Under her leadership, the council has taken on matters including requiring electronics manufacturers to collect their products for recycling, making it tougher for immigration officials to deport people being released from city jails or police custody and barring employers from discriminating against unemployed job applicants the last of which Bloomberg vetoed.

WSJ: City Council speaker launches NYC mayoral bid

Petitioners are still awaiting a response from the White House on their calls to deport Ms Zhu's former roommate from the US for questioning in the case.

BBC: China media: Boat attack condemned

Earlier this month, an Israeli court approved a government plan to deport 1, 500 migrants from Africa.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS