This should create a lot of discussion and might even affect the election in the fall. - - Donna Poisl
By Teresa Watanabe
Turning up the political heat for immigration reform, major Latino organizations plan to unveil today a voting score card that found that 40% of California House members with a significant number of Latino, Asian and foreign-born constituents have not consistently supported what they view as pro-immigrant positions.
Nationally, the organizations that are part of the National Latino Congreso also found that 41% of House members and 25.9% of senators with a significant number of immigrant constituents did not consistently vote in ways they favored on key bills in 2007 and 2009.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Immigration will be next bloody battle
The immigration debate should be interesting, I hope it is not "bloody". Health care reform was bad enough. - - Donna Poisl
by Observer-Reporter
Grant blanket amnesty.
Deport 'em all and build a wall.
These are the two extremes in America's heated debate on illegal immigration. And neither offers a satisfactory way to solve a problem that seems to raise the collective blood pressure like few others.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by Observer-Reporter
Grant blanket amnesty.
Deport 'em all and build a wall.
These are the two extremes in America's heated debate on illegal immigration. And neither offers a satisfactory way to solve a problem that seems to raise the collective blood pressure like few others.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Monday, March 29, 2010
St. Louis needs to embrace immigration
St Louis has a low immigration rate and also a low entrepreneurial rate, not many business start-ups in St. Louis. Immigrants are very big on starting businesses, so both would help that area. - - Donna Poisl
BY DAVID NICKLAUS, ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
Harish Sundaram grew up in Bangalore, which is India's version of Silicon Valley, but he founded his technology company in St. Louis.
He came here for a master's degree and a job, and stayed because he liked it here. His 14-year-old Internet services company, OnlyLink, has built an impressive list of customers that ranges from small local firms to giant companies like Microsoft.
Sundaram's story would be a common one in places like Austin or Chicago or the Research Triangle of North Carolina. In St. Louis, it's all too rare.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
BY DAVID NICKLAUS, ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
Harish Sundaram grew up in Bangalore, which is India's version of Silicon Valley, but he founded his technology company in St. Louis.
He came here for a master's degree and a job, and stayed because he liked it here. His 14-year-old Internet services company, OnlyLink, has built an impressive list of customers that ranges from small local firms to giant companies like Microsoft.
Sundaram's story would be a common one in places like Austin or Chicago or the Research Triangle of North Carolina. In St. Louis, it's all too rare.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Donaldson: Immigration reform remains controversial but still a top priority
This shows how important immigration reform is, and also shows how difficult it is. - - Donna Poisl
The controversy over who is 'legal' ignores how much of our work is done by immigrants.
by Leigh Donaldson
A week ago Sunday, while the health care debate and its related public displays of anger and hatred were creating more heat than light, several blocks away an estimated 200,000 to 500,000 immigrant rights supporters from the entire country congregated on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to demand immigration reform this year.
With some dressed in white and carrying American flags, marchers spanned from the Washington Monument to the steps of Congress. Much of the media failed to report on President Obama's recorded message broadcast to a cheering audience via giant TV screens on the Mall's perimeter.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
The controversy over who is 'legal' ignores how much of our work is done by immigrants.
by Leigh Donaldson
A week ago Sunday, while the health care debate and its related public displays of anger and hatred were creating more heat than light, several blocks away an estimated 200,000 to 500,000 immigrant rights supporters from the entire country congregated on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to demand immigration reform this year.
With some dressed in white and carrying American flags, marchers spanned from the Washington Monument to the steps of Congress. Much of the media failed to report on President Obama's recorded message broadcast to a cheering audience via giant TV screens on the Mall's perimeter.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Volunteers urge wary immigrants to be counted in Census; 18% of Brooklyn forms have returned
In 2000, only 55% of the city forms were sent back, Brooklyn is hoping and working to get a better return this time. Every city in the country is trying to get a good return, so much funding depends on the count. - - Donna Poisl
BY ERICA PEARSON, DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
The big count is on!
As the Census Bureau starts tallying in earnest this week, local organizers are fighting to make sure a greater percentage of New Yorkers are counted this time around.
Nowhere is this tougher than in the city's "hard to count" neighborhoods, where community groups have found it tricky to convince undocumented immigrants it's safe to send in the form.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
BY ERICA PEARSON, DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
The big count is on!
As the Census Bureau starts tallying in earnest this week, local organizers are fighting to make sure a greater percentage of New Yorkers are counted this time around.
Nowhere is this tougher than in the city's "hard to count" neighborhoods, where community groups have found it tricky to convince undocumented immigrants it's safe to send in the form.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Byron Williams: Immigration reform requires grass-roots action
Even though the government may not be able to enact immigration reform this year, this columnist is telling people that the grass roots communities must not stop working for it. - - Donna Poisl
by Byron Williams, Contributing columnist
THIS WEEK, South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham stated immigration reform legislation is "dead" in the Senate this year. The recently passed health care legislation had "poisoned the well" for bipartisanship on any future legislation during this session.
Graham may be right on the chances for immigration reform this year, but don't just blame health care. The well of bipartisanship had been poisoned for some time. As comedian Jimmy Kimmel quipped this week, Republicans announcing they could not work with Democrats is akin to Wile E. Coyote issuing a press release that he can no longer work with the Road Runner.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by Byron Williams, Contributing columnist
THIS WEEK, South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham stated immigration reform legislation is "dead" in the Senate this year. The recently passed health care legislation had "poisoned the well" for bipartisanship on any future legislation during this session.
Graham may be right on the chances for immigration reform this year, but don't just blame health care. The well of bipartisanship had been poisoned for some time. As comedian Jimmy Kimmel quipped this week, Republicans announcing they could not work with Democrats is akin to Wile E. Coyote issuing a press release that he can no longer work with the Road Runner.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Greenville News Editorial: Graham offers a rational starting point for immigration talks
This editorial gives a good explanation of the points in the proposal the two Senators presented to President Obama. - - Donna Poisl
Greenville News Editorial
Sen. Lindsey Graham again is at the forefront of an effort to move forward on federal immigration reform, and he — along with a Democratic colleague — has provided a plan that could be a reasonable starting point for congressional discussions about solving this important problem.
Illegal immigration is a drain on the American economy. When the economy begins heating up again, it will be important that new jobs go first to American citizens and those who are in the country legally.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Greenville News Editorial
Sen. Lindsey Graham again is at the forefront of an effort to move forward on federal immigration reform, and he — along with a Democratic colleague — has provided a plan that could be a reasonable starting point for congressional discussions about solving this important problem.
Illegal immigration is a drain on the American economy. When the economy begins heating up again, it will be important that new jobs go first to American citizens and those who are in the country legally.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Janet Napolitano says U.S. will target immigration reform
Secretary Napolitano says the administration is determined to enact immigration reform, but cannot say exactly when it will happen. It seems to me that jobs and some financial issues will be worked on first. - - Donna Poisl
by Dennis Wagner, The Arizona Republic
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano on Thursday told a packed lecture hall at Arizona State University that the Obama administration is setting its sights on immigration reform.
"We're going to keep pushing this until we get it over the finish line," said Napolitano, who served as Arizona's governor, attorney general and U.S. attorney before joining the Obama administration last year.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by Dennis Wagner, The Arizona Republic
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano on Thursday told a packed lecture hall at Arizona State University that the Obama administration is setting its sights on immigration reform.
"We're going to keep pushing this until we get it over the finish line," said Napolitano, who served as Arizona's governor, attorney general and U.S. attorney before joining the Obama administration last year.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Looking forward to immigration reform
Some are threatening to vote against immigration reform because the health care law was signed. They don't have much to do with each other, this is an important issue and should be worked on soon. - - Donna Poisl
Tribune staff reporter
With the ink barely dry on our nation's health care overhaul, the Latino Policy Forum, like many others in the immigrant advocacy community, looks ahead to what a recent Tribune editorial called "the next big thing": comprehensive immigration reform.
We have watched key events including President Obama's affirmation of his promise to fix the immigration system, the publication of Senators Schumer and Graham's framework for reform, and the show of at least 200,000 immigration advocates on Capitol Hill this Sunday unfold with great optimism. Each seems to have put us a step closer to fixing our broken immigration system.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Tribune staff reporter
With the ink barely dry on our nation's health care overhaul, the Latino Policy Forum, like many others in the immigrant advocacy community, looks ahead to what a recent Tribune editorial called "the next big thing": comprehensive immigration reform.
We have watched key events including President Obama's affirmation of his promise to fix the immigration system, the publication of Senators Schumer and Graham's framework for reform, and the show of at least 200,000 immigration advocates on Capitol Hill this Sunday unfold with great optimism. Each seems to have put us a step closer to fixing our broken immigration system.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
We Did It! No Turning Back
From Rich Stolz, Reform Immigration FOR America
Dear Friends and Supporters,
On March 21, 2010 more than 200,000 grassroots leaders from across America called on Congress to enact comprehensive immigration reform NOW. Together, we called for recognition and dignity through reform of our broken immigration laws. Event participants lifted up the tremendous diversity of our movement: conservatives and progressives, immigrants from dozens of nationalities, native born and immigrant workers and families, faith leaders, labor leaders, business leaders… the list goes on and on. I felt and heard the urgent need for reform, and blocks away, I know that Congress could feel it too.
Following the March FOR America, thousands of you flooded Congress with faxes and phone calls, driving the point home that we are watching Representatives and Senators closely. Many stayed overnight and held dozens of meetings with Senators and Representatives in the Capitol. Hundreds more protested the Republican National Committee and succeeded in getting a meeting with RNC Chairman Michael Steele demanding that the Republican Party take responsibility for the rhetoric and actions of their most extreme anti-immigrant leaders and to support a bipartisan effort for comprehensive immigration reform. Last night, thousands more rallied in San Francisco, CA.
The work ahead will be even more important than all we accomplished this last weekend. What have now is a bi-partisan blueprint for reform as reflected in an Op Ed in the Washington Post authored by Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY). We have the support and commitment of the President, who knows he'll be held accountable by a broad coalition of reform supporters. And we have the public support of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT).
What we need now is a bill, and on March 21 we called for a bi-partisan bill by the end of April. We are calling on all of our allies and partners to press their Senators to support a bi-partisan process that will get us to legislation in the next 6 weeks. We intend to have a hand in shaping it so that it reflects our principles to the greatest extent possible. Where we end up at the end of this legislative process, if we succeed in getting to a bill in the coming weeks, will also be strongly influenced by the legislation that nearly 100 Representatives co-sponsored in December: CIRASAP (HR 4321).
Finally, please take a moment today to reflect and remember the tremendous hope and energy we all felt at the March FOR America. That will carry us through the challenging work ahead. And today, please take a moment to pray or reflect on the story of Miriam Vega, who was killed in a car accident on her way to the March FOR America. We can and will honor her memory with the work we do together.
In Hope and Solidarity,
Rich Stolz
Reform Immigration FOR America
Dear Friends and Supporters,
On March 21, 2010 more than 200,000 grassroots leaders from across America called on Congress to enact comprehensive immigration reform NOW. Together, we called for recognition and dignity through reform of our broken immigration laws. Event participants lifted up the tremendous diversity of our movement: conservatives and progressives, immigrants from dozens of nationalities, native born and immigrant workers and families, faith leaders, labor leaders, business leaders… the list goes on and on. I felt and heard the urgent need for reform, and blocks away, I know that Congress could feel it too.
Following the March FOR America, thousands of you flooded Congress with faxes and phone calls, driving the point home that we are watching Representatives and Senators closely. Many stayed overnight and held dozens of meetings with Senators and Representatives in the Capitol. Hundreds more protested the Republican National Committee and succeeded in getting a meeting with RNC Chairman Michael Steele demanding that the Republican Party take responsibility for the rhetoric and actions of their most extreme anti-immigrant leaders and to support a bipartisan effort for comprehensive immigration reform. Last night, thousands more rallied in San Francisco, CA.
The work ahead will be even more important than all we accomplished this last weekend. What have now is a bi-partisan blueprint for reform as reflected in an Op Ed in the Washington Post authored by Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY). We have the support and commitment of the President, who knows he'll be held accountable by a broad coalition of reform supporters. And we have the public support of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT).
What we need now is a bill, and on March 21 we called for a bi-partisan bill by the end of April. We are calling on all of our allies and partners to press their Senators to support a bi-partisan process that will get us to legislation in the next 6 weeks. We intend to have a hand in shaping it so that it reflects our principles to the greatest extent possible. Where we end up at the end of this legislative process, if we succeed in getting to a bill in the coming weeks, will also be strongly influenced by the legislation that nearly 100 Representatives co-sponsored in December: CIRASAP (HR 4321).
Finally, please take a moment today to reflect and remember the tremendous hope and energy we all felt at the March FOR America. That will carry us through the challenging work ahead. And today, please take a moment to pray or reflect on the story of Miriam Vega, who was killed in a car accident on her way to the March FOR America. We can and will honor her memory with the work we do together.
In Hope and Solidarity,
Rich Stolz
Reform Immigration FOR America
HITN Launches New Weekly Show on NY Politics
AWARD WINNING REPORTER/ANCHOR DAVID DIAZ TO HOST
NEW YORK, March 25 /PRNewswire/ -- INSIDE NUEVA YORK, an hour-long exploration of politics and policies from a Latino perspective will debut on Tuesday, April 6, 2010 as announced today by its producer, the Hispanic Information & Telecommunications Network (HITN).
HITN is also proud to announce that David Diaz, one of the most respected TV journalists in the New York market, will be the host. Diaz is currently a Distinguished Lecturer in Media & Politics at the City College of New York, and also teaches at the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism.
INSIDE NUEVA YORK, which is conducted in English, will air on Tuesdays from 9 to 10pm, Eastern Time. It will focus on the political scene in the New York metro area, highlighting issues of special concern to the region's large Latino/Hispanic population, and providing a forum for their discussion. The program will also serve as a venue for Latino political leaders and officials to present themselves and their views, and as a vehicle for holding them accountable for their performance.
The premier broadcast will look at the politics of the NY State budget. Who will get what? What impact will the drastic cuts have? Will Latino communities and needs be treated fairly? The program will feature an interview with NY State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.
HITN is a non-profit, public broadcasting network whose motto is Entertain and Educate. It is part of a premium tier of Latino oriented programs available on Time-Warner, Verizon Fios, Direct TV and Dish Network.
Visit www.hitn.tv for local listings.
