Integration monitor is a daily Latvian press digest on ethnic minority and society integration issues. The Monitor reviews the biggest Latvian dailies: Diena, Latvijas Avize, Neatkariga (in Latvian language), Vesti Segodnya (in Russian language). In specific cases other information sources are used. Latvian Centre for Human Rights is not responsible for information published by the media.

• Saeima refused the draft amendments to the Immigration Law, which envisioned a ban on the issuing of residence permits to Russian investors
• Latvijas Avize: Nils Usakovs met with representatives of the U.S. Department of State to discuss the situation of ethnic minorities and integration issues in Latvia

Yesterday, the Saeima refused the draft amendments to the Immigration Law, which envisioned a ban on the issuing of residence permits to Russian investors and owners of expensive real estate. The proposal was submitted by the nationalists’ union All for Latvia/FF-LNIM with an aim to restrict the influx into Latvia of Russian citizens who possess certain economic influence. The nationalists proposed to restrict issuing of residence permits as long as Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine continues. Diena, Vesti Segodnya 

Latvijas Avize reports about a visit of the leader of the party “Concord” and the Mayor of Riga Nils Usakovs to the U.S.A. In the framework of the visit, Mr Usakovs met with representatives of the U.S. Department of State to discuss the situation and rights of ethnic minorities as well integration issues in Latvia.  The newspaper notes that Mr Usakovs visited the U.S.A as representative of the party. Shortly before this visit he also visited Russian Federation, but next week he plans to meet the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz.