This study explains that the surplus of immigrants here encourages businesses to hire them and then they do not send jobs offshore. There is no need to outsource if they can find workers here for the lower skilled jobs. - - Donna Poisl
By TYLER COWEN
IN the campaign season now drawing to a close, immigration and globalization have often been described as economic threats. The truth, however, is more complex.
Over all, it turns out that the continuing arrival of immigrants to American shores is encouraging business activity here, thereby producing more jobs, according to a new study. Its authors argue that the easier it is to find cheap immigrant labor at home, the less likely that production will relocate offshore.
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Sunday, October 31, 2010
Trail marker would tell story of immigrant laborers
This historian has researched the story of immigrant workers in the late 1800s and early 1900s in the Tacoma area and wants to make sure everyone can learn it too from a display he wants to build. - - Donna Poisl
John Dodge, Soundings
If Northwest historian and Tenino native Edward Echtle has his way, the Yelm to Tenino trail maintained by Thurston County will someday have a historical marker detailing the role inland lumber mills and their immigrant work forces played in South Sound economic life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Echtle is researching the history of the Perry Mill at McIntosh Lake, which sat about at Milepost 9 on the 14-mile trail built on the original Northern Pacific Railroad line that ran from Kalama to Tacoma.
His goal, which has the support of the Thurston County Historic Commission, is to develop an interpretative display along the trail at the old mill site, to explain the rise and decline of lumber mills built next to rail lines in Thurston County.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
John Dodge, Soundings
If Northwest historian and Tenino native Edward Echtle has his way, the Yelm to Tenino trail maintained by Thurston County will someday have a historical marker detailing the role inland lumber mills and their immigrant work forces played in South Sound economic life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Echtle is researching the history of the Perry Mill at McIntosh Lake, which sat about at Milepost 9 on the 14-mile trail built on the original Northern Pacific Railroad line that ran from Kalama to Tacoma.
His goal, which has the support of the Thurston County Historic Commission, is to develop an interpretative display along the trail at the old mill site, to explain the rise and decline of lumber mills built next to rail lines in Thurston County.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Immigrants Benefit as Economy Recovers
Immigrants are seeing the economic recovery now, partly because they are more flexible about the jobs and the wages they will accept. - - Donna Poisl
By MIRIAM JORDAN
For Gustavo Torres, head of an immigrant employment center near Washington, D.C., the uptick in the economy is measured by the surge in demand for his blue-collar workers, who hail mainly from Latin America and Africa.
"The recovery is working for our community," said Mr. Torres, executive director of Casa de Maryland, which boasts five job centers in the state. "It's unbelievable how many jobs are becoming available."
In the year that ended June 2010, Casa placed 19,000 immigrants in jobs, compared with 16,000 in the year-earlier period.
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By MIRIAM JORDAN
For Gustavo Torres, head of an immigrant employment center near Washington, D.C., the uptick in the economy is measured by the surge in demand for his blue-collar workers, who hail mainly from Latin America and Africa.
"The recovery is working for our community," said Mr. Torres, executive director of Casa de Maryland, which boasts five job centers in the state. "It's unbelievable how many jobs are becoming available."
In the year that ended June 2010, Casa placed 19,000 immigrants in jobs, compared with 16,000 in the year-earlier period.
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Hispanics divided on illegal immigration
Hispanics are split on their opinion of people here illegally. - - Donna Poisl
BY ALAN GOMEZ
Hispanics are growing more divided about how they view illegal immigration, and native-born Hispanics aren't as convinced of the contributions of illegal immigrants as they used to be, according to a study released Thursday.
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BY ALAN GOMEZ
Hispanics are growing more divided about how they view illegal immigration, and native-born Hispanics aren't as convinced of the contributions of illegal immigrants as they used to be, according to a study released Thursday.
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ESL groups on campus unify to create tutoring program
This new program organized by a group of university students is a good model for other communities. More volunteers, teachers and classes are needed. - - Donna Poisl
BY BRIA EULITT, Collegian Staff
During the summer, a core group of about eight University of Richmond Bonner Scholars came together in order to establish one cohesive English as a Second Language program where students at Richmond could help teach English to members of the community who want to assimilate into society.
The idea was presented to the group of students by Kelly Behrend, a 2010 graduate, who thought this would be a great project for the Bonners to undertake.
In the beginning, the idea was to unify the three main English as a Second Language, or ESL, groups that were organized by Richmond students.
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BY BRIA EULITT, Collegian Staff
During the summer, a core group of about eight University of Richmond Bonner Scholars came together in order to establish one cohesive English as a Second Language program where students at Richmond could help teach English to members of the community who want to assimilate into society.
The idea was presented to the group of students by Kelly Behrend, a 2010 graduate, who thought this would be a great project for the Bonners to undertake.
In the beginning, the idea was to unify the three main English as a Second Language, or ESL, groups that were organized by Richmond students.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
The Hispanic Vote In The Upcoming 2010 Elections
This Pew report analyzed the Hispanic vote in the 2002 and 2006 midterm elections and will be able to compare to the one this week. - - Donna Poisl
by Steven A. Camarota and Ashley Monique Webster
Some commentators have argued that the failure of Congress to pass "comprehensive immigration reform," coupled with Arizona’s new enforcement efforts, will increase Hispanic turnout in the upcoming midterm elections. More recently, others have argued that these same issues will dampen Hispanic turnout.
This Memorandum provides a means for evaluating these arguments by examining the Hispanic voting trends in past midterm elections and projecting what their turnout might be next week based on data from the Census Bureau. Once the election is over, the extent to which Hispanic turnout follows or deviates from past patterns can be used to evaluate if this was an unusual election with regard to Hispanics.
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by Steven A. Camarota and Ashley Monique Webster
Some commentators have argued that the failure of Congress to pass "comprehensive immigration reform," coupled with Arizona’s new enforcement efforts, will increase Hispanic turnout in the upcoming midterm elections. More recently, others have argued that these same issues will dampen Hispanic turnout.
This Memorandum provides a means for evaluating these arguments by examining the Hispanic voting trends in past midterm elections and projecting what their turnout might be next week based on data from the Census Bureau. Once the election is over, the extent to which Hispanic turnout follows or deviates from past patterns can be used to evaluate if this was an unusual election with regard to Hispanics.
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For Koreans, the Issue Is Assimilation, Not Immigration
A new book about Korean-Americans and immigration and assimilation. - - Donna Poisl
Expert Describes How Koreans Struggle to Reconcile Being Americans While Maintaining Their Heritage
by Russ Handler
ENGLEWOOD, NJ--(Marketwire - October 27, 2010) - TaeHun Kim is an American, through and through.
A successful executive and attorney with a good education, he lives the American Dream every day, but he also knows that there is another side to being Korean-American, in which it is very difficult to claim complete assimilation into American life.
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Expert Describes How Koreans Struggle to Reconcile Being Americans While Maintaining Their Heritage
by Russ Handler
ENGLEWOOD, NJ--(Marketwire - October 27, 2010) - TaeHun Kim is an American, through and through.
A successful executive and attorney with a good education, he lives the American Dream every day, but he also knows that there is another side to being Korean-American, in which it is very difficult to claim complete assimilation into American life.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
THIS WEEK IN IMMIGRATION
Click the headline to read stories from this week from the Immigration Policy Center.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Int'l students learn American culture through program
This university class is teaching international students about American culture, that sounds like a fascinating class. When we have a country built by so many cultures, it must be hard to identify American culture. - - Donna Poisl
By CHELSEE NIEBERGALL
The Intensive English Language Institute (IELI) is an academic second-language program for international graduate and undergraduate students who are attending Utah State University.
"We teach English as a second language to international students, study abroad students, and sometimes immigrants," said Ann Roemer, associate professor and director of IELI.
IELI is a program within the colleges of Humanities and Social Sciences and is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By CHELSEE NIEBERGALL
The Intensive English Language Institute (IELI) is an academic second-language program for international graduate and undergraduate students who are attending Utah State University.
"We teach English as a second language to international students, study abroad students, and sometimes immigrants," said Ann Roemer, associate professor and director of IELI.
IELI is a program within the colleges of Humanities and Social Sciences and is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Louisville native's film changes the face of immigration
This movie gives personal stories about immigration. Maybe viewers will have a better understanding of what immigrants go through to come here and stay. - - Donna Poisl
BY KATYA CENGEL
We hear about it on the news all the time: illegal immigration; problems on the border.
But Louisville native Roy Germano wants us to see it from a different angle. In his documentary, “The Other Side of Immigration,” available today on DVD, Germano travels to Mexico to examine the issues driving illegal border crossings.
There is nothing particularly groundbreaking in the documentary, the economic incentives for emigration are well-documented, but understanding the role that U.S. policy has played in that reality, and hearing the stories of those left behind, provides a new perspective.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
BY KATYA CENGEL
We hear about it on the news all the time: illegal immigration; problems on the border.
But Louisville native Roy Germano wants us to see it from a different angle. In his documentary, “The Other Side of Immigration,” available today on DVD, Germano travels to Mexico to examine the issues driving illegal border crossings.
There is nothing particularly groundbreaking in the documentary, the economic incentives for emigration are well-documented, but understanding the role that U.S. policy has played in that reality, and hearing the stories of those left behind, provides a new perspective.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Immigrant Soldiers Serve Country, Still Face Deportation
Even though these people are accused of crimes, they should go through the legal system, not be deported to countries some of them left as small children. - - Donna Poisl
by Julianne Hing
It jars the mind: immigrants who put their lives on the line, served in wars from Korea to Kosovo, and are being rewarded for their service by being deported from the United States. How can it be? And yet, many are.
The AP’s Juliana Barbassa reports that an estimated 4,000 immigrant veterans are facing deportation or have already been deported because of criminal convictions. Barbassa profiles Rohan Coombs, a 43-year-old Jamaican-born U.S. Marine who fell on hard times after he came back from serving in the Persian Gulf in the first Iraq war. Coombs was convicted of selling pot to an undercover cop in 2008, when he was working as a bouncer outside a club. He’s facing deportation now to a country he left when he was a child.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by Julianne Hing
It jars the mind: immigrants who put their lives on the line, served in wars from Korea to Kosovo, and are being rewarded for their service by being deported from the United States. How can it be? And yet, many are.
The AP’s Juliana Barbassa reports that an estimated 4,000 immigrant veterans are facing deportation or have already been deported because of criminal convictions. Barbassa profiles Rohan Coombs, a 43-year-old Jamaican-born U.S. Marine who fell on hard times after he came back from serving in the Persian Gulf in the first Iraq war. Coombs was convicted of selling pot to an undercover cop in 2008, when he was working as a bouncer outside a club. He’s facing deportation now to a country he left when he was a child.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Obama defends immigration efforts to Hispanic audience
Immigration reform has not been enacted and Hispanics are very upset. But the only chance they have in the next two years is to vote for the people who will work on it. - - Donna Poisl
Posted by David Jackson
When President Obama sat down last week with Hispanic radio host Eddie "Piolin" Sotelo in Los Angeles, the interviewer gave him a choice of four topics: a) immigration reform; b) immigration reform; c) immigration reform; or d) all of the above.
Obama took the "all of the above" option, and spent most of the interview defending his efforts to seek a "comprehensive" immigration bill that would combine tougher border enforcement with a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants who are already here.
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Posted by David Jackson
When President Obama sat down last week with Hispanic radio host Eddie "Piolin" Sotelo in Los Angeles, the interviewer gave him a choice of four topics: a) immigration reform; b) immigration reform; c) immigration reform; or d) all of the above.
Obama took the "all of the above" option, and spent most of the interview defending his efforts to seek a "comprehensive" immigration bill that would combine tougher border enforcement with a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants who are already here.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Islam in America will survive current turmoil, author says
This author writes about Islam and says that the time will come when it is accepted here, just like all the other religions that have finally blended in. - - Donna Poisl
By Ben Fulton, The Salt Lake Tribune
United States history is rife with examples of religious bigotry the nation later outgrew after decades of assimilation with Catholics, Mormons and Jews, said visiting scholar Reza Aslan.
Islam will in time surmount the same obstacles, he said. But the politicized rhetoric against all things Islam means the stakes are much higher this time in the fight against divisiveness and for the American dream.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Ben Fulton, The Salt Lake Tribune
United States history is rife with examples of religious bigotry the nation later outgrew after decades of assimilation with Catholics, Mormons and Jews, said visiting scholar Reza Aslan.
Islam will in time surmount the same obstacles, he said. But the politicized rhetoric against all things Islam means the stakes are much higher this time in the fight against divisiveness and for the American dream.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
The Hispanic Vote in Next Week's Election: Judge Turnout
PRESS RELEASE
The Hispanic Vote in Next Week's Election
A Baseline to Judge Turnout on Nov. 2
WASHINGTON, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Some commentators have argued that Hispanic turnout in the upcoming mid-term elections will be higher than usual, while others have argued that it will be lower. A new report from the Center for Immigration examines these claims and provides a means for evaluating them, based on data collected by the Census Bureau.
"The Hispanic Vote in the Upcoming 2010 Elections" is at http://cis.org/hispanic-vote-pre-2010.
Among the findings:
On average 31.8 percent of Hispanic citizens (18+) voted in the 2002 and 2006 midterm elections, compared to 48 percent of non-Hispanic whites and 42 percent of non-Hispanic blacks.
The extent to which Hispanics differ from the historical average (31.8% +/- 1.7), will be an indication of how energized they were in 2010.
Polling of Hispanic voters indicates that immigration is not one of their most important issues.
Only 28.2 percent of Hispanic voters in the 2008 election were immigrants themselves. Moreover, just 14.3 percent of Hispanic voters in 2008 lived in the same household as a non-citizen.
The lack of direct personal experience with immigration may explain why the issue does not rank higher in importance to Hispanic voters.
Based on past patterns, we project that Hispanics will comprise 6.8 percent of the electorate in November 2010. This is a reduction from 7.4 percent in the 2008 presidential election, but is an increase from 5.8 percent in the last off-year election in 2006.
The Hispanic share of the overall vote in 2010 is a more indirect measure of their enthusiasm because it partly depends on turnout among other groups. If Hispanic participation is average, but participation among non-Hispanic is above average, then the Hispanic share of the vote will be smaller even though their turn out was not unusually low.
We project that Hispanics in Nov 2010 will comprise 14 percent of the total adult (18+) population and 9.3 percent of the adult citizen population.
Hispanics comprise a much smaller percentage of voters than they do of the overall adult population because a large share (37.7 percent) of adult Hispanics is not citizens. Also Hispanic citizens register and vote at somewhat lower rates than other groups.
Methods and Data.
The data for this analysis comes from the Voting and Registration Supplement of the Current Population Survey (CPS) collected by Census Bureau, which contains about 100,000 adults. The Voting and Registration supplement is conducted in November every other year after Election Day.
The Center for Immigration Studies is an independent, non-partisan research institution that examines the impact of immigration on the United States.
Contact: Steven Camarota of Center for Immigration Studies,
(202) 466-8185, sac@cis.org
The Hispanic Vote in Next Week's Election
A Baseline to Judge Turnout on Nov. 2
WASHINGTON, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Some commentators have argued that Hispanic turnout in the upcoming mid-term elections will be higher than usual, while others have argued that it will be lower. A new report from the Center for Immigration examines these claims and provides a means for evaluating them, based on data collected by the Census Bureau.
"The Hispanic Vote in the Upcoming 2010 Elections" is at http://cis.org/hispanic-vote-pre-2010.
Among the findings:
On average 31.8 percent of Hispanic citizens (18+) voted in the 2002 and 2006 midterm elections, compared to 48 percent of non-Hispanic whites and 42 percent of non-Hispanic blacks.
The extent to which Hispanics differ from the historical average (31.8% +/- 1.7), will be an indication of how energized they were in 2010.
Polling of Hispanic voters indicates that immigration is not one of their most important issues.
Only 28.2 percent of Hispanic voters in the 2008 election were immigrants themselves. Moreover, just 14.3 percent of Hispanic voters in 2008 lived in the same household as a non-citizen.
The lack of direct personal experience with immigration may explain why the issue does not rank higher in importance to Hispanic voters.
Based on past patterns, we project that Hispanics will comprise 6.8 percent of the electorate in November 2010. This is a reduction from 7.4 percent in the 2008 presidential election, but is an increase from 5.8 percent in the last off-year election in 2006.
The Hispanic share of the overall vote in 2010 is a more indirect measure of their enthusiasm because it partly depends on turnout among other groups. If Hispanic participation is average, but participation among non-Hispanic is above average, then the Hispanic share of the vote will be smaller even though their turn out was not unusually low.
We project that Hispanics in Nov 2010 will comprise 14 percent of the total adult (18+) population and 9.3 percent of the adult citizen population.
Hispanics comprise a much smaller percentage of voters than they do of the overall adult population because a large share (37.7 percent) of adult Hispanics is not citizens. Also Hispanic citizens register and vote at somewhat lower rates than other groups.
Methods and Data.
The data for this analysis comes from the Voting and Registration Supplement of the Current Population Survey (CPS) collected by Census Bureau, which contains about 100,000 adults. The Voting and Registration supplement is conducted in November every other year after Election Day.
The Center for Immigration Studies is an independent, non-partisan research institution that examines the impact of immigration on the United States.
Contact: Steven Camarota of Center for Immigration Studies,
(202) 466-8185, sac@cis.org
Vote next week to give immigration reform a chance
from Marissa Graciosa, Reform Immigration FOR America
What's your plan?
We're 1 week away!
We asked you why voting matters to you.
You’ve told us great stories from all across the country. People everywhere are excited about making their voices heard and standing up for their communities.
"This allows me to give a voice to the voiceless and be the change I want to see!" – Cyndi in Grand Rapids, MI
"I care about voting because I care about immigration reform and I want elected officials who share my dream!" – Jennifer in Napa, CA
Your reasons for voting are inspiring. Your voice matters. Watch our video and then tell us about your Election Day plans.
What time are you going to vote? How are you getting to the polls? Will you bring a friend with you? Watch our video & make your plan for this Election Day, and we’ll help you stick to it.
Your power is going to make a difference this November 2nd. Stand up for what's right.
Click on the headline to watch the video and make your plan.
What's your plan?
We're 1 week away!
We asked you why voting matters to you.
You’ve told us great stories from all across the country. People everywhere are excited about making their voices heard and standing up for their communities.
"This allows me to give a voice to the voiceless and be the change I want to see!" – Cyndi in Grand Rapids, MI
"I care about voting because I care about immigration reform and I want elected officials who share my dream!" – Jennifer in Napa, CA
Your reasons for voting are inspiring. Your voice matters. Watch our video and then tell us about your Election Day plans.
What time are you going to vote? How are you getting to the polls? Will you bring a friend with you? Watch our video & make your plan for this Election Day, and we’ll help you stick to it.
Your power is going to make a difference this November 2nd. Stand up for what's right.
Click on the headline to watch the video and make your plan.
New Year's Resolution Campaign for Immigration Reform
Join members of the Interfaith Immigration Coalition as they make a New Year’s Resolution to stand with immigrants, mobilize all faith communities, and call on Congress to make it their New Year’s Resolution to enact immigration reform in 2011.
Click on the headline above to go to their site and get all the details.
Click on the headline above to go to their site and get all the details.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Californians hold positive views of immigrants; most oppose deportation
Voters are split in their views of illegal immigrants, but a majority opposes deporting them. - - Donna Poisl
By Cathleen Decker, Los Angeles Times
Repeated clashes over illegal immigration have marked the state's political races for years, but a new Los Angeles Times/USC poll found that voters hold positive views about immigrants overall and favor accommodating illegal immigrants who have held down jobs in the state.
Asked whether immigrants represented a benefit or a burden to the state, 48% of voters likely to cast ballots in November said they were a benefit, and 36% said they strongly held that view. Only 32% said immigrants overall were a burden to California because of their impact on public services, and only 22% felt that way strongly.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Cathleen Decker, Los Angeles Times
Repeated clashes over illegal immigration have marked the state's political races for years, but a new Los Angeles Times/USC poll found that voters hold positive views about immigrants overall and favor accommodating illegal immigrants who have held down jobs in the state.
Asked whether immigrants represented a benefit or a burden to the state, 48% of voters likely to cast ballots in November said they were a benefit, and 36% said they strongly held that view. Only 32% said immigrants overall were a burden to California because of their impact on public services, and only 22% felt that way strongly.
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Mexican immigrants see signs of recovery in U.S.
Mexicans who went back to Mexico when our economy got so bad are feeling hopeful and planning to return. - - Donna Poisl
BY DAVID OLSON
With signs of economic recovery growing, some Mexican immigrants who left California for their homelands after losing their jobs are returning to the United States, Mexican officials and immigrant-assistance groups say.
U.S. unemployment is still high, but hope is rising, said Jose Mendoza Morfin, municipal president of Cotija, Mexico, the hometown of an estimated 2,000 California immigrants.
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BY DAVID OLSON
With signs of economic recovery growing, some Mexican immigrants who left California for their homelands after losing their jobs are returning to the United States, Mexican officials and immigrant-assistance groups say.