For more information, please contact:
Diana Correa at dcorrea@hitn.org
For sponsor opportunities, please contact:
Ricardo Sternbach at rsternbach@hitn.org
SOURCE Hispanic Information Telecommunications Network
-0- 03/25/2010
/CONTACT: Diana Correa de Hispanic Information & Telecommunications Network, +1-646-808-3744, dcorrea@hitn.org/
Census Bureau Rolls Out New Interactive Maps Showing 2010 Census Mail Participation Rates
Communities Able to Track Percentage of Households Mailing Back Forms
Check this website out! http://2010.census.gov/2010census/take10map/
You can put your city in and see the percentage of households that have sent back their census forms. Also compare to others in the country.
Have you mailed yours back yet?
SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau
/CONTACT: U.S. Census Bureau Public Information Office, +1-301-763-3691, pio.2010@census.gov/
Check this website out! http://2010.census.gov/2010census/take10map/
You can put your city in and see the percentage of households that have sent back their census forms. Also compare to others in the country.
Have you mailed yours back yet?
SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau
/CONTACT: U.S. Census Bureau Public Information Office, +1-301-763-3691, pio.2010@census.gov/
Remind Congress - Change Takes Courage
from Gabe Gonzalez, Reform Immigration FOR America
This weekend, I was one of more than 200,000 people marching for immigration reform on the National Mall in Washington DC. Today, I’m going to send a free fax to my Senators, my Representative, and the Congressional leadership, telling them that they need to support the framework that Senators Schumer and Graham are drafting.
You and I know how Congress works – unless they get overwhelmed by faxes from supporters of immigrants, they’ll think they can take us for granted. And after 200,000 of us marched, now’s the time to show them that we won’t just go home and let them forget their promises. Here’s what we’re going to send them:
“We’re counting on you to do what’s right: support the Schumer-Graham framework for immigration reform. And if you don’t choose courage over hate, we’ll elect people who will.”
Send a free fax at http://act.reformimmigrationforamerica.org/cms/sign/schumer-graham/?akid=303.16086.zB17qT&rd=1&t=2
This is the road map for a bill that will:
Provide a path to full legal status and eventual citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants
Crack down on bad employers who exploit immigrants and drive down everyone’s wages
Create a new legal path for workers filling needed jobs in the low-skilled sectors of our economy
In short, it’s what we’ve been demanding all these months – and it’s time for Congress to make good on their promises. Send a free fax, then call your Senators at 866-877-5552 to tell them the same thing. Millions of people are counting on us – let’s take the momentum from Sunday's March and keep it going.
Gabe Gonzalez
Reform Immigration FOR America
PS: it’s critical that we send Congress this message now, while the image of 200,000 of us is fresh in their minds. Please send your fax and call 866-877-5552 today.
This weekend, I was one of more than 200,000 people marching for immigration reform on the National Mall in Washington DC. Today, I’m going to send a free fax to my Senators, my Representative, and the Congressional leadership, telling them that they need to support the framework that Senators Schumer and Graham are drafting.
You and I know how Congress works – unless they get overwhelmed by faxes from supporters of immigrants, they’ll think they can take us for granted. And after 200,000 of us marched, now’s the time to show them that we won’t just go home and let them forget their promises. Here’s what we’re going to send them:
“We’re counting on you to do what’s right: support the Schumer-Graham framework for immigration reform. And if you don’t choose courage over hate, we’ll elect people who will.”
Send a free fax at http://act.reformimmigrationforamerica.org/cms/sign/schumer-graham/?akid=303.16086.zB17qT&rd=1&t=2
This is the road map for a bill that will:
Provide a path to full legal status and eventual citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants
Crack down on bad employers who exploit immigrants and drive down everyone’s wages
Create a new legal path for workers filling needed jobs in the low-skilled sectors of our economy
In short, it’s what we’ve been demanding all these months – and it’s time for Congress to make good on their promises. Send a free fax, then call your Senators at 866-877-5552 to tell them the same thing. Millions of people are counting on us – let’s take the momentum from Sunday's March and keep it going.
Gabe Gonzalez
Reform Immigration FOR America
PS: it’s critical that we send Congress this message now, while the image of 200,000 of us is fresh in their minds. Please send your fax and call 866-877-5552 today.
March puts spring in immigrants' step
The movement for immigration reform includes people from all over the country, from many interest groups and religions. All working for the same thing. - - Donna Poisl
by A Ruiz
'You ain't seen nothing yet!"
That seems to be the new mantra of fired-up immigrants and their supporters after last Sunday's massive rally in the nation's capital.
The spirited crowd of 200,000 people from across the country was - to say the least - impressive. They represented civil rights, immigrant, family, labor and religious groups and displayed quite a show of unified support for immigration reform.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by A Ruiz
'You ain't seen nothing yet!"
That seems to be the new mantra of fired-up immigrants and their supporters after last Sunday's massive rally in the nation's capital.
The spirited crowd of 200,000 people from across the country was - to say the least - impressive. They represented civil rights, immigrant, family, labor and religious groups and displayed quite a show of unified support for immigration reform.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Republicans should not KO immigration reform because they lost the fight on health care
If immigration reform fails this year, it could be because the GOP has pledged to work against everything the Democrats try to do, even if our country needs it. We must hope the GOP does not win many seats in November, it will be even worse if that happens. - - Donna Poisl
by EDWARD SCHUMACHER-MATOS
Sen. Lindsey Graham has long been a thoughtful and constructive legislator. But the South Carolina Republican made a statement last week that showed why Washington is losing the public's trust and his party in particular is losing its sense of duty.
Graham had joined with Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) to present a well-reasoned outline for immigration reform that, while not as historic as the health care bill just passed, may have as much impact on who we are as a country.
Then Graham threatened to walk away from his own proposal.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by EDWARD SCHUMACHER-MATOS
Sen. Lindsey Graham has long been a thoughtful and constructive legislator. But the South Carolina Republican made a statement last week that showed why Washington is losing the public's trust and his party in particular is losing its sense of duty.
Graham had joined with Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) to present a well-reasoned outline for immigration reform that, while not as historic as the health care bill just passed, may have as much impact on who we are as a country.
Then Graham threatened to walk away from his own proposal.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
NYC immigrants put 'pop' in population
While some states and cities are losing population, New York City and others around the country are gaining. Immigrants are the main reason. - - Donna Poisl
By ANDY SOLTIS
New York state is still growing, thanks to a surge of immigrants to the five boroughs, new census estimates show.
The state's population rose by 564,642 to 19.5 million between 2000, when the last census was taken, and last July when the latest data was compiled.
More than two-thirds of that increase -- about 384,000 -- occurred in the city, while rural and rust-belt counties upstate lost more than 8 percent of their population.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By ANDY SOLTIS
New York state is still growing, thanks to a surge of immigrants to the five boroughs, new census estimates show.
The state's population rose by 564,642 to 19.5 million between 2000, when the last census was taken, and last July when the latest data was compiled.
More than two-thirds of that increase -- about 384,000 -- occurred in the city, while rural and rust-belt counties upstate lost more than 8 percent of their population.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Film Shows Kennedy Battle for Immigration Reform
This film shows what several senators did in 2007, trying to pass immigration reform. Especially Senator Kennedy, he will be missed when this issue is being debated in the Senate again. - - Donna Poisl
By Christine Kearney
NEW YORK (Reuters) - As Democrats in Washington celebrate the passage of healthcare reform after an arduous battle, a new documentary offers a glimpse at the behind-the-scenes maneuvering and deal-making that goes on as laws are made in Congress.
The film, "The Senators' Bargain," follows the late Democratic Senator Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts and other key players in the failed effort to pass landmark immigration reform in 2007. It takes on the complicated task of showing how compromises are made to a bill even before it is debated by lawmakers.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Christine Kearney
NEW YORK (Reuters) - As Democrats in Washington celebrate the passage of healthcare reform after an arduous battle, a new documentary offers a glimpse at the behind-the-scenes maneuvering and deal-making that goes on as laws are made in Congress.
The film, "The Senators' Bargain," follows the late Democratic Senator Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts and other key players in the failed effort to pass landmark immigration reform in 2007. It takes on the complicated task of showing how compromises are made to a bill even before it is debated by lawmakers.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Bridging a class divide, one English lesson at a time
This is a typical story; lawyers, teachers, doctors -- working in restaurants and construction, because their English is not good enough to work in their own careers. What a waste! We need these professionals working in their professions. - - Donna Poisl
By Daniel de Vise, Washington Post Staff Writer
In Honduras, Ana Carolina Ebanks was a public defender. But when she immigrated to the United States six years ago, the career did not come with her. Today, she has a job on the campus of American University, a short walk from its law school. She works in the student dining hall, making burritos.
"You know, when you come to this country, it's impossible," she said. "You can't work in your career. It's frustrating. I'm frustrated."
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Daniel de Vise, Washington Post Staff Writer
In Honduras, Ana Carolina Ebanks was a public defender. But when she immigrated to the United States six years ago, the career did not come with her. Today, she has a job on the campus of American University, a short walk from its law school. She works in the student dining hall, making burritos.
"You know, when you come to this country, it's impossible," she said. "You can't work in your career. It's frustrating. I'm frustrated."
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
U.S. Legislative Immigration Update March 22, 2010
Click on the headline above to read the week's news on these immigration related issues:
Illegal Aliens Descend on Our Nation's Capital to Demand Amnesty
House Passes Senate Health Care Reform Bill; Reconciliation Process to Continue
DHS Terminates Funding For Virtual Fence
DOJ to Step Up Discrimination Investigations of Employers Using E-Verify
President Enacts Jobs Bill
New Caucus to Focus on Illegal Workers, Unemployed Americans
Illegal Aliens Descend on Our Nation's Capital to Demand Amnesty
House Passes Senate Health Care Reform Bill; Reconciliation Process to Continue
DHS Terminates Funding For Virtual Fence
DOJ to Step Up Discrimination Investigations of Employers Using E-Verify
President Enacts Jobs Bill
New Caucus to Focus on Illegal Workers, Unemployed Americans
Historic Health Care Reform Success - Now it's time for immigration reform
There are so many huge problems in the country right now, let's hope immigration reform can be worked on at the same time. - - Donna Poisl
by Moses Apsan, Esq.
Even though Health Care Reform captivated America Sunday another potentially historic event at the National Mall in Washington D.C took place. It is estimated that over 200,000 people appeared in one location with one purpose in mind: comprehensive immigration reform.
There are over 11 million people living in the United States in illegal status. They work. pray. pay taxes and have families, yet they live in the shadows of other Americans. They are the illegal immigrants. Many have been living in the United States for more than a decade, establishing deep roots. Under current laws the majority of them cannot "stand in line" and become legal residents as anti-immigrant groups have suggested, because there is no law that would give them that right.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by Moses Apsan, Esq.
Even though Health Care Reform captivated America Sunday another potentially historic event at the National Mall in Washington D.C took place. It is estimated that over 200,000 people appeared in one location with one purpose in mind: comprehensive immigration reform.
There are over 11 million people living in the United States in illegal status. They work. pray. pay taxes and have families, yet they live in the shadows of other Americans. They are the illegal immigrants. Many have been living in the United States for more than a decade, establishing deep roots. Under current laws the majority of them cannot "stand in line" and become legal residents as anti-immigrant groups have suggested, because there is no law that would give them that right.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Learning Spanish benefits Americans
This university student writes about the benefits of knowing another language, especially Spanish. - - Donna Poisl
By Bill Wellock
In case you haven't heard, there's a Census going on. By the way, please fill out your Census form.
This decade's survey is only 10 questions long, far shorter than 2000's, which included, among other questions, a few about language.
The 2000 Census asked respondents if they spoke a language other than English at home, what language it was, and how well they spoke English.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Bill Wellock
In case you haven't heard, there's a Census going on. By the way, please fill out your Census form.
This decade's survey is only 10 questions long, far shorter than 2000's, which included, among other questions, a few about language.
The 2000 Census asked respondents if they spoke a language other than English at home, what language it was, and how well they spoke English.
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Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Tampa Bay Hispanic Media Join Efforts in New Campaign for the Census 2010
TAMPA, Fla., March 22 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- A group of local Hispanic media outlets recently joined efforts in creating a multimedia advertising campaign titled "Presente!" directed to Hispanics living in the Tampa Bay area. The key objective of the project was to inspire members of the community to take active part in the Census 2010 process. While some segments of the community feel comfortable with filling out the brief questionnaire, others need help to allay their fears and gain confidence in the Census process.
With the creation of the Tampa Bay Hispanic Media Association, the participating members gathered to discuss key issues and develop a comprehensive communication strategy. The initiative was originated by Ms. Iris Gonzalez and Mr. Christian Leon of Bright House Networks. "Our main concern was to reach those in the Hispanic community who are wary of the Census process and inspire them to participate by instilling a sense of urgency and trust," said Mr. Leon.
The local media group recruited the help of a Tampa based Hispanic advertising agency to convert the strategy into actual print, radio and television spots. Rumbo Cultural Marketing was able to distill the essence of the strategy and crafted several executions that highlighted the benefits of participating in the Census. Mr. Fabian Yepez, partner with the marketing firm said: "The messages were also meant to emphasize on the confidentiality of the whole process in order to communicate a message of trust and privacy."
The creative work was developed by Mr. George Zwierko, one of the partners at Rumbo Cultural Marketing. "We are targeting those who may feel threatened by sharing the information the Census is designed to compile. We want to reach those who have reasons to feel threatened by official paperwork or mistrust government workers," said Mr. Zwierko in a recent interview. The agency donated their time and services to this worthy effort.
The ads were produced thanks to the support of local media companies like Maxima 92.5FM, La Ley 760AM, Telemundo, Univision, CENTRO Tampa, Siete Dias, Radio MQM, and Bright House Networks among others. Local community organizations like the Hispanic Alliance of Tampa Bay and the Consejo Mexicano de la Bahia also served as sounding boards in the development process of this innovative campaign.
The new association wants Hispanics to feel comfortable with providing information to the Census and to understand that doing so will actually benefit them in the future. This will not in any way compromise their situation here in the US. In fact, good community participation will benefit us all.
SOURCE CENTRO Tampa
-0- 03/22/2010
/CONTACT: Christian Leon, Bright House Networks, +1-727-329-2973, Fax +1-727-329-2900, Christian.Leon@mybrighthouse.com/
Immigrants can be welcomed legally, fairly
The immigration reform process started in the Bush years, the new proposals are a good continuation. - - Donna Poisl
Opinion piece, DelawareOnline
It's important to remember that a new bipartisan proposal for immigration reform -- like the many iterations of the former Bush administration plan -- is a framework in progress.
But for those who have been legally waiting in line, it must also be a framework for fairness.
On Thursday, President Obama gave a hopeful nod to the plan from Sens. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., as a jumping-off point for his own administration's policy.
