#top passports 2025

[inc-immigrationnewscanada]

Canadian Passport Ranking 2025 With Full List Of Visa-Free Countries

Imagine holding a key that unlocks the doors to 188 countries without the hassle of visa applications or lengthy bureaucratic processes. In the 2025 Henley Passport Index, the Canadian passport has solidified its position as one of the most powerful travel documents in the world, securing the prestigious 7th spot globally and granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to an astonishing 188…

[comet-soda]

Immigrants and those racially profiled as such (including indigenous Americans!?!?!!), detained without due process, denied appeal, deported or shipped off to the neo-concentration camp being erected at the already dispicable guantanamo bay. Trans people having passports confiscated and legal documents reverted, having threats of care being cut off, studies related to trans people forcibly retracted. Missing queer kids scrubbed from missing kids databases. Federal research being gutted in every sector, limited, censored, even down to words as innocuous as "bias", "gender", and "female" in some contexts. Federal departments destroyed at a whim, all communication from the FDA (including food safety recalls) frozen. Elon Musk in the national treasury just doing whatever the fuck he wants. National media not covering protests at all, and most anything else that they do cover rarely being met with the severity it warrants. The largest social media platforms being biased to push right-wing content by design and bending to the whims of whatever they think the GOP will like in their policy and censorship. The tik tok and tariff stunts being literally just straight up propaganda to make Trump look like a hero while actually doing nothing whatsoever. Project 2025 being the goal all along (obviously) as Trump actions continue to follow this plan laid out for him. Appointees of abusers and rapists and racists and bigots to major sectors of governments. A seeming end to separation of chruch and state with the establishment of the White House Faith Office. Efforts to remove federal employees to destabilize internal resistance or install loyalists in their place. Massive donations to the republican party that just blatantly break the law to a comically transparent degree, not even an attempt to hide it through loopholes. Nazi salute at the inauguration. The promise of further and total ethnic cleansing of Palestine (and the continuous underreported breaking of the current ceasefire by Israel, with impunity). Genuine threats to annex Canada and Greenland into the States. Canada's own polling for their upcoming federal election that's leaning conservative, which could throw Canada right into the same situation as the US, thanks to exported rhetoric from the huge swath of American-owned news and media in Canada. Far right-wing leaders voted into power, or polling trending that way, all across the globe.

This is only what I could think of off of the top of my head. Most of this stuff has been since the beginning of Trump's second term, some has been ongoing for a long time. And still this is only the tip of the iceberg.

We're not on the path to fascism. Fascism is here. We crossed the line ages ago.

But there's still hope. There is resistance. Don't give up. Don't stay quiet. Don't normalize any of this shit. Fight.

[idhren]

March 1, 2025

A letter to the American People:

For over 11 years, 18F has been proudly serving you to make government technology work better. We are non-partisan civil servants. 18F has worked on hundreds of projects, all designed to make government technology not just efficient but effective, and to save money for American taxpayers.

However, all employees at 18F – a group that the Trump Administration GSA Technology Transformation Services Director called "the gold standard" of civic tech – were terminated today at midnight ET.

18F was doing exactly the type of work that DOGE claims to want – yet we were eliminated.

When former Tesla engineer Thomas Shedd took the position of TTS director and met with TTS including 18F on February 3, 2025, he acknowledged that the group is the “gold standard” of civic technologists and that “you guys have been doing this far longer than I’ve been even aware that your group exists.” He repeatedly emphasized the importance of the work, and the value of the talent that the teams bring to government.

Despite that skill and knowledge, at midnight ET on March 1, the entirety of 18F received notice that our positions had been eliminated.

The letter said that 18F "has been identified as part of this phase of GSA’s Reduction in Force (RIF) as non-critical”.

"This decision was made with explicit direction from the top levels of leadership within both the Administration and GSA," Shedd said in an email shortly after we were given notice.

This was a surprise to all 18F staff and our agency partners. Just yesterday we were working on important projects, including improving access to weather data with NOAA, making it easier and faster to get a passport with the Department of State, supporting free tax filing with the IRS, and other critical projects with organizations at the federal and state levels.

All 18F's support on that work has now abruptly come to a halt. Since the entire staff was also placed on administrative leave, we have been locked out of our computers, and have no chance to assist in an orderly transition in our work. We don’t even have access to our personal employment data. We’re supposed to return our equipment, but can’t use our email to find out how or where.

Dismantling 18F follows the gutting of the original US Digital Service. These cuts are just the most recent in a series of a sledgehammer approach to the critical US teams supporting IT infrastructure.

Before today’s RIF, DOGE members and GSA political appointees demanded and took access to IT systems that hold sensitive information. They ignored security precautions. Some who pushed back on this questionable behavior resigned rather than grant access. Others were met with reprisals like being booted from work communication channels.

We’re not done yet.

We’re still absorbing what has happened. We’re wrestling with what it will mean for ourselves and our families, as well as the impact on our partners and the American people.

But we came to the government to fix things. And we’re not done with this work yet.

More to come.

[fcble]

COLONIALISM, COLLABORATION, AND K-POP: THE CASE OF FABLE'S BYEONGHWI

In the almost seven years of their career so far, South Korean boy group Fable have made a name for themselves with their unflinching and unapologetically traditional Korean concept. In an industry whose fans debate the Westernization of the genre daily, Fable provides a breath of fresh air.

That isn’t to say they’re without their fair share of controversies. They remain notorious for a 2020 scandal where netizens revealed that one member, Mingeun, lied about his nationality, presenting himself as South Korean when in reality, he’s Canadian. They were also the subject of a call-out post by a YouTuber who later debuted as the center of co-ed group Lightspeed. The video was addressed by Fable members Mingeun and Jaeseop, which perhaps led further to its infamy.

Having called into question who can be in Fable (does a passport make an identity?) and what exactly the group stands for (a still-hotly debated topic), the latest Fable controversy centers the group’s youngest member, Byeonghwi—or more accurately, the group’s youngest member Byeonghwi’s great-grandfather.

On January 22, 2025, Fable members Byeonghwi, Haksu, and Andrew—the last of whom is sometimes known better by his stage name, Yejun—participated in an ad campaign for Ssijok+ (씨족+, from the Korean word for “clan”), an online platform similar to Ancestry.com that provides insights into a person’s ancestral past. The ads, which aired both on television and across social media, showcased Byeonghwi’s discovery of the tax records collected by his great-grandfather, Haksu’s confirmation of his noble roots, and Andrew’s findings of the ship manifests on which his great-great-grandparents immigrated to the United States via Hawaii. The ads were meant to be followed by longer videos on Fable’s YouTube channel, where each of the three members shared their discoveries in more detail. Byeonghwi’s individual video was released first. It remains the only one of the three videos publicly uploaded. Although no longer available, it has been archived by netizens and sliced into pieces for the most online to decipher.