U.S. unemployment is still high, but hope is rising, said Jose Mendoza Morfin, municipal president of Cotija, Mexico, the hometown of an estimated 2,000 California immigrants.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Tri-City citizenship program loses funds
Because of general budget cuts, some very important programs for refugees and immigrants are being cut. - - Donna Poisl
BY MICHELLE DUPLER, HERALD STAFF WRITER
PASCO — The people Scott Michael of World Relief greets at the Tri-Cities Airport come here hoping to rebuild their lives after being devastated by war or persecution.
Some have been disabled by torture, by roadside bombs, by poverty.
Some are seniors who want to live their remaining years in peace and freedom.
It gratifies Michael to help them find a home, to give them a basket of clothes and food and household goods to start their new lives, to place them in jobs, to teach them English and eventually to help submit the paperwork to make them American citizens.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
BY MICHELLE DUPLER, HERALD STAFF WRITER
PASCO — The people Scott Michael of World Relief greets at the Tri-Cities Airport come here hoping to rebuild their lives after being devastated by war or persecution.
Some have been disabled by torture, by roadside bombs, by poverty.
Some are seniors who want to live their remaining years in peace and freedom.
It gratifies Michael to help them find a home, to give them a basket of clothes and food and household goods to start their new lives, to place them in jobs, to teach them English and eventually to help submit the paperwork to make them American citizens.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
How Involved Should Undocumented Immigrants Be in Elections?
I hope undocumented immigrants will work in the campaigns, they pay taxes and have a stake in the outcome. They will certainly be voters when they become citizens. - - Donna Poisl
By ELISE FOLEY
There are about 11 million illegal immigrants in the United States, many of whom have children in public schools and pay property and sales taxes. They can’t vote in federal elections or in most municipal elections, but they can volunteer for campaigns and canvass for causes they support.
The Washington Post has an article today on efforts by OneAmerica Votes, an arm of the large immigrant rights organization OneAmerica, to get immigrants involved in the election. Non-citizens — both undocumented immigrants and legal residents — are canvassing for Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) in support of comprehensive immigration reform.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By ELISE FOLEY
There are about 11 million illegal immigrants in the United States, many of whom have children in public schools and pay property and sales taxes. They can’t vote in federal elections or in most municipal elections, but they can volunteer for campaigns and canvass for causes they support.
The Washington Post has an article today on efforts by OneAmerica Votes, an arm of the large immigrant rights organization OneAmerica, to get immigrants involved in the election. Non-citizens — both undocumented immigrants and legal residents — are canvassing for Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) in support of comprehensive immigration reform.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Grant funds projects for minorities
This grant has been awarded to three groups that will use it to help minority workers and small business people. - - Donna Poisl
By Trey Mewes
Three community groups will receive part of $15,000 in funding to help immigrant workers and entrepreneurs of color. Not all of the three projects were originally supposed to, however.
At Wednesday night’s Community Growth Initiative meeting, only two of the three projects presented their cases as to how they would help local immigrant workers and entrepreneurs of color. A third project was created seemingly on the spot.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Trey Mewes
Three community groups will receive part of $15,000 in funding to help immigrant workers and entrepreneurs of color. Not all of the three projects were originally supposed to, however.
At Wednesday night’s Community Growth Initiative meeting, only two of the three projects presented their cases as to how they would help local immigrant workers and entrepreneurs of color. A third project was created seemingly on the spot.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
How to choose a good English language course
The report on this site lists all the things a good English language course should offer. It is a good checklist for anyone to use. - - Donna Poisl
The importance of English training courses cannot be emphasized on enough. We all know that as a universally accepted language, immigrants can raise their earnings by well over 20% if they can speak English well. And to cater to this vast market, English training courses are springing up all over the world. Online English language courses are also fast becoming a popular option.
With so many options available online, it is important to separate good English training courses from the mediocre ones.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
The importance of English training courses cannot be emphasized on enough. We all know that as a universally accepted language, immigrants can raise their earnings by well over 20% if they can speak English well. And to cater to this vast market, English training courses are springing up all over the world. Online English language courses are also fast becoming a popular option.
With so many options available online, it is important to separate good English training courses from the mediocre ones.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Hispanic Winemakers Finding Success
from Fatima Lopez, Development Director, National Immigration Forum
Reynaldo Robledo was 16 years old when he arrived from his small hometown in the mountains of Mexico to work for $1.10 an hour in the vineyards of Northern California.
Now 59, Reynaldo is among a handful of Latinos who have built their own wineries and are catering in part to Hispanic wine drinkers interested in quality and a connection to their heritage.
Do you know someone who is living their American Dream? Visit KeepersoftheAmericanDream.org and dedicate a square to them!
Many immigrants dream of owning land, but property in wine country doesn't come cheap. Reynaldo worked on other people's land for decades. He eventually started a vineyard management company with his children and they saved enough to buy 14 acres of Pinot Noir.
In 1997 – with nine children and almost 30 years after he came to the U.S. – Reynaldo sold his first bottle of wine under his label. Today, the Robledo Family Winery produces their own estate wines from 300 acres of land.
Reynaldo Robledo was 16 years old when he arrived from his small hometown in the mountains of Mexico to work for $1.10 an hour in the vineyards of Northern California.
Now 59, Reynaldo is among a handful of Latinos who have built their own wineries and are catering in part to Hispanic wine drinkers interested in quality and a connection to their heritage.
Do you know someone who is living their American Dream? Visit KeepersoftheAmericanDream.org and dedicate a square to them!
Many immigrants dream of owning land, but property in wine country doesn't come cheap. Reynaldo worked on other people's land for decades. He eventually started a vineyard management company with his children and they saved enough to buy 14 acres of Pinot Noir.
In 1997 – with nine children and almost 30 years after he came to the U.S. – Reynaldo sold his first bottle of wine under his label. Today, the Robledo Family Winery produces their own estate wines from 300 acres of land.
Panelists weigh in on 'DREAM' immigration reform act
This panel discussed the DREAM Act and that the students and the military are the main beneficiaries if it is passed. - - Donna Poisl
by Stephanie Lin
Panelists gathered at NYU Wagner last night to examine and analyze the implications of the DREAM Act, a piece of proposed immigration legislation.
If passed, the DREAM Act, which stands for Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, would put undocumented students on the path to legalization in the U.S. through the path of academic or military education.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by Stephanie Lin
Panelists gathered at NYU Wagner last night to examine and analyze the implications of the DREAM Act, a piece of proposed immigration legislation.
If passed, the DREAM Act, which stands for Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, would put undocumented students on the path to legalization in the U.S. through the path of academic or military education.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Broadcasts for high school students getting ready for college
LatinoGraduate.net Global Broadcasting will begin offering a new national educational 60-minute program
"LIVE Thursday Night College Bound Show"
Each "LIVE Thursday Night College Bound Show" will provide the opportunity for high school students, throughout the nation, to view the program, via Internet, and to talk directly with nationally recognized college representatives to discuss the following topics:
-The College Admission Process
-Understanding and Increasing the Financial Aid Package
-Highlighting the Importance of Graduation and Attending College
-How to Become a Top Academic Performer
Students and global virtual viewers will log on to http://www.livestream.com/lsacnational to view and post their questions.
For information on the upcoming show and to become a show guest and sponsor contact:
Armando Sanchez
Exec. Dir. & Producer
LatinoGraduate.net Global Broadcasting
LSACNational@hotmail.com
"LIVE Thursday Night College Bound Show"
Each "LIVE Thursday Night College Bound Show" will provide the opportunity for high school students, throughout the nation, to view the program, via Internet, and to talk directly with nationally recognized college representatives to discuss the following topics:
-The College Admission Process
-Understanding and Increasing the Financial Aid Package
-Highlighting the Importance of Graduation and Attending College
-How to Become a Top Academic Performer
Students and global virtual viewers will log on to http://www.livestream.com/lsacnational to view and post their questions.
For information on the upcoming show and to become a show guest and sponsor contact:
Armando Sanchez
Exec. Dir. & Producer
LatinoGraduate.net Global Broadcasting
LSACNational@hotmail.com
Voter Protection Basics Webinar Friday
Voter Protection Basics
Presented by the NALEO Educational Fund and the Lawyer's Committee
Friday, October 29th
11:00am PST / 1:00pm EST
The NALEO Educational Fund in partnership with Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, invite you to join us for a free webinar on how to protect your right to vote in the November elections.
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and the NALEO Educational Fund training will focus on the phases of election protection, an overview of relevant federal laws, potential issues, assistance at the polls, voter intimidation, and provide an outline of at the Election Day program and resources from the Election Protection Coalition and ya es hora ¡VE Y VOTA! to insure that no eligible voter is denied the right to participate and cast a vote.
Register Now! at https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/schedule/display.do?udc=h066nxgjq39m
or click on the headline above.
Presented by the NALEO Educational Fund and the Lawyer's Committee
Friday, October 29th
11:00am PST / 1:00pm EST
The NALEO Educational Fund in partnership with Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, invite you to join us for a free webinar on how to protect your right to vote in the November elections.
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and the NALEO Educational Fund training will focus on the phases of election protection, an overview of relevant federal laws, potential issues, assistance at the polls, voter intimidation, and provide an outline of at the Election Day program and resources from the Election Protection Coalition and ya es hora ¡VE Y VOTA! to insure that no eligible voter is denied the right to participate and cast a vote.
Register Now! at https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/schedule/display.do?udc=h066nxgjq39m
or click on the headline above.
LULAC Condemns Latino Voter Suppression Efforts in November
PRESS RELEASE
Cynical Ads Aims to Dupe Latinos into not Voting in Crucial Races
WASHINGTON, Oct. 20 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- A cynical ad funded by the conservative group Latinos for Reform is running a new Spanish language ad in Nevada, California and other states encouraging Latinos not to vote in the upcoming elections. LULAC and other Latino organizations are outraged over these ads and applaud Univision for declining to run the ad.
"This is overt voter suppression, and it's ugly," said LULAC National President Margaret Moran. "It is precisely because of this latest voter suppression tactic that Latino voters should vote."
According to a Univision spokesperson, "Univision will not be running any spots from Latinos for Reform related to voting. It is also important to clarify that while Mr. Robert de Posada has on occasion provided political commentary on Univision, representing one of various points of views, he is not in any way affiliated with Univision. Univision prides itself on promoting civic engagement and our extensive national campaigns encourage Hispanics to vote."
Outside groups also aired immigration ads targeting the Presidential contest, and their tone was overwhelmingly negative. Outside organizations—National Rifle Association, National Republican Trust PAC, and Latinos for Reform—sponsored a total of four ads on immigration in the Presidential race. Each of these ads attacked Obama on the issue—three from a harsh, anti-immigration position. FactCheck.org called the NRA and Latinos for Reform ads "false" and "misleading," and said that the National Republican Trust PAC ad on driver's licenses was "one of the sleaziest false TV ads of the campaign."
LULAC applauds Univision for taking a clear stance and choosing not to run the ad from Latinos for Reform. We will continue to fight against these blatant attacks against Latinos throughout the Election cycle. We cannot allow negative perceptions of our community to dominate the media. We must fight to make sure our community will be active on Election Day.
LULAC launched its 2010 Our Voice, Our Choice to ensure that Latinos are engaged in the midterm elections. The main priority of our campaign is to make sure that Latinos are registered, educated, and protected voters.
The campaign reached across 22 states and registered 12,000 voters. We cannot stop there. We must ensure that Latinos vote in every state. Our LULAC councils are continuing to ensure that Latinos get out to vote in 2010. We must ensure that Latinos are out in record numbers on Election Day. The voices of Latinos across the U.S. must be heard, not silenced.
The League of United Latin American Citizens, the largest and oldest Hispanic membership organization in the country, advances the economic conditions, educational attainment, political influence, housing, health and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating through 880 LULAC councils nationwide.
SOURCE League of United Latin American Citizens
CONTACT: Lizette Jenness Olmos of League of United Latin American Citizens, cell:+1-202-365-4553
Cynical Ads Aims to Dupe Latinos into not Voting in Crucial Races
WASHINGTON, Oct. 20 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- A cynical ad funded by the conservative group Latinos for Reform is running a new Spanish language ad in Nevada, California and other states encouraging Latinos not to vote in the upcoming elections. LULAC and other Latino organizations are outraged over these ads and applaud Univision for declining to run the ad.
"This is overt voter suppression, and it's ugly," said LULAC National President Margaret Moran. "It is precisely because of this latest voter suppression tactic that Latino voters should vote."
According to a Univision spokesperson, "Univision will not be running any spots from Latinos for Reform related to voting. It is also important to clarify that while Mr. Robert de Posada has on occasion provided political commentary on Univision, representing one of various points of views, he is not in any way affiliated with Univision. Univision prides itself on promoting civic engagement and our extensive national campaigns encourage Hispanics to vote."
Outside groups also aired immigration ads targeting the Presidential contest, and their tone was overwhelmingly negative. Outside organizations—National Rifle Association, National Republican Trust PAC, and Latinos for Reform—sponsored a total of four ads on immigration in the Presidential race. Each of these ads attacked Obama on the issue—three from a harsh, anti-immigration position. FactCheck.org called the NRA and Latinos for Reform ads "false" and "misleading," and said that the National Republican Trust PAC ad on driver's licenses was "one of the sleaziest false TV ads of the campaign."
LULAC applauds Univision for taking a clear stance and choosing not to run the ad from Latinos for Reform. We will continue to fight against these blatant attacks against Latinos throughout the Election cycle. We cannot allow negative perceptions of our community to dominate the media. We must fight to make sure our community will be active on Election Day.
LULAC launched its 2010 Our Voice, Our Choice to ensure that Latinos are engaged in the midterm elections. The main priority of our campaign is to make sure that Latinos are registered, educated, and protected voters.
The campaign reached across 22 states and registered 12,000 voters. We cannot stop there. We must ensure that Latinos vote in every state. Our LULAC councils are continuing to ensure that Latinos get out to vote in 2010. We must ensure that Latinos are out in record numbers on Election Day. The voices of Latinos across the U.S. must be heard, not silenced.
The League of United Latin American Citizens, the largest and oldest Hispanic membership organization in the country, advances the economic conditions, educational attainment, political influence, housing, health and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating through 880 LULAC councils nationwide.
SOURCE League of United Latin American Citizens
CONTACT: Lizette Jenness Olmos of League of United Latin American Citizens, cell:+1-202-365-4553
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Immigrants fear deportation program so much that some fail to report fires, other deadly instances
This has been proved all over the country. It not only endangers the immigrants but could hurt all their neighbors too. - - Donna Poisl
BY ERICA PEARSON, DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
Angela Fernandez is well-aware of how afraid some immigrants are of New York City authorities - and the danger that puts everyone in.
Still, she was shocked when a Queens woman told her she put out a blaze in her kitchen on her own.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
BY ERICA PEARSON, DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
Angela Fernandez is well-aware of how afraid some immigrants are of New York City authorities - and the danger that puts everyone in.
Still, she was shocked when a Queens woman told her she put out a blaze in her kitchen on her own.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Obama to Renew Hispanic Education Initiative
These students need a good education; this country needs well educated adults in the workforce. A poor education keeps them in poverty and does not help anyone else either. - - Donna Poisl
by Kathleen McGrory
President Barack Obama on Tuesday will renew a major initiative aimed at boosting academic achievement among Hispanic students.
The news delighted South Florida educators, who said local students would reap the benefits of a national dialogue on education and the Hispanic community.
"It's an idea whose time has come," said Miami-Dade schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, who will travel to the White House Tuesday to help launch the initiative. "The face of America has changed. It's time for a new national policy that addresses the needs of the fastest-growing population of students in the country."
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by Kathleen McGrory
President Barack Obama on Tuesday will renew a major initiative aimed at boosting academic achievement among Hispanic students.
The news delighted South Florida educators, who said local students would reap the benefits of a national dialogue on education and the Hispanic community.
"It's an idea whose time has come," said Miami-Dade schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, who will travel to the White House Tuesday to help launch the initiative. "The face of America has changed. It's time for a new national policy that addresses the needs of the fastest-growing population of students in the country."
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
GIVING FACTS A FIGHTING CHANCE
Click the headline to read the Immigration Policy Center report called "Giving Facts a Fighting Chance: Answers to the Toughest Immigration Questions."
These 24 pages will answer any questions you might have and disprove some myths.
These 24 pages will answer any questions you might have and disprove some myths.
Report: “The Power of the Latino Vote in America”
Go to this site and read and/or download the report showing how important these immigrants are to this election. This explains the TV ad in Nevada telling immigrants NOT to vote. - - Donna Poisl
Published by: America's Voice
Latino Voter Trends in Recent Election Cycles
Over the past decade, Latino voters have increased their political power and made a decisive impact in races at all levels, including the presidential election. In 2010, Latino voters are poised to play a crucial role in key House, Senate, and gubernatorial races across the country.
Many analysts have noted that as the Latino electorate grows in size and power, candidates from all political parties must take their views into account to remain viable in an increasing number of races. While the Latino electorate is trending Democratic overall, at least one segment—foreign-born, naturalized U.S. citizens of Latino descent, who represent 40% of the Latino voter population—has proven to be a true swing constituency.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Published by: America's Voice
Latino Voter Trends in Recent Election Cycles
Over the past decade, Latino voters have increased their political power and made a decisive impact in races at all levels, including the presidential election. In 2010, Latino voters are poised to play a crucial role in key House, Senate, and gubernatorial races across the country.
Many analysts have noted that as the Latino electorate grows in size and power, candidates from all political parties must take their views into account to remain viable in an increasing number of races. While the Latino electorate is trending Democratic overall, at least one segment—foreign-born, naturalized U.S. citizens of Latino descent, who represent 40% of the Latino voter population—has proven to be a true swing constituency.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Advocates Push To Register Immigrant Voters
People must realize that this election is VERY important for immigrants (and everyone else, too). - - Donna Poisl
By: NY1 News
A coalition of immigrant advocacy groups gathered in Chelsea Monday as part of a final push to get immigrant New Yorkers to head to the polls on November 2.
The groups launched the "Immigrants Vote!" campaign in August, hoping to convince non English speaking voters that their voices still count.
Advocates say voter apathy is their worst enemy.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By: NY1 News
A coalition of immigrant advocacy groups gathered in Chelsea Monday as part of a final push to get immigrant New Yorkers to head to the polls on November 2.
The groups launched the "Immigrants Vote!" campaign in August, hoping to convince non English speaking voters that their voices still count.
Advocates say voter apathy is their worst enemy.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Marriott, Hilton seek permission to hire more legal immigrants
Hotel chains are asking for more worker visas so they can hire more legal immigrant workers and be ready as the economy improves. This should prove that Americans do not want those jobs. - - Donna Poisl
By Barbara De Lollis, USA TODAY
As the economy rebounds and hotel giants expect to hire more employees, Marriott and Hilton Worldwide are among the large companies seeking to boost the number of legal immigrant workers they're allowed to hire, according to a Bloomberg News piece that also looks at campaign contribution patterns.
The hotel companies want increases in worker visas and more employment-based "green cards" - proof of permanent residency in the U.S. that can allow for a lifetime career, the story says.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Barbara De Lollis, USA TODAY
As the economy rebounds and hotel giants expect to hire more employees, Marriott and Hilton Worldwide are among the large companies seeking to boost the number of legal immigrant workers they're allowed to hire, according to a Bloomberg News piece that also looks at campaign contribution patterns.
The hotel companies want increases in worker visas and more employment-based "green cards" - proof of permanent residency in the U.S. that can allow for a lifetime career, the story says.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Life expectancy: Not all assimilation is healthy
Recent Hispanic immigrants have a longer life expectancy than other U.S. residents. Probably because they are healthier when they begin their journey here and work harder when they arrive. - - Donna Poisl
GLOBE EDITORIAL
While the United States has been successful at assimilating successive rounds of immigrants, the newest Americans should hold on to their old health habits.
According to a startling discovery by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, non-Hispanic whites and blacks both have shorter life expectancy than Hispanics — even though Hispanics are less likely to have health insurance.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
GLOBE EDITORIAL
While the United States has been successful at assimilating successive rounds of immigrants, the newest Americans should hold on to their old health habits.
According to a startling discovery by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, non-Hispanic whites and blacks both have shorter life expectancy than Hispanics — even though Hispanics are less likely to have health insurance.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
THIS WEEK IN IMMIGRATION
Click the headline to read stories from this week from the Immigration Policy Center.
Immigration double standard
This writer says Americans complain about workers here illegally but are not really serious about stopping it because they benefit from them so much. - - Donna Poisl
By RUBEN NAVARRETTE JR., Washington Post Writers Group
It’s awkward to ask a housekeeper, nanny or gardener if he or she is in the country legally. Even more so if the person is employed by a third party — i.e., a homebuilder or landscaping company — that provides a product or service to you.
I know. I’ve asked. It’s not fun. It feels rude. That’s probably one reason why most Americans skip the exercise. Besides, most people don’t have a secret desire to play immigration agent. They just need work done.
