Hello everyone, welcome to the News Quintet. Today’s co-hosts are Tang Hao, Qin Peng, Lin Lan, Qin Yue, and myself. With diverse perspectives and collisions of viewpoints, we will lead you into the rich world of news. Feel free to subscribe and like our independent channel.
Today’s highlights:
China discontinues visa-free transit for Chinese travelers, while another country cancels visa-free entry for Chinese nationals. Two popular countries restrict visas for Chinese citizens. Who is China’s halt on illegal immigration aimed at? Biden’s new amnesty policy affects 500,000 people. Could the US face a repeat of “9/11”? Can using apps lead to depression?
Just a few days after establishing the “melt-down mechanism” to deter mass migration at the US-Mexico border, President Biden announced a new policy to grant citizenship to hundreds of thousands of undocumented spouses of US citizens. The eligibility criteria include having lived in the US for at least 10 years by June 17th, totaling around 500,000 individuals.
This initiative is considered the most significant relief program for undocumented immigrants in the US since the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program announced by the Obama administration in 2012. It is expected to take effect later this summer.
Q1, Lin Lan, didn’t President Biden recently tighten security at the southern border and restrict illegal immigration to the US? Why introduce a policy allowing more undocumented immigrants to obtain citizenship now? With the upcoming elections at the end of the year, what impact could this policy have on the elections?
However, a major concern regarding illegal immigration is emerging: security. Chairman Mike Turner of the Republican-led House Intelligence Committee has warned that the possibility of a terrorist attack in the US has risen to the “highest” level. Additionally, an official from the FBI and a counter-terrorism expert have both warned that a repeat of “9/11” may occur in the US, with ongoing activities observed by authorities. Last week, eight individuals with suspected links to ISIS were arrested in New York, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, among other places.
Q2, Qin Peng, Qin Yue, is the US adequately prepared in terms of security defenses, should we be concerned?
I’m not particularly worried about a large-scale terror attack like “9/11,” but I am concerned about smaller-scale ones. Before “9/11,” the political and religious conflicts in the Middle East led to the rise of terrorism and the emergence of figures like Osama bin Laden with deep-seated animosity towards the US. The international political landscape at that time, in my opinion, was more complicated than it is now.
Many terrorist groups were still emerging, with unpredictable tactics. After the end of the Cold War, the US became the sole superpower in the world and had to adjust to its new dominant role.
Prior to the “9/11” attacks, international collaboration in counterterrorism was limited, lacking effective strategies and information-sharing mechanisms.
After experiencing “9/11,” the US developed stronger capabilities for sharing and coordinating operations. Moreover, the US is one of the world leaders in technology. Without substantial funds, terrorist organizations struggle to carry out major actions as their leaders are targeted, funding sources are cut off, and their operations are short-lived.
I am not too concerned about a large-scale attack like “9/11.” However, the threat of small-scale attacks worries me – indiscriminate attacks, swiftly planned and executed without central organization. Living in New York, we know the lack of security checks in the subway. A small explosive in a crowded place could be a viable threat.
Of course, small-scale plots can also cause significant harm. Without working at the Department of Homeland Security, I can’t provide precise details on modern warfare involving AI technology. From an ordinary New Yorker’s perspective, I am less worried about a “9/11” reoccurrence but more concerned about an increase in unpredictable and hard-to-defend against small-scale attacks.
Q3, Tang Hao, the Ecuadorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the termination of visa-free travel for Chinese citizens effective from July 1st. It is a key transit stop for Chinese travelers. Additionally, Japan has begun strict controls on Chinese tourists recently. What is happening?
US Department of Health and Human Services Secretary, Vivek Murthy, recently wrote in a column citing research that spending 3 hours daily on social media increases the risk of depression in adolescents twofold. Currently, teenagers spend close to 5 hours a day on social media.
Murthy urges Congress to legislate safety warnings on social media apps, similar to the caution labels on tobacco and alcohol products, to alert about the threats to youth mental health.
Q1, Qin Peng: You have been using social media for many years, from Weibo to Twitter. What advantages and disadvantages do you see in using social media?
Q2, Tang Hao: Social media is supposed to facilitate interactions among people. Why does it end up harming mental health? Do you think this claim holds true?
Q3, Fu Yao: in recent years, many well-known social media influencers have revealed experiences of depression. Why do even viewers and content creators on social media experience depression?
When was the last time we sat down quietly to read a book? When did we truly look into the eyes of our loved ones and friends, chatting about life and work? Have we noticed that the world is slowly becoming unfamiliar to us? Fortunately, it’s not too late to realize this. Put down your phone and engage in real conversations. Thank you for watching this episode of the News Quintet. Goodbye.
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