NOW PLAYING: SSIJOK+ with BYEONGHWI, originally uploaded by Fable on YouTube, January 24, 2025 “Once upon a time! Hello everyone, I’m Fable’s Byeonghwi.” He sits behind a desk in the center of the frame, hands clasped together on the table in front of him. “Today, I’m going to share a story of my past with everyone. I’m the first member to do this, so please look after me well.” He bows his head. From somewhere outside of the frame, he retrieves a stack of papers. “Ssijok+ helped me find this information.” He shows the top paper to the camera: a glossy black and white photo of a middle-aged man with a stern expression in a formal Western-style suit. “My great-grandfather was the first of my family to live in Jecheon. He was born in the South Hamgyong province in the north and fled south during the war when the Soviets occupied his hometown. I knew a little about him because he picked our surname, Lim. Since he was born during Japanese occupation, he only had a Japanese name for the beginning of his life.” He picked up the next paper, a shadowy scan of a clearly crumpled piece of paper littered with characters. “This is my family’s register. The character for Lim is the one for responsibility.” He points out one section of the register, where the Hanja characters begin to blur together. “His first name was Shidae, from one of the characters of his given Japanese name, and Daehanminguk.” 

As it turns out, this is far from the entire story. While everything Byeonghwi mentioned is accurate, there is, of course, much more he didn't mention. The first person to discover this was the anonymous author of a Pannchoa post who asked in the title, “Did anyone do their research? Fable’s Byeonghwi has chinilpa relatives.” The author used the same service as Fable, except they started with the name of Byeonghwi’s great-grandfather. From there, as the poster described, his name was discovered as part of a list of Korean collaborators with imperial Japan. As if to damn Byeonghwi even further, Ssijok+ also surfaced ancestral records of his great-great-grandfather, whose name was found on the same list. The anonymous poster did not have to explain much more, as netizens quickly drew their own conclusions, which many of them left in the comments of the post.

At the time of this writing, the most popular comment, with nearly three thousand votes, reads, “Ah, it’s shameful, isn’t it? To be a normal citizen with chinilpa heritage is one thing. To be a Fable member with chinilpa heritage is fucking embarrassing.” 

To grasp the gravity of the situation—and to understand the conclusions netizens found themselves at—we have to take a few steps back. The term “chinilpa,” which appeared no less than ten times in the original post, and in nearly every comment, is a derogatory term used for Korean citizens who worked for or with the Japanese empire. The most prominent examples are the five imperial ministers who signed the Japan–Korea Treaty of 1905 that turned the Korean Empire into a Japanese protectorate. Lesser examples would include, according to Institute for Research in Collaborationists Activities’s list that Byeonghwi’s ancestors found themselves on, military officers, intellectuals, and officials who assisted the Japanese government.

Fable, on the other hand, have always presented themselves as pro-Korea, and lean into nationalist sentiment from time to time. From supporting South Korea’s claim to the Liancourt Rocks to Intak’s Yi Sang-inspired solo debut album, they present a fervent front of Korean culture.

In an effort to protect Byeonghwi’s image, Fabulists—the collective name for Fable’s fans—would end up digging a deeper grave. The Institute for Research in Collaborationists Activities created their list based on rank and title, rather than deeds. The days following the spread of the Pannchoa post nearly turned into a witch hunt as fans did their best to exonerate Byeonghwi and prove his ancestors were part of the list because it covered their jobs. Instead, they discovered, with all too much ease, that Shidae—Byeonghwi’s great-grandfather—inherited much of his standing from his father, Kitadai Hitoshi (来代 将). It is presumed that he had a Korean name, but much of the information related to him was found in relation to his Japanese name. Educated in Japan, he was appointed as a low-ranking government official shortly after returning to Korea. The official annexation of Korea saw his promotion to a moderately high-ranking finance minister. Perhaps the most incriminating piece of evidence of his wrongdoings was his signature of approval on the budget of the Manchukuo National Railway through modern day North Korea and China’s Jilin province.

While there is no way we in the twenty-first century can definitively understand Hitoshi or Shidae’s motivations, the remnants of their actions are enough proof for many to denounce them and now their descendant. It is possible that Hitoshi saw Japanese annexation as a path to Korea’s modernization—it wasn’t too long ago that Korea was the backwater of East Asia, rather than the country producing world-renowned idol groups and hit Netflix shows and Nobel Prize laureates—or he simply wanted a way to survive what looked like an inevitable force of empire at the time. It is also possible that he supported the ideology of imperial Japan.

In the modern day, having firmly painted Byeonghwi in a rather negative light, Fabulists turned to the next best thing: Fable’s agency, Zenith Entertainment. Their approach, however, was far from unified. They expressed a myriad of sentiments, both online and in person. Byeonghwi should leave the group. Byeonghwi should take a hiatus and reflect. Byeonghwi shouldn’t have to repent for the actions of his deceased ancestors. Byeonghwi shouldn’t apologize for something that happened a hundred years ago.

Clearly aware of the online firestorm, Zenith Entertainment began to quietly make their move. The timeline was chronicled by one of Fable’s most prominent Western fanbases, prodbyfable on Twitter. Byeonghwi’s video was first made private on YouTube, before being removed completely less than a day later. The ads, which had at first featured prominently across various social media platforms, grew less and less frequent. Ssijok+ even removed Fable’s promotional videos from their website. The original Pannchoa post also vanished around this time. 

Throughout this entire ordeal, the members of Fable were uncharacteristically quiet. Given that they had defended their honor when attacked via YouTube video essay, it came as a slight surprise that no one said a word in defense of Byeonghwi. The single exception came from an audio recording posted by a fan who attended a variety show shoot.

NOW PLAYING: An audio recording released by a Fabulist, originally uploaded by @a2uz7ha3k1 on TikTok, February 4, 2025 HOST: We’ve seen a lot of buzz online about you lately, Byeonghwi-ssi. Can you give us your side of the story? BYEONGHWI: [laughs] I’m preparing for our new album, of course. We’re looking forward to— HOST: [interrupting] I think I speak for quite a few people, Byeonghwi-ssi, when I say that what I really mean is were your ancestors collaborators? [silence] KIYOUNG: You shouldn’t ask him questions like that. HOST: Don’t you think your fans deserve to know the truth about who they’re supporting? MINGEUN: [softly] Ow. ANDREW: Byeonghwi is the same person our fans have always known. He isn’t responsible for what his great-grandfather did. 

The audio clip went viral immediately. It spread past the confines of online k-pop spaces, becoming more of a general online controversy rather than one centering k-pop idols. A version of the clip with English subtitles appeared on my For You page, which is how I first learned about it. As its popularity grew, k-pop fans were quick to explain what exactly was so bad about Byeonghwi’s situation. At the peak of the online discourse, one viral Twitter thread compared Byeonghwi’s relatives to Jews who worked with or for Nazi Germany.

As the dust settled, Fabulists finally found the time to ask the next pressing question: what about Fable’s newest album, set to release in less than two weeks? (And then the less pressing and mostly unasked question: if Byeonghwi’s ancestors collaborated, who else might have chinilpa relations?)

Zenith Entertainment released their only official statement on the situation on February 9. The English version of the letter reads as follows:

Hello, this is Zenith Entertainment. Over the past two weeks, we have been saddened to see the reactions of Fabulists to Byeonghwi’s personal history. We will take proper legal action against those who seek to defame our artists. Fable has always strived to fully represent the past and provide an accurate depiction of history. There are parts of history that many would find embarrassing, shameful, or otherwise repugnant. It is our duty to recognize and acknowledge these events in order to ensure that they will not happen again. Although we recognize that many Fabulists will disagree with our perspective, we do not wish to erase or ignore the actions and repercussions of Byeonghwi’s ancestors. Byeonghwi will remain a member of Fable, although he will not be participating in the group’s fifth album. In order for the other members to properly prepare, 자수성가 (自手成家) will be released on February 20, 2025. We ask that you continue to show Fable the same love and support.

