Politics, Palau Theo Edwards Politics, Palau Theo Edwards

Tiny ‘Survivor’ Island with 18K Population to Welcome Trump’s Deportees — for $7.5 Million

WASHINGTON — The tiny Pacific nation of Palau — has agreed to take up to 75 third-country deportees from the United States who don’t have a criminal record — in exchange for a $7.5 million grant to support the roughly 18,000-person island chain.

The $100,000 per-deportee fee, announced on Christmas Eve by Palau’s President Surangel Whipps Jr. and the US embassy in Koror, introduces one of the most favorable venues yet for deportees if their recalcitrant homelands — such as China, Cuba, Russia, or Iran — won’t take them.

In addition to the new $7.5 million grant, the Trump administration agreed to provide $6 million “to prevent collapse of [Palau’s] civil service pension plan system” and $2 million for “new law enforcement initiatives.”

WASHINGTON — The tiny Pacific nation of Palau — a former filming location for “Survivor” — has agreed to take up to 75 third-country deportees from the United States who don’t have a criminal record — in exchange for a $7.5 million grant to support the roughly 18,000-person island chain.

The $100,000 per-deportee fee, announced on Christmas Eve by Palau’s President Surangel Whipps Jr. and the US embassy in Koror, introduces one of the most favorable venues yet for deportees if their recalcitrant homelands — such as China, Cuba, Russia, or Iran — won’t take them.

“Palau and the United States signed a Memorandum of Understanding allowing up to 75 third-country nationals, who have never been charged with a crime, to live and work in Palau, helping address local labor shortages in needed occupations,” the country’s president said in a statement.

President Trump’s administration will be sending 75 deportees to the Pacific island nation of Palau. REUTERS

“In connection with this arrangement, the United States granted $7.5 million to help Palau meet related public service and infrastructure needs, while both countries continue close cooperation on immigration and security matters.”

The US embassy said, “The United States deeply appreciates Palau’s cooperation in enforcing U.S. immigration laws, which remains a top priority for the Trump Administration.”

In addition to the new $7.5 million grant, the Trump administration agreed to provide $6 million “to prevent collapse of [Palau’s] civil service pension plan system” and $2 million for “new law enforcement initiatives.”

Palau, whose main industries include tourism and fishing, already was due $889 million in US aid over 20 years — or $44.45 million per year — under an agreement brokered by the Biden administration that took effect last year.

Those funds were intended to bankroll the country’s “education, health, environment, administration of justice, public safety, and audits.”

Palau, located east of the Philippines and a two-hour flight from Guam, was formerly governed by the United States, which conquered the islands from Japan after the bloody battle of Peleliu in 1944, which claimed 1,544 American lives as Japanese troops fought to the death from mountain hideouts.

Palau’s main city of Koror is home to most of the county’s 18,000 people. © Amos Nachoum/CORBIS

In the late 1970s, then-President Jimmy Carter spearheaded the process to grant Palau — along with nearby Micronesia and the Marshall Islands — independence from the United States. Carter similarly returned the Panama Canal Zone, controlled by the US since 1903, to the nation of Panama.

Thus far, Palau, Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands have escaped President Trump’s expansionist ambitions, which include reclaiming the Panama Canal and annexing Greenland.

In 2005, the sparsely populated republic gained pop-culture relevance as the location of the 10th season of “Survivor,” which was won by New York City firefighter Tom Westman.

Palau is heavily dependent on foreign aid — accounting for 12% of its GDP — and also has garnered support from Taiwan and Japan, which controlled Palau following World War I when most German-colonized Pacific islands were regrouped as a United Nations trusteeship.

The country recognizes Oct. 1, 1994, as its independence day, when its compact of free association agreement with the US took effect.

Although it is a member of the United Nations, Palau uses the US dollar, and its citizens are entitled to freely travel, work, and receive federal benefits inside the United States.

The US Postal Service delivers mail, the US military is in charge of defense, and English is a co-official language.

Palau was the filming location for the 10th season of “Survivor,” which aired in 2005. CBS

Former Brooklyn firefighter Tom Westman won the $1 million grant prize. CBS

Many other cash-strapped countries are taking non-citizens in support of Trump’s mass-deportation initiative, which also has induced illegal immigrants to self-deport for between $1,000 and $3,000 and a free one-way ticket to cut down on the average cost of $17,121 to arrest, detain, and deport them.

The Trump administration recently agreed to pay Equatorial Guinea, the oil-rich yet poverty-stricken African kleptocracy, $7.5 million to take an unknown number of deportees.

El Salvador in March placed 238 deported alleged gang members in a high-security prison for $6 million — or $25,000 apiece — and seven were dropped off in war-torn South Sudan in July, including perps from Burma, Cuba, Laos, Mexico, and Vietnam.

Rwanda received $100,000 to take a single Iraqi man, with Kigali agreeing in August to take another 250.

The Trump administration previously inked deals with Uganda and Honduras to take in third-country immigrants without criminal convictions — with those deals specifying Uganda would accept fellow Africans and Honduras would take 200 Spanish speakers from elsewhere.

nypost.com | By Steven Nelson | Published Dec. 26, 2025, 1:06 p.m. ET
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Politics, Canada Theo Edwards Politics, Canada Theo Edwards

In His Victory Speech, Mark Carney Warns Canadians That 'Trump is Trying to 'Break Us'

In a remarkable turnaround fueled by U.S. President Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party has won the federal election. In his victory speech, Carney emphasized the importance of unity in response to threats from Washington. He stated that the mutually beneficial relationship between Canada and the U.S. that has existed since World War II has come to an end. "We have moved past the shock of American betrayal, but we must never forget the lessons," he said. Carney warned that America desires our land, resources, water, and control over our country, adding that these are not mere idle threats. 

"President Trump is attempting to weaken us so that America can dominate us. That will never happen," he declared. However, he acknowledged that our world has fundamentally changed.
 
 

In a remarkable turnaround fueled by U.S. President Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party has won the federal election. In his victory speech, Carney emphasized the importance of unity in response to threats from Washington. He stated that the mutually beneficial relationship between Canada and the U.S. that has existed since World War II has come to an end. "We have moved past the shock of American betrayal, but we must never forget the lessons," he said. Carney warned that America desires our land, resources, water, and control over our country, adding that these are not mere idle threats. "President Trump is attempting to weaken us so that America can dominate us. That will never happen," he declared. However, he acknowledged that our world has fundamentally changed.

 
April 28, 202510:32 PM ET | Heard on Morning Edition | Jackie Northam for npr

Canada's Prime Minister and Liberal Party leader Mark Carney applauds at a victory party in Ottawa, Ontario on April 29, 2025 | DAVE CHAN/AFP via Getty Images

Mark Carney stays on as Canada's prime minister, according to the projections of the national broadcaster CBC/Radio Canada, in one of the country's most consequential elections in decades.

But it's still not clear if his Liberal Party will win the 172 seats needed for an outright majority in Parliament. The full results will not be available until Tuesday.

Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre lost his own Ontario seat to the Liberals, a seat he has held for 20 years. In a concession speech early Tuesday morning, Poilievre said that his party "didn't quite get over the finish line."

The vote was widely seen as a decision about which candidate could best handle President Trump, who helped spark a wave of nationalism across Canada by threatening to annex Canada and placing stiff tariffs on the country.

"As I've been warning for months, America wants our land, our resources, our water, our country," Carney told supporters Monday night. "These are not idle threats. President Trump is trying to break us so America can own us. That will never ... ever happen."

Carney now enters parliament for the first time after winning a seat in Ottawa's Nepean constituency.

The election results quickly drew international reaction. Ursula von der Leyen, the European Union's top official, quickly praised Carney. "I look forward to working closely together, both bilaterally and within the G7," she wrote on ‘X’. "We'll defend our shared democratic values, promote multilateralism, and champion free and fair trade."

