Hispanic National Bar Association Statement on State of the Union Address

PRESS RELEASE

WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) is encouraged by President Barack Obama's State of the Union Address, in which he addressed issues of great importance to our membership and the Hispanic community at large, namely the economy, immigration and judicial nominations.

"We are heartened by the President's continued support and dedication to advancing comprehensive immigration reform, the DREAM Act, support of veterans, and addressing the excessive cost of higher education. We also appreciate his recognition of the existing vacancy crisis in the federal judiciary, which directly impacts individuals' basic right to have access to justice," said Benny Agosto, Jr., HNBA National President.

While the HNBA stands behind the President's dedication to addressing the economic crisis and ensuring that Latinos and all Americans have the necessary education and job security needed to fulfill the promise of America, we are committed to continuing to press the administration and Congress on issues critical to fulfilling this vision. Specifically, we will continue to press for passage of comprehensive immigration reform, ensure that all Latinos have equal access to quality education at all levels, and guarantee that all Americans have access to a fair hearing in court in a timely manner.

"The President should be commended for the unparalleled strides that he has made in diversifying the bench and his administration. But more work remains to be done, and we hope that he and the U.S. Senate hasten the pace of nominating and confirming appointees," added the Honorable Celeste Villarreal, HNBA Vice President of External Affairs.

About the Hispanic National Bar AssociationThe Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) is an incorporated, not-for-profit, national membership organization that represents the interests of the more than 100,000 Hispanic attorneys, judges, law professors, legal assistants, and law students in the United States and its territories. From the days of its founding four decades ago, the HNBA has acted as a force for positive change within the legal profession. It does so by encouraging Latino students to choose a career in the law and by prompting their advancement within the profession once they graduate and start practicing. Through a combination of issue advocacy, programmatic activities, networking events and educational conferences, the HNBA has helped generations of lawyers succeed.

Hispanic National Bar Association

Web site: http://www.hnba.com/

Too few English classes for immigrants who line up to learn

This same problem happens all over the country, such a shame. People complain that immigrants don't want to learn English, yet when they try, they can't succeed. - - Donna Poisl

By Kathleen Burge

Twice a year, when hundreds of people who want to learn English crowd into a middle school cafeteria in Framingham, many of them end up in a purgatory usually reserved for high school seniors: the waiting list.

Framingham Adult ESL Plus, the city’s largest program for teaching English as a second language, can usually offer spots to a fraction of the would-be students who apply. The competition became so intense that a few years ago, the program resorted to a lottery to award seats.
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Eased Immigration Laws May Spur Growth, U.S. Chamber Report Says

All the surveys find the same numbers and the same conclusion. - - Donna Poisl

By William McQuillen

Jan. 25 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. needs to ease restrictions on immigrants who plan to open businesses, and create a separate visa for potential entrepreneurs, according to a report by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Current immigration laws make it difficult for people to enter the U.S. and start a business, according to the report, released today by the Chamber and the Immigration Policy Center of the American Immigration Council. Expansion of the visa program would also aid companies’ access to foreign-born graduates of U.S. universities, helping economic growth, the authors of the report said.
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Immigrant Children Face Uncertain Futures, Foster Care

Another reason we need immigration reform now. - - Donna Poisl

from America's Wire -- Marjorie Valbrun

WASHINGTON -- More than 5,000 children of immigrants are languishing in state foster care nationwide because their parents were living in the United States illegally and were detained or deported by federal immigration authorities.

These children can spend years in foster homes, and some are put up for adoption after termination of their parents' custody rights. With neither state nor federal officials addressing the problem, thousands more are poised to enter the child welfare system every year.
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Florida could test GOP's stance on immigration

It seems that Jeb Bush is the only reasonable one in the GOP. - - Donna Poisl

By Alan Gomez, USA TODAY

MIAMI – During a speech here last year, former Florida governor Jeb Bush warned his GOP brethren to soften their tone on immigration, fearing the party was alienating the fast-growing Hispanic electorate.

