips on where to eat, drink and hang out, you’ll need to choose the best accommodations. If you’re looking to soak up the sun as much as possible, snag a hotel on Miami Beach. Hotels on the beach are notoriously expensive, but there are a few good deals out there, especially if you stray outside of South Beach. The award-winning Eden Roc Miami Beach is a solid, oceanfront option with bright, spacious rooms and multiple pools, including two kid-friendly ones in case you have little ones in tow. The resort is located in Mid Beach so you’re close to all the South Beach buzz, but also far enough to catch a break in a more relaxing environment. For an even more budget-friendly option, consider staying at Freehand Miami, a chicer-than-you’d-expect hostel with both private and shared rooms.
Photo: Kimpton EPIC Hotel
If you’re more of a city gal in search of Miami’s cultural side, then check out Downtown Miami or Brickell. The Kimpton EPIC Hotel is my personal favorite in the area, with its rooftop pools in the middle of Miami’s skyline and views of Biscayne Bay.
What To Do in Miami: Day One
Photo: Strawberry Moon
Brunch is practically an institution in Miami, so with only 48 hours on your hands, it’s the perfect place to start. For a group, I’d recommend heading to Palace Bar for its infamous drag brunch, with queens dancing, flipping and lip syncing for the enthusiastic crowds fueled by bottomless mimosas. Be sure to bring dollar bills to tip your favorite queens for all their acrobatics. If you prefer brunch with a side of pool party, book a table at Strawberry Moon, where brunch is served Friday through Sunday in an aesthetically pleasing setting.
Photo: Strawberry Moon
With either option, you’ll be right in South Beach so come prepared with a change of clothes and make your way to the sand next.
Photo by Samir Shekhawat on Unsplash
This particular stretch of Miami Beach is the most popular amongst tourists (less so with locals) so you might have some crowds, but it’s worth it to experience quintessential Miami. For a more local experience, head a bit north and pull up your chair at Haulover Beach. If you’re feeling cheeky, there’s even a nude beach nearby.
Photo: Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
Come dinnertime, Española Way is one of my favorite streets in South Beach. Strolling up and down this pedestrians-only, European-style street, you could easily forget you’re in Miami. Pop into Tropezón for Spanish tapas and creative gin cocktails in an Andalusian-inspired space, then continue the night at M2 or LIV for megaclub vibes, and don’t be surprised if you bump into celebrities at the latter.
Photo: LIV
If you’re more into the lounge experience with good music you can vibe or dance to and quality cocktails, then check out Medium Cool.
What To Do In Miami: Day Two
Photo: Joia Beach by Katie June Burton
One of the beauties of Miami is its skyline, so grab breakfast at a place with a view. Brunch at La Mar by Gastón Acurio is a crowd pleaser amongst tourists and locals. Reserve an outside table at this Michelin-recommended restaurant for the best views of Brickell and Biscayne Bay while you enjoy the Peruvian cuisine. For a slightly more casual brunch where you can sink your toes in the sand while still enjoying a view, head to Joia Beach for Mediterranean-inspired bites.
Photo: Joia Beach
Once you’re fueled up, spend the afternoon exploring Miami’s artsy side with a trip to Wynwood. Whether I’m with friends, family or my partner, this neighborhood is one of my go-to weekend spots.
Photo: Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau; Street Art by Ron English
Miami’s Art District is known for having over 200 murals spread across 50+ blocks, so take your time exploring the street art — and of course snapping some IG-worthy photos along the way. There are plenty of boutiques and art galleries to browse, too.
Photo: Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
If you need an afternoon pick-me-up, try a cafecito or cortadito at Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop. This Cuban coffee may look small, but it packs a serious punch so trust me when I say that one cup is enough, maybe two if you’re a caffeine fein. While you’re there try any of the classic Cuban snacks and sandwiches this shop offers.
Photo: Julia & Henry’s
Finish your last night strong by hanging out in the downtown/Brickell area. When I’m with friends and working on a budget (eating out in Miami can really add up unfortunately), I like to stop by Julia & Henry’s, a food hall with global cuisine and comfort food.
Photo: Gekko by Michael Stavaridis
If you have some room in your wallet, Gekko works well for small groups, while the dimly lit Dirty French Steakhouse is my recommendation as the perfect cozy spot for couples.
Photo: Sugar
For a nightcap, there’s no shortage of rooftop bars in Brickell, but Sugar is my favorite with its garden-like atmosphere, tasty drinks and 360-degree city views.
Follow along for all your travel needs with our Flights of Fancy series and Jetset Journeys series.
From the get-go, a major priority of the Trump administration’s anti-immigration policy has been the restriction of “chain migration,” the trickle-down immigrant sponsorship process by which many families — including his wife Melania’s — immigrate to the US. To this end, the administration has rolled out one policy after another that specifically targets immigrant families, from separations at the US-Mexico border to threats on birthright citizenship. The administration has also made it nearly impossible for immigrants to become citizens if they’ve used social services like children’s health insurance or SNAP.
All the while, the president and his staff have repeatedly insisted that the country would continue to welcome skilled “legal” immigrants who would be an asset to the economy, even announcing a plan to increase the number of H-1B visas the US would give. Now, the Trump administration is targeting tens of thousands of those same, highly skilled visa holders at the family level by moving to eliminate their spouses’ legal right to work in the United States.
On Wednesday, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reportedly submitted a proposed regulation to the White House Office of Management and Budget that would put an end to a program that gives work permits to the spouses of H-1B visa holders who are waiting to receive green cards — a process that can take years.
H-1B visas are temporary work visas provided to foreign-born workers in “specialty services,” such as a STEM field. The visas are chosen through a random lottery that workers must apply for in advance. Spouses or dependents of H-1B visa holders who are above age 21 have, in the past, been able to apply for H-4 visas so that they can work while their partners wait to receive permanent residency. The rule that permits certain spouses of H-1B visas to qualify for temporary work visas of their own was only put into place in 2015, under the Obama administration.
Ending the program would mean some 90,000 people who are married to temporary work visa holders will lose their ability to work legally in the US. According to Bloomberg, most of the spouses who will be impacted by this policy change are women from India.
“USCIS continues reviewing all employment-based visa programs,” USCIS spokesperson Jessica Collins said in a statement Thursday. “No decision about the regulation concerning the employment eligibility of certain H-4 spouses is final until the rule-making process is complete.”
The Trump administration announced its intentions to alter these programs in the spring of 2017, when the president signed the “Buy American and Hire American” executive order. The order outlines the administration’s general plans to exclude more and more foreign-born workers from the American workforce and to discourage the purchase of certain products made outside the US. Following this order, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services indicated that it would do away with the H-4 program, according to Wired.
Very soon after the Obama administration implemented the H-4 program for the spouses of certain H-1B visa-holders, a group of IT workers calling themselves “Save Jobs USA” filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security, claiming that the government was illegally taking jobs from US-born citizens. The group was represented by John Miano, an attorney for the Center for Immigration Studies, a far-right anti-immigration group. But now there’s no longer a need for the lawsuit to continue on, as the government will be ending the program itself — a win for the far-right groups who supported the suit.
In a 2018 Wired article about those who stand to lose their ability to work with the end of the H-4 program, one woman, Sampada Khanapurkar, summarized how this change is acting as a deterrent for families like hers. “I mean, I’ve been here so long, I just thought, ‘These people are mine.’ And now people aren’t accepting me. It’s not a good feeling,” Khanapurkar said. “I told my husband yesterday, if this is how we’re feeling and this is how we’re going to be feeling every single day of our lives, living in fear, never know when our visas will be revoked, never know when we’ll be accepted here legally, in spite of being legal, we might as well go to a place where people are accepting of us.”
Deterring Black and brown immigrants from coming to the US, or staying in the US, is exactly what these policies are designed to do. The administration spelled out clearly that the cruel policy of separating children from their parents at the US-Mexico border was intended as a deterrent measure, to scare asylum-seekers and migrants from even attempting to come to the US. The new proposed policy represents yet another example of a measure that creates a hostile environment for individuals who wish to immigrate.
What do you think? Tell us on Twitter @BritandCo.
(Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Salad cravings come and go but they can definitely linger when you find the perfect mix of fresh, seasonal ingredients and an irresistibly delicious dressing. These hearty salads are all of those things, and stand on their own as a meal for one or a crowd. The versatility of each is what makes them shine as our very best salad recipes too. Top with your favorite protein for a delicious dinner, proudly bring along to a summer BBQ potluck, or pack for a week's worth of healthy lunches. Whether you're craving a taco-style salad, an all-veggie mix, or a spin on your favorite cuisine like Thai, Middle Eastern, or Southern-Style, these are the best salads to add to your recipe box.
Spring Mix Salad with Lemon Baked Tofu
Pack protein like lemon tofu and edamame to this salad that's filled enough to be its own stand-alone dish. The tangy vinaigrette is so refreshing too! (via Two Spoons for Brit + Co)
Butternut Squash Salad
Rich in nutrients, this veggie salad packs a mouthful of sweet flavors from the roasted butternut, paired with perfectly with a homemade apple cider dressing. (via Brit + Co)
Space Salad
This NASA-inspired recipe, originally developed for deep space travelers, only requires seven ingredients: soybeans, poppy seeds, barley, kale, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and sweet potatoes are all tossed together to create an (ahem) out-of-this-world salad. (via Brit + Co)
Strawberry Arugula Walnut Salad
Here's our favorite go-to spring salad recipe, chock full of fresh fruit + veg we love to savor all season long. (via Brit + Co)
Sweet Potato Salad
This hearty salad mixes together roasted sweet potato, fluffy quinoa, arugula, crumbled feta, and a quick + delicious hummus dressing. (via Live Eat Learn)
Whole30 Chicken and Avocado Salad
We recreated one of Pinterest's most popular Whole30 recipes and learned exactly what all the fuss is about, so good! (via Brit + Co)
Spring Chicken Salad With Sauce Verte
Low-carb fans will love this bright spring salad with seasoned chicken and a mix of veggies like asparagus, English peas, and plenty of greens. (via Brit + Co)
Pesto Chicken Avocado Orzo Salad
Grilled Cajun chicken, orzo, romaine lettuce, and avocado and peppers tossed together with a creamy thousand island dressing is a meal we'll happily add to our weekly salad rotation ASAP. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Roasted Golden Beet Salad With Farro
Roasted beets, farro, goat cheese, and crunchy almonds is hearty enough to serve as a meal on its own but also a dish you'll totally want to share. (via Barley & Sage)
Peach Salad
Peach lovers unite! This salad puts the juicy stone fruit front and center and finishes with a sweet and tangy olive oil dressing. (via Feel Good Foodie)
Summer Watermelon Radish Salad
Watermelon radishes are nothing like your average watermelon. Earthy and packed with a spicy kick, these vegetables go best paired with a simple balsamic vinaigrette. (via Brit + Co)
Curly Endive and Stone Fruit Salad
The best thing about salads is their versatility. Swap the endive here for radicchio, chicories, frisée or some other favorite and grill the stone fruit for added flavor. (via Most Hungry)
Easy Beef Taco Salad
Top this beef salad with your favorite taco toppings and an easy and delicious 2-ingredient dressing!.(via Salt & Lavender)
Spring Orzo Salad
Loaded with asparagus, peas, and a delicious lemon vinaigrette dressing, this salad will satisfy you through summer and beyond. (via Munching With Mariyah)
Shaved Broccolini, Brussel Sprouts, and Kale Salad
This gluten-free and vegetarian salad features shaved broccolini, Brussels sprouts and kale (*all* the greens) and is so easy to make. (via RachL Mansfield)
Grilled Buffalo Chicken Salad
Toss crispy romaine hearts, spicy buffalo chicken, and all your favorite veggies with a healthy and super tasty avocado ranch dressing for your next salad craving. (via The Endless Meal)
Apple Berry Walnut Salad
Berry season is a perfect time to make this salad, mixed with kale, red leaf lettuce, blackberries, blueberries, apples, and walnuts. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)
These Are The Best Salad Recipes To Mix Up This Summer
Snap Pea And Burrata Salad
Snap peas, cucumbers, radishes, and creamy burrata cheese is the healthy + totally satisfying mix we want in a salad. (via Cozy Cravings)
Santa Fe Chicken Salad
This Chili's copycat recipe is loaded with spicy chicken, yummy veggies, tortilla strips and a zesty Santa Fe sauce. (via The Girl on Bloor)
Winter Greens & Citrus Salad with Tahini-Ginger Dressing
The Japanese-style tahini-ginger dressing in this salad is so good that you'll want to drizzle it on all your veggies — sauteéd kale, steamed broccoli, and more. (via Season Cookbook x Brit + Co)
Panzanella Bread Salad
This salad made with grilled bread, heirloom tomatoes, capers and herbs can be served warm or cold depending on the season and mood. (via Veggie Society)
Authentic Fattoush Salad
Make the most of summer's best produce with a delicious dressing and crunchy homemade pita chips for the ultimate bread salad. (via Forks & Foliage)
Turmeric Rice Salad
Grains are a great way to turn a salad into a meal. This Mediterranean-inspired salad uses turmeric and rice to add a beautiful color, great texture and a lot of nutrition. (via Feel Good Foodie)
Vegan Grilled Club Salad
Inspired by the classic club sandwich, this salad uses similar ingredients grilled to perfection. (via The Edgy Veg)
Bright Winter Salad
This easy, 10-minute salad is packed with antioxidants and introduces dragonfruit to your salad go-to ingredients. (via No Eggs Or Ham)
Easy Fennel Arugula Salad
Mix in sundried tomatoes and artichoke hearts to create a simple and satisfying salad with huge flavor. (via GastroPlant)
Turkish Shepherd Salad
Tomato season is our favorite salad time. Add fresh summer tomatoes, cucumbers and onions, plus sumac, lemon juice and olive oil to make this tasty and refreshing salad in just 5 minutes! (via Give Recipe)
Thai Quinoa Salad
A simple Thai vinaigrette made of sesame oil, lime juice, fish sauce, ginger, and garlic turns your summer produce into a delightful feast! (via A Spicy Perspective)
BÒ LÚC LẮC (VIETNAMESE SHAKING BEEF) ON A BED OF WATERCRESS
This peppery, sweet, and savory bo luc lac is delicious served on a bed of crisp watercress, red onions, and cherry tomatoes, so salad-esque. (via Takes Two Eggs)
Kale Salad
This colorful kale salad made with a fresh strawberry vinaigrette is an ode to California cuisine. (via Culinary Hill)
Cauliflower Citrus Salad
This winter salad is a great one to bookmark come the holidays or try anytime you're craving crunchy and sweet. (via Allo Simone)
Chickpea Shawarma Salad
This plant-based version of the Middle Easter dish still has the same kick of spices but with hearty chickpeas and a dressing that’s tangy, sweet, and tart all at once. (via Chef Bai)
STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD & BALSAMIC DRESSING
This healthy summer salad is quick and easy, featuring toasted almonds, sliced cucumbers and in-season strawberries, plus an easy balsamic vinaigrette dressing. (via Two Spoons)
WATERMELON FETA BASIL BALSAMIC SALAD RECIPE
There are few things better than watermelon in season and this salad takes advantage of all of it with complimentary flavors of feta, basil, and balsamic. (via Cilantro Parsley)
Black Eyed Pea and Cornbread Salad
This Southern-style salad had us at cornbread, plus plant-based toppings that are healthy and delicious and totally filling. (via This Wife Cooks)
Follow us on Pinterest for more summer dinner recipe ideas and check out our online cooking classes for more ideas!
