Another inconvenient truth / Immigrants, the work ethic and nativist myth

A good piece talking about the immigrant work ethic and how important they are to our country. - - Donna Poisl

Union-Tribune Editorial

Nativist lore has it that immigrants only come to the United States for the handouts. Supposedly, whether they arrive legally or illegally, their chief ambition is to simply collect welfare, milk social services and otherwise sponge off America’s generosity. For more than 200 years, the narrative has been that newcomers are constantly taking, using and consuming without giving back to the country that received them.

That is just not so. In fact, it is a malicious lie that is often used to justify all sorts of mistreatment of immigrants. For one thing, who has time to take advantage of the system? According to most studies, and lots of anecdotal evidence all around us, many immigrants are too busy working, starting their own businesses and employing others to stand in line and collect benefits. Talk about an inconvenient truth.
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Growing through immigration beats shrinking

Every country's economy depends on its population growing, our country needs immigrants for this precise reason. - - Donna Poisl

by Greg Burns

In an economy as bad as this one, it may take nothing short of disaster to bring about even a little immigration reform.

Responding to Haiti's devastating earthquake, the Obama administration is providing Temporary Protected Status to undocumented Haitians living in the U.S. As many as 200,000 people will be invited to stay legally for 18 months, receiving work permits to find jobs.

Even that modest humanitarian gesture has rekindled an emotionally charged debate about whether immigrants hurt the economic prospects of Americans.
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Illegal Immigrants Make 1,500-Mile March to Washington

Florida college students are walking from Miami to D.C. to push immigration reform. Crowds of supporters are cheering them on and joining them on the trip. - - Donna Poisl

Seeking Pathway to Citizenship, Students Shrug Off Risk of Detention and Deportation

By DEVIN DWYER, WASHINGTON

South Florida college students Felipe Matos, 23, Carlos Roa, 22, and Gaby Pacheo, 25, say their lives as undocumented immigrants have become so "unbearable," they decided it was time to take their stories to the nation's capital...on foot.

The trio has embarked on a four-month, 1,500-mile campaign, walking from Miami to Washington, D.C., to advocate for immigration reform legislation that would give them a path to citizenship.
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Lack of immigration reform protested in D.C.

A small group in D.C. protested the lack of immigration reform, there will be much larger protests later this year. - - Donna Poisl

By Tara Bahrampour, Washington Post Staff Writer

About 150 activists gathered Tuesday in front of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement headquarters to deliver a "State of the Union" address that protested what they consider a lack of progress on immigration reform.

Holding signs and loudspeakers at a noon rally, the group of community organizers, advocates and faith leaders chanted "Si, se puede" ("Yes, we can") before about 20 of them joined hands across 12th Street SW near Maryland Avenue, blocking traffic. They sat on the road and waited for police to bring out their handcuffs.
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Study: County’s immigrant Latinos have highest self-employment rate

This should not come as a surprise, immigrants are usually the most entrepreneurial people. They are willing to take chances and start a business, exactly what their home country needed too, but their chances of success are often too small there. - - Donna Poisl

By Leslie Berestein, UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Combined regional census and federal economic data show that in San Diego County, Latino immigrants have a higher rate of self-employment than that of non-immigrant Latinos and even native-born U.S. citizens, according to a new report.

The report was released by the California Immigrant Policy Center, a statewide partnership of immigrant-rights groups that includes the Asian Pacific American Legal Center and the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles. It was compiled from U.S. Census data pooled from the American Community Survey from 2005 to 2007.
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College Gender Gap Narrows . . . Except for Hispanics

Only 9% of young Hispanic men have a college degree, the lowest group in a recent study. This is a serious problem, these boys have to be convinced to continue their education after high school. - - Donna Poisl

by Rob Kuznia -- HispanicBusiness.com

The perplexing college gender gap in which 57 percent of all U.S. undergraduates are women has, for the first time in years, failed to grow even wider, with one exception: Hispanic men continue to lose ground on Hispanic women, according to a new study.

The study, released today by a higher-ed organization called the American Council on Education, shows that the overall gap has held steady since 2003. However, among Hispanics, it has grown even wider.
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At Large in Ballard: Life as a second language

This ESL teacher makes her own curriculum and is quite successful. She loves what she is doing too. - - Donna Poisl

By Peggy Sturdivant

She moved from Minnesota to be closer to her daughters. She moved to Ballard from Friday Harbor when her job no longer allowed her to telecommute. Now, Simone Vilandre is one of yet another breed of new Ballardites: a woman over 60 who is reinventing herself.

Simone’s request for magazines in Sustainable Ballard’s monthly update caught my attention.

I am becoming a vicarious collector – drawn to people collecting wood corks, pennies and now magazines.

Simone’s request was for used magazines to use in English as a Second Language classes (ESL).
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Westborough ELL program gets top marks

This school district is passing all the state requirements. 87% scored higher than they did the previous year. - - Donna Poisl

By Scott O'Connell/STAFF WRITER, GateHouse News Service

WESTBOROUGH — Six years ago, there were about 80 English Language Learner (ELL) students here in town. Today, there are 80 ELL students at Armstrong Elementary alone, and 346 in total throughout the district.

Despite the influx of non-English speaking students, however, Westborough’s ELL program continues to surpass state expectations. At the School Committee’s meeting last Wednesday, ELL coordinator Joanne Fridley gave a presentation showing the impressive numbers.
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Tap Your 'Inner Immigrant'

This is a new book, titled "Immigrant, Inc. --- Why Immigrant Entrepreneurs Are Driving the New Economy (and how they will save the American worker) (Wiley & Sons). The author is an immigration lawyer based in Cleveland, Ohio.

See the following 2.5 minute video, "Tap Your 'Inner Immigrant'"

http://www.youtube.com/user/Immigrantinc2010

Please feel free to share this video link with your friends and colleagues.

Here is a description of the video and the companion book, Immigrant, Inc.:

Want to fall-in-love with America and its abundant opportunities all
over again?

Look through the eyes of an immigrant.

Ethnic cuisine helps bridge cultural divide

A two-year grant is funding this effort to get different cultures to understand each other -- and food and food stories are a great place to start. - - Donna Poisl

Program has students write about, analyze and taste traditional dishes

By Maureen Magee, UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

EL CERRITO — As a child, Fadumo Aweys sold traditional sambusas at her family’s restaurant in Somalia. As an adult in San Diego, she makes the meat-and-mint-filled dumplings to feed her children and remind them of their African culture.

Aweys and her daughter, Muna Abdirahman, were among several students last week who shared their favorite ethnic dishes — and the stories behind them — with students at Crawford High School as part of a community diversity project.