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Opinion piece, DelawareOnline
It's important to remember that a new bipartisan proposal for immigration reform -- like the many iterations of the former Bush administration plan -- is a framework in progress.
But for those who have been legally waiting in line, it must also be a framework for fairness.
On Thursday, President Obama gave a hopeful nod to the plan from Sens. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., as a jumping-off point for his own administration's policy.
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Immigration-reform rally draws 1,000 in downtown San Jose
People in many cities marched on Sunday, many of them are growing very impatient. There are just so many problems the country has now, immigration reform is not the most important for the largest number of people. - - Donna Poisl
By Joe Rodriguez
As thousands rallied for immigration reform in the nation's capital, Agustin Mendoza proudly carried a large American flag from Sacred Heart church to a similar demonstration in downtown San Jose. He started talking about President Obama and his fellow Democrats on Capitol Hill.
"Promises, promises," said the 62-year-old maintenance worker from San Jose. "When they win our vote, they forget completely about their promises to us.
"But I don't forget!"
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By Joe Rodriguez
As thousands rallied for immigration reform in the nation's capital, Agustin Mendoza proudly carried a large American flag from Sacred Heart church to a similar demonstration in downtown San Jose. He started talking about President Obama and his fellow Democrats on Capitol Hill.
"Promises, promises," said the 62-year-old maintenance worker from San Jose. "When they win our vote, they forget completely about their promises to us.
"But I don't forget!"
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At Rally, Call for Urgency on Immigration Reform
Many thousands of demonstrators marched in Washington DC Sunday for immigration reform. They feel hopeful that it can be worked on and done this year. - - Donna Poisl
By JULIA PRESTON
WASHINGTON — Tens of thousands of immigrants and activists rallied here on Sunday, calling for legislation this year to give legal status to millions of illegal immigrants and seeking to pressure President Obama to keep working on the contentious issue once the health care debate is behind him.
Demonstrators filled five lengthy blocks of the Washington Mall, down the hill from the Capitol where last-minute negotiations were under way on the health care bill. The immigrant activists, chanting Mr. Obama’s campaign slogan of “Yes we can” in Spanish and English, tried to compete with their numbers for public and media attention which were mainly focused on the climactic health care events in the House of Representatives.
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By JULIA PRESTON
WASHINGTON — Tens of thousands of immigrants and activists rallied here on Sunday, calling for legislation this year to give legal status to millions of illegal immigrants and seeking to pressure President Obama to keep working on the contentious issue once the health care debate is behind him.
Demonstrators filled five lengthy blocks of the Washington Mall, down the hill from the Capitol where last-minute negotiations were under way on the health care bill. The immigrant activists, chanting Mr. Obama’s campaign slogan of “Yes we can” in Spanish and English, tried to compete with their numbers for public and media attention which were mainly focused on the climactic health care events in the House of Representatives.
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American Civic Association: 70 years of helping people reach The American Dream
The American Civic Association helps about 100 people a month with their requests about immigration issues. They have been doing this for 70 years and will continue their work. - - Donna Poisl
BY GEORGE BASLER
BINGHAMTON -- Andrew Baranoski doesn't want to talk about April 3.
What the executive director of the American Civic Association wants to talk about are people such as Farhad Ali, who came to Binghamton from Iraq in November seeking safety for himself and his family after working as a translator with the United States Army.
Or Steve Chanthavong, who fled Laos in 1986, along with his family, to escape Communist rule and lived for 11 months in a refugee camp before coming to Broome County.
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BY GEORGE BASLER
BINGHAMTON -- Andrew Baranoski doesn't want to talk about April 3.
What the executive director of the American Civic Association wants to talk about are people such as Farhad Ali, who came to Binghamton from Iraq in November seeking safety for himself and his family after working as a translator with the United States Army.
Or Steve Chanthavong, who fled Laos in 1986, along with his family, to escape Communist rule and lived for 11 months in a refugee camp before coming to Broome County.
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Latino religious leader Rodriguez courts the left, right for immigration reform
This religious leader is working with his liberal and conservative followers to get immigration reform this year. It should definitely be bipartisan. - - Donna Poisl
By Krissah Thompson, Washington Post Staff Writer
The Rev. Samuel Rodriguez wants immigration reform, and believes building bridges across political divides is how to win it.
As president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, he has made himself at home with secular progressives and right-wing evangelicals, with liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans.
Rodriguez, 40, describes the 16 million Latino evangelicals he represents as a mix of "Billy Graham and Martin Luther King Jr. -- with a little salsa tossed in." He sees himself that way, too.
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By Krissah Thompson, Washington Post Staff Writer
The Rev. Samuel Rodriguez wants immigration reform, and believes building bridges across political divides is how to win it.
As president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, he has made himself at home with secular progressives and right-wing evangelicals, with liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans.
Rodriguez, 40, describes the 16 million Latino evangelicals he represents as a mix of "Billy Graham and Martin Luther King Jr. -- with a little salsa tossed in." He sees himself that way, too.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Obama Chooses Bipartisan Senators to Mend Immigration
The new plan says they will bring illegal immigrants "out of the shadows". These immigrants are ready for this to happen. - - Donna Poisl
by Sandra Bachman, Denver Immigration Examiner
In a press release dated March 18, President Obama said, 'In June, I met with members of both parties, and assigned Secretary Napolitano to work with them and key constituencies around the country to craft a comprehensive approach that will finally fix our broken immigration system.'
The statement was released a step ahead of the planned march on the Mall in Washington DC on March 21 to protest the fact that despite his promises during the election in 2008, the President hasn’t honored his promise regarding immigration reform.
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by Sandra Bachman, Denver Immigration Examiner
In a press release dated March 18, President Obama said, 'In June, I met with members of both parties, and assigned Secretary Napolitano to work with them and key constituencies around the country to craft a comprehensive approach that will finally fix our broken immigration system.'
The statement was released a step ahead of the planned march on the Mall in Washington DC on March 21 to protest the fact that despite his promises during the election in 2008, the President hasn’t honored his promise regarding immigration reform.
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In Shadow of Health Care Vote, Immigrant Advocates Keep Pushing for Change
Even with the health care vote taking over the news, President Obama met with senators and discussed immigration reform last week. All these problems have to be worked on at the same time. - - Donna Poisl
By JULIA PRESTON
WASHINGTON — Immigrant advocates, frustrated with President Obama’s lack of progress on legislation to overhaul the immigration system, called one month ago for a march in Washington that they said would display the strength of their numbers and would give the president the push he needed to get the debate rolling in Congress.
That was then.
In the space of a few weeks, with the acrimonious health care debate eclipsing other issues in Washington, the results advocates can expect from the scheduled rally of tens of thousands of their supporters on the Mall here on Sunday appear to have diminished.
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By JULIA PRESTON
WASHINGTON — Immigrant advocates, frustrated with President Obama’s lack of progress on legislation to overhaul the immigration system, called one month ago for a march in Washington that they said would display the strength of their numbers and would give the president the push he needed to get the debate rolling in Congress.
That was then.
In the space of a few weeks, with the acrimonious health care debate eclipsing other issues in Washington, the results advocates can expect from the scheduled rally of tens of thousands of their supporters on the Mall here on Sunday appear to have diminished.
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We must reforn nation's immigration policies
We need more commentaries like this one, from all over the country. - - Donna Poisl
By Leonard McNeil, mayor of San Pablo, Guest Commentary
OUR IMMIGRANT forebears and those living here now strengthen the economic, social and civic foundations of our country and bring vitality to state and local communities. Reforming the nation's immigration system is an important component of ensuring sustained economic recovery.
Those are my conclusions after participating in a recent national conference call regarding immigration reform sponsored by the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, which is why I am going on record in pledging my support for comprehensive immigration reform based on those principles.
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By Leonard McNeil, mayor of San Pablo, Guest Commentary
OUR IMMIGRANT forebears and those living here now strengthen the economic, social and civic foundations of our country and bring vitality to state and local communities. Reforming the nation's immigration system is an important component of ensuring sustained economic recovery.
Those are my conclusions after participating in a recent national conference call regarding immigration reform sponsored by the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, which is why I am going on record in pledging my support for comprehensive immigration reform based on those principles.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Is immigration reform a biblical imperative?
Religious leaders are saying immigration reform is an imperative mentioned many places in the bible. This article quotes some of them. - - Donna Poisl
By Leslie Miller, USA TODAY
On Sunday, while Congress is voting on health care reform, tens of thousands of religious leaders and groups from across the belief spectrum will be among those gathering a few miles away to march on another issue whose supporters also cite biblical roots -- immigration reform.
Priests, ministers, rabbis, imams and other faith leaders from all over the USA will speak at an interfaith prayer service and rally on the National Mall as part of the "March for America: Change Takes Faith and Courage."
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Leslie Miller, USA TODAY
On Sunday, while Congress is voting on health care reform, tens of thousands of religious leaders and groups from across the belief spectrum will be among those gathering a few miles away to march on another issue whose supporters also cite biblical roots -- immigration reform.
Priests, ministers, rabbis, imams and other faith leaders from all over the USA will speak at an interfaith prayer service and rally on the National Mall as part of the "March for America: Change Takes Faith and Courage."
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Monday, March 22, 2010
SUPPORT THE SCHUMER-GRAHAM BILL, send a free fax
From Gabe Gonzalez, Reform Immigration FOR America
Yesterday, I was one of more than 200,000 people marching for immigration reform on the National Mall in Washington DC. Today, I’m going to send a free fax to my Senators, my Representative, and the Congressional leadership, telling them that they need to support the bill that Senators Schumer and Graham are drafting.
You and I know how Congress works – unless they get overwhelmed by faxes from supporters of immigrants, they’ll think they can take us for granted. And after 200,000 of us marched, now’s the time to show them that we won’t just go home and let them forget their promises. Here’s what we’re going to send them:
“We’re counting on you to do what’s right: support the Schumer-Graham framework for immigration reform. And if you don’t choose courage over hate, we’ll elect people who will.”
Send a free fax at http://act.reformimmigrationforamerica.org/cms/sign/schumer-graham/?akid=301.21513.BXdwZW&rd=1&t=3
This is the road map for a bill that will:
Provide a path to full legal status and eventual citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants
Crack down on bad employers who exploit immigrants and drive down everyone’s wages
Create a new legal path for workers filling needed jobs in the low-skilled sectors of our economy
In short, it’s what we’ve been demanding all these months – and it’s time for Congress to make good on their promises. Send a free fax, then call your Senators at 866-877-5552 to tell them the same thing. Millions of people are counting on us – let’s take the momentum from yesterday’s March and keep it going.
Gabe Gonzalez
Reform Immigration FOR America
PS: it’s critical that we send Congress this message now, while the image of 200,000 of us is fresh in their minds. Please send your fax and call 866-877-5552 today.
Yesterday, I was one of more than 200,000 people marching for immigration reform on the National Mall in Washington DC. Today, I’m going to send a free fax to my Senators, my Representative, and the Congressional leadership, telling them that they need to support the bill that Senators Schumer and Graham are drafting.
You and I know how Congress works – unless they get overwhelmed by faxes from supporters of immigrants, they’ll think they can take us for granted. And after 200,000 of us marched, now’s the time to show them that we won’t just go home and let them forget their promises. Here’s what we’re going to send them:
“We’re counting on you to do what’s right: support the Schumer-Graham framework for immigration reform. And if you don’t choose courage over hate, we’ll elect people who will.”
Send a free fax at http://act.reformimmigrationforamerica.org/cms/sign/schumer-graham/?akid=301.21513.BXdwZW&rd=1&t=3
This is the road map for a bill that will:
Provide a path to full legal status and eventual citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants
Crack down on bad employers who exploit immigrants and drive down everyone’s wages
Create a new legal path for workers filling needed jobs in the low-skilled sectors of our economy
In short, it’s what we’ve been demanding all these months – and it’s time for Congress to make good on their promises. Send a free fax, then call your Senators at 866-877-5552 to tell them the same thing. Millions of people are counting on us – let’s take the momentum from yesterday’s March and keep it going.
Gabe Gonzalez
Reform Immigration FOR America
PS: it’s critical that we send Congress this message now, while the image of 200,000 of us is fresh in their minds. Please send your fax and call 866-877-5552 today.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Comprehensive Immigration Reform: America's Clarion Call for Greatness
WASHINGTON, March 12 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Yesterday, President Barack H. Obama met with Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) as yet another step to establish common ground for forging a solution to one of America's greatest challenges, comprehensive immigration reform. The HNBA commends the President and the Senators for reaching this highly visible benchmark towards achieving a comprehensive reform of our nation's immigration laws and processes. "It is important to remind our Congressional leaders that the country, especially the U.S. Hispanic community, supports their bipartisan efforts to address this pressing issue," said Roman D. Hernandez, HNBA National President.
The HNBA has a history of working with bipartisan partnerships to pass comprehensive immigration reform legislation. In 2006 and 2007 the HNBA established a task force of legal experts to review the numerous amendments and legal provisions of proposed initiatives. The HNBA's highly structured mechanism interacted proactively with all levels of government and ensured that the community at large understood the importance of the debate and content of the legislation. HNBA intends to continue this type of effort.
"America's brightest moments in history stand as beacons of hope and justice built by men and women who led our country to meet the very challenges that make America great, and that have a resounding, positive effect throughout the world," said Hernandez. "Now is one of those times. The HNBA remains committed to immigration reform, and we are gathering our forces, skills, and talents to work at all levels, from the White House to our barrios, to achieve a reform that is fair, just, effective, and that protects our nation's security. As a nation, we cannot let this moment pass."
The HNBA is an incorporated, not-for-profit, nonpartisan, 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, Puerto Rico and the U.S. territories. For more information about the HNBA, please visit http://www.hnba.com.
SOURCE Hispanic National Bar Association
-0- 03/12/2010
/CONTACT: Zuraya Tapia of the Hispanic National Bar Association, +1-202-223-4777, ztapia@hnba.com /
****************************************************************
Largest Hispanic Christian Organization Mobilizes Thousands for Sunday's Immigration Rally
WASHINGTON, March 19 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- The President of America's largest Hispanic Christian Organization, The National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (Hispanic National Association of Evangelicals), Rev. Samuel Rodriguez will address Sunday's Pro Immigration Reform Rally at the National Mall in Washington D.C. The NHCLC mobilized churches throughout the nation to participate. Hispanic Evangelicals are scheduled to travel from California, Texas, New Mexico, Washington, Nevada, Colorado, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Georgia, Virginia, Maryland, Illinois and Arizona in order to demonstrate support for immigration reform in 2010.