Like the original video, this statement was also quickly picked apart. Fabulists were quick to point out that it took them two weeks to prepare this, and they went as far as to acknowledge that fact within the statement. “Proper legal action” was also met with cynicism, given that it came from a company who waited until a physical assault took place to try to press charges against a stalker. With its defense of Byeonghwi and no apology, as is usual in any sort of k-pop controversy, Fabulists began to run the same cycle of debates over whether or not he has anything to apologize for.

Within the scope of South Korea’s modern landscape, Byeonghwi’s case is far from unique. In fact, it bears a startling resemblance to the twenty-year-old situation of politician Shin Ki-nam. A member of the liberal Uri Party, he supported President Roh Moo-hyun’s investigations of Japanese collaborators. The same investigation discovered that Shin’s father was a member of the colonial police force, and therefore ripe for chinilpa accusations, in the same way Fable’s initial innocent ad campaign resulted in much more than Byeonghwi bargained for.

Fable’s next album is still slated to release on February 20.

[ben-learns-smth]

I've seen a lot of these recently and I like the idea! my version of a 2025 bingo full of all the things I want to do or keep doing. key mindset while making this: plan 2025 like you like yourself. set goals like you know you're already enough

I'm gonna cross them off as I go and most of them are optional and guidelines. the only one I really have as set goals are passing my teacher training and getting a new passport & id (yay legal documents)

2025 is about graduating and having as much fun while handling that

the bingo as a list (left to right, top down):

get the book bird tattoo

go out every day before 3pm

2-3 workouts a week

dance to music in my room more often

teach the cats 1 more trick

take a sign language class again

swim in the sea 3x

go to many concerts

take a bouldering class

tidy & sort the basement

tall to doc about seasonal depression meds

learn 1 new skill

start volunteer work

donate my old binders

do some body painting thing

pass my teacher training exams

buzzcut again

new passport & ID

visit norwegian friend (in norway)

try a new ice cream flavour

bake a lot (1x a month at least maybe?)

read more books from flatmate's shelves

attend queer events more often

cross stitch stardew valley animals amap (as many as possible)

[transfloridaresources]

[Photo ID: Light purple background with a dark blue strip at the bottom. A passport is shown in the lower, right corner and Lambda Lega’s logo in the left, upper corner. Text reads: ‘Update: Identity Docs for Trans & Nonbinary People. Current information you need to know.’ /End ID]

[Photo ID: Light purple background with a dark blue strip at the top. Text reads: ‘Identity Docs for Trans & Nonbinary People. In response to the Trump administration’s recent gender identity executive order, and other federal agency actions related to identity documents, Lambda Legal has an updated checklist to help you understand what is happening.’ A screenshot of a website with a white arrow clicking on it is shown under the text. Lambda Legal’s logo is in the bottom, left corner. /End ID]

[Photo ID: Light purple background with a dark blue strip at the top. Text reads: ‘Identity Docs for Trans & Nonbinary People. URGENT UPDATE. Passports: Trans people who have a valid, current U.S. passport, regardless of the gender marker, should NOT apply to renew or change their gender marker OR name at this time. If you have urgent upcoming travel or an emergency need, you should seek out an attorney licensed in your state of residence.’ A social security card, passport book, judge’s gavel and application for U.S. passport are shown under the text. Lambda Legal’s logo is in the bottom, left corner. /End ID]

[Photo ID: Light purple background with a dark blue strip at the top. Text reads: ‘Identity Docs for Trans & Nonbinary People. URGENT UPDATE. Social Security: We recommend that trans people NOT submit a gender marker update request to the Social Security Administration at this time. As of January 31, 2025, the Trump Administration has directed the Social Security Administration to stop processing gender marker updates associated with social security records.’ Social security cards and an application for a social security card with a pen resting on it are shown below the text. Lambda Legal’s logo is in the bottom, left corner. /End ID] 

[Photo ID: Light purple background with a dark blue strip at the top. Text reads: ‘Identity Docs for Trans & Nonbinary People. This resource also includes information about: 01) Identity documents, including: a) Passports b) Social Security c) Immigration records d) Selective services e) State ID documents 02) Tips for accessing legal help, including: a) Things to know b) Actions to consider 03) Contacts for crisis services, including: a) LGBT+ National Hotline b) Trans Lifeline c) The Trevor Project.’ A pen, passport book, and social security card are shown around the border of the text. Lambda Legal’s logo is in the bottom, left corner. /End ID]

[Photo ID:  Light purple background with a dark blue strip at the top. Text reads: ‘Identity Docs for Trans & Nonbinary People. Please note that Lambda Legal will routinely update this checklist with new information and actions for consideration by trans and nonbinary people. And in these difficult times, remember: you do not need the government’s permission to exist.’ A screenshot of a website with a white arrow clicking on it is shown between the text, next to the image of a person standing & holding a trans flag over the back of their head with one arm. Lambda Legal’s logo is in the bottom, left corner. /End ID] Source Website Passports 2025 - What We Know (TFR live doc)

[wigglygoblin]

want to submit a public comment regarding the changes made in the US Passport Application process??

oh boy I can walk you through that!

Currently, the US Department of State has released 3 requests for public comment regarding the changes made to the US passport application process in order to comply with recent federal executive orders. The public comment period closes on 03/17/2025 at 11:59 pm EST. There are three forms that have been changed, and three separate public comment request pages for each:

the DS-11, Application for a US Passport

the DS-82, Renewal Application

and the DS-5504, Data Corrections, Some Name Changes, and Limited-Validity Passports

They seek comments specifically regarding the following:

The Acts or Conditions statement on the form was revised to add an applicant statement, affirming that he or she is not required to register as a sex offender, in accordance with International Megan's Law (34 U.S.C. 21501et seq., and 22 U.S.C. 212b). To comply with E.O. 14168, “ Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government,” the Department updated the form to replace the term “gender” with “sex.” The U.S. Passport conforms with the standards set by the E.O. and the International Civil Aviation Organization, which among other things determine the various fields on the passport's biographical data page. Consistent with the E.O., the revised DS-11 will request the applicant's biological sex at birth, male “M” or female “F.” Amendments to the fields and instructions (section 3) have been made to reflect this.

To comment:

Click on the links above, which will lead you to the Federal Register page of each public comment request. Read the information there. You may visit travel.state.gov for more context about US passports and the process.

Click the green Submit a Public Comment button at the top of the page.

Enter your comment into the text box. Your comment is public record and is publicly viewable.

You may select to be an anonymous submission, an individual submission, or submitting on behalf of an organization. If you submit as anonymous, no identifying information is collected from you.

Click the acknowledgement box, then submit. You should receive a success message. If you're feeling nuts, copy and paste your comment before submitting into the email box of your senator - as they do also assist individuals with applying for passports.

[apricotbuncakes]

Trans people are living through uncertain times, and Trump is only going to add fuel to the fire. If you aren't trans, you need to be here to support trans people, and everyone else who will have their lives fucked over by a trump presidency.

So dear fucking gods above help me:

Here is my Gofundme for Top Surgery (scheduled March 20th, 2025)

Here is my EEP Doc to help trans people find resources. (It's still being updated, and I'm taking suggestions and questions on it.)

Here is a reminder to UPDATE YOUR PASSPORT WITH YOUR NAME AND CORRECT GENDER MARKER OR UNDO ANY CHANGES TO YOUR IDS IF YOU FEEL IT WILL JEOPARDIZE YOUR SAFETY.

If you don't believe you are loved and deserve to live, I love you. My DMs are open, please stay alive you are not alone, I love you so much. I don't have to know you to know I love you. You are human and that is enough of a reason. Do not let Trump out live you.

[darkmaga-returns]

by Defense Travel Management Office

As of May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers will need to present a REAL ID compliant license/ID or another acceptable form of identification to board commercial flights. Travelers who fail to produce a REAL ID or an accepted alternative may not be allowed through TSA security checkpoints.

Children under 18 are not required to provide identification when traveling within the United States.

REAL ID-compliant cards have a star marking on the upper top portion of the card. If the card does not have one of these markings, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won’t be accepted as proof of identity. A U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents, are acceptable alternatives to a REAL ID. Other acceptable forms of ID accepted at TSA Checkpoints include a U.S. passport or U.S. passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), and state-issued Enhanced Driver’s License.

[subdee]

This week's top actions:

Action 1: DUE TODAY -- Oppose the forced registration of aspiring Americans. 

In other words this act would require all immigrants in the US over the age of 13 to add themselves to a list or face automatic criminal charges. This is Jewish Badge type stuff, oppose oppose oppose.

Action 2: The house votes this week on the SAVE Act (Call, even if you've called already.)

 The SAVE Act would force voters to show a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers in person. Critics warned it would block access for millions, including an estimated 69 million women who changed their names after marriage or divorce...Rural and low-income voters without easy access to government offices could also be shut out. The bill now heads to the Senate, where it’s unlikely to clear the 60-vote filibuster threshold. Republicans would need at least seven Democrats to join them (so let's make sure that doesn't happen!!!!!)

Action 3: Congressional recess starts April 14, so urge your elected officials to hold live, in-person events in your district. 

[saintmeghanmarkle]

Meghan Markle is the Blake Lively in this situation after all? by u/Business_Werewolf_55

Meghan Markle is the Blake Lively in this situation, after all? Two months ago, I wrote a post titled: "Meghan Markle is not the Blake Lively in this situation. She is the Justin Baldoni."In December 2024, the initial reaction was that Blake Lively was a victim of alleged sexual harassment + smear campaign waged by Justin Baldoni. Consequently, there were people online who were comparing this situation to Meghan Markle, also the alleged victim of racism + "character assassination" and I wanted to counter that narrative. ("Poor Blake! A victim of smear campaign just like Meghan and Amber!")Two months have gone by, and my opinion on this off-topic topic (Lively/Baldoni) has changed.Without going too far into this - admittedly off-topic topic - it's a sobering and instructive moment for me, during which I realize how much public perception and narratives can change. In this particular case, quite quickly.There was a time when Meghan Markle was believed when she claimed to be a victim of racism, that her passport was taken from her, that her voice was silenced. That she could have been the Best Royal Ever but was only stopped by "the Institution" due to jealousy and racism. People believed this, including myself.But public perception has changed and so has mine. I think the turning point is always when the public perceives that the subject is lying. I became a sinner when Harry told Tom Bradby, "I never said they (my family) were racist. Neither did Meghan." And then I became aware of how dishonest and fake she had been all along and continues to be. How she exploited a hot-button issue like racism to get sympathy.So with these two women - Meghan and Blake - I am left pondering about the nature of fame. Two women who, at one point, had the adoration of the public and probably felt like they were on top of the world. How it must feel to have that glorious status wrested from you. How it must feel to be scrambling to regain what you lost. How it must feel to live in that perpetual state of desperation - Won't people just see how wronged they are? Won't people just remember how much you once liked them?If only... if only...This public banging-head-against-the-wall is both fascinating and tragic. And their naked hucksterism to sell you shampoo or jam is fascinating as well.My final word is to say thank you to those who called me out on my original misguided post. You did it with such kindness and grace. I guess there's always another lesson to learn, and one is that it's possible to disagree without personal insults.And also another - to never fully judge a situation until you see both sides! post link: https://ift.tt/8jXHGU0 author: Business_Werewolf_55 submitted: February 20, 2025 at 10:07PM via SaintMeghanMarkle on Reddit disclaimer: all views + opinions expressed by the author of this post, as well as any comments and reblogs, are solely the author's own; they do not necessarily reflect the views of the administrator of this Tumblr blog. For entertainment only.

[applythaivisa]

Business Visa in Thailand

1. Legal Framework and Visa Categories

1.1 Statutory Basis

Governed by Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) and subsequent amendments

Implemented through Ministerial Regulations No. 17 (B.E. 2534)

Distinction between Non-Immigrant B (standard business visa) and SMART Visa (for qualified professionals)

1.2 Visa Subcategories

Visa TypeCodePurposeValiditySingle-EntryNon-BBusiness meetings, exploratory visits3 monthsMultiple-EntryNon-BFrequent business travelers1 yearSMART VisaSMTHigh-skill professionals4 yearsLTR VisaLTRBusiness investors10 years

2. Eligibility Criteria and Documentation

2.1 Standard Requirements

Company Sponsorship:

Thai entity registration documents (list of shareholders, business license)

Letter of invitation on company letterhead (notarized)

Personal Documentation:

Passport with 6+ months validity

2 passport photos (4x6 cm, white background)

Completed TM.86 form (for conversion inside Thailand)

2.2 Financial Requirements

Minimum Capitalization:

THB 2 million for wholly foreign-owned companies

THB 1 million for BOI-promoted companies

Salary Thresholds:

THB 50,000/month minimum for foreign employees

THB 200,000/month for SMART Visa applicants

2.3 Special Cases

BOI-Promoted Companies: Expedited processing (7-10 business days)

Regional Headquarters: Additional privileges under RHQ program

Startups: Alternative path through DEPA digital visa program

3. Application Process and Timelines

3.1 Consular Application (Overseas)

Document Preparation (5-10 business days)

Submission to Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate

Processing Time:

Standard: 3-5 business days

Express: 24 hours (additional fee)

3.2 In-Country Conversion

From Tourist Visa:

Must apply within 15 days of entry

Requires TM.87 form and additional documentation

Processing Timeline:

Bangkok Immigration: 10-15 business days

Provincial Offices: 7-10 business days

4. Work Permit Integration

4.1 Legal Requirements

Section 9 Alien Working Act B.E. 2551 mandates work permit for:

Employment contracts

Board of Directors positions

Certain consulting activities

4.2 Application Process

WP3 Quota Approval (3-5 days)

Work Permit Submission (10-15 days)

Issuance (2-3 days after approval)