Since then, GOP-dominated legislatures in Alabama, South Carolina and other states have passed strict laws cracking down on illegal immigrants. Republicans in Congress have pushed for more employment verification systems, and GOP presidential contenders have called for more border security and restrictions on illegal immigrants.

The Florida primary provides the first, albeit unique, test of that tone among Hispanics.
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National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) Proudly Announces David Ferreira as Executive Director

PRESS RELEASE

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- After an extensive search, the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) announces David Ferreira as the organizations Executive Director.

With over 15 years of experience in Washington, D.C., David Ferreira is no stranger to government formation, political advocacy and Hispanic based issues. Prior to NHCSL, he was a partner at Hispanic Strategy Group, a boutique government relations firm, preceding his four year tenure as Vice President of Government Relations for the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC).

"We will continue a proud legacy of successful advocacy for the Hispanic community while further strengthening our capabilities, improve member satisfaction and place a renewed focus on the needs of the fast growing number of Latino legislators throughout nation," said David Ferreira, NHCSL Executive Director. "I am proud to be part of this organization whose critical mission is to help Hispanic legislators be more effective in their advocacy, both nationally and locally."

Representative Minnie Gonzalez (CT), NHCSL President, said Ferreira's broad range of skills, multiple facets of government relations and extensive fundraising experience can help lead the organization to greater heights.

"David Ferreira has a successful history of leadership and development in government relations that will serve NHCSL well," said Representative Gonzalez (CT), NHCSL President. "David is a valuable addition to the NHCSL executive team. Among many talented individuals, we chose David for his wide ranging experience along with his deep commitment to Hispanic political empowerment making David an exceptional asset for the NHCSL. We look forward to an exciting period with a focus on empowering our members under his leadership."

The NHCSL is the premier national association of Hispanic state legislators working to design and implement policies and procedures that will improve the quality of life for Hispanics throughout the country. NHCSL was founded in 1989 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with the mission to be the most effective voice for the more than 340 Hispanic legislators. For more information visit www.nhcsl.org.

SOURCE National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL)

CONTACT: Nelly Robles, +1-202-434-8070

The DREAM Act under attack

from Adam Luna, America’s Voice

Right now in Florida, the Republican candidates for president are fighting over who is the least anti-immigrant.

It’s ridiculous. Mitt Romney flat-out said he would veto the DREAM Act, and Newt Gingrich says he’ll weaken it. They both want to gut the DREAM Act -- limiting its scope to only those who want to join the military.

Here’s the bottom line: there is only one DREAM Act and it includes the right to an education. Politicians who want to veto or change it are anti-immigrant. Period.

We're telling Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich that gutting the DREAM Act is anti-immigrant. Will you join us? Go to http://americasvoiceonline.org/page/content/protectDREAM/

The DREAM Act is about opportunity. It includes a path towards citizenship for DREAMers who want an education and will strengthen our economy. In the mutilated Romney/Gingrich version of the bill, young undocumented Americans can give back to their country only by enlisting in the military.

This is a critical moment for the countless young people across America whose lives depend on Congress passing the DREAM Act. We cannot let the Republican circus leave Florida and continue through the rest of the primary season thinking the DREAM Act is for sale.

There is only ONE DREAM Act, and we must protect it. Can you help?

http://americasvoiceonline.org/page/content/protectDREAM/

Thanks,

Adam Luna
America’s Voice

The Real Meaning of “Self-Deportation”

For Immediate Release

The Real Meaning of “Self-Deportation”

January 26, 2012

Washington D.C. - The term “self-deportation” has found its way into the GOP presidential primary race, with candidate Mitt Romney outlining a vague immigration platform which includes "self-deportation," or the idea that unauthorized immigrants will voluntarily choose to leave the U.S. if life here is made unbearable enough. While "self-deportation" may be a new idea to some, those who monitor immigration policy understand that it is code for “attrition through enforcement” - a plan pursued by extremist immigration-control organizations in Congress and state houses across the nation.