Hispanic National Association of Evangelical leaders unveiled a national "Just Assimilation Strategy" engaging the 25,434 member churches to serve both as local and national advocates of the plan that would address immigration reform in a matter that would engage both conservatives and liberals. Rodriguez will once again meet with White House officials to discuss the future of immigration reform on Monday.
"To the Democrats and our President we say, keep your promise. If not now when, if not you then who? To the Republicans we must ask whether you are the Party of Lincoln and Reagan or the Party of David Duke and Tom Tancredo? Finally, to the American people we say once again it's time for a nation to rise up against injustice. Let us pass Just Assimilation Immigration Reform that will protect our borders, end illegal immigration and protect the American idea."
The Hispanic NAE, NHCLC, recently profiled by CNN and Univision as America's largest and preeminent Hispanic faith organization serves 16 million Hispanic Evangelicals and Born Again Christians via 25,434 annually certified member churches through the seven directives of Life, Family, Great Commission, Stewardship, Justice, Education and Youth.
SOURCE The National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference
-0- 03/19/2010
/NOTE TO EDITORS: The Spanish version will be available later at http://www.hispanicprwire.com /
/CONTACT: Maritza Ramirez, Press and Media Director, NHCLC, +1-916-919-7476 /
Obama backs Senate Immigration Reform Plan
President Obama met with Senators Schumer and Graham and agrees with the plan they outlined to get immigration reform started. - - Donna Poisl
Health Care Remains Primary Focus, but President Lauds Bi-Partisan Outline for Long-Promised Immigration Overhaul
President Barack Obama, facing criticism from advocates of immigration reform, pledged Thursday "to do everything in my power" to get immigration legislation moving in Congress this year.
Obama said work on an immigration bill should move forward based on an outline released Thursday by Sens. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Health Care Remains Primary Focus, but President Lauds Bi-Partisan Outline for Long-Promised Immigration Overhaul
President Barack Obama, facing criticism from advocates of immigration reform, pledged Thursday "to do everything in my power" to get immigration legislation moving in Congress this year.
Obama said work on an immigration bill should move forward based on an outline released Thursday by Sens. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Immigrants deserve better: The current system is arbitrary and confusing, says former Manhattan D.A.
This former official gives many examples of how our immigration system is unfair and says the laws should be rewritten. - - Donna Poisl
BY ROBERT MORGENTHAU
This week marks the 30th anniversary of the Refugee Act of 1980, which provides the foundation for our nation's asylum and refugee resettlement programs. The passage of that bill was part of a long tradition in our country of welcoming immigrants, in particular the persecuted.
Unfortunately, today our immigration system places unfair burdens on both those fleeing persecution and those seeking a better life, putting these individuals in sometimes dire and vulnerable situations and undermining our country's proud heritage.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
BY ROBERT MORGENTHAU
This week marks the 30th anniversary of the Refugee Act of 1980, which provides the foundation for our nation's asylum and refugee resettlement programs. The passage of that bill was part of a long tradition in our country of welcoming immigrants, in particular the persecuted.
Unfortunately, today our immigration system places unfair burdens on both those fleeing persecution and those seeking a better life, putting these individuals in sometimes dire and vulnerable situations and undermining our country's proud heritage.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
IMMIGRATION MATTERS: A March to Rebuild the American Dream
This opinion piece, by a Korean immigrant, explains why he is committed to immigration reform now, so others can live the American Dream like he is doing. - - Donna Poisl
New America Media, Commentary, HyunJoo Lee
Friends, colleagues, community members, even my parents, are asking me when immigration reform will happen. People are waiting for change and are starting to wonder if it will ever happen. There is no guarantee of how or when immigration reform will happen, but one thing is certain: the American dream is alive and well in the students, working parents, and families that have come to this country in search for a better life and who will not give up until we fix our current broken immigration system.
On March 21, this hope in the American dream will be visible when 100,000 students, parents, workers, advocates and allies come together for the March for America, an event that will send a powerful message to President Barack Obama and Congress that change takes courage, and the time for change is now.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
New America Media, Commentary, HyunJoo Lee
Friends, colleagues, community members, even my parents, are asking me when immigration reform will happen. People are waiting for change and are starting to wonder if it will ever happen. There is no guarantee of how or when immigration reform will happen, but one thing is certain: the American dream is alive and well in the students, working parents, and families that have come to this country in search for a better life and who will not give up until we fix our current broken immigration system.
On March 21, this hope in the American dream will be visible when 100,000 students, parents, workers, advocates and allies come together for the March for America, an event that will send a powerful message to President Barack Obama and Congress that change takes courage, and the time for change is now.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
The Power of the Movement
From Rich Stolz, Reform Immigration FOR America
This Sunday, in a major show of grassroots power, 100,000 people will crowd the National Mall for the March for America: Change Takes Courage event. The March will dwarf other lobbying efforts and movements and will be the largest demonstration of grassroots clout since President Obama took office. Grassroots leaders from across the nation, will be arriving in buses and caravans, on trains, cars and trucks and vans. Already, more than 900 buses from at least 35 states will be rolling to Washington, DC and more are flying in from Hawaii and the west coast. With every hour that passes, we hear of another dedicated group of people finding ways to get here.
With 100,000 people gathered on the national mall, our message will be impossible to ignore: We Need Immigration Reform NOW! This is only the beginning of a major escalation of work and momentum for the immigration reform movement. We have made clear to the White House and the leadership of both parties that they must act this year on comprehensive immigration reform.
The March Has Already Achieved Some of Its Goals. Even before the March has even begun, it has achieved the following objectives:
• Immigrants Rights Advocates Met With the President of the United States. The President reiterated his "unwavering" commitment to achieving comprehensive immigration reform. He also endorsed the Schumer-Graham bipartisan framework and pledged "to do everything in my power to forge a bipartisan consensus this year on this important issue."
• A Framework for Comprehensive Immigration Reform Legislation. Senator Schumer and Graham released their framework for comprehensive immigration reform in the Washington Post. You can see the Campaign's response here.
• A Commitment From Senate Leadership for Floor Time. Even before the release of the framework, Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy announced his support for comprehensive immigration reform. After release of the framework, Senator Harry Reid promptly promised floor time for the legislation once it comes out of the Judiciary Committee.
The March FOR America, and dozens of echo events popping up across the nation, will represent millions of Americans - native born and immigrant, conservative and progressive, business leader and labor leader, along with a tremendous diversity of faith and lay leaders - who want comprehensive immigration reform now.
It's time to march!
Rich Stolz
Reform Immigration FOR America
This Sunday, in a major show of grassroots power, 100,000 people will crowd the National Mall for the March for America: Change Takes Courage event. The March will dwarf other lobbying efforts and movements and will be the largest demonstration of grassroots clout since President Obama took office. Grassroots leaders from across the nation, will be arriving in buses and caravans, on trains, cars and trucks and vans. Already, more than 900 buses from at least 35 states will be rolling to Washington, DC and more are flying in from Hawaii and the west coast. With every hour that passes, we hear of another dedicated group of people finding ways to get here.
With 100,000 people gathered on the national mall, our message will be impossible to ignore: We Need Immigration Reform NOW! This is only the beginning of a major escalation of work and momentum for the immigration reform movement. We have made clear to the White House and the leadership of both parties that they must act this year on comprehensive immigration reform.
The March Has Already Achieved Some of Its Goals. Even before the March has even begun, it has achieved the following objectives:
• Immigrants Rights Advocates Met With the President of the United States. The President reiterated his "unwavering" commitment to achieving comprehensive immigration reform. He also endorsed the Schumer-Graham bipartisan framework and pledged "to do everything in my power to forge a bipartisan consensus this year on this important issue."
• A Framework for Comprehensive Immigration Reform Legislation. Senator Schumer and Graham released their framework for comprehensive immigration reform in the Washington Post. You can see the Campaign's response here.
• A Commitment From Senate Leadership for Floor Time. Even before the release of the framework, Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy announced his support for comprehensive immigration reform. After release of the framework, Senator Harry Reid promptly promised floor time for the legislation once it comes out of the Judiciary Committee.
The March FOR America, and dozens of echo events popping up across the nation, will represent millions of Americans - native born and immigrant, conservative and progressive, business leader and labor leader, along with a tremendous diversity of faith and lay leaders - who want comprehensive immigration reform now.
It's time to march!
Rich Stolz
Reform Immigration FOR America
2 Senators Offer Immigration Overhaul
Senators Schumer and Graham have presented the start of an immigration plan to the president. - - Donna Poisl
By JULIA PRESTON
Two senators, a Democrat and a Republican, unveiled the outlines on Thursday of a proposal to overhaul the immigration system, which would require illegal immigrants to admit they broke the law before they could gain legal status and require all workers in the United States to carry a biometric identity card to prove that they are eligible to work.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By JULIA PRESTON
Two senators, a Democrat and a Republican, unveiled the outlines on Thursday of a proposal to overhaul the immigration system, which would require illegal immigrants to admit they broke the law before they could gain legal status and require all workers in the United States to carry a biometric identity card to prove that they are eligible to work.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Africans, Asians, Hispanics...and Hipsters: Changes in City Heights
This is a very interesting report. It is long, but definitely worth reading. It tells about several different people; immigrants to this community and how they add to the culture of the city. - - Donna Poisl
By Elizabeth Salaam
From the Killing Fields to the Noodle House
When Mark Lau was ten years old, he couldn’t add one plus one. On the day he began the fourth grade at Adams Elementary School in City Heights, he had been in San Diego for only two months. Prior to his arrival, he had spent eight months in refugee camps in Thailand, and before that, three and a half years under Communist rule in Cambodia. Rather than attend school, he was forced to work for his daily bowls of vegetable soup and porridge.
Many of his memories from that time are vague.
“I remember there was a tray that we held, it was for rocks. So that’s why I keep telling my kids, ‘Daddy was moving rocks back and forth.’ We didn’t know what we were doing. I was six, seven years old.”
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Elizabeth Salaam
From the Killing Fields to the Noodle House
When Mark Lau was ten years old, he couldn’t add one plus one. On the day he began the fourth grade at Adams Elementary School in City Heights, he had been in San Diego for only two months. Prior to his arrival, he had spent eight months in refugee camps in Thailand, and before that, three and a half years under Communist rule in Cambodia. Rather than attend school, he was forced to work for his daily bowls of vegetable soup and porridge.
Many of his memories from that time are vague.
“I remember there was a tray that we held, it was for rocks. So that’s why I keep telling my kids, ‘Daddy was moving rocks back and forth.’ We didn’t know what we were doing. I was six, seven years old.”
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Putting feet down at key D.C. march
The march takes place on the same day as the health care vote will happen in the House. I hope the march gets good coverage too. - - Donna Poisl
by ALBOR RUIZ - NY LOCAL
The last hope for immigration reform.
That's what Sunday's March for America in Washington will be: a last-ditch massive effort to push hard for the President and Congress to abandon their reluctance and do their duty.
"The march can show Washington how much support there is for reform around the country," said Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens), who will be one of the speakers. "And this can make a great difference."
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by ALBOR RUIZ - NY LOCAL
The last hope for immigration reform.
That's what Sunday's March for America in Washington will be: a last-ditch massive effort to push hard for the President and Congress to abandon their reluctance and do their duty.
"The march can show Washington how much support there is for reform around the country," said Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens), who will be one of the speakers. "And this can make a great difference."
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Immigrants vulnerable as recession spurs more bosses to shortchange workers
Many lower skilled workers are being cheated by their bosses, but immigrants are most at risk. They don't know their rights, are afraid to complain and don't have many people fighting for them. - - Donna Poisl
By N.C. Aizenman, Washington Post Staff Writer
On a recent Saturday morning, a group of Latino men wearing paint-spattered jeans and grim expressions strode through Adams Morgan in search of the contractor who had cheated them. He'd hired them to remodel a wine shop in the Northwest neighborhood in November and December but paid a fraction of what he had promised before disappearing. Now they were hoping the owner of the shop could offer clues as to the contractor's whereabouts.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By N.C. Aizenman, Washington Post Staff Writer
On a recent Saturday morning, a group of Latino men wearing paint-spattered jeans and grim expressions strode through Adams Morgan in search of the contractor who had cheated them. He'd hired them to remodel a wine shop in the Northwest neighborhood in November and December but paid a fraction of what he had promised before disappearing. Now they were hoping the owner of the shop could offer clues as to the contractor's whereabouts.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Recession, Census Take Radio Bilingue's Year-Long National Multimedia Series on the Economy to D.C., North Carolina
Recession, Census Take Radio Bilingue's Year-Long National Multimedia Series on the Economy to D.C., North Carolina
SAN FRANCISCO, March 18 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- The recession and the Census count will be the topics in North Carolina and Washington D.C. when Radio Bilingue's year-long national multimedia series on the economy, "Frente a la Crisis" makes its next three stops next week.
On Saturday, March 20, in Washington, The Linea Abierta on the Road series will broadcast from La Clinica del Pueblo in the heart of the barrio in the nation's capital from 6 to 8 p.m. EDT.
In North Carolina on March 23 and 24 from 3 to 5 p.m. EDT, the program will broadcast from MAIN-FM in Asheville on Tuesday and WCOM in Carrboro on Wednesday. Radio Bilingue is partnering with the two community-based affiliate stations for live broadcasts from the state that is the home of the fastest growing and hardest-to-count Latino population in the country.
Samuel Orozco, executive producer, and Graciela "Chelis" Lopez, the host of Linea Abierta from San Francisco, will host the fifth, sixth and seventh stops of the series. Since it began in September, the tour has broadcast from southern California, Arizona and Iowa as well as Washington DC in January.
For the series on the economy, "Frente a la Crisis," the show will examine what is driving Latinos to this Southern state, and feature stories about how newcomer entrepreneurs are defying the odds.
For the Census series, "Cuentas Justas," the discussion will look at those factors that are making Latino populations in this state among the hardest to count.
"We know that in North Carolina, entire communities live in fear of law enforcement checkpoints and White supremacist hate groups," Orozco said. "This uncertainty affects not only the once thriving businesses in these towns, but also the Census count, which in turn will impact the share of congressional seats and federal dollars that come to these communities."
The Linea Abierta team also will show how workers and small businesses struggle often without success to buy or keep their health insurance, while health insurance companies continue raising medical costs and government agencies keep cutting essential programs.
The series is funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, The California Endowment, the Evelyn and Walter Haas Jr. Fund, and the James Irvine Foundation.
SOURCE Radio Bilingue
-0- 03/18/2010
/CONTACT: Maria de Jesus Gomez, of Radio Bilingue, +1-559-455-5782, chuyag@radiobilingue.org /
Urgent Request: Sponsor a Marcher
From Gabe Gonzalez, Reform Immigration FOR America
I just finished a meeting with the turnout team for the March For America. They tell me that there are supporters who are ready to get on buses and come to Washington, but we need to raise $5,000 by midnight tonight to pay for transportation costs.
