Hollywood stars rally against Trump's immigrant policy
Los Angeles, June 20 : Hollywood celebrities like Natalie Portman, Mindy Kaling and John Legend have spoken out against the controversial illegal immigration policy by US President Donald Trump's administration.
Trump and his administration have come under heavy criticism of late for adopting a zero-tolerance approach to people illegally crossing over the American border from Mexico, with officials currently separating parents from their children as they are taken into custody.
Portman is spearheading a new campaign calling on US lawmakers to stop tearing families apart as authorities crack down on illegal immigration, reports aceshowbiz.com.
She has now joined forces with activists at the National Domestic Workers Alliance to slam the "brutal new policy" via a MoveOn.org petition, which will be delivered to Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen, and members of the US Congress.
"This shockingly cruel, traumatic, and inhumane practice has no place in our country. It must be stopped immediately, and without holding these children hostage to pass other anti-immigrant policies We must speak loudly enough, and in large enough numbers, that the media stays focused on this story," Portman said in a statement.
The actress said she has "joined the National Domestic Workers Alliance to launch this petition. Please sign it and stay tuned for more ways to help these families".
Over 250,000 people had added their names to the campaign as WENN went to press.
Mindy, who has Indian roots, tweeted: "As a mother and a daughter of immigrants, I am heartbroken about children being separated from their families at America's borders."
Celebrities like Bette Midler, singer John Legend and his model wife Chrissy Teigen, filmmaker Ron Howard, actresses Evan Rachel Wood and Alyssa Milano, and country legend Willie Nelson are among the other celebrities to blast the Trump administration in recent days.
Hollywood veteran Kevin Costner expressed his disgust during an appearance on talk show "The View" on June 19.
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Shipping authority says 3 Indian seafarers killed in Middle East; issues advisory
New Delhi (PTI): At least three Indian seafarers on board foreign-flagged vessels were killed and one was injured in the Middle East region, the Directorate General of Shipping said on Tuesday as it issued an advisory for maritime operators to assess voyage-specific risks, amid escalated military actions involving the US, Israel and Iran that threaten disruptions of major trade routes.
"There have been four reported incidents involving Indian seafarers in the region, resulting in three casualties and one injured seafarer, all of whom were serving on board foreign-flagged vessels," the Directorate General of Shipping said.
On Tuesday, American and Israeli airstrikes continued to pound Iran since killing its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Saturday. Tehran and its allies have hit back against Israel, neighbouring Gulf states, and targets critical to the world's production of oil and natural gas.
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President Donald Trump on Monday said the US has "the capability to go far longer" than its projected four-to-five-week time frame for its military operations against Iran.
In an advisory, the Directorate General of Shipping said it is closely monitoring the evolving maritime security situation in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman and adjoining sea areas.
It said the threats of the recent geopolitical developments included missile and drone activity, electronic interference, and other maritime security concerns.
Stakeholders have been advised to maintain heightened vigilance and undertake voyage-specific risk assessments, and vessels operating in the region have been advised to maintain an enhanced security posture and bridge watch, ensure continuous communication readiness, and report any suspicious activity immediately, with transit through high-risk areas to be reviewed by operators based on prevailing conditions, the shipping authority said.
About the incident involving Indian seafarers, the Directorate said the remaining crew members on board are safe and secure, and the Directorate, as well as other authorities, are maintaining close coordination with all stakeholders to ensure their continued safety, well-being and timely support.
All necessary support, assistance and facilitation are being extended to the affected seafarers and their families, it added.
The directorate further said that it has activated enhanced monitoring and security oversight, real-time tracking of Indian-flagged vessels with increased reporting frequency and 24X7 monitoring.
"Mandatory reporting protocols have been prescribed for vessels, owners and managers, and close coordination is being maintained with the Indian Navy, Ministry of External Affairs, IFC-IOR, MRCC and Indian Missions," it said.
Shipping companies have also been advised to exercise due caution in crew deployment and to maintain regular communication with seafarers and their families.
The Directorate said a dedicated 'quick response team' has also been formed to ensure timely coordination among all concerned authorities, enable immediate response to emerging situations, and facilitate prompt assistance and support to Indian seafarers and their families.