Mr. Romney explains how he thinks "self-deportation" would work by saying “if people don’t get work here, they’re going to self-deport to a place they can get work.” However, as described in a forthcoming report from the Immigration Policy Center, "self-deportation" - or, more accurately, "attrition through enforcement" - goes far beyond denying unauthorized immigrants work. The strategy is currently embodied in state laws that include provisions denying education, transportation, and even basic services like water and housing to anyone who cannot prove legal immigration status. So far, the states that have attempted to roll out this plan have done little more than undermine basic human rights, devastate local economies, and place unnecessary burdens on U.S. citizens and lawful immigrants.

There is little evidence that "attrition through enforcement" is causing unauthorized immigrants to leave. In fact, a July 2011 study from the RAND Corporation found that, despite improved economic conditions in Mexico and worsened conditions in the United States, fewer Mexican immigrants returned to Mexico in 2008 and 2009 than in the two years before the recession.

The Urban Institute’s Juan Pedrozo has also pointed out that “it’s tough to tell whether (and how many) immigrants have left a community if you are looking right after a state passes a law. It can take years of evidence to test claims of a mass exodus.” Moreover, “growing evidence suggests that most immigrants (especially families with school-age children) are here to stay, except perhaps where local economies are particularly weak.”

Furthermore, according to the Pew Hispanic Center, “nearly two-thirds of the 10.2 million unauthorized adult immigrants in the United States have lived in this country for at least 10 years, and nearly half are parents of minor children,” most of whom are U.S. citizens. There is no reason to believe that they are going to “self-deport” as their ties to the country have grown much deeper.

Whether you call it “self-deportation” or “attrition through enforcement,” this is a policy that offers no genuine solution to the growing instability of our immigration system. Relying on a strategy conceived by immigration restrictionists and pursued by opportunistic politicians is no game plan. This country deserves to hear more detailed and thoughtful approaches from politicians and policy makers—ones that will offer a way forward, rather than ones grounded in divisive and punitive approaches to unauthorized immigration.

###

For more information, contact Wendy Sefsaf at wsefsaf@immcouncil.org or 202-507-7524.

South Jersey ethnic organizations evolve to meet changing immigration trends

Dozens of ethnic groups in this area have organizations that help new immigrants assimilate. - - Donna Poisl

By STEVEN LEMONGELLO Staff Writer

Cape May County's Ancient Order of Hibernians is part of an Irish-Catholic organization that has been around for 175 years, dating to before the Irish Potato Famine of the late 1840s.

Today the organization, operating out of North Wildwood, still provides a sense of identity to the county's Irish population.

South Jersey has dozens of ethnic groups with organizations that were created to support the first waves of immigrants to arrive here. Those organizations have had to adapt to changing immigration trends, but it's that ability to adapt, organizers say, that has kept their groups strong and vital and made them a significant part of the community.
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Immigrants in South Carolina Confused About New Immigration Laws

The new immigration laws have immigrants scared and confused, it happens in every state with these laws. - - Donna Poisl

from NOTITAS DE NOTICIAS

Mexicans in South Carolina are confused about articles in the state immigration law that went into effect on Jan. 1, 2012, so activists have hurriedly prepared information campaigns so they’ll understand the situation and know what to do.

“Here there’s nothing but confusion and disinformation,” 44-year-old Mexican immigrant Jose Luis Cortez told Efe.

He was one of the more than 1,000 people to turn out Sunday in Columbia, South Carolina’s capital, for a visit by diplomats from the Mexican Consulate-General in Raleigh, North Carolina.
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Common Sense Does Exist in Washington After All

This opinion piece calls the new immigration policy "common sense". I think that is a good name for it, and it is missing in many policies. - - Donna Poisl

FROM DAVID LEOPOLD

Last year the administration added a revolutionary new weapon to its immigration enforcement arsenal -- common sense.

In June, John Morton, Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, announced that the agency would employ "prosecutorial discretion" in its enforcement of the immigration law, prioritizing the deportation of illegal immigrants who pose security risks -- dangerous criminals and terrorists. Prosecutorial discretion gives ICE agents the ability to decide how to best use finite resources to enforce the immigration law so that our communities and country are protected from those who would do us harm. Clearly, the danger to a community is less likely to come from a breast-feeding mother or gifted student than from a dangerous felon or terrorist.
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Legal immigrants eligible for Massachusetts insurance plan

The state's high court has found that cutting legal immigrants out of medical assistance is discriminatory. - - Donna Poisl

By ALICIA GALLEGOS, amednews staff

Preventing legal immigrants from participating in a state medical assistance program for low-income residents is unconstitutional, the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts has ruled.

The Jan. 5 decision by the state high court ended a two-year court battle between patient advocates and the state over medical care for about 35,000 Massachusetts immigrants. Arguments were heard twice by the court, both times ending in favor of the plaintiffs.
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Immigrants Learn English With Their Children

This teacher teaches English to students in school classes and then teaches their parents in the cafeteria at the company where they work. - - Donna Poisl

Maryland school, business team up to teach Burmese refugee parents

June Soh | Howard County, Maryland

Tha Neih Ciang is learning vocabulary words with other immigrant students. She's among four dozen Burmese youngsters at Bollman Bridge Elementary School, which is less than an hour's drive from Washington.

Their teacher, Laurel Conran, specializes in teaching English to speakers of other languages.
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New Immigration Center Promises Easier Naturalization for Queens Immigrants

This new modern office has opened to help immigrants get through the naturalization process easier. - - Donna Poisl

By Nick Hirshon, DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

LONG ISLAND CITY — A new immigration facility opened in Queens Friday amid vows of improved efficiency during the naturalization process for the nation's most diverse county.

The $3.4 million facility on Jackson Avenue will provide customer service information and handle fingerprinting, interviews, green cards and naturalization oath ceremonies for a federal agency, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, that oversees lawful immigration to the United States.

About 100 employees from another immigration office in Garden City, Long Island, were relocated to the new office, which occupies more than 48,000 square feet on two floors of the building.
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You are Invited to a Telebriefing To Release a New Study on the Critical Role of Immigrant Entrepreneurs to the U.S. Economy

PRESS RELEASE

You are Invited to a Telebriefing To Release a New Study on the Critical Role of Immigrant Entrepreneurs to the U.S. Economy

January 23, 2012

Join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Immigration Policy Center of the American Immigration Council and The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc. for a tele-briefing on a new report highlighting the important role of immigrant entrepreneurs to the U.S. economy. The report explores the many dimensions of economic growth, innovation, and job creation and offers recommendations for creating an entrepreneur-friendly immigration system.

The author of the report, Dr. Marcia Drew Hohn, will join the Chamber’s Randy Johnson and Immigration Council’s Benjamin Johnson to discuss the importance of these findings and highlight commonsense recommendations for encouraging immigrant entrepreneurship through changes to national law and policy.

WHO:

Benjamin Johnson, Executive Director, American Immigration Council
Randy Johnson, Senior Vice President, Labor, Immigration, & Employee Benefits, US Chamber of Commerce
Marcia Hohn, Director of the Public Education Institute, The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc.
Mary Giovagnoli (Moderator) The Immigration Policy Center

WHAT: Tele-briefing on Immigrant Entrepreneurship

WHEN: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 2:15 – 3:00 pm. EST

HOW: Please RSVP for dial-in instructions.

RSVP: To RSVP email wsefsaf@immcouncil.org or 202-507-7524.

In Deportation Policy Test, 1 in 6 Offered Reprieve

This will help some families and also help the backlog of cases before the courts. - - Donna Poisl

By JULIA PRESTON

DENVER — A review ordered by the Obama administration of virtually all 7,900 deportation cases before the immigration court here has identified about 1,300 foreigners — 16 percent — who pose no security risk and will be allowed to remain in the United States, although with no new legal status, immigration officials said Thursday.

It was a fast-paced test run of the first comprehensive docket review in the nation’s immigration courts. Department of Homeland Security officials plan to extend it in coming months to all of about 300,000 deportation cases before the courts nationwide.
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Mayors urged to lead on immigration, but not to follow Arizona’s path

The U.S. Conference of Mayors was told they should work on immigration but not do what Arizona did. - - Donna Poisl

By DUSTIN VOLZ, Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – Federal inaction on comprehensive immigration reform has forced the issue on state and local leaders, but Arizona-style approaches are not the solution, a group of mayors was told Wednesday.

Local immigration laws like Arizona’s SB 1070 are a step in the wrong direction, said Angela Maria Kelley, vice president for immigration policy and advocacy for the Center for American Progress.

“As elected leaders, I implore you to stop the efforts of anti-immigrant bills,” Kelley told about 15 mayors at an immigration reform session at the U.S. Conference of Mayors convention. “It will not solve the problem of illegal immigration in your states.”
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She Has A Dream: Undocumented Bryn Mawr student turns to activism

from Ali Noorani, Executive Director, National Immigration Forum

South Korean-born Jessica Hyejin Lee was the kind of student colleges dream of enrolling. She excelled in her high school’s demanding International Baccalaureate program, participated in a long list of extracurricular activities, and made many friends at school. However, when college admissions time came around, Jessica – who had applied to 24 schools – was accepted into just one, with no financial aid.

Why would colleges reject such a promising student? Jessica, like thousands of other high-achieving students across the U.S., was undocumented. Her parents brought her and her younger siblings to Los Angeles in 2003 on a six-month tourist visa, to escape the rigid and stifling nature of their home country. They never returned.

Growing up, Jessica says she was really angry at her parents for bringing her to the U.S. illegally. She could not apply for a driver’s license, prestigious internships, or study abroad programs. She felt like she was living in the shadows, unable to act freely or speak openly even with her closest friends.

Today, she tears up talking about the months she spent watching her friends grow excited about their college opportunities, while rejection letters flooded her mailbox. Upon graduating from high school, Jessica wrote an appeal letter to Bryn Mawr College, where she had been wait-listed, and months later received an acceptance. She calls it a miracle.

Just last month, Jessica, now 20 years old and a junior at Bryn Mawr, blurted out her secret to an auditorium packed with professors, administration, and her fellow students. “A lot of people in admissions are worried about me getting deported,” she said. "But I’ve lived this life for eight years. My dreams and the dreams of 12 million people can’t wait anymore."

Jessica, like many Dreamers, has resolved to fight her situation and empower other undocumented immigrant students to speak out. This new year, what is your resolution? Share your hopes for 2012 with us at www.KeepersoftheAmericanDream.org.

Sincerely,

Ali Noorani
Executive Director, National Immigration Forum

Girl Scouts' Chief Exec Chavez To Be Honored by US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

USHCC is awarding its Chairman's Award to the head of the Girl Scouts of the USA. - - Donna Poisl

from HispanicBusiness.com

With the country caught up in its yearly "Girl Scout Cookie fever," it's a great time to look at the program, which helps shape young women into the leaders of tomorrow, and the chief executive currently guiding the Girl Scouts of the USA: Anna Maria Chavez.

The U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) today announced it would honor Anna Maria Chavez with its 2012 Chairman's Award at an event titled "A Celebration of Women Entrepreneurship in America" during the Chamber's Legislative Summit gala. The Summit will take place in Washington, D.C., on March 21-23, 2012, at the Washington Marriott at Metro Center.
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Offering a path to legalization for illegal immigrants could mean a local tax windfall

Our federal and state governments are all losing tax payments because many illegal immigrants are working illegally. Some taxes are paid but many are not. - - Donna Poisl

from chron.com

A report by the Greater Houston Partnership estimated that legalizing Houston-area undocumented workers would generate about $1.4 billion annually in tax revenue ("Study sees tax boon in legalization," Page A1, Jan. 11). This report, which was announced during an immigration summit at Rice University, is another piece of evidence in support of comprehensive immigration reform.

The business advocacy group, using data from the Texas Workforce Commission and the Pew Hispanic Center, estimated that there are 132,000 illegal immigrants in the Houston area, earning about $7 billion in 2008.
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