Ryan Farrick is a freelance writer and small business advertising consultant based out of mid-Michigan. Passionate about international politics and world affairs, he’s an avid traveler with a keen interest in the connections between South Asia and the United States. Ryan studied neuroscience and has spent the last several years working as an operations manager in transportation logistics.


ACLU Challenges Trump’s Asylum Application Limitations

President Trump’s attempts to limit asylum applications were challenged in court Monday. The outcome of the hearings, writes USA Today, could determine how many members of a U.S.-bound migrant caravan will be allowed into the country. Hundreds of caravan members have already converged along the U.S.-Mexico border in Tijuana. On Monday, Customs and Border Protection


U.S. Closes California’s San Ysidro Border Crossing Over Migrant Fears

U.S. Customs and Border Protection briefly closed California’s San Ysidro border crossing Monday. San Ysidro, writes USA Today, is the busiest land port along the U.S.-Mexico border. Customs and Border Protection temporarily halted northbound traffic for more than three hours, apparently in fear that members of a migrant caravan might try to force their way



FDA Announces New Regulations on E-Cigarettes and Possible Menthol Ban

On Thursday, the Food and Drug Administration announced a series of regulations meant to combat youth abuse of flavored e-cigarettes and tobacco products. The New York Times reports that the FDA made another big announcement, too: it intends to ‘outlaw two traditional tobacco products that disproportionately harm African-Americans,’ menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. The proposed


Black Farmers Group Sues Stine Seeds Over Alleged Rip-Off

A group of black farmers in Memphis are “encouraged’ by a judge’s decision to move forward with a class action lawsuit against Stine Seed Co. Commercial Appeal reports that the Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association had a status hearing on the issue Wednesday. The case stems from complaints by members of the group in April—several


Forest Service Attempts to Tackle Workplace Harassment and Sexual Misconduct

The U.S. Forest Service has promised to clamp down on sexual harassment and other workplace issues. The Associated Press reports that newly-appointed Forest Service director Vicki Christiansen told a congressional panel that the agency’s in need of cultural change. She promised to put new systems in place and rework existing processes to ensure workplace safety


Migrant Caravan Arrives in Tijuana as Members Clash with Locals

Members of a migrant caravan traveling across Mexico began arriving at the U.S. border on Thursday. Twenty-two buses carrying some 800 Central American migrants docked in Tijuana. Their arrival marks the end of a month’s journey for many members of the caravan. “We’ve finally reached Tijuana. I can’t wait to see the border. It’s been


Migrant Justice Sues Federal Government, Vermont DMV Over Informants

Immigrant advocacy group Migrant Justice is suing the federal government, saying law enforcement sent civilian infiltrators to their meetings in an attempt to combat grassroots activism. The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Burlington, alleges that the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles colluded with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security


ICE Acting Director Ronald D. Vitiello Prepares for Confirmation Hearing

Ronald D. Vitiello, President Donald Trump’s pick to head the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, will have his first confirmation hearing on Thursday. Vitiello, who’s served as the agency’s acting director for months, will stand before the Senate Homeland Security Committee Thursday to secure his position permanently. The Washington Times reports that Vitiello—a controversial figure—has


Lawyers for Civil Rights Sues Trump on Immigration Policy, Demands ‘Apprentice’ Tapes

Lawyers attacking President Donald Trump’s harsh immigration policy are demanding unaired tapes from ‘The Apprentice,’ hoping the former reality TV star’s off-the-camera comments contain racial slurs. NBC News reports that Lawyers for Civil Rights—which sued Trump in February—has issued subpoenas to MGM Holdings, Inc. and Trump Productions LLC. The subpoenas seek ‘any footage’ shot during