Sambusas, chile verde, coconut bread and Vietnamese sandwiches were the inspiration for essays, the subjects of science experiments, the source of mathematical analysis and muses for student artists.
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Immigrants often see peril in reporting domestic abuse

Immigrants have to be taught that domestic violence must not be tolerated. L.A. county is working to educate their residents and show them what to do, who to call and where to go for help - - Donna Poisl

Language barriers, cultural differences and lack of information keep many women tied to abusive spouses. Help is available.

By Anna Gorman

Indian immigrant Rumi Jaggi said she didn't report the abuse in part because of cultural expectations that she would stay married. R.M. said she didn't leave her husband because she spoke only Mandarin and relied on him to pay the bills. Concepcion Arellano said she endured abuse because she feared deportation.

Though Los Angeles County law enforcement agencies and community organizations have made advances in responding to domestic violence in immigrant communities, attorneys and advocates say many victims still face obstacles in reporting abuse and seeking help.
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"Day for Pampering" aims to educate Latinas

This is an excellent way to teach immigrant women about taking care of themselves and learning preventative medical care. Maybe this can be done in other cities too. - - Donna Poisl

Online reporting by Jamie Hersch

MADISON (WKOW) -- Planned Parenthood celebrated the grand opening of its new health center on Park Street Saturday. Part of the celebration includes Dia para Consentirse, or "Day for Pampering Yourself," an event specifically designed for the local Latino community.

Planned Parenthood's education center wants to focus on spreading awareness in the Latino community about the disparities in reproductive disorders among Latinas.

In the Latino community, women say they are expected to be selfless, with no time to focus on themselves.

But there's another purpose behind this event: to teach Latinas about breast and cervical cancer.
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Ruben Navarrette Jr.: Don't assume that immigration reform is dead

This opinion piece gives many reasons why the Mass. election does not mean immigration reform is dead. People on both political sides are for (or against) reform. - - Donna Poisl

By Ruben Navarrette Jr., San Diego Union-Tribune

Sometimes conventional wisdom is wrong.

That's how it is with the assumption that Republican Scott Brown's victory over Democrat Martha Coakley in the Massachusetts Senate race means that there will be no immigration reform this year.

The senator-elect has said that he opposes what he calls "amnesty" for illegal immigrants. In fact, Brown already knows how to turn illegal immigration into a wedge issue. As a state senator, he recently introduced a bill that would require anyone suing employers for violating state wage laws to show proof of citizenship or legal residency.
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Arizona clerics call for immigration reform

Leaders from several different religions are working together to support immigration reform. - - Donna Poisl

by Daniel González, The Arizona Republic

Several Arizona religious leaders on Friday invoked Scripture in calling on President Obama and Congress to pass humane immigration reform based on principles of fairness, family unity and due process.

"In our holy writings, we are called to love sojourners and to integrate them into our communities," said Bishop Minerva Carcaño, who leads the Desert Southwest Conference of the United Methodist Church.
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Will Business or Labor Blink First? Immigration Reform and "Future Flows"

A fascinating article, showing all the business and workforce numbers and needs that come into play when discussing and planning immigration reform. - - Donna Poisl

by Jeffrey Kaye, Journalist and author

Here's a term--one you may be unfamiliar with--to add to your political lexicon: "future flows." In the weeks and months to come, we're going to be hearing it more as Congress very gradually turns its attention to reforming U.S. immigration laws.

As legislators shape immigration legislation, business and union leaders are battling over the contentious issue of how best to control "future flows" of migrant workers. Even in a lousy economy, businesses want the ability to bring in foreign workers, skilled and unskilled, on both temporary and permanent work visas.
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Salt Lake diocese bishop leads immigration reform committee

Here is another committee working on immigration reform. I hope when the government starts the debates, these groups will convince their people to be active and vocal in support. - - Donna Poisl

By Di Lewis (Standard-Examiner staff)

Comprehensive immigration reform is not only a practical solution to America's illegal immigration problem, but also a moral obligation, said Salt Lake City Bishop John C. Wester.

Wester is the chair of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops committee on migration, which met earlier this month as part of National Migration Week.

He said the USCCB is "doing a full-court press" on immigration reform.
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‘A small United Nations’

A small grant has helped refugees use their skills and knowledge about farming to plant gardens and raise much of their own food and also sell some of it. Some brought seeds with them and are experimenting in the new soil and weather. - - Donna Poisl

Larger community garden nourishes refugees

By Aaron Nicodemus, TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

WORCESTER — In her native Democratic Republic of the Congo, Christine Kindeke and her family always grew their own food.

“In the Congo, most of the income of a family comes from farming,” she said. The knowledge of how to farm, when to plant a particular crop and what methods work best from year to year is passed down from parent to child.
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Census Figures Challenge Views of Race and Ethnicity

The pattern of race reporting on the Census is different for people born here and those not born here. People view race differently, depending on how long they have been in this country. - - Donna Poisl

By SAM ROBERTS

New census figures that provide a snapshot of America’s foreign-born population are challenging conventional views of immigration, race and ethnicity.

What it means to be African-American, for example, may be redefined by the record number of blacks — now nearly 1 in 10 — born abroad, according to the report from American Community Survey data, which was released Wednesday. It found that Africa now accounts for one in three foreign-born blacks in this country, another modern record.

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Thriving Military Recruitment Program Blocked

This program brought more than 1,000 immigrants with language or medical skills to the military. Thousands more are waiting for the program to be extended. - - Donna Poisl

By JULIA PRESTON

A highly successful program by the armed forces to recruit skilled immigrants who live in this country temporarily has run into a roadblock, leaving thousands of potential recruits in limbo.

The Army stopped accepting applications for the program last week, officials said Thursday, because the Pentagon had not completed a review required to keep the recruitment going.
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Six Stories About the Census

Read this whole article, please. It is fascinating how the students and the papers have researched, written and published these stories, touching on many of the immigrants to this country. - - Donna Poisl

How Medill students and local ethnic papers came together to find a common immigrant experience

By Michael Miner

In these trying times for mainstream media, which Chicago journalists have the most to say to one another but are least likely to say it? My nominees would be the publishers of the region's ethnic press. Most run shoestring operations, serving readers of modest means who share a common experience as strangers in a strange land yet are divided by such profound partitions as religion, history, neighborhood, and language.

If you'd told me a few days ago that six ethnic papers would run long stories this week on the upcoming federal census, I'd have assumed it was an interesting coincidence—one reflecting the apprehension felt by all newcomers when government comes around asking questions.
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Local bishop to call on Catholics to join push for immigration reform

Church leaders who can talk about their personal experience with immigration are very important to the reform movement. People listen to their story and understand better. - - Donna Poisl

By Kellie Bramlet | AVALANCHE-JOURNAL

In coming weeks, the Most Rev. Placido Rodriguez, Bishop of the Diocese of Lubbock, will ask local Catholics to join a national effort with ties to his own life: immigration.

Catholic church leaders across the country are asking parishioners to send a message to Congress urging immigration reform. Pastors will distribute pre-written postcards and ask parishioners to mail them to their members of Congress.
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Norwich among four sites statewide for lawyers' free immigration clinics

These clinics are for Haitian immigrants needing help with TPS. Maybe others will open clinics to help all immigrants with their paperwork. - - Donna Poisl

By Claire Bessette

Norwich - A group of Connecticut lawyers specializing in immigration law will hold clinics in four cities, including Norwich, on Feb. 6 for local Haitians without legal status to apply for federally sanctioned temporary protective status.
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Despite Huge Government Effort, Census Count May Miss Many, Including Immigrants

Hopefully, this new ad campaign will convince more people to sign their Census form. We need an accurate count for MANY reasons. As many as 20% are often missed. - - Donna Poisl

Posted by John Rudolph

The biggest advertising campaign of the new year isn’t selling cars, beer or burgers. The $340-million effort, which made its debut with a TV spot on the Golden Globe Awards last Sunday, encourages everyone in the U.S. to be counted in this year’s census.

The 30-second commercial marked the start of a massive publicity push by the government that will include ads during the Super Bowl and the Winter Olympics, as well as advertising in several different languages aimed at some of the hardest to count communities including immigrants, African-Americans and Native Americans.
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Aid Haitians, immigrants to help NYC economy -mayor

New York City's mayor shows how aiding immigrants and especially Haitians, will help the economy. - - Donna Poisl

By Joan Gralla

NEW YORK, Jan 20 (Reuters) - New York City can revive its economy by helping Haitians and other immigrants get small business loans, creating jobs and other programs for at-risk youths, boosting anti-foreclosure efforts, and setting up neighborhood credit unions, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said on Wednesday.

Earthquake-stricken Haitian New Yorkers should be given the federal immigration agency's support of "Temporary Protected Status" so they can find better-paying legal jobs and send more money back home, Bloomberg said in a copy of his annual State of the City address.

New York City has the largest population of Haitian descent outside Port-au-Prince, the earthquake-torn capital city of this Caribbean nation.
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Angel Island's history offers lessons on immigration policy

Angel Island, similar to Ellis Island, but on the west coast, opened 100 years ago. Immigration reform advocates can learn much, both good and bad, from its history. - - Donna Poisl

The immigrant station's past underscores America's contradictory approach to immigration: The U.S. welcomes the 'huddled masses yearning to be free' even as it unfairly detains and deports newcomers.

By Erika Lee and Judy Yung

One hundred years ago today, the Angel Island Immigration Station in San Francisco Bay opened its doors. From 1910 to 1940, the "Ellis Island of the West" was the gateway into America for more than half a million immigrants from 80 countries, all seeking the opportunity, freedom and fortune of the American dream.

Among them was a Chinese immigrant who carved the following poem into the barrack walls while detained on Angel Island:
I clasped my hands in parting with my brothers and classmates.
Because of the mouth, I hastened to cross the American ocean.
How was I to know that the western barbarians had lost their hearts and reasons?
With a hundred kinds of oppressive laws, they mistreat us Chinese.
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Foundation Helps Bridge the Digital Divide for Latino Immigrants

PRESS RELEASE

The William & Lanaea C. Featherstone Foundation Helps Bridge the Digital Divide for Latino Immigrants in Baltimore With Funding From the Verizon Foundation

BALTIMORE, Jan. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Latino immigrants in underserved communities in Baltimore soon will get much-needed computer and literacy training that will help adults and their families advance in the 21st century.

With a nearly $6,500 grant from the Verizon Foundation, The William & Lanaea C. Featherstone Foundation will launch "Empowering Immigrants: One 'Click' At A Time," a program that will provide hands-on, practical computer training aimed at bridging the digital divide in Baltimore's Latino community. Through this program, immigrant adults will develop strong technology skills in innovative ways.

"Latino immigrants now will have access to Spanish-language, educational training programs that ultimately will enhance their quality of life – yielding better jobs, successful communities and happier families," said Lanaea C. Featherstone, president of The William & Lanaea C. Featherstone Foundation. "Thanks to Verizon Foundation's support, Latinos will be more marketable to employers and can compete in this multimedia age."

William R. Roberts, president of Verizon Maryland and Washington, D.C., said, "Verizon takes pride in preparing people for the future. The Verizon Foundation has a long-standing tradition of focusing on literacy and computer technology as a means to help people rise above their circumstances to make a better life for themselves and their families."

The Featherstone Foundation also partnered with the Center for Community Technology Services and East Baltimore Technology Resource Center to expand the program's reach and impact. The partnership will provide participants with subsidized desktop computers to ensure that more underprivileged persons have access to technology.

"For the first time, participants will receive e-mail addresses, learn how to use search engines and complete online job applications – vital skills that ultimately lead to economic empowerment," said Gayle Carney, executive director of the Center for Community Technology Services. "This initiative shows that when organizations collaborate to empower communities to use technology, Baltimore becomes a better place to learn, work and live."

The digital training, conducted in Spanish, will engage new audiences in computer literacy and technology. The "Empowering Immigrants" program is free of charge and, scheduled to begin January 30.

The Verizon Foundation supports the advancement of literacy and K-12 education through its free educational Web site, Thinkfinity.org, and fosters awareness and prevention of domestic violence. In 2009, the Verizon Foundation awarded more than $67.5 million in grants to nonprofit agencies in the U.S. and abroad. It also matched the charitable donations of Verizon employees and retirees, resulting in an additional $24.4 million in combined contributions to nonprofits. Through Verizon Volunteers, one of the nation's largest employee volunteer programs, Verizon employees and retirees have volunteered more than 5 million hours of community service since 2000. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizonfoundation.org.

The William & Lanaea C. Featherstone Foundation is a global, nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering, inspiring and impacting the immigrant Latino community. The foundation strives to strengthen cultural understandings of diverse populations through educational training programs. For more information about our work, visit www.thefeatherstonefoundation.org.

CONTACT: Lanaea C. Featherstone, President, The Featherstone Foundation, lanaea@thefeatherstonefoundation.org, +1-410-864-8493

Midwest Voices for 2010

One recipient of this award works with a group that helps immigrants and refugees from Africa learn English and how to live here. - - Donna Poisl

Former Pittsburg resident Nancy Kincaid has been selected as one of 10 ‘Midwest Voices for 2010’ by the Kansas City Star

By NIKKI PATRICK, The Morning Sun

PITTSBURG —It seemed like a pain to her at the time, but diagramming sentences must have done Nancy Keller Kincaid some good.