So they don’t ask, and the workers don’t tell.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By RUBEN NAVARRETTE JR., Washington Post Writers Group
It’s awkward to ask a housekeeper, nanny or gardener if he or she is in the country legally. Even more so if the person is employed by a third party — i.e., a homebuilder or landscaping company — that provides a product or service to you.
I know. I’ve asked. It’s not fun. It feels rude. That’s probably one reason why most Americans skip the exercise. Besides, most people don’t have a secret desire to play immigration agent. They just need work done.
So they don’t ask, and the workers don’t tell.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
The Growing Political Power of Immigrants and their Children
Click on the headline to read this report from the Immigration Policy Center. This large group of citizens is often overlooked by the political parties; a very interesting report.
Tell why voting matters to you
from Marissa Graciosa, Reform Immigration FOR America
November 2nd is less than 3 weeks away.
All across the country, people are making plans to get to the polls on November 2nd or voting early.
Each of them has their own reasons for showing up and making their voice heard. We want to hear yours.
Even if you can’t vote, let us know why voting is important and help encourage others who can to get out to the polls.
Click on the headline above to Tell us why voting matters to you.
Voting this Election Day is the most important way we can let our leaders know where we stand. Since their jobs and their futures depend on what we do on November 2nd, it’s up to us to tell them where our priorities lie.
After the polls close and the results are in, the media and the politicos will spend hours discussing what this election was really about. But we know it's about you. Let us know why voting in this election matters to you.
November 2nd is less than 3 weeks away.
All across the country, people are making plans to get to the polls on November 2nd or voting early.
Each of them has their own reasons for showing up and making their voice heard. We want to hear yours.
Even if you can’t vote, let us know why voting is important and help encourage others who can to get out to the polls.
Click on the headline above to Tell us why voting matters to you.
Voting this Election Day is the most important way we can let our leaders know where we stand. Since their jobs and their futures depend on what we do on November 2nd, it’s up to us to tell them where our priorities lie.
After the polls close and the results are in, the media and the politicos will spend hours discussing what this election was really about. But we know it's about you. Let us know why voting in this election matters to you.
For Latino and immigrant voters, it's not too late (Rep. Luis Gutierrez)
Everyone should vote and hopefully for the people who might work on and approve immigration reform. - - Donna Poisl
By Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.)
Last Wednesday, the front-page of the New York Times (and news reports all over the country) blared that there is a mass of Latino registered voters who are not particularly motivated to vote this year. The story was based on a Pew Hispanic Center poll and I have spent a good part of the last few days debating with fellow Democrats (who, like me, want to see our Party win this November) the meaning of the poll's findings.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.)
Last Wednesday, the front-page of the New York Times (and news reports all over the country) blared that there is a mass of Latino registered voters who are not particularly motivated to vote this year. The story was based on a Pew Hispanic Center poll and I have spent a good part of the last few days debating with fellow Democrats (who, like me, want to see our Party win this November) the meaning of the poll's findings.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Immigration and the housing glut
Another reason we need immigrants. - - Donna Poisl
Posted by Nin-Hai Tseng, reporter
Why are so many homes still sitting vacant? The U.S. Census offers some clues: falling immigration and more doubling up by young people.
The glut of vacant homes has helped send home prices on a downward spiral for years now. Most real estate experts blame record foreclosures for the excess inventory, but a new report says there are other factors contributing to the oversupply of housing units on the market.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Posted by Nin-Hai Tseng, reporter
Why are so many homes still sitting vacant? The U.S. Census offers some clues: falling immigration and more doubling up by young people.
The glut of vacant homes has helped send home prices on a downward spiral for years now. Most real estate experts blame record foreclosures for the excess inventory, but a new report says there are other factors contributing to the oversupply of housing units on the market.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Leader: Rise of Hispanic evangelicals influencing immigration debate
I hope these people are also being told how important it is to vote next month for representatives who might be able to get immigration reform laws passed. - - Donna Poisl
By Mark Vanderhoek
ATLANTA (ABP) -- The immigration debate has drawn Latinos into the public square more fully than ever before -- and Hispanic Protestants in particular -- Gabriel Salguero, a noted Latino evangelical author and thinker, recently told an audience at Mercer University.
Salguero is director of the Hispanic Leadership Program at Princeton Theological Seminary and he and his wife, Jeanette, are senior pastors of The Lamb’s Church, a multicultural Nazarene congregation in New York. He gave four addresses at Mercer’s Macon, Ga., and Atlanta campuses on Oct. 11 and 12 as the first speaker hosted by the new Mercer Center for Theology and Public Life.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Mark Vanderhoek
ATLANTA (ABP) -- The immigration debate has drawn Latinos into the public square more fully than ever before -- and Hispanic Protestants in particular -- Gabriel Salguero, a noted Latino evangelical author and thinker, recently told an audience at Mercer University.
Salguero is director of the Hispanic Leadership Program at Princeton Theological Seminary and he and his wife, Jeanette, are senior pastors of The Lamb’s Church, a multicultural Nazarene congregation in New York. He gave four addresses at Mercer’s Macon, Ga., and Atlanta campuses on Oct. 11 and 12 as the first speaker hosted by the new Mercer Center for Theology and Public Life.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Arizona immigration law: Judge denies bid to stop lawsuit
Very good news! - - Donna Poisl
by Michael Kiefer - The Arizona Republic
A federal judge has denied motions by Gov. Jan Brewer, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio and Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the tough Arizona immigration law referred to as Senate Bill 1070.
U.S. District Court Judge Susan Bolton issued a detailed ruling Friday allowing the lawsuit to go forward. In her ruling, Bolton found that the plaintiffs, led by the Phoenix advocacy group Friendly House and the American Civil Liberties Union, had standing to bring the lawsuit and that the moment was "ripe" to do so.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by Michael Kiefer - The Arizona Republic
A federal judge has denied motions by Gov. Jan Brewer, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio and Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the tough Arizona immigration law referred to as Senate Bill 1070.
U.S. District Court Judge Susan Bolton issued a detailed ruling Friday allowing the lawsuit to go forward. In her ruling, Bolton found that the plaintiffs, led by the Phoenix advocacy group Friendly House and the American Civil Liberties Union, had standing to bring the lawsuit and that the moment was "ripe" to do so.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Illegal immigrants draft legal plans in case of deportation
It is sad they have to do this, but very smart. Actually everyone, especially young parents, should have this plan, in case they die or are seriously injured. - - Donna Poisl
By Alan Gomez, USA TODAY
Illegal immigrants nervous about stronger enforcement have started drawing up legal documents to spell out what they want to happen to their families and belongings if they are deported.
Attorneys in New Mexico, Arizona and Texas say illegal immigrants began approaching them for help preparing the documents as the national debate over immigration heated up in recent months.
"There's a culture of fear out there," says Jason Mills, a Fort Worth immigration attorney who was not asked for such help until this year.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Alan Gomez, USA TODAY
Illegal immigrants nervous about stronger enforcement have started drawing up legal documents to spell out what they want to happen to their families and belongings if they are deported.
Attorneys in New Mexico, Arizona and Texas say illegal immigrants began approaching them for help preparing the documents as the national debate over immigration heated up in recent months.
"There's a culture of fear out there," says Jason Mills, a Fort Worth immigration attorney who was not asked for such help until this year.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
An Urgent Challenge for our Nation: Improving the Economic Well-Being of Latino Kids
Click on the headline to go to the Center for American Progress Action Fund and watch the Streaming Video. They talk about Latino immigrant child poverty and why it is important for our country to invest in them. - - Donna Poisl
Recorded October 12, 2010, 9:00am – 10:30am
About This Event
New data from the U.S. Census Bureau show that more than one in five children in the United States lived in poverty last year. The data point to potentially devastating consequences for child well-being and the future of our nation. Given that a large and growing portion of children are Latino—92 percent of whom are U.S. citizens—our country cannot fully address child poverty without considering the particular challenges Latino families face.
How does the new American Community Survey data compare to previous years? How does the data for Latino children compare with other communities? How is poverty different for Latino children? What are state and federal policies that can improve Latino child well-being?
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Recorded October 12, 2010, 9:00am – 10:30am
About This Event
New data from the U.S. Census Bureau show that more than one in five children in the United States lived in poverty last year. The data point to potentially devastating consequences for child well-being and the future of our nation. Given that a large and growing portion of children are Latino—92 percent of whom are U.S. citizens—our country cannot fully address child poverty without considering the particular challenges Latino families face.
How does the new American Community Survey data compare to previous years? How does the data for Latino children compare with other communities? How is poverty different for Latino children? What are state and federal policies that can improve Latino child well-being?
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Don't Be So Quick to Dismiss Power of Asian Consumers
There are almost 15 million Asians/Asian Americans in this country and Chinese is the most widely spoken language behind English and Spanish. Many forget this group, but should not. They are influential in our country and have large buying power. - - Donna Poisl
This Group of Early Adopters Will Soon Have a Spending Clout of $700B and Is Making Its Own Mark on U.S. Culture
By Bill Imada
NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- While no one has that proverbial crystal ball to predict the future of advertising and marketing, one thing is for sure: Asian-Americans will continue to build on their heritage, family values, academic prowess, adaptability and rising spending clout to be the most attractive consumer-market segment in the country.
Most marketers have heard this all before but continue to dismiss the power of the Asian-American market, saying it's too diverse, too small to segment, too complicated -- even cumbersome -- and too regional, not a national audience for a national player. They've even said they aren't influencers or trendsetters; they're influenced by others.
Not true.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
This Group of Early Adopters Will Soon Have a Spending Clout of $700B and Is Making Its Own Mark on U.S. Culture
By Bill Imada
NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- While no one has that proverbial crystal ball to predict the future of advertising and marketing, one thing is for sure: Asian-Americans will continue to build on their heritage, family values, academic prowess, adaptability and rising spending clout to be the most attractive consumer-market segment in the country.
Most marketers have heard this all before but continue to dismiss the power of the Asian-American market, saying it's too diverse, too small to segment, too complicated -- even cumbersome -- and too regional, not a national audience for a national player. They've even said they aren't influencers or trendsetters; they're influenced by others.
Not true.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Giving Facts a Fighting Chance: A Guide
For Immediate Release
Giving Facts a Fighting Chance: A Guide
Answers to the Toughest Immigration Questions
October 12, 2010
Washington, D.C. - In heated, election-year politics, the facts often take a back seat to campaign rhetoric - particularly when it comes to immigration. In an effort to defend the facts and provide basic answers to the most commonly asked questions, the Immigration Policy Center releases: Giving Facts a Fighting Chance: Answers to the Toughest Immigration Questions.
This comprehensive Q&A guide reviews the most current research available, debunks myths, and answers some of the most common immigration-related questions, including those about worksite enforcement, border security, birthright citizenship, access to public benefits, immigrants and crime, immigrant integration, the economic impacts of immigration, and more.
To view the guide in its entirety, click on the headline above or go to: http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Giving_Facts_a_Fighting_Chance_100710.pdf
Giving Facts a Fighting Chance: Answers to the Toughest Immigration Questions (IPC Guide, October 12, 2010)
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For more information contact Wendy Sefsaf at wsefsaf@immcouncil.org or 202-507-7524.
Giving Facts a Fighting Chance: A Guide
Answers to the Toughest Immigration Questions
October 12, 2010
Washington, D.C. - In heated, election-year politics, the facts often take a back seat to campaign rhetoric - particularly when it comes to immigration. In an effort to defend the facts and provide basic answers to the most commonly asked questions, the Immigration Policy Center releases: Giving Facts a Fighting Chance: Answers to the Toughest Immigration Questions.
This comprehensive Q&A guide reviews the most current research available, debunks myths, and answers some of the most common immigration-related questions, including those about worksite enforcement, border security, birthright citizenship, access to public benefits, immigrants and crime, immigrant integration, the economic impacts of immigration, and more.
To view the guide in its entirety, click on the headline above or go to: http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/Giving_Facts_a_Fighting_Chance_100710.pdf
Giving Facts a Fighting Chance: Answers to the Toughest Immigration Questions (IPC Guide, October 12, 2010)
###
For more information contact Wendy Sefsaf at wsefsaf@immcouncil.org or 202-507-7524.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Get out the vote!
from Rich Stolz, Reform Immigration FOR America
The elections coming in November will create a new stage in Congress for the continuing drama of immigration reform. The issue of immigration is saturating a number of important elections across the country. Seizing on the importance of these elections, community groups in a number of states are making sure their voices are heard.
This week, many states hit their voter registration deadlines, and a number of them announced encouraging numbers of newly registered immigrant and Latino voters. In Nevada, the Hispanic Institute registered 10,000 new Hispanic voters and in Chicago, the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights registered more than 10,000 new immigrant voters through its One Nation, One Dream: Standing for Families campaign. Promise Arizona, a new organization pushing for civic engagement, registered more than 13,000 voters before their registration deadline, successfully exceeding its goals. Now communities across the nation are shifting their attention to get out the vote efforts as we near the Nov. 2nd election.
Getting Out the Vote
Several national organizations, including Democracia U.S.A., the Hispanic Federation, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Mi Familia Vota, the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO), Voto Latino, and the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) held an event this week encouraging Latinos to “Vote for Respect” on November 2nd. The event included musical guests Ozomatli and representatives from the various organizations. Clarissa MartÃnez De Castro, Director of Immigration and National Campaigns at NCLR explained the effort: “We are urging Latino voters to take a stand for respect and against the attacks on our long and proud history in America. We have an opportunity to show politicians who are blocking progress on issues that matter to our community, as well as those who stand on the sidelines while our community is under attack, that they need to start working toward solutions or get out of the way. These issues matter to all Americans, and fixing our immigration system, jobs, health care, and education is also part and parcel of fixing our economy.”
While advocacy organizations work to encourage voter turnout, analysts and the national media attempt to make sense of recent polling of Latino voters. What’s clear is that immigrant and Latino voters have real power to strongly affect this election. Some polls are indicating that Latino support for Democrats is growing following the recent effort to pass the DREAM Act in Congress. However, other polls show that with all of the negative sentiment toward immigrants and inaction on immigration reform, Latino turnout may be depressed due to frustration with Democratic leadership and the President.
Click on the headline above to sign the pledge to vote this year!
The elections coming in November will create a new stage in Congress for the continuing drama of immigration reform. The issue of immigration is saturating a number of important elections across the country. Seizing on the importance of these elections, community groups in a number of states are making sure their voices are heard.
This week, many states hit their voter registration deadlines, and a number of them announced encouraging numbers of newly registered immigrant and Latino voters. In Nevada, the Hispanic Institute registered 10,000 new Hispanic voters and in Chicago, the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights registered more than 10,000 new immigrant voters through its One Nation, One Dream: Standing for Families campaign. Promise Arizona, a new organization pushing for civic engagement, registered more than 13,000 voters before their registration deadline, successfully exceeding its goals. Now communities across the nation are shifting their attention to get out the vote efforts as we near the Nov. 2nd election.
Getting Out the Vote
Several national organizations, including Democracia U.S.A., the Hispanic Federation, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Mi Familia Vota, the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO), Voto Latino, and the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) held an event this week encouraging Latinos to “Vote for Respect” on November 2nd. The event included musical guests Ozomatli and representatives from the various organizations. Clarissa MartÃnez De Castro, Director of Immigration and National Campaigns at NCLR explained the effort: “We are urging Latino voters to take a stand for respect and against the attacks on our long and proud history in America. We have an opportunity to show politicians who are blocking progress on issues that matter to our community, as well as those who stand on the sidelines while our community is under attack, that they need to start working toward solutions or get out of the way. These issues matter to all Americans, and fixing our immigration system, jobs, health care, and education is also part and parcel of fixing our economy.”
While advocacy organizations work to encourage voter turnout, analysts and the national media attempt to make sense of recent polling of Latino voters. What’s clear is that immigrant and Latino voters have real power to strongly affect this election. Some polls are indicating that Latino support for Democrats is growing following the recent effort to pass the DREAM Act in Congress. However, other polls show that with all of the negative sentiment toward immigrants and inaction on immigration reform, Latino turnout may be depressed due to frustration with Democratic leadership and the President.
Click on the headline above to sign the pledge to vote this year!
Legal Action Center Argues for Greater Federal Court Oversight of Immigration Decisions
For Immediate Release
Washington D.C. - In a continuing effort to promote greater federal court oversight of immigration decision-making, the American Immigration Council's Legal Action Center (LAC) recently submitted amicus (friend of the court) briefs in two cases involving motions to reopen. For noncitizens facing removal from the United States, a motion to reopen (an opportunity to present new evidence in a case) may be the last and only way to pursue their claims for lawful residency in the United States. Failure to grant such a motion might prevent anyone - from an asylum seeker to a U.S. citizen's family member - from presenting new evidence that could prevent deportation. Yet, although the federal courts are the last chance for redress, they frequently refuse to hear claims that immigration courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals abuse their discretion when they deny motions to reopen.
The LAC argument is based on the U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision in Kucana v. Holder that the Board of Immigration Appeals cannot shield its decisions from judicial review by labeling these decisions "discretionary." Only Congress can limit court review of motions to reopen, and it has not done so.
Given the gravity of removal from the United States, the high volume of immigration court cases, and the reality that most noncitizens do not have lawyers (only 39% of noncitizens were represented in immigration court in 2009), federal court oversight is critical to ensure due process. For an immigration system that is widely understood to be plagued with errors, judicial checks and balances are especially critical.
The LAC's work on these cases builds on their successes in other oversight cases. Last month, for example, the LAC convinced the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to withdraw a precedent-setting decision that would have prevented federal courts from hearing cases challenging government delays in adjudicating immigration applications.
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For more information contact Wendy Sefsaf at 202-507-7524 or wsefsaf@immcouncil.org
The Legal Action Center strives to increase the accountability of government agencies that administer the immigration laws and to ensure these laws are interpreted and implemented in a way that honors fundamental constitutional and human rights. The LAC engages in impact litigation, appears as amicus curiae (friend of the court) before administrative tribunals and federal courts in significant immigration cases on targeted legal issues, and has long worked to protect the right to counsel for noncitizens facing removal from the United States.
Washington D.C. - In a continuing effort to promote greater federal court oversight of immigration decision-making, the American Immigration Council's Legal Action Center (LAC) recently submitted amicus (friend of the court) briefs in two cases involving motions to reopen. For noncitizens facing removal from the United States, a motion to reopen (an opportunity to present new evidence in a case) may be the last and only way to pursue their claims for lawful residency in the United States. Failure to grant such a motion might prevent anyone - from an asylum seeker to a U.S. citizen's family member - from presenting new evidence that could prevent deportation. Yet, although the federal courts are the last chance for redress, they frequently refuse to hear claims that immigration courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals abuse their discretion when they deny motions to reopen.
The LAC argument is based on the U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision in Kucana v. Holder that the Board of Immigration Appeals cannot shield its decisions from judicial review by labeling these decisions "discretionary." Only Congress can limit court review of motions to reopen, and it has not done so.
Given the gravity of removal from the United States, the high volume of immigration court cases, and the reality that most noncitizens do not have lawyers (only 39% of noncitizens were represented in immigration court in 2009), federal court oversight is critical to ensure due process. For an immigration system that is widely understood to be plagued with errors, judicial checks and balances are especially critical.
The LAC's work on these cases builds on their successes in other oversight cases. Last month, for example, the LAC convinced the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to withdraw a precedent-setting decision that would have prevented federal courts from hearing cases challenging government delays in adjudicating immigration applications.
###
For more information contact Wendy Sefsaf at 202-507-7524 or wsefsaf@immcouncil.org
The Legal Action Center strives to increase the accountability of government agencies that administer the immigration laws and to ensure these laws are interpreted and implemented in a way that honors fundamental constitutional and human rights. The LAC engages in impact litigation, appears as amicus curiae (friend of the court) before administrative tribunals and federal courts in significant immigration cases on targeted legal issues, and has long worked to protect the right to counsel for noncitizens facing removal from the United States.
THIS WEEK IN IMMIGRATION
Click the headline to read stories from this week from the Immigration Policy Center.
'We've Found Peace in This Land'
More than 100,000 Iraqis live in the U.S. Many of them have settled very successfully in Lincoln Nebraska. Language and weather are the two most difficult challenges. - - Donna Poisl
From the Mideast to the Midwest
by Nina Burleigh
Like the pioneer families in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie books, Iraqi refugees Naef and Suad and their seven children spent their initial winter on the Great Plains huddled indoors, suffering from shock and cabin fever. “The first time we saw snow, we were so excited, and the kids went outside and played,” their father recalls. “But after that we felt like prisoners in our own home. There was so much ice, we only went to the store once a week.”
But now his family, who arrived in Lincoln, Neb., 18 months ago, has adjusted to the climate and rhythms of American life. Weekdays, the four older children are on the school bus at 6:30 a.m. Naef and Suad spend their days studying English and doing volunteer work (a requirement for some government benefits). On weekends, the family goes to Pioneers Park and barbecues. The kids have even sampled the delights of Chuck E. Cheese on a few special occasions.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
From the Mideast to the Midwest
by Nina Burleigh
Like the pioneer families in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie books, Iraqi refugees Naef and Suad and their seven children spent their initial winter on the Great Plains huddled indoors, suffering from shock and cabin fever. “The first time we saw snow, we were so excited, and the kids went outside and played,” their father recalls. “But after that we felt like prisoners in our own home. There was so much ice, we only went to the store once a week.”