 
 

Added Australian Prime Minister, also on X: "In a time of global uncertainty, I look forward to continuing to work with you to build on the enduring friendship between our nations, in the shared interests of all our citizens."

And after a rocky few years of Canadian-Chinese relations, China's foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said "China is willing to develop China-Canada relations on the basis of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit."

The 60-year-old Carney had a career in investment banking before becoming the governor of the Bank of England during the Brexit turmoil, and as the head of the Bank of Canada during the 2008 economic downturn.

Carney had never held political office before being named leader of the Liberal Party in March. His background in finance and his seemingly unflappable demeanor helped convince voters he was the candidate who could best tackle Trump and his sometimes erratic policies.

Carney beat out Pierre Poilievre, a 45-year-old career politician and head of the Conservative Party. It was a stunning reversal of fortunes for Poilievre, who for more than a year rode high in the polls, at one point with his Conservatives up 27 points over the Liberals.

Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre speaks to his supporters after losing the Canadian Federal Election on April 29, 2025 in Ottawa, Canada.

Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images

Poilievre's momentum began to slip in January when former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigned. The Liberal Party's Trudeau was widely disliked in Canada by the end of his decade-long tenure, and his resignation gave the Liberals a lift. Carney became Trudeau's successor.

But the real boost came when President Trump began targeting Canada's economy and its sovereignty. Many Canadians were outraged by Trump's threat to make Canada the 51st state — a threat he repeated in a post on social media on election day.

Many of Poilievre's positions and much of his rhetoric mirror Trump — albeit on a more moderate level. The Conservative leader has a "Canada First" slogan, he wants tighter borders, smaller government and to end what right-wing politicians consider "wokeness." While his proposals resonated with some voters early on, Poilievre's association with Trump ultimately ended up hurting him badly.

It is the fourth consecutive federal election the Conservative Party has lost, leading some analysts to believe the party will now go through a time of reckoning about its message and appeal.

 
 
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Politics, USA, Immigration Theo Edwards Politics, USA, Immigration Theo Edwards

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Registration Requirement to Take Effect April 11, 2025

The new immigration rule will take effect on April 11, 2025. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published an Interim Final Rule (IFR) requiring non-citizens who remain in the U.S. for 30 days or more and were not previously registered to register and be fingerprinted.

Theo Edwards for YAME Digital
 Footnote: Watch the eye-opening video: 'What Happens to Your Assets and Savings If You Face Deportation?' Whether you're living in the U.S. on a visa, waiting for permanent residency, or undocumented, savings, bank accounts, and retirement funds could be at serious risk if deportation becomes a reality.

The new immigration rule will take effect on April 11, 2025. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published an Interim Final Rule (IFR) requiring non-citizens who remain in the U.S. for 30 days or more and were not previously registered to register and be fingerprinted.

Individuals who are considered already registered include: Individuals issued immigrant or nonimmigrant visas before their last date of arrival

  • Individuals admitted to the United States as nonimmigrants who were issued Form I-94 or I-94W (paper or electronic)

  • Lawful permanent residents

  • Individuals issued an employment authorization document

  • Individuals paroled into the United States

  • Individuals placed into removal proceedings

  • Individuals who have applied for lawful permanent residence using Forms I-485, I-687, I-691, I-698, I-700, and provided fingerprints, even if the applications were denied

  • Individuals issued Border Crossing Cards

Alien Registration Form and Evidence of Registration

A Rule by the Homeland Security Department on 03/12/2025

READ

Diplomats and officials with A and G visa status, as well as certain American Indians born in Canada, are exempt from the registration requirement.

USCIS has published additional information about the registration requirement.

Each individual not already considered registered must create their own USCIS Online Account. Non-citizen children under the age of 14 must apply to register and be fingerprinted (unless waived) within 30 days of their fourteenth birthday. Children under the age of 14 must be registered by their parents/guardians. And also create an online account on their child’s behalf, in their child’s name. Once the USCIS online account is created, the registrant must complete G-325R.