The former Pittsburg resident, who now lives in Kansas City, Mo., has been selected as one of 10 “Midwest Voices for 2010” by the Kansas City Star. Her first column will be published Saturday, and will deal with her work as a professional substitute educator for the North Kansas City School District.
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UW students rally for immigration reform

Students and advocates rallied for immigration reform in Madison. - - Donna Poisl

By Valerie Klessig

The Madison Student Coalition, a union of local high school and college students and immigrant rights advocates, rallied Tuesday as part of a national week of action to encourage federal immigration reform.

The march began at Memorial Library and finished on the Capitol’s steps, where activists held a press conference to voice their support for two bills.
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Local author explains immigration and assimilation in new book

This new book explains immigration in this country, using his own background and area for his writing. - - Donna Poisl

by Jeanne Roberts, Contributing Writer

SHOREVIEW — Shoreview resident, writer and social psychologist John Andreozzi has published a book meant for scholars and laymen alike that examines the principles, prejudices and promises of American immigration.

Called “The Italians of Lackawanna, NY: Steelworkers, Merchants and Gardeners” and published in November by the local Cabin Six Books, the non-fiction tome explores American immigration — particularly Italian immigration — from the point of view of a second-generation Italian American that grew up in Lackawanna, home to the largest steel plant in the world at the turn of the century.
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Florida Helping Haitian Immigrants

Haitian immigrants with the new TPS for at least 18 months are being helped by Haitian-Americans with jobs and other assistance. - - Donna Poisl

By WINK News

FORT MYERS, FLA. -- At the First Haitian Baptist Church in Fort Myers there's a lot of prayer and paperwork. The church is helping illegal Haitian immigrants like Ismail Danazert become legal residents.

"I believe in the United States of America," he said with smile and a heavy accent.

Danazert and other Haitians can now apply for temporary protective status for at least 18 months. This prevents him from being deported to his devastated homeland. He can also get a job and send back cash.
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Fast for Families: keeping immigrant families together

from Rich Stolz, Reform Immigration FOR America

Fast for Families: Today marks the fifteenth day of the Fast for Our Families, an effort by six activists in Naranja, Florida. These activists have resolved to fast indefinitely until they are allowed to meet with Secretary Napolitano to discuss keeping our families together rather than tearing them apart through deportation. Click the headline to find out how you can help.

Immigration reform: Asian American and Pacific Islander Week of Action

from Rich Stolz, Reform Immigration FOR America

AAPI Week of Action: In conjunction with the Campaign's kick-off, this week also marked an important week of action that will continue through January 20 for the Asian American and Pacific Islander Community. Please click the headline for resources on why comprehensive immigration reform matters to the AAPI community.

Download the 63 page report.

Reform Immigration FOR America 2010 Kick Off

from Rich Stolz, Reform Immigration FOR America

This week, the Reform Immigration FOR America 2010 Kick Off resounded throughout the country. From North Carolina to Anchorage, thousands turned out for rallies, town hall meetings, marches and vigils for immigration reform in 2010. One event at a church in Charlotte, NC that was expecting 500 people had more than 2,000 people attend!

The story was the same everywhere, and our message was heard loud and clear: now is the time for comprehensive immigration reform. To see even more of the events and great work going on across the country, check out the Reform Immigration FOR America blog. Thank you for all of your hard work in getting us off to a great start this year. We've seen what we can accomplish together. Let's keep building!

National Tele-Townhall for Comprehensive Immigration Reform

from Rich Stolz, ReformImmigrationFORAmerica

This Wednesday, January 20th, at 9AM HST/ 11 AM PST/ 2 PM EST, in addition to the State of Play call (which is on the same day at 5:00 EST) we invite you to participate in a National Tele-Townhall for AAPI advocates for Comprehensive Immigration Reform.

It provides an opportunity to participate in a policy discussion with Cecilia Munoz, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, White House, and leaders in the Asian American & Pacific Islander community about comprehensive immigration reform.

There will be a short Q&A session with Ms. Munoz and we invite you to submit questions which may be selected for the tele-townhall. Please send your questions by today, January 18th through the RSVP website (link below) by 12 PM HST/ 2 PM PST/ 5 PM EST. This call is hosted by the Reform Immigration FOR America AAAPI Constituency table which is cochaired by the National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC) and the Asian American Justice Center (AAJC).

To RSVP for the call and submit questions for the Q&A session, click on headline of this posting. Please RSVP by Tuesday, January 19, 2010 by 9 AM HST/ 11 AM PST/ 2 PM EST.

For questions, please contact Olivia Park (NAKASEC) at opark@nakasec.org/ 323.937.3703, x209 or Meredith Higashi (AAJC) at mhigashi@advancingequality.org/ 202.296.2300 x140.

I hope you can join us for the AAPI call at 2 PM EST and for the State of Play call at 5 PM EST.

Thank you,

Rich Stolz, ReformImmigrationFORAmerica

Let Haitians in U.S. stay a while

This editorial was written before all the details of the Haitian temporary protective status news was released. These people will be allowed to work and send remittances back home. - - Donna Poisl

by Clarence Page

Team Obama waited until late Friday, Washington's traditional time for releasing controversial news, to announce good news: The administration is extending special protection to prevent some Haitians living illegally in the U.S. from being deported.

It's about time. Too bad it took an earthquake on top of Haiti's earlier catastrophes to make it happen.

Worried about foreign aid? Remittances provide almost 10 times the annual assistance that Haiti receives from the U. S. Agency for International Development.
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The language of caring; Volunteers teach English as a Second Language classes

An interesting story about ESL classes for adults and how more people should volunteer teach. - - Donna Poisl

By MICHELLE BRUNETTI POST, Staff Writer

A roomful of English as a Second Language students sat giggling over the verb conjugation "I will want."

"The 'w' isn't used much in Spanish," explained volunteer teacher Alba Arocho, 62, of the Minotola section of Buena Borough. "They're having trouble getting around the 'w'," she said, smiling as one student simply refused to try to say it.

"I came here (from Puerto Rico) at age six," she told her class of about a dozen construction, farm, and restaurant workers and one homemaker - all Mexican immigrants, "and I still have difficulty with some of the words."
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Immigration rally invokes Martin Luther King Jr.

People wanting immigration reform are quoting Dr. King's message and calling for reform this year. - - Donna Poisl

'THIS IS THE YEAR' | Calls for reform echo in church where he preached

BY STEFANO ESPOSITO, Staff Reporter

With zeal befitting a church where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. once preached, Rep. Luis Gutierrez told 1,200 people jammed into First Baptist Congregational Church on the West Side on Saturday that America can no longer put meaningful immigration reform on hold.