Your gift of just $30 makes it possible for another marcher to go Washington. Even if you can't make it to the March For America yourself, this is your chance to make a difference.
Can I count on you to donate $30 to send someone to the March For America?
go to https://act.reformimmigrationforamerica.org/cms/donate/sponsor_marcher/?akid=294.16086.ecAuGz&rd=1&t=3
You've been there for us when we needed you to make calls and sign petitions to your elected officials. Now, I need your support in getting people to Washington. I want to make sure that on Sunday afternoon, everyone sees just how powerful the immigration reform movement is and that lawmakers give us the respect we deserve.
But that won't happen unless we bring a crowd so big, it exceeds expectations. Can you help get buses from New York, Chicago, Miami and Philadelphia on the road? Please make your donation now to ensure that the March For America is a success!
Thank you,
Gabe Gonzalez
Reform Immigration FOR America
P.S. The more we raise tonight, the more buses we can send – while we have a target of $5,000, every $30 we raise after that puts another Marcher in DC, so please, give what you can today!
I just finished a meeting with the turnout team for the March For America. They tell me that there are supporters who are ready to get on buses and come to Washington, but we need to raise $5,000 by midnight tonight to pay for transportation costs.
Your gift of just $30 makes it possible for another marcher to go Washington. Even if you can't make it to the March For America yourself, this is your chance to make a difference.
Can I count on you to donate $30 to send someone to the March For America?
go to https://act.reformimmigrationforamerica.org/cms/donate/sponsor_marcher/?akid=294.16086.ecAuGz&rd=1&t=3
You've been there for us when we needed you to make calls and sign petitions to your elected officials. Now, I need your support in getting people to Washington. I want to make sure that on Sunday afternoon, everyone sees just how powerful the immigration reform movement is and that lawmakers give us the respect we deserve.
But that won't happen unless we bring a crowd so big, it exceeds expectations. Can you help get buses from New York, Chicago, Miami and Philadelphia on the road? Please make your donation now to ensure that the March For America is a success!
Thank you,
Gabe Gonzalez
Reform Immigration FOR America
P.S. The more we raise tonight, the more buses we can send – while we have a target of $5,000, every $30 we raise after that puts another Marcher in DC, so please, give what you can today!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Census 2010 Form in my Mail
My census form came today. It asks my name, gender, birth date, how many people are living in my apartment, their ages and our race.
TEN questions, just like they advertise, it does not even need a signature.
It does not ask for birth place, legal status, income, job status; nothing else.
It just needs the names and ages of the people living here.
This will help with a count of school children, this year and in a few years. It will help predict the number of police and fire fighters this area will need, will give a good idea of how much hospital space is needed and even will help predict roads, sewer and water needs in the next years.
No reason not to check the boxes and return it. So, I will.
TEN questions, just like they advertise, it does not even need a signature.
It does not ask for birth place, legal status, income, job status; nothing else.
It just needs the names and ages of the people living here.
This will help with a count of school children, this year and in a few years. It will help predict the number of police and fire fighters this area will need, will give a good idea of how much hospital space is needed and even will help predict roads, sewer and water needs in the next years.
No reason not to check the boxes and return it. So, I will.
U. S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Lauds Walmart's Collaborative Approach in Support of Comprehensive Immigration Reform
WASHINGTON, March 16 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), the national representative for nearly 3 million Hispanic owned businesses, responded to the well intentioned but misguided efforts by one organization to promote comprehensive immigration reform.
Recently, unfounded rumors circulating via text message, blogs and other informal means, have falsely accused Walmart of coordinating or supporting immigration raids in their stores. The USHCC can attest that the rumors are false. While these efforts are regional in nature and are primarily meant to pressure the retail giant to support immigration reform, these rumors are misguided and irresponsible. The USHCC firmly believes that these types of false rumors only generate fear in our Hispanic community. Disturbingly, based on these unfounded rumors, there have been calls for the Hispanic community to boycott Walmart.
"The USHCC is as anxious and impatient as any organization representing the Hispanic community for the White House and Congress to finally pass comprehensive immigration reform. Nevertheless, in our zeal to advocate for this reform - we need to bring communities and stakeholders together, not drive them apart," said David Lizarraga, Chairman of the USHCC. "On immigration reform, Walmart's position is clear - they support us! In 2007, we saw immigration reform fail because labor unions, faith leaders, businesses and Hispanic organizations didn't work together. We allowed the loudest voices in the room to prevail. We need to learn from our mistakes."
"False rumors of raids are all too common in our community. The victims are often children that are kept home from school, businesses that shut their doors as customers hide in their homes in fear, and deeper mistrust of our local law enforcement officials," said Javier Palomarez, President & CEO of the USHCC. "We cannot allow fear and ignorance to set the tone of the debate. We know Walmart is committed to working with all interested parties - lawmakers, employers, and consumers - to make comprehensive reform a reality. Just recently the President announced that a framework for immigration reform will be released by March 21st and that he will call for Senate action in April. This is a time to work together on crafting an effective, unified approach to this challenge."
About the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of nearly 3 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States that generate nearly $400 billion annually. It also serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local Hispanic chambers in the United States and Puerto Rico.
About USHCC Foundation
The USHCC Foundation is committed to giving Hispanics alternatives for life preparation and life-long learning by developing and implementing initiatives and educational campaigns to awaken and nurture their entrepreneurial spirit. The Foundation leverages corporate and public support to ensure that existing and aspiring Hispanic entrepreneurs gain access to and achieve success in the world of business.
http://www.ushcc.com/
SOURCE United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
-0- 03/16/2010
/CONTACT: DeVere Kutscher of United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, +1-202-715-0497, or dkutscher@ushcc.com/
HNBA Condemns Intimidation Tactics Aimed at the Hispanic Community
WASHINGTON, March 15 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- As the national voice of the Hispanic legal community, the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) respects the U.S. government's authority to enforce immigration laws. However, it condemns intimidation tactics led by non-government officials and special interest groups aimed at immigrants to hinder or prevent their participation in the 2010 Census or in immigration rallies taking place across the country.
It is vital that all individuals living in the U.S. have confidence in all branches of government and in the rights conveyed by the U.S. Constitution. For this reason, it is irresponsible for any individual or group to implement intimidation tactics aimed at causing immigrants to fear participating in every-day activities. "All 44.3 million Hispanics and approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. - regardless of their ethnicity - should be counted in the 2010 Census and be allowed to publicly demand for comprehensive immigration reform," said Roman D. Hernandez, HNBA National President. "The HNBA condemns intimidation tactics that are targeting the Hispanic community, and looks forward to an accurate Census and to the passage of comprehensive immigration reform," concluded Hernandez.
The HNBA is an incorporated, not-for-profit, nonpartisan, 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, Puerto Rico and the U.S. territories. For more information about the HNBA, please visit www.hnba.com.
SOURCE Hispanic National Bar Association
-0- 03/15/2010
/CONTACT: Zuraya Tapia of Hispanic National Bar Association, +1-202-223-4777, ztapia@hnba.com/
Program Promotes Health of Older Immigrants
Members of AmeriCorps are working to help senior immigrants and refugees with "health literacy". They suffer when they can't discuss problems with doctors, read labels and information, understand consent forms, etc. - - Donna Poisl
By Dan Nonte, University Relations
GREENSBORO, N.C. — The UNCG Center for Youth, Family and Community Partnerships (CYFCP) is recruiting 20 AmeriCorps members to improve health care for immigrant and refugee seniors in Greensboro.
Supported by a $50,000 grant from MetLife and the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Immigrant Health Literacy Program (IHELP) will provide health screenings and teach English, citizenship and health literacy to elders from Africa, Asia and Latin America. The AmeriCorps members will also lead recreational activities to promote socializing.
“This program will allow us to provide essential health information to older immigrants and refugees living in the community,” said Mandy Benson, CYFCP’s community health program manager. “Not only will we be promoting healthy aging, but also strengthening social connections for these elders.”
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Dan Nonte, University Relations
GREENSBORO, N.C. — The UNCG Center for Youth, Family and Community Partnerships (CYFCP) is recruiting 20 AmeriCorps members to improve health care for immigrant and refugee seniors in Greensboro.
Supported by a $50,000 grant from MetLife and the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Immigrant Health Literacy Program (IHELP) will provide health screenings and teach English, citizenship and health literacy to elders from Africa, Asia and Latin America. The AmeriCorps members will also lead recreational activities to promote socializing.
“This program will allow us to provide essential health information to older immigrants and refugees living in the community,” said Mandy Benson, CYFCP’s community health program manager. “Not only will we be promoting healthy aging, but also strengthening social connections for these elders.”
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Area census workers out for the count of minorities, immigrants
More than 50% of Texas residents are minorities, they definitely need an accurate count so they can get federal money for schools, roads, police and other things. - - Donna Poisl
By DIANNE SOLÍS / The Dallas Morning News
IRVING – A conga line shimmies to a Bhangra beat as revelers throw magenta- and marigold-colored powder in an Indian celebration of spring known as Holi.
Among the guests here are U.S. Census Bureau workers, eager to spread the word about the government's own mission of renewal. The biggest ever decennial head count of the nation begins in full force this week with the mailing of 10-question census forms to more than 130 million addresses.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By DIANNE SOLÍS / The Dallas Morning News
IRVING – A conga line shimmies to a Bhangra beat as revelers throw magenta- and marigold-colored powder in an Indian celebration of spring known as Holi.
Among the guests here are U.S. Census Bureau workers, eager to spread the word about the government's own mission of renewal. The biggest ever decennial head count of the nation begins in full force this week with the mailing of 10-question census forms to more than 130 million addresses.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Stu Bykofsky: Immigration reform should ease legal efforts
Immigration reform should solve many problems for families, this story tells some of the problems now. Sponsoring a family member should not take 15 years to approve! - - Donna Poisl
By Stu Bykofsky, Philadelphia Daily News, Daily News Columnist
IF SUCCESSFUL Indian immigrant Vincent Emmanuel wanted to sponsor his brother to bring him to America today, he says, the process would take 15 years.
Fortunately, Vincent brought his brother Paul over in 1997. It took only 11 years. Paul is now a supervisor with the Philadelphia Parking Authority.
U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services spokesman Bill Wright couldn't address the 15-year wait, saying that that was a function of the State Department, where John Echard Jr. said it was impossible to determine.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Stu Bykofsky, Philadelphia Daily News, Daily News Columnist
IF SUCCESSFUL Indian immigrant Vincent Emmanuel wanted to sponsor his brother to bring him to America today, he says, the process would take 15 years.
Fortunately, Vincent brought his brother Paul over in 1997. It took only 11 years. Paul is now a supervisor with the Philadelphia Parking Authority.
U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services spokesman Bill Wright couldn't address the 15-year wait, saying that that was a function of the State Department, where John Echard Jr. said it was impossible to determine.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
St. Patrick’s Day holds a lesson on immigration
It took about 100 years for the early Irish population to become fully assimilated, and America became better for it. It will probably be the same for immigrant groups now. - - Donna Poisl
by Eric Fleischauer
They came in hordes, many not speaking our language. They lived in squalor. Most were unskilled laborers, and they worked for a pittance. They took American jobs, but their primary loyalty was to their home country.
Even when not taking jobs others wanted, they drove down wages, hurting American workers.
They alienated themselves from Americans, sometimes forming gangs. They crowded into tiny houses or apartments, suppressing housing prices where they lived.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by Eric Fleischauer
They came in hordes, many not speaking our language. They lived in squalor. Most were unskilled laborers, and they worked for a pittance. They took American jobs, but their primary loyalty was to their home country.
Even when not taking jobs others wanted, they drove down wages, hurting American workers.
They alienated themselves from Americans, sometimes forming gangs. They crowded into tiny houses or apartments, suppressing housing prices where they lived.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Immigrant Loyalties During the Great War and Today
This is very interesting. It explains why the immigrants of 100 years ago became fiercely patriotic Americans and says there is no reason to expect it will be different with the immigrants now. - - Donna Poisl
By David Laskin
Italians, Poles and Jews, the three largest groups of newcomers during the peak years of immigration at the turn of the last century, arrived in the United States with deep cultural traditions, fervent religious beliefs, great expectations, and a hunger to succeed. One thing these groups did not bring with them from Europe was a strongly developed sense of national allegiance to their countries of origin.
And yet, soon after emigrating, all three groups enthusiastically and spontaneously pledged their allegiance to the United States. Why?
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By David Laskin
Italians, Poles and Jews, the three largest groups of newcomers during the peak years of immigration at the turn of the last century, arrived in the United States with deep cultural traditions, fervent religious beliefs, great expectations, and a hunger to succeed. One thing these groups did not bring with them from Europe was a strongly developed sense of national allegiance to their countries of origin.
And yet, soon after emigrating, all three groups enthusiastically and spontaneously pledged their allegiance to the United States. Why?
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
REGION: Some Latino activists call for census boycott
Boycotting the census just to protest the slow action in immigration reform is BACKWARD thinking. More people prove there is more need, and this census count is used for the next 10 years! These people should use some common sense. - - Donna Poisl
LOCAL LATINO ADVOCATES DO NOT SUPPORT PROTEST
By EDWARD SIFUENTES
Households across the nation soon will receive their 2010 Census forms in the mail, but some immigrant rights activists are asking Latinos not to cooperate with the federal government's effort to count the nation's population.
Groups such as the Los Angeles-based Mexican American Political Association are asking Latino families to boycott the U.S. Census to protest what they say is the failure of Congress and President Barack Obama to overhaul the nation's immigration system, including legalizing millions of illegal immigrants.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
LOCAL LATINO ADVOCATES DO NOT SUPPORT PROTEST
By EDWARD SIFUENTES
Households across the nation soon will receive their 2010 Census forms in the mail, but some immigrant rights activists are asking Latinos not to cooperate with the federal government's effort to count the nation's population.
Groups such as the Los Angeles-based Mexican American Political Association are asking Latino families to boycott the U.S. Census to protest what they say is the failure of Congress and President Barack Obama to overhaul the nation's immigration system, including legalizing millions of illegal immigrants.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Return to Ellis Island
This story tells about people going through Ellis Island, you can read the few questions people had to answer in order to be allowed in legally to live and work here. Nothing like now. It took a couple hours standing in line and only 2% were rejected and sent back, mainly for poor health. - - Donna Poisl
Millions of Americans can trace their roots to the immigration station
by Marti Attoun
Ninety years have passed since Felicita Gabaccia Salto arrived on Ellis Island, but she vividly remembers her father’s excitement as the Dante Alighieri steamed into New York Harbor and her family prepared for a new life in America.
“We came in at dusk and the Statue of Liberty was lit,” recalls Salto, 96, of Westwood, N.J. (pop. 10,999). “It was very, very cold, and I remember big chunks of ice on the Hudson River. My father was calling to all of the Italians, ‘Come over and see the statue! Come over and see the statue!’”
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Millions of Americans can trace their roots to the immigration station
by Marti Attoun
Ninety years have passed since Felicita Gabaccia Salto arrived on Ellis Island, but she vividly remembers her father’s excitement as the Dante Alighieri steamed into New York Harbor and her family prepared for a new life in America.
“We came in at dusk and the Statue of Liberty was lit,” recalls Salto, 96, of Westwood, N.J. (pop. 10,999). “It was very, very cold, and I remember big chunks of ice on the Hudson River. My father was calling to all of the Italians, ‘Come over and see the statue! Come over and see the statue!’”
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Census workers aiming to coax undocumented immigrants out of shadows
Even if immigrants are not afraid of the Census, many don't understand the importance. Workers are trying to explain that more money will go to their own neighborhoods, with an accurate count. - - Donna Poisl
By Deborah E. Young
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. --- Sure, he has seen the ads on television and heard the public service announcements on Spanish radio, but Alejandro Martinez said he had no intention of filling out the U.S. Census questionnaire.
"It's not worth the effort; it doesn't really relate to the immigrant community," said Martinez, of Port Richmond, in Spanish, as he stood yesterday with other day laborers on the service road, at the Forest Avenue exit off the Martin Luther King Jr. Expressway. "I'm not scared. I just don't see the importance."
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Deborah E. Young
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. --- Sure, he has seen the ads on television and heard the public service announcements on Spanish radio, but Alejandro Martinez said he had no intention of filling out the U.S. Census questionnaire.
"It's not worth the effort; it doesn't really relate to the immigrant community," said Martinez, of Port Richmond, in Spanish, as he stood yesterday with other day laborers on the service road, at the Forest Avenue exit off the Martin Luther King Jr. Expressway. "I'm not scared. I just don't see the importance."
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Immigration courts filled with cases, not judges
This huge backlog in immigration courts means people wait more than a year for their cases to be heard and then they wait weeks or months for a decision. - - Donna Poisl
by STEWART POWELL and KATIE BRANDENBURG WASHINGTON BUREAU
WASHINGTON — The nation's immigration courts are choked by the largest backlog of pending deportation and asylum cases in history, more than 18,000 of them in Texas, a Syracuse University-based data research institute reported Thursday.
With a national backlog of 228,400 cases, the Lone Star State ranks fourth behind California, New York and Florida, the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse said. Part of the problem is the slow pace of judicial hiring, which pushed immigrants' wait to an average of 439 days nationwide.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by STEWART POWELL and KATIE BRANDENBURG WASHINGTON BUREAU
WASHINGTON — The nation's immigration courts are choked by the largest backlog of pending deportation and asylum cases in history, more than 18,000 of them in Texas, a Syracuse University-based data research institute reported Thursday.
With a national backlog of 228,400 cases, the Lone Star State ranks fourth behind California, New York and Florida, the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse said. Part of the problem is the slow pace of judicial hiring, which pushed immigrants' wait to an average of 439 days nationwide.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Letter a Day Campaign
Check this website of the Interfaith Immigration Coalition. Each member organization will be sending a letter every day this month to all members of Congress asking for them to get busy and enact immigration reform.
http://www.interfaithimmigration.org/
http://www.interfaithimmigration.org/
Young immigrants declare illegal status
These kids can't get driver licenses or jobs or afford college and are trying to put a face on immigration problems. They did this on "National Coming Out of the Shadows Day". - - Donna Poisl
By Serena Maria Daniels, Tribune reporter
Overcoming their fear of deportation, a group of college-age immigrants publicly admitted their undocumented status at a rally at the Federal Plaza on Wednesday in hopes of putting a face on the need for comprehensive immigration reform.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Serena Maria Daniels, Tribune reporter
Overcoming their fear of deportation, a group of college-age immigrants publicly admitted their undocumented status at a rally at the Federal Plaza on Wednesday in hopes of putting a face on the need for comprehensive immigration reform.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Friday, March 12, 2010
H-1B applications to be accepted from April 1
The cap for these visas is usually reached within days of accepting the petitions. - - Donna Poisl
WASHINGTON: The US will start accepting the applications for H-1B visas, most sought after by Indians, from April one for the fiscal 2011.
In a statement, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said it will accept petitions for 65,000 H-1B visas as mandated by the Congress.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
WASHINGTON: The US will start accepting the applications for H-1B visas, most sought after by Indians, from April one for the fiscal 2011.
In a statement, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said it will accept petitions for 65,000 H-1B visas as mandated by the Congress.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Korea Attacks! Korean junk food has established a tasty foothold
A great article about Korean food in California. This is how ethnic food gets assimilated into this country and it happened with all the others, although in slightly different ways (no Twitter or Facebook then). - - Donna Poisl
By Jonathan Kauffman
Last year, Korean flavors went viral, and brought the rest of San Francisco's food scene with them. Thank Los Angeles for the boost: In November 2008, three Angelenos started up a taco truck called Kogi BBQ. Kogi drove around to different sites, selling Korean-Mexican street food like kalbi tacos and kimchi quesadillas, tweeting its location as the night progressed. Within months, the truck attracted crowds — hourlong waits or more — and write-ups around the nation. In San Francisco as well as Los Angeles, a critical mass of diners, many of them active on Twitter and Facebook, fell hard for the romance of transience, igniting this city's street-cart and pop-up-restaurant scenes.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Jonathan Kauffman
Last year, Korean flavors went viral, and brought the rest of San Francisco's food scene with them. Thank Los Angeles for the boost: In November 2008, three Angelenos started up a taco truck called Kogi BBQ. Kogi drove around to different sites, selling Korean-Mexican street food like kalbi tacos and kimchi quesadillas, tweeting its location as the night progressed. Within months, the truck attracted crowds — hourlong waits or more — and write-ups around the nation. In San Francisco as well as Los Angeles, a critical mass of diners, many of them active on Twitter and Facebook, fell hard for the romance of transience, igniting this city's street-cart and pop-up-restaurant scenes.
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Remains of Chinese immigrants to be reburied in LA
These early Chinese settlers, most probably building the rail road, will be reburied in a memorial ceremony at Evergreen Cemetery. - - Donna Poisl
By DAISY NGUYEN (AP)
LOS ANGELES — The remains of some of the nation's earliest Chinese settlers, whose graves were discovered five years ago during construction of a light rail line, will soon be reburied in a cemetery that once denied them entry.
A memorial wall honoring the dead was dedicated Monday at a Los Angeles cemetery, where they will be reinterred beginning next month.
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By DAISY NGUYEN (AP)
LOS ANGELES — The remains of some of the nation's earliest Chinese settlers, whose graves were discovered five years ago during construction of a light rail line, will soon be reburied in a cemetery that once denied them entry.
A memorial wall honoring the dead was dedicated Monday at a Los Angeles cemetery, where they will be reinterred beginning next month.
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Long, complex path to citizenship puts lives on hold
This man came here in 1996, did everything correctly and is still waiting for his citizenship approval. This answers the question many people ask "why don't they just come in legally?" - - Donna Poisl
BY JANELL ROSS • THE TENNESSEAN
Imad Doski applied for his U.S. citizenship five years ago with dreams of a high-dollar job translating Kurdish and Arabic.
Since then, the native of Iraq has discovered one private contractor pays U.S. citizens $60,000 more per year than other immigrants. Another only hires citizens.
"When you are a citizen, opportunities are different, pay is sometimes different, people sometimes look at you differently," said Doski, a Nashville bookkeeper.
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BY JANELL ROSS • THE TENNESSEAN
Imad Doski applied for his U.S. citizenship five years ago with dreams of a high-dollar job translating Kurdish and Arabic.
Since then, the native of Iraq has discovered one private contractor pays U.S. citizens $60,000 more per year than other immigrants. Another only hires citizens.
"When you are a citizen, opportunities are different, pay is sometimes different, people sometimes look at you differently," said Doski, a Nashville bookkeeper.
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Critics warn dropping immigrant health care coverage could backfire
I wonder how dropping these legal residents from health coverage will save money, when they will all end up in the ER for their care and the ER is much more expensive. - - Donna Poisl
BY ELIZABETH LLORENTE, THE RECORD, STAFF WRITER
Governor Christie’s plan to drop residents who have had legal immigration status for less than five years from a state health-insurance program has drawn an outcry from critics who warn it might end up being more costly and perilous to public health.
Under the plan, nearly 12,000 legal immigrants covered under the NJ FamilyCare program, which assists low-income families, who have not been legal permanent residents for at least five years would be kicked off. Christie’s staff, who announced the change as part of budget cuts aimed at closing a $2.2 billion deficit, said dropping the immigrants from the program would result in a yearly savings of several million dollars.
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BY ELIZABETH LLORENTE, THE RECORD, STAFF WRITER
Governor Christie’s plan to drop residents who have had legal immigration status for less than five years from a state health-insurance program has drawn an outcry from critics who warn it might end up being more costly and perilous to public health.
Under the plan, nearly 12,000 legal immigrants covered under the NJ FamilyCare program, which assists low-income families, who have not been legal permanent residents for at least five years would be kicked off. Christie’s staff, who announced the change as part of budget cuts aimed at closing a $2.2 billion deficit, said dropping the immigrants from the program would result in a yearly savings of several million dollars.
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Paterson Pardons Immigrant Who Turned Life Around
This is a story I quoted on 20 Feb., with a happy ending. It is nice that the Governor could do this before he leaves office. - - Donna Poisl
By Jen Chung
Yesterday, Governor Paterson announced that he was pardoning a Chinese immigrant who was convicted of muggings when he was 15 but then kept out of trouble and became a successful IT executive.
Paterson said, "Qing Hong Wu's case proves that an individual can, with hard work and dedication, rise above past mistakes and turn his life around." The pardon means that Wu, who legally immigrated to NY when he was five, will not be deported back to China.
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By Jen Chung
Yesterday, Governor Paterson announced that he was pardoning a Chinese immigrant who was convicted of muggings when he was 15 but then kept out of trouble and became a successful IT executive.
Paterson said, "Qing Hong Wu's case proves that an individual can, with hard work and dedication, rise above past mistakes and turn his life around." The pardon means that Wu, who legally immigrated to NY when he was five, will not be deported back to China.
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Boy Scouts trying to recruit more Latino kids amid changing demographics
Only 4% of the Boy Scouts are Latino and the organization has created a program to recruit these kids. The Scouts are known by all white kids, but not by Latinos and they want to change that. - - Donna Poisl
By DAVID OLSON, The Press-Enterprise
When Phil Velez was growing up in Pico Rivera, his school was overwhelmingly Latino, but almost every Cub Scout and Boy Scout was white.
"We just thought it wasn't for us," Velez said. "There's still an image of the scouts as a middle-class, white organization."
Velez, 33, now an Inland scouting official, is part of a new effort by the Boy Scouts of America to change that perception. The organization has created a Hispanic Initiatives program that aims to double the number of Latino Scouts by the end of 2010, the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America.
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By DAVID OLSON, The Press-Enterprise
When Phil Velez was growing up in Pico Rivera, his school was overwhelmingly Latino, but almost every Cub Scout and Boy Scout was white.
"We just thought it wasn't for us," Velez said. "There's still an image of the scouts as a middle-class, white organization."
Velez, 33, now an Inland scouting official, is part of a new effort by the Boy Scouts of America to change that perception. The organization has created a Hispanic Initiatives program that aims to double the number of Latino Scouts by the end of 2010, the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America.
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Thursday, March 11, 2010
Push is on to ease census fears among 'hard-to-count' groups
Census forms are in the mail, cities need an accurate count to get much needed federal funds. NONE of the questions ask for legal status. - - Donna Poisl
By Erik Lacitis, Seattle Times staff reporter
If you drive down through Seattle's South End, the changing face of the city is evident.
Thai, Vietnamese, Hispanic, East African and other ethnic businesses dot the streets.
On Saturday, advocates for "hard-to-count" groups met to make sure they're represented when U.S. census-survey forms are mailed this month to all households.
For the advocates and the people they represent, each person counted means $1,400 a year in needed health care, housing assistance and other federal and state public-assistance programs
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By Erik Lacitis, Seattle Times staff reporter
If you drive down through Seattle's South End, the changing face of the city is evident.
Thai, Vietnamese, Hispanic, East African and other ethnic businesses dot the streets.
On Saturday, advocates for "hard-to-count" groups met to make sure they're represented when U.S. census-survey forms are mailed this month to all households.
For the advocates and the people they represent, each person counted means $1,400 a year in needed health care, housing assistance and other federal and state public-assistance programs
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Mexicans Create Jobs in the U.S.
An immigrant who came here on an EB-5 visa, which is for wealthy people who will come and start a business. It is a shame their home countries lose those people, but we need them and are happy to have them. - - Donna Poisl
Sick of Drug Wars, Wealthy Mexicans Move to U.S. to Start Businesses
By Taylor Barnes, Christian Science Monitor
For Pierre Gama, the fourth kidnapping was the final straw. Armed carjackers made him drive his car in circles until he gave them the numbers to his credit cards. With two small children and a wife – who was with him during one such secuestro express – the security entrepreneur wanted out of Mexico City.
Mr. Gama proposed moving to Canada, but his wife said it was too cold there. So he opted for an escape route a growing number of his wealthiest countrymen are taking: He bought his family's way into the United States by spending about $200,000 on a San Antonio restaurant and catering business.
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Sick of Drug Wars, Wealthy Mexicans Move to U.S. to Start Businesses
By Taylor Barnes, Christian Science Monitor
For Pierre Gama, the fourth kidnapping was the final straw. Armed carjackers made him drive his car in circles until he gave them the numbers to his credit cards. With two small children and a wife – who was with him during one such secuestro express – the security entrepreneur wanted out of Mexico City.
Mr. Gama proposed moving to Canada, but his wife said it was too cold there. So he opted for an escape route a growing number of his wealthiest countrymen are taking: He bought his family's way into the United States by spending about $200,000 on a San Antonio restaurant and catering business.
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Swiss immigrant to Utah tried to 'better herself a little'
This is a good story about a Swiss immigrant who came here alone at age 14. She became a very important figure in Utah and U.S. government life and politics. - - Donna Poisl
by Kristen Rogers-Iversen, The Salt Lake Tribune
In 1897, a Swiss teenager left her family and came penniless and alone to Utah. As Elise Furer stood on the train platform in Salt Lake City at four o'clock on a dark winter morning, she watched the other immigrants go home with friends and family -- until she was alone on the platform.