Canadian visitors who enter the U.S. at a land port of entry and were not issued Form I-94 at admission will be required to register if they remain in the U.S. for 30 days or longer.

Canadians require a visa to enter the US

“U.S. immigration lawyer Len Saunders says the U.S. enforcing a visitor registration law for Canadians is ‘disastrous’ because most won’t know about it and could face arrest.”
— New U.S. immigration rules for Canadians ‘disastrous,’ says lawyer | Hanomansing Tonight
 
 

An individual who deliberately fails or refuses to apply for registration or to be fingerprinted may face a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both. Failing to carry proof of registration at all times or to report a change of address can result in a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both. Furthermore, an individual who does not comply with the requirement to report a change of address may be subject to deportation unless the failure to report was not willful or was reasonably justified.

The same applies to the parents or guardians of those under the age of 14 who fail to comply. Those who are 18 years or older are required to carry proof of their registration and fingerprinting at all times. Failure to do so may result in a misdemeanor charge, which could incur a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for no more than 30 days, or both. This constitutes a criminal offense.

Theo Edwards for YAME Digital
“UPDATE: US lawmakers have introduced a draft bill proposing a 5 percent excise tax on all remittances sent abroad. This proposal could significantly impact African countries that rely heavily on funds from their diaspora.”
— Source: May 14, 2025

US lawmakers have introduced a draft bill proposing a 5 percent excise tax on all remittances sent abroad. This proposal could significantly impact African countries that rely heavily on funds from their diaspora. The bill, presented by House Republicans, specifies that the sender will be responsible for paying the tax, which will be collected quarterly by the US Treasury Department. This initiative is part of a series of stringent measures implemented under President Donald Trump's administration, which has recently intensified its immigration and trade policies. #DWAfrica

For more information on the "GOP Proposal to Tax Remittances," please refer to the key facts.

GOP Proposal to Tax Remittances: KEY FACTS

Diaspora-Dependent Economies at Risk

The proposed remittance tax has triggered alarm among African experts and governments, where diaspora remittances serve as a lifeline for millions of families. In countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and Ethiopia, remittances account for a significant portion of GDP, often surpassing foreign direct investment and aid flows.

Policy in Line with Trump’s Tougher Agenda

The remittance tax proposal reflects a continuing trend under the Trump administration toward stricter border control, immigration limits, and transactional foreign policy. It comes on the heels of recent crackdowns on asylum seekers, expanded visa restrictions, and tariff-driven trade negotiations.

“Whether you’re living in the U.S. on a visa, waiting for permanent residency, or undocumented, savings, bank accounts, and retirement funds could be at serious risk if deportation becomes a reality.”
— Source: Watch the eye-opening video: 'What Happens to Your Assets and Savings If You Face Deportation?'
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Politics, History Theo Edwards Politics, History Theo Edwards

What's Behind White-America Support for Donald J. Trump

Anybody who does not understand the majority of white Americans' unflinching support for Donald Trump should listen and watch the video.

In Video: Excerpt

Jared Taylor White-America

In Video: Excerpt

The 45th lost the 2020 election, trailing Biden by about 7 million votes. He made repeated and false claims of election fraud, in the process fueling the violence of Jan. 6, 2021. He continues to push those falsehoods.

He was impeached for his role in the Jan. 6 — becoming the only president in American history to be twice impeached. Throughout 2023 was indicted four times and faces 91 criminal charges. Separately, in a civil trial last May, he was found liable for the sexual abuse of writer E. Jean Carroll.

Despite all of this, the majority of white Americans still express their unflinching support for the Don. Why? You have to watch and listen to the recording. Just Listen!

In Video: What's Behind White-America Support for Donald J. Trump.

Jared Taylor White-America

So, who is Jared Taylor speaking for White-America?

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