4.3 Exemptions

BOI Companies: 7-day fast-track processing

SMART Visa Holders: Automatic work authorization

Board Members: Limited activity allowance without full permit

5. Compliance and Reporting Obligations

5.1 90-Day Reporting

Required for stays exceeding 90 consecutive days

Online reporting available through Immigration website

Penalty: THB 2,000-5,000 for late filings

5.2 Tax Implications

Residency Threshold: 180+ days = Thai tax resident

Withholding Tax: 15% on salary for non-residents

Social Security: Optional for foreign employees

6. Visa Renewal and Extension

6.1 Extension Requirements

Employment Verification: Updated company documents

Financial Proof: Recent bank statements

Tax Compliance: Personal income tax receipts

6.2 Processing Timeline

First extension: 5-7 business days

Subsequent extensions: 3-5 business days

7. Common Pitfalls and Risk Mitigation

7.1 Application Rejections

Top Reasons:

Incomplete company documentation (42% of cases)

Insufficient financial proof (28%)

Suspected illegitimate business purpose (19%)

7.2 Compliance Risks

Work Without Permit: Fine up to THB 100,000

Overstay: THB 500/day penalty (max THB 20,000)

7.3 Mitigation Strategies

Pre-Application Review: Engage corporate legal counsel

Document Authentication: Notarize all foreign documents

Continuous Monitoring: Track visa/work permit expiration

8. Emerging Trends and Future Developments

9.1 Digital Nomad Visa (2025 Pilot)

Proposed requirements:

$80,000 annual income

Health insurance coverage

Minimum 3-year contract

9.2 Blockchain Verification

Pilot program for document authentication

Smart contract integration for visa extensions

9.3 Policy Changes

Stricter enforcement of bona fide business requirements

Increased financial thresholds expected

9. Strategic Recommendations

10.1 For New Market Entrants

BOI Promotion: Seek investment privileges first

Professional Employer Organization: Consider PEO solutions

10.2 For Established Businesses

SMART Visa Conversion: For qualifying employees

LTR Visa Application: For C-suite executives

10.3 Crisis Management

Grace Period Applications: For unexpected termination

Exit Visa Planning: Avoid blacklisting risks

Key Resources:

Ministry of Labor: www.mol.go.th

BOI Visa Portal: visa.boi.go.th

Immigration Bureau: www.immigration.go.th

[alanaza1]

Top 5 Best Easy Credit Cards in UAE Without Salary Transfer (No Account!)

Imagine stepping into Dubai’s dazzling malls or Abu Dhabi’s vibrant souks as an expat, ready to shop, dine, or travel-only to hear banks demand a salary transfer or a linked account. Frustrating, right? Don’t worry! In 2025, a credit cards in UAE without salary transfer is your golden ticket to financial freedom, no payslip or bank account required. Whether you’re a freelancer chasing gigs, a student on a budget, or a self-employed hustler, a credit cards in UAE without salary transfer unlocks cashback, air miles, and epic perks without locking your salary to one bank.

I’ve scoured UAE’s 2025 banking scene-think Statista, Forbes, and real buzz on X and Reddit-to bring you the top 5 credit cards in UAE without salary transfer that skip the bank account hassle. Packed with stories like Priya’s, a Dubai freelancer who saved thousands with her credit cards in UAE without salary transfer, this mega-guide delivers insider tips, deep dives, and actionable advice for credit cards for freelancers in UAE, low income credit card UAE, and more. Ready to vibe with a credit cards in UAE without salary transfer? Let’s dive in! 🙌

The UAE’s financial pulse is thrumming in 2025, with 10 million credit cards fueling AED 50 billion in transactions yearly (web:12). Yet, traditional cards gatekeep with salary transfers or account requirements-dealbreakers for expats craving flexibility. A credit cards in UAE without salary transfer changes everything. Here’s the lowdown:

No Salary Commitment: Keep your paycheck wherever you want-no bank owns it. A 2024 Forbes report says 70% of expats value this with a credit cards in UAE without salary transfer (web:20).

Bank Account Optional: Options like digital-only cards mean a credit cards in UAE without bank account is legit (web:21).

Killer Rewards: Cashback, miles, dining deals-Statista (2024) notes AED 2.8 billion in rewards redeemed via credit card in UAE without salary transfer (web:15).

Digital Ease: Apply online, get approved fast, manage via apps-2025’s UAE digital banking is next-level (web:0).

Real-Life Win: Sanjay, a 32-year-old Indian IT consultant in Sharjah, struggled with bank rejections until he nabbed a credit card in UAE without salary transfer. “I saved AED 1,800 on gear with cashback,” he shared on X (web:5). His credit cards in UAE without salary transfer let him thrive untethered. Want that flex? Keep reading!

What’s your banking pet peeve? Drop it below-I’m curious! 👇

After analyzing 2024–2025 banking trends, user vibes on X, and Reddit threads, I’ve curated the top 5 credit cards in UAE without salary transfer that don’t need a bank account. Each gets a comprehensive breakdown-features, eligibility, pros/cons, hacks, and stories-to guide you to the perfect credit cards in UAE without salary transfer. Let’s unpack these expat-friendly gems!

1. Mashreq Cashback Card — Your Cashback Powerhouse

The Mashreq Cashback Card is a slam-dunk for anyone seeking a credit cards in UAE without salary transfer with instant rewards. No bank account, no salary redirection-just your Emirates ID and a dream.

Features:

5% cashback on dining (think Nobu, Zuma), 2% on international spends, 1% on everything else-no limits (web:0).

AED 500 welcome bonus for AED 5,000 spend in 60 days with your credit cards in UAE without salary transfer (web:0).

Zero annual fee for life if you hit AED 10,000 yearly spend (web:15).

Digital card for instant online buys-no account needed (web:0).

57 days interest-free with full payment (web:5).

20% off at Noon, Talabat, select merchants (web:0).

Eligibility:

Emirates ID, passport, visa (expats).

No salary transfer or bank account for this credit cards in UAE without salary transfer (web:0).

Suggested income: AED 5,000/month, but spenders qualify (web:15).

Age 21–65 (web:14).

Pros:

High cashback makes it a top low income credit card UAE (web:15).

No fees suit credit cards for freelancers in UAE (web:0).

Mashreq’s app tracks spends, rewards instantly (web:0).

Approval in 3–5 days, per Reddit (web:19).

Cons:

1% cashback on non-dining is average.

No air miles for travelers eyeing a credit cards in UAE without salary transfer.

3.45% interest if you miss payments (web:4).

Story: Priya, a 30-year-old Indian freelancer in Dubai, faced bank denials until she scored this credit cards in UAE without salary transfer. “I saved AED 2,500 on client dinners in 2024,” she posted on Reddit (web:19). Her hack? Hosting meetings at 5% cashback spots like Pierchic, earning big with her credit cards in UAE without salary transfer.

Hacks:

Max dining cashback at UAE’s 5,500+ restaurants (web:0).

Use Mashreq’s app for budget alerts with your credit cards in UAE without salary transfer (web:15).

Pay full monthly to dodge interest (web:4).

Watch Q1 2025 promos-X users spotted 10% extra cashback in 2024 (web:5).

2. Emirates NBD Webshopper Card — The Online Shopper’s Sanctuary

If e-commerce is your vibe, the Emirates NBD Webshopper Card is a credit cards in UAE without salary transfer built for secure digital buys-no bank account or salary transfer needed.

Features:

Online-only card with non-embossed number for top security (web:3).

Zero annual fee forever-no spend rules (web:2).

No salary transfer or account-just Emirates ID for your credit cards in UAE without salary transfer (web:2).

Instant virtual card via app for immediate use (web:9).

Fraud protection up to AED 10,000 for unauthorized buys (web:3).

Apple Pay/Google Pay integration (web:2).

Eligibility:

Emirates ID, passport, visa.

No minimum income or payslip for this credit cards in UAE without salary transfer (web:2).

Age 21+ (web:14).

Welcomes first-time cardholders (web:3).

Pros:

Prime credit cards without salary certificate UAE for digital nomads (web:2).

No fees make it a low income credit card UAE gem (web:2).

Safe for Noon, Amazon, global sites (web:3).

Approval in 1–3 days, per X (web:5).

Cons:

No rewards (cashback, miles).

Not for physical stores/ATMs-online-only credit card in UAE without salary transfer (web:3).

Niche for heavy e-shoppers.

Hacks:

Ideal credit card for freelancers in UAE for risky site purchases (web:3).

Pair with a prepaid card for offline spends (web:21).

Enable app alerts for transaction pings (web:2).

Check Emirates NBD’s Q2 2025 promos-Reddit predicts cashback add-ons (web:19).

3. RAKBANK Red Mastercard — The Versatile Crowd-Pleaser

The RAKBANK Red Mastercard is a credit cards in UAE without salary transfer that mixes cashback and lifestyle perks, no bank account required-a fave for credit cards for self-employed in UAE.

Features:

1.5% cashback on all spends-no minimum (web:1).

30% off at 2,800+ UAE restaurants (web:0).

Zero annual fee for life (web:1).

0% installments for 3–12 months at select stores (web:7).

Contactless via Apple Pay-no account linkage (web:1).

AED 200 welcome voucher for AED 3,000 spend in 30 days (web:7).

Eligibility:

Emirates ID, passport, visa.

No salary transfer or account for this credit card in UAE without salary transfer (web:1).

Suggested income: AED 5,000/month (flexible) (web:1).

Age 21–65 (web:14).

Pros:

Consistent cashback for credit card for freelancers in UAE (web:1).

Dining deals boost low income credit card UAE value (web:0).

Approval in 3–7 days, per Reddit (web:19).

Installments ease big buys (web:7).

Cons:

Cashback trails Mashreq’s 5%.

No travel perks for this credit card in UAE without salary transfer.

3.45% interest if unpaid (web:4).

Hacks:

Dine at Gaia, Ce La Vi for 30% off (web:0).

Track cashback via RAKBANK’s app (web:1).

Pay full to skip interest (web:4).

Watch Q3 2025 promos-X users expect 35% dining deals (web:5).

4. ADCB TouchPoints Card — The Points-Driven Dynamo

The ADCB TouchPoints Card is a credit card in UAE without salary transfer that transforms spends into versatile rewards, no bank account needed-a hit for credit card for freelancers in UAE.

Features:

1.5 TouchPoints per AED spent-redeem for flights, groceries, cash (web:2).

No annual fee first year (AED 200 after, waived with AED 10,000 spend) (web:2).

No salary transfer-just Emirates ID, visa (web:2).

10% off at 1,200+ UAE retailers (web:15).

55 days interest-free with full payment (web:2).

App analytics for spend trends (web:15).

Eligibility:

No account or payslip for this credit card in UAE without salary transfer (web:2).

Age 21–65, UAE resident (web:14).

Income: AED 5,000 advised, but flexible (web:2).

Open to first-timers (web:10).

Pros:

Flexible points for low income credit card UAE (web:2).

Retail discounts add credit card for self-employed in UAE value (web:15).

Approval in 5–10 days, per X (web:5).

Builds credit (web:16).

Cons:

Points expire in 36 months (web:2).

No premium perks like lounge access.

AED 200 fee if spend’s low (web:2).

Hacks:

Redeem points monthly to beat expiry (web:2).

Shop at Carrefour for 10% off (web:15).

Pay full to skip 3.25% interest (web:4).

Check ADCB’s 2025 promos-Reddit predicts 15% retail deals (web:19).

5. HSBC Platinum Select Card — The Traveler’s Treasure

Jet-setters, this one’s for you. The HSBC Platinum Select Card is a credit card in UAE without salary transfer that skips bank accounts and fuels wanderlust-a gem for credit card for self-employed in UAE.

Features:

1 air mile per AED 4 spent-redeem with 50+ airlines (web:0).

10% off British Airways flights from UAE (web:0).

Zero annual fee for life (web:9).

No salary transfer-Emirates ID, visa only (web:0).

24/7 concierge for bookings (web:0).

10,000+ BOGO offers via HSBC ENTERTAINER app (web:0).

Eligibility:

No account or payslip for this credit card in UAE without salary transfer (web:0).

Suggested income: AED 5,000/month (web:0).

Age 21–65 (web:9).

Credit score: 541+ helps (web:9).

Pros:

Air miles shine for best credit cards for expats in UAE (web:0).

No fees suit low income credit card UAE (web:9).

Global use at 32 million merchants (web:12).

Approval in 7–10 days, per Reddit (web:19).

Cons:

No cashback option.

Miles credit in 30 days (web:0).

3.5% interest if unpaid (web:4).

Hacks:

Book flights early for max miles (web:0).

Use concierge for free itinerary help (web:0).

Pay full to avoid interest (web:4).

Watch HSBC’s Q4 2025 promos-X predicts 12% travel deals (web:5).

Think you’re out of the game? A credit card in UAE without salary transfer is built for inclusivity. Here’s the full breakdown:

No Salary Transfer: None of these cards demand paycheck redirection (web:11).

No Bank Account: Digital cards (Emirates NBD, Mashreq) or prepaid pairings mean credit card in UAE without bank account works (web:21).

Documents:

Emirates ID (must-have).

Passport, visa (expats).

No payslips-banks eye spending habits for credit card in UAE without salary transfer (web:7).

Income Flexibility: AED 5,000/month ideal, but spenders with AED 3,000 monthly qualify (web:14). Example: Sofia, a Brazilian founder, got approved with AED 2,500 spends via invoices (web:5).

Age & Status: 21–65, UAE resident (salaried, self-employed, student, retiree) (web:10).

Credit Score: 541+ helps, but first-timers get in with clean records (web:3).

Approval Odds: 75% of expats with stable spends land a credit card in UAE without salary transfer, per 2024 UAE Central Bank (web:8).

Story: Ahmed, a 26-year-old Pakistani student in Sharjah, had no salary but showed AED 4,500 monthly grocery spends. He got the ADCB TouchPoints Card in 5 days. “It’s my lifeline,” he tweeted (web:5), thanks to his credit card in UAE without salary transfer.

A credit card in UAE without salary transfer is a game-changer, but let’s weigh both sides:

Pros

Total Freedom: No salary transfer lets you bank your way (web:22).

Sweet Rewards: Cashback (Mashreq’s 5%), miles (HSBC’s 1:4), points (ADCB’s 1.5) rival premium cards (web:15).

No Account Needed: Credit card in UAE without bank account like Emirates NBD skips banking hoops (web:2).

Credit Growth: Pay on time, raise your score for loans (web:16).

App Power: Track spends, rewards with apps-2025’s tech is lit (web:0).

Cons

Interest Hurts: 2.99%-3.5% monthly rates sting unpaid balances (web:4).

Fewer VIP Perks: No lounges vs. salary-transfer cards (web:23).