At that moment, no one could have predicted that this lone girl -- who had joined the LDS church against her family's wishes -- would have a large influence on the social and political landscape. The issues she was passionate about have particular resonance for us today.
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by Kristen Rogers-Iversen, The Salt Lake Tribune
In 1897, a Swiss teenager left her family and came penniless and alone to Utah. As Elise Furer stood on the train platform in Salt Lake City at four o'clock on a dark winter morning, she watched the other immigrants go home with friends and family -- until she was alone on the platform.
At that moment, no one could have predicted that this lone girl -- who had joined the LDS church against her family's wishes -- would have a large influence on the social and political landscape. The issues she was passionate about have particular resonance for us today.
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Immigration: It Turns Out The Irish Are The “New Irish”
It is fascinating to read how the immigrants today are exactly like the immigrants of the late 1800s and early 1900s. My Irish grandparents came here then and had a very hard time. Just like the Germans, Italians and Jewish and others. - - Donna Poisl
By Douglas Rivlin, NEWS JUNKIE POST
When they think of immigration reform at all, most folks think about Mexicans. Because of their visibility, their numbers, and the fact that they make up a huge percentage of those immigrants in the U.S. illegally, Mexicans have become the face of the immigration issue in America.
There are significant populations here from Central America, South America, the Caribbean, East Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, African and other regions – and significant percentages of them are also undocumented – but for most Americans, when they say “immigrants,” they mean “Mexicans.”
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By Douglas Rivlin, NEWS JUNKIE POST
When they think of immigration reform at all, most folks think about Mexicans. Because of their visibility, their numbers, and the fact that they make up a huge percentage of those immigrants in the U.S. illegally, Mexicans have become the face of the immigration issue in America.
There are significant populations here from Central America, South America, the Caribbean, East Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, African and other regions – and significant percentages of them are also undocumented – but for most Americans, when they say “immigrants,” they mean “Mexicans.”
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Wednesday, March 10, 2010
For Some Immigrants, The Ticket To A Visa Is A Check
Many other countries do this, why not the U.S.? These people start businesses and hire workers and create jobs. - - Donna Poisl
by ROB SCHMITZ
NPR from KQED
You've got half a million dollars. You crave the American dream. May I interest you in a green card?
This may sound like a back-alley deal, but this is the arrangement thousands of wealthy foreigners have made with the U.S. government. The EB-5 visa offers a path to citizenship in exchange for investing in an American business. The numbers of these types of visas issued in the past two years have tripled, and around half of the visas are being snatched up by wealthy Chinese.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by ROB SCHMITZ
NPR from KQED
You've got half a million dollars. You crave the American dream. May I interest you in a green card?
This may sound like a back-alley deal, but this is the arrangement thousands of wealthy foreigners have made with the U.S. government. The EB-5 visa offers a path to citizenship in exchange for investing in an American business. The numbers of these types of visas issued in the past two years have tripled, and around half of the visas are being snatched up by wealthy Chinese.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Editorial: Reaching for a dream
This is a very thoughtful piece in favor of the DREAM Act. We really need these kids getting a college or military education if they qualify, then citizenship, so they can become tax paying workers and business owners. - - Donna Poisl
Editorial staff, philly.com
Congress should pass a bill that would give good students who were brought into this country illegally as children by their parents a better chance for success as citizens.
Under the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act, a path to citizenship would be provided to these children after they graduate from high school and enroll in college or the military for two years, steps that would help them become productive members of society.
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Editorial staff, philly.com
Congress should pass a bill that would give good students who were brought into this country illegally as children by their parents a better chance for success as citizens.
Under the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act, a path to citizenship would be provided to these children after they graduate from high school and enroll in college or the military for two years, steps that would help them become productive members of society.
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Obama calls in key senators to discuss immigration legislation
Maybe this meeting will be the start of something good. - - Donna Poisl
By Suzanne Gamboa, AP
President to meet with key senators on immigration
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama plans to focus attention on immigration next week by meeting at the White House with two senators crafting a bill on the issue.
White House spokesman Nicholas Shapiro said Obama will meet with Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York and Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina on Monday.
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By Suzanne Gamboa, AP
President to meet with key senators on immigration
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama plans to focus attention on immigration next week by meeting at the White House with two senators crafting a bill on the issue.
White House spokesman Nicholas Shapiro said Obama will meet with Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York and Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina on Monday.
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The Week in Immigration News
By JULISSA TREVIÑO 3/5/10
A roundup of the top immigration stories of the week.
Some of it is good news, some not so good.
Click on the headline to read all the news.
A roundup of the top immigration stories of the week.
Some of it is good news, some not so good.
Click on the headline to read all the news.
Friday, March 05, 2010
Council teaches ‘survival English’ to give immigrants a life-boost
These immigrants are being taught basic functional literacy. Once they have the basic skills, they can learn more complicated literacy, but this will help them be successful here. - - Donna Poisl
By Irfan Shariff, Northwest Asian Weekly
“When you don’t know the right word, you’re going to keep your mouth shut,” said Sharon Victor, president of the Literacy Council of Seattle. In its 40th year, the Literary Council aims to “teach adults the English skills they need to be successful in their job, families, and the community,” according to its mission statement.
“We deal mostly with ‘survival English’ so people can be self-reliant and communicate with others about civic issues,” said Victor.
According to Victor, nearly half of the Literacy Council’s curriculum focuses on survival or functional literacy. They go over things like how to pass citizenship exams, run one’s personal life, or communicate with teachers, doctors, postmen, or agencies. She feels that by engaging in these everyday things, people will know that they have rights.
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By Irfan Shariff, Northwest Asian Weekly
“When you don’t know the right word, you’re going to keep your mouth shut,” said Sharon Victor, president of the Literacy Council of Seattle. In its 40th year, the Literary Council aims to “teach adults the English skills they need to be successful in their job, families, and the community,” according to its mission statement.
“We deal mostly with ‘survival English’ so people can be self-reliant and communicate with others about civic issues,” said Victor.
According to Victor, nearly half of the Literacy Council’s curriculum focuses on survival or functional literacy. They go over things like how to pass citizenship exams, run one’s personal life, or communicate with teachers, doctors, postmen, or agencies. She feels that by engaging in these everyday things, people will know that they have rights.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
SOMALIS IN GRAND FORKS: Dueling centers, shared objectives
These two centers must work together to help all Somali immigrants and also other Africans in their city. - - Donna Poisl
By: Chuck Haga, Grand Forks Herald
Two centers have opened in Grand Forks for recent immigrants - most of them refugees from war and the breakdown of civil authority in Somalia. Many spent years in crowded camps in neighboring Kenya before winning permission to come to America. Some came to Grand Forks as refugees from violence in Minneapolis and other large American cities. But even here, divisions seem to hamper the Somali people.
With the urgent intensity of a general in the field, Mohamed Ismail maneuvers easily from Somali to English and back to Somali as he reviews the day’s assignments: nouns, common (as in “city” and “country”), and nouns, proper (as in “Grand Forks” and “United States”).
He runs through the intricacies of English pronouns, too, and their baffling verbs. “I am, you are, he is …”
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By: Chuck Haga, Grand Forks Herald
Two centers have opened in Grand Forks for recent immigrants - most of them refugees from war and the breakdown of civil authority in Somalia. Many spent years in crowded camps in neighboring Kenya before winning permission to come to America. Some came to Grand Forks as refugees from violence in Minneapolis and other large American cities. But even here, divisions seem to hamper the Somali people.
With the urgent intensity of a general in the field, Mohamed Ismail maneuvers easily from Somali to English and back to Somali as he reviews the day’s assignments: nouns, common (as in “city” and “country”), and nouns, proper (as in “Grand Forks” and “United States”).
He runs through the intricacies of English pronouns, too, and their baffling verbs. “I am, you are, he is …”
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National Coming Out of the Shadows Week – March 15th to the 21st
From Mohammad Abdollahi, Co-founder DreamActivist.org, Online and Youth Organizer, Manager
Coming out of the Shadows – A How To Guide
“Brothers and Sisters, you must come out! come out to your parents, come out to your friends, if indeed they are your friends, come out to your neighbors, come out to your fellow workers. Once and for all, let’s break down the myth and destroy the lies and distortions. For your sake, for their sake. For the sake of all the youngsters who’ve been scared.” -Harvey Milk
The day is almost here. On March 10th, undocumented youth all over this country will finally come out the shadows and lay claim to their own futures launching us into our week of action, the National Coming out of the Shadows week (March 15th to the 21st). No longer will we let ourselves be intimidated, scared and ashamed. We have worked long and hard, we have risen to meet every challenge and we have made this country a better place for all. And yet, we are relegated to live in fear. So let us come out and end this fear.
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“Brothers and Sisters, you must come out! come out to your parents, come out to your friends, if indeed they are your friends, come out to your neighbors, come out to your fellow workers. Once and for all, let’s break down the myth and destroy the lies and distortions. For your sake, for their sake. For the sake of all the youngsters who’ve been scared.” -Harvey Milk
The day is almost here. On March 10th, undocumented youth all over this country will finally come out the shadows and lay claim to their own futures launching us into our week of action, the National Coming out of the Shadows week (March 15th to the 21st). No longer will we let ourselves be intimidated, scared and ashamed. We have worked long and hard, we have risen to meet every challenge and we have made this country a better place for all. And yet, we are relegated to live in fear. So let us come out and end this fear.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Immigration Seminar Held In Artesia
Even though this meeting was a week ago, the Indo-Americans in the area can still find out information to help them understand USCIS and visas and citizenship applications. - - Donna Poisl
BY A STAFF REPORTER, India Journal
ARTESIA, CA - The Federation of Indo-American Associations of Southern California (FIA) co-hosted an Immigration Information Session with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at the Woodlands Restaurant here on Feb.27.
The main presenter for USCIS, Field Director, David Douglas explained that the purpose of holding meetings such as these is an initiative by the department to help the public shed the image they have of the department as being one which is to be feared and dreaded. One the other hand , he continued, it wished to assist those who are qualified to stay to understand the various procedures involved to become citizens and to weed and keep out undesirable elements for the safety and protection of the residents of this country.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
BY A STAFF REPORTER, India Journal
ARTESIA, CA - The Federation of Indo-American Associations of Southern California (FIA) co-hosted an Immigration Information Session with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at the Woodlands Restaurant here on Feb.27.
The main presenter for USCIS, Field Director, David Douglas explained that the purpose of holding meetings such as these is an initiative by the department to help the public shed the image they have of the department as being one which is to be feared and dreaded. One the other hand , he continued, it wished to assist those who are qualified to stay to understand the various procedures involved to become citizens and to weed and keep out undesirable elements for the safety and protection of the residents of this country.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
With Money on the Line, Local Governments Urge Illegal Immigrants to Fill Out Census
It is nice to see that something is getting through to these officials and they see that the immigrants can help them. Now to assure the immigrants that the 10 questions and answers will not get them into trouble. - - Donna Poisl
By Judson Berger - FOXNews.com
Cities, counties and states that haven't been very kind to illegal immigrants over the years are suddenly dusting off their welcome mats. With the 2010 census about to get under way, those undocumented residents will be worth a lot of money for the next few weeks.
Jurisdictions across the country are reaching out to illegal immigrant communities, some of which are reluctant to participate, in an effort to convince them that filling out the census form is safe and that the information they provide won't be used against them. Counting every last resident is vital for these districts, because the census numbers will be used to determine funding as well as legislative districts. The more people an area has, the more money it is eligible for, and the more representation it can get in Congress -- which usually means even more money.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Judson Berger - FOXNews.com
Cities, counties and states that haven't been very kind to illegal immigrants over the years are suddenly dusting off their welcome mats. With the 2010 census about to get under way, those undocumented residents will be worth a lot of money for the next few weeks.
Jurisdictions across the country are reaching out to illegal immigrant communities, some of which are reluctant to participate, in an effort to convince them that filling out the census form is safe and that the information they provide won't be used against them. Counting every last resident is vital for these districts, because the census numbers will be used to determine funding as well as legislative districts. The more people an area has, the more money it is eligible for, and the more representation it can get in Congress -- which usually means even more money.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
German Refugee Children Thrived In United States
Professors who wrote the 2006 book “What Happened to the Children Who Fled Nazi Persecution” found that these kids were especially successful and in a different way than "usual". - - Donna Poisl
By SALLY K. SCOPA, CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Harvard physics professor Gerald Holton and researcher Gerhard Sonnert discussed in a study group yesterday the assimilation of German refugee children and the factors that contributed to their socioeconomic success in America.
To their surprise, Holton and Sonnert said that the group did not follow the usual model of assimilation, in which immigrants become familiar with the new country’s culture before achieving social and economic success.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By SALLY K. SCOPA, CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Harvard physics professor Gerald Holton and researcher Gerhard Sonnert discussed in a study group yesterday the assimilation of German refugee children and the factors that contributed to their socioeconomic success in America.
To their surprise, Holton and Sonnert said that the group did not follow the usual model of assimilation, in which immigrants become familiar with the new country’s culture before achieving social and economic success.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Urge Secretary Napolitano to Reunite Haitian Families
Go to this website and sign the letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano in support of humanitarian parole to allow the estimated 55,000 Haitians with approved family visa applications to join their relatives in the United States.
If they are already approved, they should come here.
http://www.capwiz.com/hias/issues/alert/?alertid=14727131&type=AN
If they are already approved, they should come here.
http://www.capwiz.com/hias/issues/alert/?alertid=14727131&type=AN
Renewing U.S. Commitment to Refugee Protection: The 30th Anniversary of the Refugee Act
Join policymakers and experts in U.S. refugee and asylum law to discuss how we can be a better safe haven for refugees. Georgetown University Law Center on 16 March. - - Donna Poisl
From Human Rights First
Featuring:
António Guterres, U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees
Eric Schwartz, Assistant Secretary of State for Population Refugees and Migration
Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-CA/16th)
Deborah Amos, Foreign Correspondent, National Public Radio
Read the full agenda (updated 2-21-10).
The 30th Anniversary of this landmark piece of legislation offers an occasion to highlight the United States achievements under the Refugee Act, honor the contributions refugees and their children have made to the diverse fabric of American society, and evaluate the ways in which policymakers can work together to overcome the current challenges in the U.S. refugee resettlement and asylum systems.
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From Human Rights First
Featuring:
António Guterres, U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees
Eric Schwartz, Assistant Secretary of State for Population Refugees and Migration
Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-CA/16th)
Deborah Amos, Foreign Correspondent, National Public Radio
Read the full agenda (updated 2-21-10).