Gutierrez -- pushing his own immigration reform bill -- said Latinos didn't turn out in droves to support then-Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama only to see his administration "be the administration that's deported more people than the last administration."
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Son of migrants carrying water on immigration

This congressman is going to be the face of immigration reform, let's hope he can get it through. - - Donna Poisl

Congressman from South Texas is chosen as the face of reform bill

By GARY MARTIN, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

WASHINGTON — Born into South Texas poverty as the son of migrant workers, a man who rose from shoeshine boy to sheriff to U.S. congressman is the face of the immigration reform bill set to slog its way through the House of Representatives this year.

That's by design. Rep. Solomon Ortiz, D-Corpus Christi, a 27-year veteran of legislative battles, isn't the only Democrat who concedes the road for immigration reform is steeply uphill in a mid-term election year.
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Vietnamese in Iowa: Volunteering aids assimilation

This young immigrant woman volunteered helping poor people file their taxes and gained so much herself. - - Donna Poisl

By MIKE KILEN

Ly Huynh's e-mail signature is part of a translated Asian poem:
Year by year, year after year, the flowers appear alike/Year after year, year by year, people are not the same

Ly, 23, moved to Des Moines from Vietnam five years ago, one of the latest in the 35-year history of Vietnamese refugees and immigrants who discovered themselves in a strange land.

To Ly, the poem means that a rose will grow, die and return the same next summer, while the people looking at it change.
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FLASHPOINT: ‘Political correctness’ is in eye of the beholder

This letter has interesting examples of all the intolerance that we have had in this country since it started. - - Donna Poisl

by Khwaja A. Hasan

Many letters to the editor writers in this newspaper have complained about politically incorrect language, ideas or policies as if the phrase curtails their freedom to express themselves.

Political culture over time always had a bipolar personality — tolerant and intolerant, inclusive and exclusionary. Didn’t the Puritans in Colonial times in Boston hang signs proclaiming, “No Irish need apply,” and laws prohibited Chinese immigrants from becoming citizens?
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A government genealogy service lets family history leap off the page

USCIS has a service that helps families learn their history in this country. For only $20, they will run a search for all information related to a particular person. - - Donna Poisl

A little-known program of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provides information that bridges oceans.

By Anna Gorman

At first glance, the photo-copied documents simply looked like government forms and applications.

But when Susanne Mori read more closely, she found the story of her grandfather's life as he made his way in America more than five decades ago. Those 23 pages of facts and dates revealed how a young man, Jinbei Mori, left Japan and arrived in San Francisco the month after the 1906 earthquake, how he spent decades working for the Union Pacific Railroad, how his home was searched by the FBI during World War II.
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Immigration marchers in Everett carry produce, message

A protest march in Everett delivered produce to their U.S. representative, symbolizing the work many immigrants do in the state. - - Donna Poisl

About 300 people marched in heavy rain Friday to Rep. Rick Larsen's office in Everett to urge Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform.

By Lynn Thompson, Times Snohomish County reporter

About 300 people marched in heavy rain through downtown Everett on Friday to urge Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform.

The protesters, many wearing garbage bags over their clothes and plastic bags for hats to keep off the rain, delivered a basket to the office of U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Lake Stevens, which they said represented their contribution to the state's economy: apples, potatoes, tulips and squash. Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.

Immigration agency faces budget shortfall

Immigrants became citizens on Martin Luther King's birthday, a good time to be sworn in. Read this interview to learn more about USCIS. - - Donna Poisl

By Mary Lou Pickel, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

In honor of the 81st birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., the head of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services hosted a ceremony at The King Center Friday to grant citizenship to 81 immigrants from around the world. King's daughter, Bernice King, was the keynote speaker.

This is the first time the agency has scheduled ceremonies around the country for the King holiday. Becoming a citizen helps those who come to the United States experience the hope and opportunity that King helped define, USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas said.
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Hilda Solis: $150 Million Federal Grant for Green Jobs will Benefit Hispanics

Thirty eight grants are being awarded to groups in communities with at least 15% of their people living in poverty. This money will train workers, many of them immigrants, for green jobs. - - Donna Poisl

Rob Kuznia -- HispanicBusiness.com

U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis today announced a $150 million "Pathways out of Poverty" grant dedicated to providing green jobs and training to the disaffected and unemployed, such as the poor, high school dropouts and ex-criminal offenders.

The grants will help people learn skills such as creating parts for enormous wind turbines and installing solar panels.
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Advocates push change in working conditions for isolated immigrant sheepherders

These immigrants work 24/7 and make well below the minimum wage. They don't have plumbing or electricity and are completely alone, except for their horse, dogs and sheep. - - Donna Poisl

IVAN MORENO, Associated Press Writer

WAMSUTTER, Wyo. (AP) — Alone and thousands of miles from home, the immigrant sheepherder roams some of the West's most desolate and frigid landscapes, tending a flock for as little as $600 a month without a day off on the horizon.

"You take it or leave it. You take it because the economy is worse at home," Pepe Cruz, a 40-year-old Peruvian, said in Spanish.
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HIAS Launches National Center for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Services

This new center for refugees and immigrants will help newcomers resettle in this country. - - Donna Poisl

Posted by Genever McBain

HIAS, the international migration agency of the American Jewish community, today launched the HIAS National Center for Refugee, Immigration and Integration Services (the "Center"). The Center, which will operate on a national level to assist and engage local organizations and Jewish communities that serve newcomers, is a testament to HIAS’ ongoing commitment to provide essential resettlement services to refugees and immigrants. It was introduced at the HIAS 2010 National Refugee Services Conference, an annual gathering of HIAS’ resettlement partners and affiliates from across the country, held this year in San Diego.

"Embedded deeply in our Jewish values is the duty to aid vulnerable individuals and communities," said Gideon Aronoff, President and CEO of HIAS. "The new HIAS Center will help local groups around the U.S. provide compassionate and welcoming environments for newcomers.
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Women's ESL Dominance Tied to Job Demands

Most ESL classes are about 70% female. These women want to get better jobs and to help their children with their school work. - - Donna Poisl

By Bijoyeta Das, WeNews correspondent

Immigrant women far outnumber men in English as a Second Language classes across the states. Helping school-age children is one big reason. So is gaining access to work.

(WOMENSENEWS)--A year ago, when Delma Santucei's 4-year-old daughter asked her to read a book in English there was long awkward silence.

Then came her momentous decision.

"Now is my time to go to school and learn English," said Santucei, who emigrated from Brazil 10 years ago with her husband. "It made me afraid. I don't want to teach wrong word for her," she said.
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Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. forming African Advisory Council to aid immigrants

Immigrants in the Bronx who are from West Africa are being helped by this new council. Some of the 70,000 immigrants there are doing well, most are not and need this help. - - Donna Poisl

BY Karina Ioffee, SPECIAL TO THE DAILY NEWS

Prompted by growing numbers and a spate of attacks against African immigrants, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. will announce today he is forming an African Advisory Council.

"My office wants to strengthen the level of involvement of our African community in the development of the Bronx," said Diaz.
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Report: Immigrants' children fastest growing youth population in Nebraska

Even though most immigrant children live in two-parent families, most of them are living in poverty. Their parents don't have much education, can't speak English well and therefore have low paying jobs. - - Donna Poisl

By ERIN ANDERSEN / Lincoln Journal Star

Nearly one in eight Nebraska kids were born to immigrants in 2008 -- making them the state's fastest growing youth population.

But statistics find these kids face more barriers than children of U.S.-born parents, according to the 2009 Kids Count report released Wednesday.

Sixty-one percent of children born to immigrants live in poverty -- compared with 13.4 percent of Nebraska children as a whole.
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Black coalition pushes for 'unified' 2010 Census tally

African Americans are working to get black immigrants to fill in the Census forms. They realize how important it is to have an accurate count. - - Donna Poisl

By Haya El Nasser, USA TODAY

The campaign to get blacks to participate in the 2010 Census has forged an unprecedented bond between two groups that have not traditionally shared common goals: African Americans and black immigrants.

Civil rights organizations and advocates for the growing Caribbean and African immigrant population are setting aside differences and have formed the Unity Diaspora Coalition to push all blacks to fill out the federal forms.
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Economic impact of immigration reform debated

The impact that immigrants have on our economy is a big part of the immigration reform debate. Some believe they help and others believe they hurt the economy. - - Donna Poisl

Whether immigration reform would help or hurt the nation's economy is emerging as a key question in the unfolding debate on legalizing millions of undocumented immigrants.

BY ALFONSO CHARDY

As the U.S. unemployment rate hovers at around 10 percent, a key question is emerging in the unfolding immigration reform debate: whether legalizing millions of undocumented immigrants will further erode the economy or speed its recovery. The answer is hard to pin down because of clashing conclusions in recently issued reports.

One study released Thursday and endorsed by pro-immigration groups said legalization would boost the economy.
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This Weekend in Phoenix!!! DREAM Act the Play- Este Fin de Semana!

New Carpa Theater presents this weekend an open to the public production of "DREAM Act" sponsored by Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Phoenix and First Congregational United Church of Christ.

January 15th-17th, 2010

English-language performances:

· Friday, January 15, 8 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Phoenix (UUCP), 4027 E.Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley.
· Saturday, January 16, 2 p.m., First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1407 N. 2nd St,Phoenix.

· Sunday, January 17, 2 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Phoenix (UUCP), 4027 E.Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley.

Spanish-language performances:

· Saturday, January 16, 8 p.m., First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1407 N. 2nd St, Phoenix.
· Sunday, January 17, 8 p.m. First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1407 N. 2nd St.,Phoenix

TICKETS: General admission, $10 for adults and $8 for children 12 and under. A limited number of discounted tickets will be available at www.Showup.com

Please visit
www.dreamactaz.org

and our partner organizations:
www.dreamactivist.org

Arizona Dream Act Coalition
www.azdreamactcoalition.weebly.com/

Immigrants celebrate Karen heritage

Immigrants and refugees from Burma are celebrating their New Year in this country. They are keeping their culture and traditions alive. - - Donna Poisl

By Kathy Antoniotti, Beacon Journal staff writer

Say Say was captured in the Burmese jungles by soldiers of a military dictatorship that was killing his people.

For three days, Say, a Karen, was forced to carry the soldiers' equipment packs.

He said he made his escape only after the soldiers fell asleep.
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Pro-immigration groups ready to fight

This year will be different than past years for the pro-immigration groups, they are ready for a fight and plan to win. - - Donna Poisl

Take united front to push for reform

By Stephen Dinan

Pro-immigration groups are more united, better-funded and, unlike the last battle in 2007, are ready to fight back against what they say is a wave of hatred from opponents as they gear up for another bruising immigration fight in Congress.

The groups range from businesses and Hispanic rights organizations to labor unions and religious denominations. They lost their fight for immigration reform three years ago after finger-pointing and disagreements between businesses and labor.
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Diversity Efforts Uneven In U.S. Companies

This NPR report talks about minorities in the workplace, especially in large companies. Some interesting facts and graphs. - - Donna Poisl

by Kevin Whitelaw

The United States is becoming an increasingly diverse nation, but progress in the workplace has been a bit slower.

On one side, there are companies like Xerox, which have gone well beyond making a concerted effort to hire minorities and women.
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Ellis: Immigration woes

A satirical look at immigration from the Mexican side of the border; Americans living in Mexico illegally and not speaking Spanish, etc. - - Donna Poisl

By Mike Ellis

Immigration reform has been in the news lately. On my recent Mexican vacation, I saw the seriousness of the problem from the other side of the border fence.

Tens of millions of folks from north of the border are crossing into Mexico every year. A million Americans are living there, more than half illegally.

Many Americans move to Mexico because of its high quality, inexpensive health care system. Drugs are widely available and inexpensive. Drug dealers, called "farmacias," are on every street corner, anxious to sell the addict anything she thinks she needs.
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Stop Texas from erasing Cesar Chavez and Hispanics from school books

This appeal was sent to me by the United Farm Workers. Texas state Board of Education members say there are too many minorities in the social studies books and they want to remove them. Isn't this trying to revise history? -- Donna Poisl

Click on the headline and sign the petition

from United Farm Workers

We urgently need your help to stop the Texas state Board of Education from erasing Cesar Chavez and all Hispanic historical figures from public school text books. Since Texas is such a major textbook purchaser, such a move could have a nationwide impact.

This Wednesday, Jan. 13, the state board will take a preliminary vote to adopt new standards for social studies texts. These new standards would eliminate all Hispanics since the conquest of Mexico in the early 16th Century. Cesar Chavez, arguably the most important Hispanic civil rights leader of the 20th Century, is among the historical figures to be eliminated. One of Lowe's so called "experts" said that Chavez "lacks the stature...and contributions" and should not be "held up to our children as someone worthy of emulation." Also eliminated are a number of key Texas history makers such as Irma Rangel, the first Hispanic woman elected to the state Legislature.

Board members and their appointees have complained about an "over representation of minorities" in the current social studies standards. This is ironic as Hispanics will soon comprise the majority of all Texas public school students.

Please take a few moments right now to send board Chair Lowe an e-mail. Tell the TX State Board of Education not to allow a handful of ideological extremists to revise history by eliminating people of color. Please act now.

Go to: http://action.ufw.org/page/speakout/cectxjan10

Culture club

These kids are learning about different cultures, starting with easy discussions, like what they eat for breakfast or dinner. And since it is an English immersion program, they also learn language. - - Donna Poisl

Keene program helps immigrants adjust to region

By Sarah Palermo, Sentinel Staff

What did you have for breakfast? It seems like a simple question. But in Morris Kimura’s classroom, it reveals what makes his students unique, and what brings them together.

Typical answers Kimura, a teacher at Keene’s Franklin School, receives: oatmeal, orange juice and Pop Tarts. But there’s also rice.

“Some of the kids go, ‘Oh, you eat rice for breakfast! Why do you do that?’ ” Kimura said, laughing. “But it is a chance to talk about everyone’s culture, and they love that. The kids love finding the commonalities” among their differing cultures.
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90 Percent Of Languages Will Be Extinct Next Century - And That's Good

This theory is interesting and the comments that follow the piece are too. - - Donna Poisl

by John McWhorter

Linguist and conservative commentator John McWhorter estimates the 6,000 languages spoken today will dwindle to only 600 next century.

He argues that this is part of a process that will confer economic and health benefits to the affected speakers. His main point is that the vast, vast majority of threatened languages are those spoken by isolated indigenous groups, and that these languages are, in fact, a driving force of their isolation.
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Census Bureau tour gets attention of San Jose high school students

The Portrait of America Road Tour began this week and will travel around the country the next 100 days. It is a fun, glitzy, promotional blitz by the U.S. Census Bureau, explaining how the Census works and why everyone should sign their forms. - - Donna Poisl

By Joe Rodriguez

The national census tour rolled into town this week, circus style, and put on quite a show at the biggest high school in Silicon Valley.

"I didn't bring any census music," said a professional dancer known as Ja'Niah. "But I think I can do a census dance."

Clad in black tights and leather chaps, she jumped on an outdoor stage at Independence High in East San Jose just after the lunch bell rang Thursday and began to whirl like a go-go girl freed from a nightclub cage. Hundreds of students gathered around Ja'Niah, enjoying her act and mingling with census workers offering brochures, pens and decals.
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Top bishop calls for immigration reform

Immigration reform is a humane solution to a big problem, according to Utah's bishop. Many people agree, some don't. - - Donna Poisl

by Kristen Moulton, The Salt Lake Tribune

Utah's top Roman Catholic leader joined a New York colleague Wednesday in launching a nationwide campaign urging Catholics to press for comprehensive immigration reform this year.

"We believe it is the most practical and humane solution," said the Rev. John C. Wester, bishop of Salt Lake City's diocese. "We say this has to be done."

Utah activist Tony Yapias applauded the move and said he and other Latino leaders call on the Beehive State's predominant faith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to weigh in on immigration.
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UCLA study says legalizing undocumented immigrants would help the economy

Immigration reform would add an estimated $1.5 trillion to the GDP, according to a study by UCLA. Even though many opponents think the opposite, the study proves it with all the figures. - - Donna Poisl

Based on surveys done after the 1986 amnesty program, it concludes that even during the recession, legalizing undocumented workers would benefit the economy. Not everyone agrees.

By Anna Gorman

Even during the ongoing recession, immigration reform legislation that legalizes undocumented immigrants would boost the American economy, according to a new study out of UCLA.

The report said that legalization, along with a program that allows for future immigration based on the labor market, would create jobs, increase wages and generate more tax revenue.
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College graduate devotes year to aiding immigrants

This recent graduate will spend a year helping illegal immigrants in Texas apply for their green cards. This will give her good experience and certainly help the immigrants. - - Donna Poisl

by Kristine Goodrich, Staff Writer

VADNAIS HEIGHTS — For the first time in her life, Kristin Knudson finds herself among the ethnic minority.

A fair-skinned blonde of Scandinavian descent, the Vadnais Heights native looks a lot like the average Minnesotan. Fluent in Swedish, she spent a semester studying in Sweden.

Now the recent college graduate is volunteering for one year in Harlingen, a community in southern Texas where more than two-thirds of the population is Hispanic.
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Stimulus Saves English Literacy Classes in Massachusetts

This Literacy Program received a grant of $50,000 from the Stimulus Fund and 54 students will be able to return to class. This saved the teacher's job and will enable the students to be eligible for jobs themselves. - - Donna Poisl

New America Media/Brazilian Journal, News Report, Marcony Almeida

One of the most exciting times of Claudete Alcântara’s week was when she went to school to learn English. A Brazilian immigrant, Alcântara counted on an English literacy program in Everett, a city in northern Massachusetts, to learn the language and to improve her job prospects.

But her excitement faded when the program announced that her classes would come to an end because of cuts in the state and municipal budget. The Everett Literacy Program – in its 25th year providing English for Students of Other Languages (ESOL) - receives funding from the state, the city and private donations. It is one of the largest ESOL programs for immigrant adults in the state.
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Latino groups disagree over census strategy

Some Latino groups are telling immigrants to boycott the Census as a response to the broken immigration system. This is very counterproductive, less federal money and less representation will not help anything. - - Donna Poisl

Jeff Diamant, STAR-LEDGER STAFF

In the past, when the Rev. Miguel Rivera of Ridgefield Park came out publicly in support of illegal immigrants, he could count on widespread support from other national Latino leaders.

Not this time.

As president of the National Coalition of Latino Clergy and Christian Leaders, Rivera, 56, is urging illegal immigrants nationwide to boycott the upcoming U.S. Census unless comprehensive immigration reform is passed before the census count begins in April. But many in Latino circles say the pastor's call is irresponsible and ultimately damaging to those it purports to help.
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Refugees Can't Flee Recession

National Public Radio Weekend Edition Sunday host Liane Hansen interviewed Jamila Trindle, a translator and interpreter for the U.S. military in Iraq. He came to this country recently as a refugee and told his story, explaining how much more difficult the recession has made life for refugees. Jobs are hard to find, many refugees do not speak English and all have to adjust to life in a new country.

Read the transcript and listen to the story. Very interesting!
Click on the headline to go to the NPR site.

Religious leaders step up role in immigration reform

Religious leaders have always helped immigrants but this year, they are becoming much more aggressive with their support of immigration reform. - - Donna Poisl

BY CINDY CARCAMO, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Many faith-based organizations have traditionally served as a first stop for immigrants -- legal and illegal -- who need help navigating American society.