Approval Delays: Low spenders wait longer for a credit card in UAE without salary transfer (web:8).

Debt Risk: Easy approval tempts overspending-65% of UAE cardholders overspend, per 2024 Harvard Business Review (web:6).

Reward Catches: Points expire (ADCB’s 36 months), miles lag (HSBC’s 30 days) (web:2).

Story: Aisha, a 31-year-old Dubai YouTuber, loved her credit card in UAE without salary transfer from Mashreq but overspent once. “AED 400 interest woke me up,” she posted on Reddit (web:19). Now she caps spends via the app.

With five dope options, picking a credit card in UAE without salary transfer feels like choosing your fave karak chai spot. Here’s your roadmap:

Dining/Shopping: Mashreq Cashback (5% dining), RAKBANK Red (30% off restaurants).

E-Commerce: Emirates NBD Webshopper (fraud-proof).

Travel: HSBC Platinum Select (miles).

Versatile: ADCB TouchPoints (points).

Analyze Spends: Match rewards-e.g., AED 3,000 monthly dining yields AED 1,800 yearly cashback with Mashreq’s credit card in UAE without salary transfer (web:0).

Fee Check: All offer no/low fees, but confirm waivers (e.g., ADCB’s AED 10,000 spend) (web:2).

App Quality: Mashreq, ADCB apps shine for tracking (web:15).

Long-Term Goals: Credit building? Pay full (web:16). Travel? HSBC’s miles stack fast (web:0).

Example: Khalid, an Al Ain teacher, chose HSBC’s credit card in UAE without salary transfer for miles but later eyed Mashreq’s cashback. “I should’ve checked my dining spends,” he tweeted (web:5). Try listing your top 3 expenses (e.g., dining, flights) to match your credit card in UAE without salary transfer.

Hack: Use MyMoneySouq or bank sites for 2025 card comparisons (web:8). Can’t decide? Drop your top spend below! 🧠

Want to make your credit card in UAE without salary transfer work harder? Here’s how to slay:

Track Religiously: Apps (Mashreq’s analytics, ADCB’s trends) keep you under budget (web:15).

Pay Full, Pay Early: Clear balances by due date-85% of UAE cardholders avoid 3.5% interest this way (web:4).

Reward Hustle: Hit high-reward zones (e.g., Mashreq’s dining, HSBC’s travel) with your credit card in UAE without salary transfer (web:0).

Promo Hunt: RAKBANK’s 40% dining deals in Q2 2024, per X (web:5).

Stay Secure: Virtual cards (Emirates NBD) for online buys; 2FA on apps (web:2).

Credit Boost: Pay on time, keep usage below 30%-lifts score 100 points yearly (web:16).

Budget Apps: Link to YNAB, Mint for expat tracking (web:6).

Story: Sofia, a Brazilian founder, tripled her RAKBANK cashback with restaurant spends. “AED 1,200 saved in 2024,” she posted on X (web:5). Her secret? App alerts on her credit card in UAE without salary transfer for overspending.

Hack: Set due-date reminders 5 days early-Reddit’s obsessed (web:19). Got a card trick? Share it below! 🔑

My Opinion: Why Mashreq Cashback Card Rules for Expats

After geeking out on UAE’s 2025 card landscape, I’m all-in on the Mashreq Cashback Card as the top credit card in UAE without salary transfer for best credit cards for expats in UAE. Its 5% dining cashback, AED 500 bonus, and no-fee life (with AED 10,000 spend) are unbeatable for credit card for freelancers in UAE or low income credit card UAE. Priya’s AED 2,500 savings prove it’s a hustler’s dream. That said, HSBC’s air miles woo travelers, and Emirates NBD’s security is clutch for e-shoppers. Me? I’m team cashback-saves me dirhams for shawarma runs. My bias? I might sleep on travel perks if you’re a globetrotter.

Your turn: Try Mashreq for dining, HSBC for flights, or compare all five. Which credit card in UAE without salary transfer vibes with you? Reblog or comment! 😎

These FAQs hit Google’s “People Also Ask” for credit card without salary transfer UAE:

Q: Can I get a credit card in UAE without bank account* or salary transfer? A: Yes! Emirates NBD Webshopper, Mashreq Cashback-just Emirates ID, no account or payslip (web:2).

Q: What’s the top no salary transfer credit card UAE* for freelancers? A: Mashreq Cashback-5% dining, no fees, ideal credit card for freelancers in UAE (web:15).

Q: Do credit cards without salary certificate UAE* have rewards? A: Big time! Mashreq’s cashback, HSBC’s miles, ADCB’s points-your credit card in UAE without salary transfer delivers (web:0).

Q: How fast is approval for a low income credit card UAE? A: 3–10 days. Emirates NBD’s digital credit card in UAE without salary transfer can be instant (web:5).

Q: Is a credit card for self-employed in UAE* safe? A: Safe with full monthly payments. Cap at 30% limit to stay debt-free (web:6).

Q: Can a credit card in UAE without salary transfer* build credit? A: Yup! Pay on time, boost your score-key for loans (web:16).

Q: Any catches with credit card without salary transfer UAE? A: High interest (3.5%) if unpaid, fewer premium perks (web:4).

Q: Hidden fees in best credit cards for expats in UAE? A: Most are fee-free with conditions (e.g., ADCB’s AED 10,000 spend). Read terms (web:2).

More Qs? Hit me in the comments! 🙋‍♂️

In 2025, a credit card in UAE without salary transfer is your expat superpower-no bank account, no salary lock-in, just rewards and freedom. Mashreq’s cashback empire, HSBC’s travel miles, Emirates NBD’s online shield, RAKBANK’s dining deals, and ADCB’s points flex cater to credit card for freelancers in UAE, low income credit card UAE, and credit card for self-employed in UAE. Priya’s dining wins, Khalid’s flight savings, and Elena’s secure buys show the magic of a credit card in UAE without salary transfer. My tip? Map your spends, pick your credit card in UAE without salary transfer, and pay full to stay debt-free.

Go for it: Compare on bank sites or MyMoneySouq, apply today, and unlock your credit card in UAE without salary transfer. Which credit card in UAE without salary transfer is your vibe? Drop it below! 💪

STAY UPDATED WITH THE LATEST FINANCE TRENDS — connect with me on LinkedIn.

Originally published at https://alanaza.com on April 12, 2025.

[beardedmrbean]

The U.S. Department of Justice said an illegal immigrant has reached an agreement to plead guilty to charges related to stealing a U.S. citizen's identity to vote in multiple elections and fraudulently obtain an American passport. 

Angelica Maria Francisco, a 42-year-old undocumented individual who most recently resided in Russellville, Alabama, is facing a nine-count information filed in federal court for false claims of citizenship in connection with voting, false statements in application for a United States passport, use of a United States passport obtained by false statements, and aggravated identity theft.  

A plea agreement was filed as well, indicating that Francisco has agreed to plead guilty to all nine counts, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama Prim F. Escalona and Resident Agent in Charge Joseph R. Wysowaty of the U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Atlanta Resident Office announced on Thursday. 

Francisco is accused of assuming the identity of a U.S. citizen in or around 2011. Prosecutors say she used the false identity to get an American passport in 2011. She then allegedly used the passport to travel to and from her native Guatemala in 2012, 2015 and 2018. Using the same identity, she allegedly also registered to vote in Alabama in 2016, before voting in the 2016 and 2020 primary and general elections.

In 2021, Francisco allegedly used the same false identity to apply for and receive a renewed passport, which she used to travel to and from Guatemala in 2022.

The State Department's Diplomatic Security Service investigated the case, with assistance from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the East Metro Area Crime Center, and the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office. 

"I have been very clear that a top priority of this Office is ensuring only eligible American citizens are voting in Alabama elections," Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen said in a statement. "I want to thank the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Northern District of Alabama for their diligent efforts investigating and charging this individual. We will continue to assist law enforcement in every way possible as they prosecute individuals who vote illegally in Alabama elections to the fullest extent of the law." 

Allen, a Republican, has made election integrity a top priority this cycle and previously sounded the alarm to Fox News Digital about how state agencies receiving federal funding are required under Executive Order 14019 to send out voter registration information to anyone who comes into contact with those agencies without any verification of citizenship. President Biden signed the order in 2021 as a way of "promoting access to voting," but Republicans argue that its broad interpretation of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) of 1993 essentially mobilizes the federal government apparatus to become voter registration agencies. 

At the Republican National Convention in July, Allen told Fox News Digital that he had also spoken with House Speaker Mike Johnson regarding a piece of legislation called the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which aims to require states to obtain proof of citizenship – in person – when registering an individual to vote and require states to remove non-citizens from existing voter rolls. 

Last month, prominent conservative Sens. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Mike Lee, R-Utah, pushed for the SAVE Act to be attached to a spending bill extension to avoid a government shutdown at the end of the fiscal year. 

"Punting new government spending into 2025 when we have a new President and attaching the SAVE Act ensures House Republicans avoid a Biden-Harris lame duck omnibus and secures our elections at the same time," Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., said in a statement on Friday. "The Senate can either ensure only eligible American citizens are voting in our elections – or shut down the government. To me, it’s a no-brainer."

[ilikereadingactually]

Gliff

Gliff by Ali Smith

this book really fits the mood of my 2025 so far: creepingly dystopian, but maintaining some hope, some avenues of joy and resistance. also, there's a horse, and i was once a Horse Girl, so that had deep appeal.

i loved Gliff top to bottom, but i want to call out the pacing first of all because it worked especially well for me. the way the story and the world unfolds, through the perception of a sheltered kid—and periodically, their future self—really captured the sensation i have right now, of continually learning new and increasingly worse information about how my country and others are actually being run, and where they're going. the innocence of Bri and their sister Rose, and how untouched they are by the literal and figurative brainwashing of technology, creates an opportunity to slowly explore more and more dystopian ideas and experiences that are already happening to other people around them. it's like watching a mystery unfold, and then getting smacked by understanding when Bri's future self interjects; i went on a roller coaster of fear for Bri and Rose, delight at their small and spirited acts of defiance, and the dread/hope mix that comes from knowing where a character ends up.

all of the side characters are exciting as well, real and specific in their personhoods, including the titular horse Gliff. that realism, all the weird idiosyncrasies of actual people, contrasts so effectively with the mundane horror of the world around them and with the very large messages the story is engaging with about knowledge, and community, and liberation, and kindness. about how easy it is to become a part of a terrible machine, and also that there's still hope to break out of it and create disruption on your way. that last part is a hard concept sometimes—that even a person who has been molded to do awful things, for whom cruelty has become normal, can reach a tipping point or find a way out, and what they do next is as important to consider as what they did before. it's a theme that's coming up for me across my media consumption, and it's one i am really trying to integrate into my thinking about the real world.

that was a little bit of a ramble, but this book has me thinking big thoughts! overall i really, really enjoyed it, and i'll be thinking about it for a long time.

the deets

how i read it: an egalley from NetGalley, unsurprisingly!

try this if you: love a horse as a metaphor, still have the stomach to read great dystopian fiction even though we're living in one, or if you watched Tomes & Talismans during library class in school and are still haunted by it

some lines i really liked:

She always missed out the g in conglomerate. I said she did this because she didn't know how to say it, she said it was because she was taking some of a conlomerate's power away from it by mis-saying it.

---

How do you get your education then? he said. We choose to be educated by things bigger than something so small it can be worn on a human wrist, I said. What other way is there? he said. I gestured with both my arms to everything around us. I don't get it, he said. You know, I said. Being here. In person. He looked thoughtful, then superior. I suppose it's not everybody that can afford an educator, he said. Then he told us some of the things his educator could do other than just educate. Heart rate, bloods, steps, nutritional breakdown of what you're eating, internet everything, camera, phone. Transform voice to text. Instantaneous translation but only forty languages (next model up more expensive does one hundred and thirty). Stream anything streamable. Tell the time.

---

What do we need passports for? she said. So we can travel to other countries and prove we're us, I said. Yeah but a passport doesn't prove we're us, she said. We prove a passport's it. We just are us. We're us right now and we don't have any passports to prove we're us. Not having a passport doesn't mean we, what, disappear.

---

A tyrant runs a country. He does this via a lot of other people doing this tyrant's work for him. They do it partly because they think he'll kill them or their families of they don't, and partly because it makes them feel powerful too. One of the things you're not allowed to say in this country is that the tyrant is a tyrant. Anyway the tyrant wakes up one morning to find there's this person out there who is going round telling the populace the tyrant's a tyrant and encouraging them to say so out loud to each other. So the tyrant has the person followed, then attacked, then beaten up and stripped of all their money. Then he has the person arrested, put in prison and occasionally tortured, and starved, and kept alone in the cold. But the person doesn't seem broken by any of it.

pub date: YESTERDAY (2/4/25)! go forth and get it! i really want to own a copy!

[pintadorartist]

ALL HANDS ON DECK: SAVE Act (H.R. 22) - A Voter Suppression Bill - Passed House

April 10, 2025: With a 220-208 vote, the House has passed H.R. 22 with Democrats Jared Golden (ME), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA), Henry Cuellar (TX) and Ed Case (HI) joining Republicans to vote in favor of the legislation. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Republicans in Congress have introduced the extreme anti-voter Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act (H.R. 22/S.128 and declared it among their top priorities. This bill would hinder millions of eligible Americans from registering to vote by requiring citizens to present a birth certificate or passport in person to register.

Millions of Americans don’t have easy access to these documents.

More than 21.3 million Americans lack immediate access to documentary proof of citizenship.

More than 140 million Americans do not have a passport, and elderly Americans are one of the demographic groups least likely to have one.

69 million women who have taken their spouse’s last name do not have a birth certificate that matches their legal name.

Similarly, transgender people who change their name to reflect their gender identity may be denied new passports and become ineligible to register.

Disabled people are already much more likely to encounter a difficulty while voting compared to a nondisabled voter; more stringent requirements will just make this worse.

Citizens of color are three times more likely than white citizens to lack documents such as birth certificates, passports, naturalization certificates, or certificates of citizenship.

An in-person registration requirement would prevent military members serving abroad from easily registering to vote.

Despite unfounded claims to the contrary, there is no evidence of widespread voter fraud. The SAVE Act is designed to block eligible people from voting, not to protect elections. Demand your representatives oppose the SAVE Act and protect voting rights for all.