The Daily Skimm

The Story

Let's talk about President Biden's immigration policy.

What's there to talk about?

On the campaign trail, Biden promised to overturn Trump-era immigration policies. And a more "fair and humane" immigration system that wouldn't tear families apart. Since Day 1 in office, Biden has canceled the so-called "Muslim ban" and has taken steps to reunite families separated at the southern border. He also introduced a proposal that would put roughly 11 million undocumented immigrants on an eight-year path toward citizenship. And issued temporary guidelines that reportedly resulted in a more than 60% drop in ICE arrests last month. But the Biden admin's approach to the US-Mexico border is leading to what some are calling a crisis.

Explain.

Since last month, officials have reportedly encountered an estimated 100,000 migrants at the southern border – which could be the highest amount in over a year. The number of unaccompanied migrant children has reportedly tripled in the last two weeks and detention facilities are at or near capacity. A major reason for the increase: the international perception that entering the US could be easier as Biden works to end Trump's policies. Many are fleeing things like poverty and violence in Central America and are hoping that Biden's admin will be more welcoming. But it's not clear that that's the case: gov documents reportedly show children are being held longer than legally allowed (three days is the max), instead of being taken to shelters.

What are people saying?

Immigration advocates want families reunited, faster. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are calling the admin out for housing children in detention centers. At least two states (see: Texas and Florida) have taken legal action. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said they're "building the capacity" to manage the number of minors at the border. And earlier this week, the admin said it's working to unify children "as quickly and safely as possible."

theSkimm

Former President Trump enacted over 400 changes to federal immigration policy. But it will take time for Biden to reverse course and put his proposals into place.

And Also...This

Who's saying 'hear ye, hear ye'...

Queen Elizabeth II. Yesterday, Buckingham Palace publicly responded to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's interview with Oprah. The statement said the royal family is "saddened" to hear how hard the past few years have been for the Duke and Duchess. And called out the comments about race as particularly "concerning." But the royals didn't acknowledge wrongdoing, saying "recollections may vary." The palace added that these issues will be "addressed by the family privately."

The queen's gambit: that a four-sentence statement could put a slew of concerning allegations – and calls to #AbolishTheMonarchy over its treatment of race and mental health – to bed.

...Oh and speaking of people on the outs, give a queen's wave goodbye to Piers Morgan. After more than 41,000 complaints about his coverage of the royal interview, he's out as host of "Good Morning Britain." Now that he has more time to listen, he might learn something.

What's shining the light on violence against women...

The World Health Organization. A new WHO study – the largest of its kind – found that nearly one in three women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetimes. And that the violence starts early: by their mid-20s, a quarter of women who've been in a relationship have likely experienced intimate partner violence. The WHO's urging governments, communities, and individuals to work together to put an end to this. And wants help for women in low- and lower-middle-income countries in particular, where women are disproportionately affected.

Not even the full picture: The study didn't include data gathered during the pandemic, when incidents of domestic violence are believed to have spiked. But as the org's director-general pointed out, unlike with COVID-19, violence against women won't "be stopped with a vaccine."

Who's got coronavirus updates…

Alaska. Yesterday, it became the first US state to offer COVID-19 vaccinations to anyone aged 16 and older who's living or working in the state. The move comes as 16% of Alaska's population has been fully vaccinated – reportedly the highest rate in the US. And as other states like New York and Minnesota look to expand vaccine eligibility. Note: most states have been focusing on immunizing health care workers and nursing home residents. Now, Alaska's taking a "historic step" by opening up the Pfizer vaccine to those 16 years old and up, effective immediately.

Who's calling out incoming leadership...

Teen Vogue staff. Some are protesting the hire of Alexi McCammond as the magazine's editor-in-chief over anti-Asian tweets. The tweets – dating back 10 years – included language like "googling how to not wake up with swollen, Asian eyes." McCammond apologized in 2019 when the tweets resurfaced. And reiterated her apology again this week, saying there's "no excuse for language like that." Teen Vogue publisher Condé Nast is backing her up. But many aren't satisfied as the issue comes amid a wave of anti-Asian violence in the US.

The latest: A new report found that anti-Asian hate crimes were up 150% in major US cities last year. And that they took place predominantly in New York and Los Angeles.

