SEATTLE

U.S. opposes representation for minors facing deportation

Moving forward on a lawsuit demanding legal representation for immigrant minors facing deportation could create a “magnet” effect at the border, attorneys for the federal government said.

On Wednesday, a U.S. District judge in Seattle heard arguments from attorneys involving a lawsuit filed in July by a coalition of immigrant rights advocacy groups who say most minors in deportation proceedings lack legal representation, and that violates the Constitution. The groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union and the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, say the minors are entitled to due process under the Fifth Amendment.

The government opposes the demand in the lawsuit, saying it would attract more minors to travel to the U.S., among other concerns.

“It would create a magnet effect,” said Deputy Attorney General Leon Fresco, who added it would be unlikely for Congress to provide the money needed to provide legal representation.

AUSTIN, Texas

Abortion clinic will reopen after federal judge’s ruling

Women in South Texas facing a 200-mile drive for access to legal abortions learned Wednesday that a clinic shuttered by a sweeping anti-abortion law would reopen, marking the first tangible effect of a court ruling last week that blocked key parts of the state law.

Whole Woman’s Health clinic in McAllen, a city near the Mexico border, closed in March after its doctors said they couldn’t obtain admitting privileges at nearby hospitals as the state now requires. But a federal judge ruled Friday that the law created unconstitutional barriers to abortions in South Texas, and the clinic is now set to repen this week, chief executive Amy Hagstrom Miller said.

TOKYO

Japanese premier appoints five women to his Cabinet

Japan’s prime minister picked five women for his Cabinet on Wednesday, matching the past record and sending the strongest message yet about his determination to change deep-seated views on gender and revive the economy by getting women on board as workers and leaders.

Japanese women are far under-represented in positions of power in government and corporations. Women make up 10 percent of parliament and just 3.9 percent of board members of listed Japanese companies.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reiterated Wednesday that a key part of his growth strategy is making greater use of women.

– From news service reports