But now his family, who arrived in Lincoln, Neb., 18 months ago, has adjusted to the climate and rhythms of American life. Weekdays, the four older children are on the school bus at 6:30 a.m. Naef and Suad spend their days studying English and doing volunteer work (a requirement for some government benefits). On weekends, the family goes to Pioneers Park and barbecues. The kids have even sampled the delights of Chuck E. Cheese on a few special occasions.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Hispanic-Owned Businesses on Rise
When people lose their jobs, they often think about starting their own businesses. Hispanics are no different than other Americans in that regard. - - Donna Poisl
by Perla Trevizo
Ruben Garcia came to the United States from Mexico in the 1980s, but never really thought of opening his own business until the necessity pushed him to do it, he said.
He lost his job as a welder three years ago at the same time an acquaintance offered to let him take over an auto shop, Garcia's Garage on Rossville Boulevard, where he installs stereos, buys and sells used cars and offers a towing service.
Garcia is among a growing number of Hispanics, especially Mexicans, who own a business in Tennessee and Georgia -- reflecting a national trend.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by Perla Trevizo
Ruben Garcia came to the United States from Mexico in the 1980s, but never really thought of opening his own business until the necessity pushed him to do it, he said.
He lost his job as a welder three years ago at the same time an acquaintance offered to let him take over an auto shop, Garcia's Garage on Rossville Boulevard, where he installs stereos, buys and sells used cars and offers a towing service.
Garcia is among a growing number of Hispanics, especially Mexicans, who own a business in Tennessee and Georgia -- reflecting a national trend.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Will Arizona's immigration law motivate Latino voters?
I hope the answer is yes, but I don't know if Latinos realize if they don't vote and the majorities in Congress change, there will be absolutely no chance of getting immigration reform. Some chance is better than no chance. - - Donna Poisl
By Krissah Thompson, Washington Post Staff Writer
Groups that have been working to increase turnout among Hispanic voters are pondering this question: Are they mad enough?
Polls predict low turnout among Latinos in November, but Hispanic civil rights and civic participation organizations are hoping outrage over "anti-immigrant" rhetoric and the uptick in laws targeting illegal immigrants will counter apathy in the electorate.
The groups are pushing voter turnout with an ad campaign they are calling "Vote for Respect."
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Krissah Thompson, Washington Post Staff Writer
Groups that have been working to increase turnout among Hispanic voters are pondering this question: Are they mad enough?
Polls predict low turnout among Latinos in November, but Hispanic civil rights and civic participation organizations are hoping outrage over "anti-immigrant" rhetoric and the uptick in laws targeting illegal immigrants will counter apathy in the electorate.
The groups are pushing voter turnout with an ad campaign they are calling "Vote for Respect."
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Adult English classes provide hope for better future
English is a difficult language to learn, and these immigrants know how important it is to be fluent. They attend ESL classes at least twice a week, after working all day. - - Donna Poisl
by LARRY ELL, Staff Writer
LEESBURG -- Welner Velasquez builds things for others during the day. At night, he's building something for himself -- a better future.
Twice, and sometimes three times a week, the 24-year-old construction worker goes to school to learn English. He's attending free classes held at St. Paul's Catholic Church with a modest, but important, goal for himself and his family.
"If I learn English, maybe I find a better job," Velasquez said.
He also has his wife taking the class with him. They are part of a grassroots effort in Leesburg and Wildwood to teach English to adult immigrants.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by LARRY ELL, Staff Writer
LEESBURG -- Welner Velasquez builds things for others during the day. At night, he's building something for himself -- a better future.
Twice, and sometimes three times a week, the 24-year-old construction worker goes to school to learn English. He's attending free classes held at St. Paul's Catholic Church with a modest, but important, goal for himself and his family.
"If I learn English, maybe I find a better job," Velasquez said.
He also has his wife taking the class with him. They are part of a grassroots effort in Leesburg and Wildwood to teach English to adult immigrants.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Census shows illegal immigrant numbers down
Even though illegal immigration is a hot issue this election season, the number of illegal residents has actually declined, probably because of the economy. - - Donna Poisl
By James Rufus Koren, Staff Writer
In California and across the country, illegal immigration has become a bigger issue this year than in any election year in recent memory.
Yet some experts say - and the latest numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau seem to show - that in California and San Bernardino County, illegal immigration is a shrinking problem, not a growing one.
Census Bureau estimates released this week show fewer noncitizens lived in the county and the state in 2009 than in any year since 2003. The bureau does not differentiate between illegal immigrants and other noncitizens.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By James Rufus Koren, Staff Writer
In California and across the country, illegal immigration has become a bigger issue this year than in any election year in recent memory.
Yet some experts say - and the latest numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau seem to show - that in California and San Bernardino County, illegal immigration is a shrinking problem, not a growing one.
Census Bureau estimates released this week show fewer noncitizens lived in the county and the state in 2009 than in any year since 2003. The bureau does not differentiate between illegal immigrants and other noncitizens.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Monday, October 04, 2010
Faces of Racial Profiling
Click on the headline above to read the report from communities all across the country.
The bill to provide for comprehensive immigration reform
Click on the headline above to download the whole bill introduced by Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT).
The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2010
from Rich Stolz, Reform Immigration FOR America
Dear Immigration Reformers,
Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) introduced The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2010 (S. 3932) on Wednesday. The Campaign applauds the leadership of these senators in taking this important step forward for immigration reform. This bill has sensible solutions to our broken immigration system, including the DREAM Act and AgJOBS in their entirety, creating a pathway to legalization through background checks, paying taxes, and studying English, and enhancing our national security through commonsense enforcement measures. You can read the bill summary provided by the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
Ali Noorani, Chairman of the RI4A Campaign, had this to say about the bill:
The voters, and especially Latino voters, are paying attention to how politicians engage on this issue. Poll after poll has indicated that this has become a litmus test issue for this demographic, and every demographic of the electorate want their elected leaders to solve tough national problems. For too long, the Republican Party has tried to have it both ways on immigration reform. They have complained that the problem needs a comprehensive federal solution, while simultaneously refusing to allow federal legislation to move forward. Instead of playing politics with immigration reform as they have for the past two years, they should engage in good faith negotiations with Democratic leadership to improve this bill and finally solve this problem for the American people. This is a national priority.
Dear Immigration Reformers,
Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) introduced The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2010 (S. 3932) on Wednesday. The Campaign applauds the leadership of these senators in taking this important step forward for immigration reform. This bill has sensible solutions to our broken immigration system, including the DREAM Act and AgJOBS in their entirety, creating a pathway to legalization through background checks, paying taxes, and studying English, and enhancing our national security through commonsense enforcement measures. You can read the bill summary provided by the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
Ali Noorani, Chairman of the RI4A Campaign, had this to say about the bill:
The voters, and especially Latino voters, are paying attention to how politicians engage on this issue. Poll after poll has indicated that this has become a litmus test issue for this demographic, and every demographic of the electorate want their elected leaders to solve tough national problems. For too long, the Republican Party has tried to have it both ways on immigration reform. They have complained that the problem needs a comprehensive federal solution, while simultaneously refusing to allow federal legislation to move forward. Instead of playing politics with immigration reform as they have for the past two years, they should engage in good faith negotiations with Democratic leadership to improve this bill and finally solve this problem for the American people. This is a national priority.
DODD TRAVELS TO CUBA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 4, 2010
Contact: Bryan DeAngelis
DODD TRAVELS TO CUBA
Meets With Cuban Officials to Discuss U.S. - Cuban Relations
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) traveled to Cuba this weekend, where he is meeting with Cuban government officials to discuss U.S. - Cuba relations. Dodd is the Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee and the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Peace Corps, and Global Narcotics Affairs.
Throughout his career, Dodd has been an outspoken critic of the United States embargo against Cuba and America’s failed policy towards the island. Recently, he has been an original co-sponsor of the Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act, which would lift travel restrictions on all Americans wishing to travel to Cuba. During his trip Dodd intends to discuss ways that the United States and Cuba can improve bi-lateral relations.
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October 4, 2010
Contact: Bryan DeAngelis
DODD TRAVELS TO CUBA
Meets With Cuban Officials to Discuss U.S. - Cuban Relations
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) traveled to Cuba this weekend, where he is meeting with Cuban government officials to discuss U.S. - Cuba relations. Dodd is the Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee and the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Peace Corps, and Global Narcotics Affairs.
Throughout his career, Dodd has been an outspoken critic of the United States embargo against Cuba and America’s failed policy towards the island. Recently, he has been an original co-sponsor of the Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act, which would lift travel restrictions on all Americans wishing to travel to Cuba. During his trip Dodd intends to discuss ways that the United States and Cuba can improve bi-lateral relations.
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Join Michelle Obama on a Get out the Vote call
from Mitch Stewart, Director, Organizing for America
This Wednesday, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time, First Lady Michelle Obama is going to join OFA supporters for a Vote 2010 update -- and I wanted to make sure you got the invitation to listen in.
She'll talk about the work we've all been doing together and the importance of volunteering in the final four weeks before the November elections.
With just 29 days left until the elections -- and early voting already underway in several states -- we're in the final stretch of our Vote 2010 campaign.
And with so little time until November 2nd, this update with Michelle Obama will be an exciting way to get motivated for the work we have left to accomplish together.
Please RSVP to join the First Lady on Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time:
http://my.barackobama.com/MichelleUpdate
This Wednesday, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time, First Lady Michelle Obama is going to join OFA supporters for a Vote 2010 update -- and I wanted to make sure you got the invitation to listen in.
She'll talk about the work we've all been doing together and the importance of volunteering in the final four weeks before the November elections.
With just 29 days left until the elections -- and early voting already underway in several states -- we're in the final stretch of our Vote 2010 campaign.
And with so little time until November 2nd, this update with Michelle Obama will be an exciting way to get motivated for the work we have left to accomplish together.
Please RSVP to join the First Lady on Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time:
http://my.barackobama.com/MichelleUpdate
Arizona’s Immigration Bill Echoes Xenophobic Laws from the Past
Laws against immigrants now are not that much different than a hundred or more years ago. It's too bad we don't learn from history. - - Donna Poisl
By Alexander Zou
Arizona’s recent and harsh anti-immigrant bill reminded me of another law passed a while ago. Commonly called the Bennett Law, it aimed to make teaching English mandatory at all public and private schools in Wisconsin. Like Arizona’s law, it constituted a political response to a large wave of immigration that was ignited by nativist sentiment.