Who needs some time away from the spotlight…

Major and Champ.

Myth: It takes 21 days to form a habit.

Truth: There's no magical timeline that determines how long it will take for you to hit autopilot on a new behavior. A recent study found that it can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days. Your personality, approach, and the habit itself can all impact timing. So can a bunch of external stuff you can't control.

WW (Weight Watchers Reimagined) can help you create healthy habits. Their revamped program matches you with a customized wellness plan juuust for you. Take the new personal assessment to get started.

Skimm’d While Watching Her-stories

We all know there isn't any one kind of "female story." Women make rom-coms, docs, historical dramas, sci-fi thrillers, action hits, horror films...basically every genre of movie and show you can imagine. And, spoiler alert: everyone can enjoy those stories. We partnered with Hulu to give you some recs, so you don't miss them. Watch what women can do with…

"Normal People." The TV adaption of Sally Rooney's hit novel – complete with the ultimate love triangle: Marianne, Connell, and Connell's chain necklace. (IYKYK.)
"Little Fires Everywhere." Reese Witherspoon knows how to turn a best-selling book into a great show. She and co-star Kerry Washington really bring the heat here.
"The Handmaid's Tale." Get lost in a dystopian future with this Emmy winner. It's terrifying, powerful, and almost impossible to stop watching.

PS: Check out all our streaming recs – and find more ways to celebrate WHM – here.

Extra, extra. It's almost been a year since we first went into quarantine. In next week's Press Pause newsletter, we'll be marking the occasion by sharing some of the stuff that's helped us (and you) get through it all. We're talking products to improve your WFH sitch, what to add to your streaming and reading queues, organization hacks for every corner of your home, and more. Make sure you're signed up so you don't miss it.

Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. A for-all-women, by-a-woman serum. Mrs. Estée Lauder basically started a (skincare) revolution when she invented the first night repair serum in 1982. Now, over 35 years later, her namesake company is still all about keeping skin hydrated, smooth, and radiant. Try the updated formula.*

2. A few products that'll quickly organize your home. Like these drawer dividers, this cutlery holder, and this slim bathroom cart. Less mess, less stress.

3. Smart things to buy now that'll save you money later. We're checking out this cold brew maker, these silicone food storage bags, and this blow-dryer hairbrush. Savings account, is that you?

PS: Like what you see here? Make sure you're signed up to get more picks like these in your inbox every Monday. We've got exclusive shopping recs, streaming ideas, life hacks, and more.

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

Skimm’rs

We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.

Grab the brushes...Dawn P (NH). She paints custom dog portraits and donates $50 from each to Patriot PAWS in Rockwall, TX. The org trains and provides service dogs to disabled American veterans. Check out some paintings.

Read all about it...Yohanca D (MD). After some perseverance, she had a writer breakthrough in The Paris Review. You can read her short story about gossip, New York, and a big, dramatic wedding dress here.

(Some) Birthdays...Joanne Stein (NY), David Alpert (NY), Jane Zimmerman (NY), Ashley Dronsfield (MA), Caroline Mancusi (MA), Christina Claxton (PA), Morgan Rosh (MA), Nicole Kouri (CA), Mary Lynn Morrison (SC), Lauren Bowling (GA), Megan Novak (PA), Mary Anne Jasuta (CA), Kendra Polefrone (OH), Rachel Gummattira (TX), Mimi DeSetto (FL), Debbie Becker (TN)

PS…we've also got a video wall to shout out a woman in your life who's making an impact on you. Check it out.

We texted with Kristen Bell about everything from her experience on "Gossip Girl" to what she's reading right now. Plus, who Dax thinks should play her in a movie (hi, Reese Witherspoon).

And if you're looking for other smart ways to spend your time…

Listen to our news podcast "Skimm This" for clarity on the biggest stories of the week.
Tune in to our career podcast "Skimm'd from the Couch" for tips to build your resume.
Subscribe to our "Skimm Money" newsletter to keep up to date with your wallet.
Sign up for our "Press Pause" newsletter for curated shopping, reads, and entertainment recs.
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Skimm’d by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Kamini Ramdeen, and Julie Shain