The 30th Anniversary of this landmark piece of legislation offers an occasion to highlight the United States achievements under the Refugee Act, honor the contributions refugees and their children have made to the diverse fabric of American society, and evaluate the ways in which policymakers can work together to overcome the current challenges in the U.S. refugee resettlement and asylum systems.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Why Old People Should Love Immigrants
Young workers and especially the large number of young immigrants in the workforce are saving Medicare and Social Security. They pay into the system, and retirees are collecting that money now. We need these workers. - - Donna Poisl
By CATHERINE RAMPELL
Earlier today Casey B. Mulligan wrote about how the entry of more women into the work force has helped sustain the solvency of Social Security, which has been otherwise stressed by the size of the retiring baby boom generation and longer life expectancies.
But what happens now that the actual and relative size of entitlement-receiving elderly America continues to grow? Can we induce yet another untapped labor pool to enter the American job market and replenish their elders’ Social Security funding?
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By CATHERINE RAMPELL
Earlier today Casey B. Mulligan wrote about how the entry of more women into the work force has helped sustain the solvency of Social Security, which has been otherwise stressed by the size of the retiring baby boom generation and longer life expectancies.
But what happens now that the actual and relative size of entitlement-receiving elderly America continues to grow? Can we induce yet another untapped labor pool to enter the American job market and replenish their elders’ Social Security funding?
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Museum of Chinese in America Explores the Immigrant Life
Read this whole interview and learn the Chinese immigrant history in New York City and then visit this interesting new museum. - - Donna Poisl
Exhibits in New York show history and culture of Chinese-American communities.
from VOA Learning English
BOB DOUGHTY: I’m Bob Doughty.
FAITH LAPIDUS: And I’m Faith Lapidus with EXPLORATIONS in VOA Special English. Today we go to New York City to visit the Museum of Chinese in America. Last year, MOCA reopened in a new and much larger building in the city’s Chinatown neighborhood.
The museum’s exhibits teach visitors about the art, culture and history of Chinese-Americans. MOCA says its aim is to show both the many layers of their experience and America’s development as a nation of immigrants.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Exhibits in New York show history and culture of Chinese-American communities.
from VOA Learning English
BOB DOUGHTY: I’m Bob Doughty.
FAITH LAPIDUS: And I’m Faith Lapidus with EXPLORATIONS in VOA Special English. Today we go to New York City to visit the Museum of Chinese in America. Last year, MOCA reopened in a new and much larger building in the city’s Chinatown neighborhood.
The museum’s exhibits teach visitors about the art, culture and history of Chinese-Americans. MOCA says its aim is to show both the many layers of their experience and America’s development as a nation of immigrants.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
National Campaign seeks to return attention in U.S. Congress back to Immigration Reform
Check out this story for information about the march and to sign up for the bus trips to Washington DC in 2 weeks. - - Donna Poisl
Roughly 100,000 people are planned to rally in Washington, D.C. in March
By Ingrid Marie Rivera, La Prensa Correspondent
LORAIN: Latino and other leaders are uniting around the nation to turn the attention in U.S. Congress back to immigration reform after they say President Barack Obama has failed to address the issue in his first year in office as he had promised.
Through the national campaign, Reform Immigration For America, immigrant, labor, business and faith leaders around the country are hoping to recruit more than 100,000 people to rally in Washington, D.C., on March 21, 2010, in hopes of pressuring legislators to pass a comprehensive immigration reform bill this year.
For more information on the Washington, D.C. rally or to sign up for a bus, call (866) 877-5944 or visit the campaign's web site at http://wemarchforamerica.org
In español visit: http://marchaporamerica.org
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Roughly 100,000 people are planned to rally in Washington, D.C. in March
By Ingrid Marie Rivera, La Prensa Correspondent
LORAIN: Latino and other leaders are uniting around the nation to turn the attention in U.S. Congress back to immigration reform after they say President Barack Obama has failed to address the issue in his first year in office as he had promised.
Through the national campaign, Reform Immigration For America, immigrant, labor, business and faith leaders around the country are hoping to recruit more than 100,000 people to rally in Washington, D.C., on March 21, 2010, in hopes of pressuring legislators to pass a comprehensive immigration reform bill this year.
For more information on the Washington, D.C. rally or to sign up for a bus, call (866) 877-5944 or visit the campaign's web site at http://wemarchforamerica.org
In español visit: http://marchaporamerica.org
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Making a home far from home
These 100 Burmese refugees have jumped from 18th-century lives into the 21st century. Their children are learning English in school and the parents learn from them. - - Donna Poisl
Refugees from Myanmar add their traditions to Albany's ethnic mix
By PAUL GRONDAHL, Staff writer
ALBANY-- Steaming mugs of chai are brought out for visitors as the tangy scent of pumpkin leaves cooking in peanut oil waft from the kitchen in the back of a first-floor Grand Street flat.
The only sound is the creak of floorboards. There is no TV or telephone. These Karenni refugees from Myanmar -- formerly known as Burma -- can't afford them. Everyone walks barefoot on the shiny hardwood floors, a cultural choice rather than an economic one.
Three men step into the living room after shedding shoes and winter coats in an entryway. They have walked their children home from nearby Giffen Memorial Elementary School.
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Refugees from Myanmar add their traditions to Albany's ethnic mix
By PAUL GRONDAHL, Staff writer
ALBANY-- Steaming mugs of chai are brought out for visitors as the tangy scent of pumpkin leaves cooking in peanut oil waft from the kitchen in the back of a first-floor Grand Street flat.
The only sound is the creak of floorboards. There is no TV or telephone. These Karenni refugees from Myanmar -- formerly known as Burma -- can't afford them. Everyone walks barefoot on the shiny hardwood floors, a cultural choice rather than an economic one.
Three men step into the living room after shedding shoes and winter coats in an entryway. They have walked their children home from nearby Giffen Memorial Elementary School.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Health-care access to legal immigrant children advances
If kids are legal residents, they should be eligible for low income health care. They will be here all their lives and we want them healthy from the beginning. In the long run, this will save the country money. - - Donna Poisl
Sen. Chris Buttars provides critical vote
By María Villaseñor, The Salt Lake Tribune
With a key affirmative vote by Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, legislation that aims to remove a five-year waiting period for legal immigrant children to receive access to low-income health care was sent to the Senate floor.
Sen. Luz Robles, D-Salt Lake City, altered her SB44 to give it a starting date of July 1, 2012, noting this is a tough financial year to extend Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program services to the estimated 800 children who would become eligible. Last year, the federal government removed the five-year waiting period imposed on states, and 28 states have extended the low-income health benefits, Robles said.
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Sen. Chris Buttars provides critical vote
By María Villaseñor, The Salt Lake Tribune
With a key affirmative vote by Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, legislation that aims to remove a five-year waiting period for legal immigrant children to receive access to low-income health care was sent to the Senate floor.
Sen. Luz Robles, D-Salt Lake City, altered her SB44 to give it a starting date of July 1, 2012, noting this is a tough financial year to extend Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program services to the estimated 800 children who would become eligible. Last year, the federal government removed the five-year waiting period imposed on states, and 28 states have extended the low-income health benefits, Robles said.
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Deportations to tear apart S.F. family
What started as boys playing rough with each other, has ended with him, his mother and brother being deported. It seems that common sense is missing in some of these decisions. - - Donna Poisl
by Bob Egelko, Chronicle Staff Writer
SAN FRANCISCO -- Immigrants' rights advocates brought forth a family of five Monday to illustrate what they called the human consequences of San Francisco's deportation crackdown: a Muni driver, his Australian wife and three children soon to be separated because a 13-year-old boy punched a schoolmate and stole 46 cents.
"I feel like they've taken my right to have a family," Charles Washington, 42, said at a news conference in the San Francisco office of the Asian Law Caucus.
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by Bob Egelko, Chronicle Staff Writer
SAN FRANCISCO -- Immigrants' rights advocates brought forth a family of five Monday to illustrate what they called the human consequences of San Francisco's deportation crackdown: a Muni driver, his Australian wife and three children soon to be separated because a 13-year-old boy punched a schoolmate and stole 46 cents.
"I feel like they've taken my right to have a family," Charles Washington, 42, said at a news conference in the San Francisco office of the Asian Law Caucus.
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Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Pro-immigration forces gird for battle
These pro-reform groups are better prepared this year to fight the conservative activists who are against immigration reform. - - Donna Poisl
by Gary Martin - Express-News
WASHINGTON — A coalition of pro-immigration groups is preparing for a renewed congressional battle over reform legislation — and this time they have money to spend.
A reform bill was blocked in 2007 by Senate Republicans opposed to legalizing the status of the nation's roughly 11 million unauthorized immigrants. But those who want immigrants to be able to earn legal status or citizenship say they are better funded and more organized this time.
A reform bill has been filed in the House, and one is expected to be introduced in the Senate soon.
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by Gary Martin - Express-News
WASHINGTON — A coalition of pro-immigration groups is preparing for a renewed congressional battle over reform legislation — and this time they have money to spend.
A reform bill was blocked in 2007 by Senate Republicans opposed to legalizing the status of the nation's roughly 11 million unauthorized immigrants. But those who want immigrants to be able to earn legal status or citizenship say they are better funded and more organized this time.
A reform bill has been filed in the House, and one is expected to be introduced in the Senate soon.
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Bar Serves as Classroom for Immigrants Learning Job-Hunting Skills
This is an interesting and unusual way to teach job hunting skills to immigrants. But it is a valid way to do some networking and they should know how. - - Donna Poisl
By RACHEL GRAVES
Rosemary Agbonlahor had never gone to a bar, an outing reserved for men in her native Nigeria. Neither had Bigyan Khanal, a schoolteacher from Nepal, who said that drinking alcohol was rare in his homeland.
Their visit to the Irish pub Slainte on the Bowery last week was one step in their efforts to learn the different ways and places to conduct a job hunt in the United States. Ms. Agbonlahor, Mr. Khanal and immigrants from dozens of other developing countries are working with the nonprofit group Upwardly Global, which helps immigrant professionals find jobs in their own fields rather than driving taxis or washing dishes.
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By RACHEL GRAVES
Rosemary Agbonlahor had never gone to a bar, an outing reserved for men in her native Nigeria. Neither had Bigyan Khanal, a schoolteacher from Nepal, who said that drinking alcohol was rare in his homeland.
Their visit to the Irish pub Slainte on the Bowery last week was one step in their efforts to learn the different ways and places to conduct a job hunt in the United States. Ms. Agbonlahor, Mr. Khanal and immigrants from dozens of other developing countries are working with the nonprofit group Upwardly Global, which helps immigrant professionals find jobs in their own fields rather than driving taxis or washing dishes.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
L.A.'s Little Tokyo looks to save struggling newspaper
This newspaper has the story of the Japanese community in the city, it will be sad if it goes away. - - Donna Poisl
The Rafu Shimpo, a 'community treasure' that has covered the Japanese American experience for over a century, is facing declining readership. Community members have started a campaign to revive it.
By Teresa Watanabe
Mickey Komai opens one of the leather-bound books stored in his Little Tokyo office and delicately turns the yellowed pages filled with Japanese and English script. Here in the pages of the bilingual newspaper his family has run for most of a century is the tumultuous story of Japanese Americans in Southern California.
The Rafu Shimpo covered acts to ban Japanese from owning land, bringing over brides and eventually immigrating at all. "Why do people hate the Japanese?" the paper plaintively asked in one 1926 issue.
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The Rafu Shimpo, a 'community treasure' that has covered the Japanese American experience for over a century, is facing declining readership. Community members have started a campaign to revive it.
By Teresa Watanabe
Mickey Komai opens one of the leather-bound books stored in his Little Tokyo office and delicately turns the yellowed pages filled with Japanese and English script. Here in the pages of the bilingual newspaper his family has run for most of a century is the tumultuous story of Japanese Americans in Southern California.
The Rafu Shimpo covered acts to ban Japanese from owning land, bringing over brides and eventually immigrating at all. "Why do people hate the Japanese?" the paper plaintively asked in one 1926 issue.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Census focuses on immigrant count
Only 10 questions are on the Census form; easy questions. And it is the key to $400 billion in federal funding. - - Donna Poisl
By Judith McGinnis
Every person counts in the U.S. Census and in 2010, efforts are focused on gathering data from immigrant groups often reluctant to participate.
Whether it is because of a language barrier, legal status or a distrust of government agencies, organizers are determined to open doors once closed to census workers.
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By Judith McGinnis
Every person counts in the U.S. Census and in 2010, efforts are focused on gathering data from immigrant groups often reluctant to participate.
Whether it is because of a language barrier, legal status or a distrust of government agencies, organizers are determined to open doors once closed to census workers.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Immigrant parents learn new approach to raising niños
Immigrants must be taught that the ways they treated their children in their own country might get them in legal trouble here. This new class is teaching them American parenting skills. - - Donna Poisl
BY JOSEPH TREVIÑO, FOR THE YAKIMA HERALD-REPUBLIC
YAKIMA, Wash. -- To Alfredo Reyes, it's real simple: If you are an immigrant parent who spanks his kids, you could easily end up in trouble with the law.
That is one of the main reasons why the 44-year-old father of four wholeheartedly believes in "Los niños bien educados" (Very well-educated children), a parenting program designed for Latino immigrants.
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BY JOSEPH TREVIÑO, FOR THE YAKIMA HERALD-REPUBLIC
YAKIMA, Wash. -- To Alfredo Reyes, it's real simple: If you are an immigrant parent who spanks his kids, you could easily end up in trouble with the law.
That is one of the main reasons why the 44-year-old father of four wholeheartedly believes in "Los niños bien educados" (Very well-educated children), a parenting program designed for Latino immigrants.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Latino Democrats form immigration reform group
Maybe this new group will help push things along. - - Donna Poisl
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Frustrated by the lack of progress on immigration reform, area Latino Democrats are forming a new group to pressure the Obama Administration to take action on the issue.
Latino Democratic politicians and community activists who voted for President Barack Obama say he has failed to fulfill a campaign pledge to overhaul immigration laws.
"It's way overdue," said Gil Navarro, a member of the San Bernardino County board of education. "That was one of the promises the President gave us and we want to hold him accountable like any other public official."
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Frustrated by the lack of progress on immigration reform, area Latino Democrats are forming a new group to pressure the Obama Administration to take action on the issue.
Latino Democratic politicians and community activists who voted for President Barack Obama say he has failed to fulfill a campaign pledge to overhaul immigration laws.
"It's way overdue," said Gil Navarro, a member of the San Bernardino County board of education. "That was one of the promises the President gave us and we want to hold him accountable like any other public official."
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
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