Church leaders have held prayer vigils and recited lines of Scripture, telling their congregants the Bible preaches compassion for strangers. And they've offered educational and support services, in some cases providing a safe haven for those in the country illegally, and advocated independently for the rights of strangers in a foreign land.
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Immigration reform this year, again

This will be an interesting year, let's hope immigration reform gets done and does not destroy the administration doing it. - - Donna Poisl

by Ben Smith, POLITICO

President Barack Obama promised to take on immigration reform during his first year, and he didn't.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus is now reportedly making support of health care legislation conditional on White House support for immigration reform measures this year. The details aren't clear, and the office of Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) wasn't immediately available to discuss the question, though it's seen as an extremely heavy lift in Congress as the midterms approach.But advocates say they still hope to get a bill moving this spring
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Can Inner-City Prep School Succeed? Answer Is Yes

This charter school has a mission of getting all their students into college. 80% are low-income and 96% are Hispanic or African-American and they are succeeding. Read all about these kids. - - Donna Poisl

by MONICA RHOR

HOUSTON (AP) It was Deadline Day at YES Prep North Central, the day college applications were supposed to be finished, the day essays, personal statements and a seemingly endless series of forms needed to be slipped into white envelopes, ready for submission.

The day the school's first graduating class would take one leap closer to college.
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Language classes bridge Sikh generational divide

Many second- and third-generation Sikh immigrants do not know Punjabi and therefore are not able to fully understand or belong to their religion. Classes are starting to help these people, I'm sure these people will find even more benefits in knowing the language, perhaps a career. - - Donna Poisl

By JONAH OWEN LAMB

There's a lasting link between the 35-character alphabet used to write Punjabi and the Sikh religion.

The Sikh scriptures and the Punjabi language of many Sikhs were written in a script known as Gurmukhi. So to be fully initiated into the religion, you must know how to read it.

That has created a problem for the Sikh community of Livingston. Their children, many of whom speak only English, aren't able to understand the temple's priests -- let alone some of their own family members.
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From Around the Globe, Serving New York

The NYC police department has made a conscious decision to diversify, of 250 officers who graduated last week, 65 were foreign-born. This especially helps in a city with as many immigrants as New York has. Very smart! - - Donna Poisl

By AL BAKER

The New York Police Department has sent its officers to 11 cities around the globe — even once dispatching a husband and wife to Abu Dhabi. But the return from the world has been far greater.

Of the 5,593 officers hired since July 2006, when the department began tracking the nationalities of police officers, 1,042 of them were foreign-born — hailing from 88 countries, according to department records.
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Council promotes French language

We need many more bilingual people in our country. The Counsel for the Development of French in Louisiana is promoting the French language in Louisiana schools. - - Donna Poisl

Special to The News-Star • Louisiana State University •

BATON ROUGE — In 1956 Earlene Broussard Echeverria, an Acadian from Vermilion Parish, attended her first day of school and did not know a word of English.

With the controversy over immigration and the English language, it is hard to imagine that only 50 years ago there was a large French-speaking population that did not know "the American language."

Acadians are descendants of French colonists who were living in Acadia, Nova Scotia. Because the settlers refused to pledge allegiance to the British monarchy during times of tension with France, thousands of Acadians were expelled from this region between 1755 and 1763. Many settled in Louisiana and began a new French culture in America.
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Muslim-Hindu punk rock bands part of new movement

These adult children of Muslim and Hindu immigrants have formed punk rock bands, doing what American kids have always done, make loud music. Very interesting. - - Donna Poisl

By Russell Contreras, Associated Press Writer

WAYLAND, Mass. — Artwork from the Punjab state of India decorates the Ray family home. A Johann Sebastian Bach statue sits on a piano. But in the basement -- cluttered with wires, old concert fliers and drawings -- 25-year-old Arjun Ray is fighting distortion from his electric guitar.

For this son of Indian immigrants, trained in classical violin and raised on traditional Punjab music, getting his three Pakistani-American bandmates in sync is the goal on this cold New England evening. Their band, The Kominas, is trying to record a punk rock version of the classic Bollywood song, "Choli Ke Peeche" (Behind the Blouse).
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Korean-Americans find home in Brooklyn Park

This senior center is used by many of the Korean immigrants in the area. Very often, older immigrants stay home and don't go out at all, they are lonely and have a very hard time here. - - Donna Poisl

by ALLISON BOURG, Staff Writer

It's Wednesday at the Brooklyn Park Senior Center, and at least a hundred seniors are there for their weekly dose of laughter, food and fellowship. Volunteers serve up traditional Korean food for lunch, including spicy soup, noodles and a sweet concoction known as rice punch.

A few members play Baduk, a board game popular in East Asia.

Friends gather at the tables set up around the recreation room, chattering away - in Korean, their native tongue.

"It feels like home. It's so comfortable," said George Song, a Brooklyn Park resident.
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A New Comptroller, Cheered by Asian-Americans Declaring a New Era

The first Asian-American elected to citywide office was sworn in as NYC comptroller last week. Voters say he is a model for new immigrants. - - Donna Poisl

By KAREEM FAHIM and KAREN ZRAICK

At 9:45 on Friday morning, just hours before he was to be sworn in as New York City’s comptroller, John C. Liu stood in the front yard of his house in Flushing, Queens.

He woke up later than he normally does. In the New Year’s Day chill, he wore no coat over his suit. There was no last-minute agonizing about his speech, or worry about the fact that his relatives, who were supposed to pick him up, were running late. “My mother decided to do her hair,” he said, laughing.
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In the Shadows, Day Laborers Left Homeless as Work Vanishes

Day laborers are the hardest hurt by the recession. They can't find work, can't send money home to feed their families and are living on the streets. - - Donna Poisl

By FERNANDA SANTOS

Carlos Ruano was down to his last $50 when his landlord kicked him out in September because he could no longer pay rent. He sent the money to his wife and children in Guatemala and spent the night riding the E train, which has a nickname among his fellow day laborers in Woodside, Queens: “hotel ambulante,” Spanish for roving hotel.

Mr. Ruano, 38, who had drawn his living from 69th Street and Broadway for six years, has been on the streets since. He and other hard-luck day laborers have slept wherever they can: in the emergency room at Elmhurst Hospital Center, in unfinished buildings abandoned by bankrupt developers and under bridges along the freight railroad tracks that slice through western Queens, where dirty mattresses and work boots lay on the rocky ground one recent morning.
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To Overhaul Immigration, Advocates Alter Tactics

Four students have started a 1,500 mile walk to DC to protest the lack of immigration reform. - - Donna Poisl

By JULIA PRESTON

Lacing up new pairs of walking shoes with a flourish, four immigrant students set out on foot from downtown Miami on Friday, starting a four-month walk to Washington to protest what they called the Obama administration’s lack of action on legislation granting legal status to illegal immigrants.

Three of the four protesters, who are current or former students at Miami Dade College, do not have legal-resident status and risk detention by immigration authorities during the 1,500-mile walk.
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