TBH, it doesn’t matter who you’re RSVPing "no" to — it’s awkward. It can be difficult to say no to an invite when your reason boils down to “I just don’t want to,” but not wanting to do something optional (and/or low-stakes) is reason enough to not do it. Your time, energy, and money is valuable — you don’t have to dish it out at every opportunity. Obviously, some events (like those hosted by close family or friends) are important to go to, no matter how much you may not want to.
However, for those invites from not-so-close friends for relatively unremarkable events, it's perfectly fine to decline. Even weddings, arguably the most lavish event someone may throw in their lifetime, are declinable. Whether it’s too expensive, too far away, or you just need a weekend off, there are plenty of respectful ways to RSVP “no.”
Here are all the tips you need to diplomatically decline, and not feel bad about it.
1. RSVP "no" early
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk/Pexels
As soon as you receive an invitation, you probably have an idea of whether or not you can or want to attend. Decline ASAP so the host has an opportunity to invite someone else, get a refund on your seat, and plan accordingly. Plus, you don’t want to carry the burden of accepting and dreading the event for weeks. It’s way more emotionally draining, and confusing for the host.
If you do want to attend, but are unsure if you can, check your calendar and let the host know your circumstances. Perhaps your sister is expecting her first baby around the same time as your college roommate’s wedding. Reach out to your friend directly and let them know that you may be able to come, or would like to come, but it’s dependent on another important factor.
Chances are, the host will respect and appreciate your honesty. And remember: for big events like weddings, guests = money, so giving the hosts as much time as possible to make adjustments before their event is imperative.
2. You don't have to explain yourself
Photo by Getty/JLco - Julia Amaral
This is a bit contradictory to what we just said, but if it’s not an up-in-the-air type of situation, you can just say “no.” Plain and simple. Hosts don’t need a laundry list of reasons you can’t go, and you don’t need to share yours.
3. Declining is *actually* quite respectful
Photo by Dziana Hasanbekava/Pexels
Responding to someone, whether it’s an enthusiastic “yes” or a “no,” is way better than not responding at all – or worse, canceling at the last minute. It shows that you care enough about the person to give them an answer, and that your friendship allows for open communication. With anyone in your life, you should be allowed to ask for what you want, and what you need. If you can’t do this for yourself, do it for Future You.
4. Don't make up excuses
It’s just a no-no. If you fabricate an excuse, it can lead to way worse (and certainly more awkward) situations. For example, if you say you can’t go deep sea fishing this Saturday (when it’s really about not wanting to fish), the person might ask you to go with them another time, evidently putting you on the hook (pun VERY intended) for future excursions.
Alternatively, if you opt for blowing them off and they find out, they’ll probably feel worse and assume your response was personal to them. Whether or not that’s true is besides the point.
Being a bit more honest always goes a long way. Oh, and BTW, refusing an invitation isn’t that deep! Truly. It’s literally fine.
5. How to say "no"
Photo by KoolShooters/Pexels
Saying no is all about what you say and how you say it. Aim for a warm, neutral and matter-of-fact tone paired with a short, candid response. Don’t beg for forgiveness (and TBH if you have to do this, they’re probably not a great friend in the first place), give them a vague reason as to why you can’t go, or get defensive if they have questions. Repeat after us: saying no is normal!
BTW – by declining an invite you have to allow others to do the same. So if someone declines an invitation to your birthday party (which we know will be totally amazing), it’s OK.
And just remember – any response is better than no response.
Stay updated on all things party etiquette with Brit + Co. This post has been updated.