Eastern Europe

Valentin Sergeif, a U.S. citizen from Utah, and his wife Anastasia, a Belarusian national, say they have been stranded abroad for three years while pursuing a spousal visa, caught between a federal immigration freeze and border restrictions tied to sanctions on Belarus. After an initial U.S. embassy meeting in Poland deemed their case solid but on hold, a follow-up visit in October resulted in a swift denial by a different caseworker, who the couple says dismissed their sponsor's affidavit and Anastasia's professional credentials. With Anastasia's Polish visa set to expire soon, the couple is appealing for public and congressional support, including a possible constituent inquiry, to secure a supervisory review before they risk being forced back into Belarus.

A recent Berkeley IGS/Los Angeles Times poll shows Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton with support from 37% of California voters, trailing Democrat Xavier Becerra, the former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, who holds 55%. About 7% remain undecided. The two are set to meet in their first debate on September 30 in Los Angeles, televised on CNN, which could shift the current standing.

Hilton, a former strategist for ex-British Prime Minister David Cameron and a Brexit supporter, has never held elected office and only became a U.S. citizen in 2021 after relocating to California in 2012. He has received an endorsement from President Donald Trump, whose immigration policies contrast with Hilton's own background as the son of Hungarian refugees. Despite trailing significantly, Hilton is seen as outperforming typical Republican prospects in heavily Democratic California, where registered Republicans make up about 25% of voters compared to 45% who are Democrats. Polling could shift meaningfully once debate performances are factored in.