The Bennett Law reacted on the basis of anti-immigration feelings similar to those present in Arizona today. Many people saw these immigrants as unwanted foreigners taking away American jobs. They did not speak English and were accused of refusing to learn how to do so. They had a different culture and did not assimilate well into American society. They seemed less loyal to the United States and more loyal to their homeland. At the core, they seemed “un-American.”
I am speaking, of course, about German immigrants in Wisconsin.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Alexander Zou
Arizona’s recent and harsh anti-immigrant bill reminded me of another law passed a while ago. Commonly called the Bennett Law, it aimed to make teaching English mandatory at all public and private schools in Wisconsin. Like Arizona’s law, it constituted a political response to a large wave of immigration that was ignited by nativist sentiment.
The Bennett Law reacted on the basis of anti-immigration feelings similar to those present in Arizona today. Many people saw these immigrants as unwanted foreigners taking away American jobs. They did not speak English and were accused of refusing to learn how to do so. They had a different culture and did not assimilate well into American society. They seemed less loyal to the United States and more loyal to their homeland. At the core, they seemed “un-American.”
I am speaking, of course, about German immigrants in Wisconsin.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Media moguls urge Congress to reform immigration
Rupert Murdoch gives millions of dollars to Republican groups and yet is pushing for immigration reform and hiring more immigrants. - - Donna Poisl
By SUZANNE GAMBOA (AP)
WASHINGTON — They weren't as funny as television Comedy Central host Stephen Colbert, but media moguls Rupert Murdoch and Michael Bloomberg made a similar appeal to Congress: Do something about immigration.
Murdoch, the founder of News Corp., urged lawmakers during a hearing Thursday to match attempts to secure the border with efforts to ensure that employers can't hire people illegally.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By SUZANNE GAMBOA (AP)
WASHINGTON — They weren't as funny as television Comedy Central host Stephen Colbert, but media moguls Rupert Murdoch and Michael Bloomberg made a similar appeal to Congress: Do something about immigration.
Murdoch, the founder of News Corp., urged lawmakers during a hearing Thursday to match attempts to secure the border with efforts to ensure that employers can't hire people illegally.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Campus Immigration Rights Groups Won’t Give up on DREAM Act
Students and rights groups are trying to convince their legislators to vote for the DREAM Act. - - Donna Poisl
BY: GRAY ROHRER
Immigration rights groups around the country are keeping up their efforts to revive the DREAM Act, the legislation that would allow immigrants to become citizens after spending two years in college or the military, even though it went down in flames last week.
About 15 students in the Advocacy for Immigration and Refugee Rights group gathered at Florida State University Friday to implore Sen. George LeMieux, R-Fla., to change his vote on the issue.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
BY: GRAY ROHRER
Immigration rights groups around the country are keeping up their efforts to revive the DREAM Act, the legislation that would allow immigrants to become citizens after spending two years in college or the military, even though it went down in flames last week.
About 15 students in the Advocacy for Immigration and Refugee Rights group gathered at Florida State University Friday to implore Sen. George LeMieux, R-Fla., to change his vote on the issue.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
U.S. House holds hearings on economic impact of immigrants
The U.S. House held hearings and were shown how immigrants add to our economy and how legal status will help them and our country. - - Donna Poisl
By MARCOS RESTREPO
The House Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law held a hearing in Washington, D.C., Thursday to address the effect of immigrants on the U.S. economy and which immigration reform measures might help improve the U.S. economy.
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg told the House members that the Center for American Progress and the Cato Institute “have found that a path to legal status will add billions to our GDP in the coming decade.”
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By MARCOS RESTREPO
The House Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law held a hearing in Washington, D.C., Thursday to address the effect of immigrants on the U.S. economy and which immigration reform measures might help improve the U.S. economy.
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg told the House members that the Center for American Progress and the Cato Institute “have found that a path to legal status will add billions to our GDP in the coming decade.”
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Summit spotlights immigrant rights
This conference in South Carolina talked about immigration not being a law enforcement issue, but rather an economic and social issue. - - Donna Poisl
By Josh Humphries, The Daily Reflector
The border between the United States and Mexico needs to be demilitarized, human rights advocate Isabel Garcia, said.
Garcia gave the keynote address at the third annual Latino Leadership Summit held Friday at the East Carolina Heart Center.
Garcia, an attorney in Arizona and migrant and human rights advocate, said people are dying on the border in Arizona, where private security forces are charged with enforcing immigration laws.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Josh Humphries, The Daily Reflector
The border between the United States and Mexico needs to be demilitarized, human rights advocate Isabel Garcia, said.
Garcia gave the keynote address at the third annual Latino Leadership Summit held Friday at the East Carolina Heart Center.
Garcia, an attorney in Arizona and migrant and human rights advocate, said people are dying on the border in Arizona, where private security forces are charged with enforcing immigration laws.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Breaking Down the Menendez Immigration Bill
This article is a good overview of the Immigration Reform bill that was introduced last week. - - Donna Poisl
By ELISE FOLEY
Change.org links to a good summary of the 874-page comprehensive immigration reform bill Sens. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) introduced Wednesday. The bill includes paths to legalization for non-criminal illegal immigrants in the country, provided they pay a fine and application fees. But first it focuses on increased enforcement at borders, inside the country and in workplaces.
Although the bill may not go anywhere, it contains some measures that could be aimed at finding bipartisan support, including its first section on border enforcement. Republicans have made a call for border security a central part of their message on immigration reform.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By ELISE FOLEY
Change.org links to a good summary of the 874-page comprehensive immigration reform bill Sens. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) introduced Wednesday. The bill includes paths to legalization for non-criminal illegal immigrants in the country, provided they pay a fine and application fees. But first it focuses on increased enforcement at borders, inside the country and in workplaces.
Although the bill may not go anywhere, it contains some measures that could be aimed at finding bipartisan support, including its first section on border enforcement. Republicans have made a call for border security a central part of their message on immigration reform.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Friday, October 01, 2010
NHCSL to Host Press Conference on Release of Broadband Policy Whitepaper
PRESS RELEASE
NHCSL to Host Press Conference on Release of Broadband Policy Whitepaper
Legislators to convene in Washington to announce new policy paper: Broadband Opportunities and the Hispanic Community: Solutions for Expanding Broadband Access
The National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) will host a press conference Wednesday, October 6 in Washington, DC for the release of its first broadband Whitepaper titled Broadband Opportunities and the Hispanic Community: Solutions for Expanding Broadband Access. The policy paper is a product of NHCSL's Broadband En Acción taskforce, which is composed of Hispanic State Legislators from across the country. The paper offers a proposed broadband regulatory framework and calls for policies that promote investment, access and digital training among the Latino community who, despite being large users of mobile technology, continue to lag behind other Americans in adopting wireline broadband and in building digital literacy skills.
WHO: NHCSL Broadband En Accion taskforce
Senator Juan M. Pichardo (RI) Chair, Broadband En Acción
Representative Joseph E. Miro (DE), Co-Chair, Broadband En Acción
Representative Mara Candelaria-Reardon (IN)
Senator Eduardo Bhatia (PR)
Representative Minnie Gonzalez (CT)
WHEN: Wednesday, October 6th at 1:00 PM EDT
WHERE: The National Press Club, 529 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20045
Press must RSVP for this event via e-mail to Jason Llorenz, or by phone at 202.270.7391, to receive an advance copy of the paper.
CONTACT: Jason Llorenz, +1-202-270-7391, Jason@c-strategy.com
SOURCE National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators
/PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE -- Oct. 1/
NHCSL to Host Press Conference on Release of Broadband Policy Whitepaper
Legislators to convene in Washington to announce new policy paper: Broadband Opportunities and the Hispanic Community: Solutions for Expanding Broadband Access
The National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) will host a press conference Wednesday, October 6 in Washington, DC for the release of its first broadband Whitepaper titled Broadband Opportunities and the Hispanic Community: Solutions for Expanding Broadband Access. The policy paper is a product of NHCSL's Broadband En Acción taskforce, which is composed of Hispanic State Legislators from across the country. The paper offers a proposed broadband regulatory framework and calls for policies that promote investment, access and digital training among the Latino community who, despite being large users of mobile technology, continue to lag behind other Americans in adopting wireline broadband and in building digital literacy skills.
WHO: NHCSL Broadband En Accion taskforce
Senator Juan M. Pichardo (RI) Chair, Broadband En Acción
Representative Joseph E. Miro (DE), Co-Chair, Broadband En Acción
Representative Mara Candelaria-Reardon (IN)
Senator Eduardo Bhatia (PR)
Representative Minnie Gonzalez (CT)
WHEN: Wednesday, October 6th at 1:00 PM EDT
WHERE: The National Press Club, 529 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20045
Press must RSVP for this event via e-mail to Jason Llorenz, or by phone at 202.270.7391, to receive an advance copy of the paper.
CONTACT: Jason Llorenz, +1-202-270-7391, Jason@c-strategy.com
SOURCE National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators
/PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE -- Oct. 1/
Upcoming Voter Engagement Webinars / Register NOW
Voter Engagement Basics for Nonprofits
Presented by ya es hora and NVEN
Wednesday, October 6th
10:00am PST / 1:00pm EST
This campaign training will focus on principles and ideas on how to incorporate voter registration and voter education, and how you can engage the candidates and implement getting out the vote activities in your organization. The training will cover specific collaterals and resources that the ya es hora ¡VE Y VOTA! campaign will provide along with additional information about where to go for voter participation materials and resources that will encourage participation.
Click on the headline to register.
Presented by ya es hora and NVEN
Wednesday, October 6th
10:00am PST / 1:00pm EST
This campaign training will focus on principles and ideas on how to incorporate voter registration and voter education, and how you can engage the candidates and implement getting out the vote activities in your organization. The training will cover specific collaterals and resources that the ya es hora ¡VE Y VOTA! campaign will provide along with additional information about where to go for voter participation materials and resources that will encourage participation.
Click on the headline to register.
Register for The First Virginia Immigrant Advocates Summit
Hosted by All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS Center), Centreville Immigration Forum, Coalition of Asia Pacific Americans of Virginia (CAPAVA), National Federation of Filipino American Association-Capital Region (NaFFAA), Hogar Immigrant Service – Catholic Charities Diocese of Arlington, Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations (VACOLAO), and Voice of Vietnamese Americans
When : Wednesday, October 27, 2010 from 8.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
Where : Unitarian Universalist Church, 4444 Arlington Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22204
The summit’s Itinerary includes:
- Virginia Policymaker Panel
- Working with Victims of Crimes
- Housing Issues
- Public Benefits and Immigrant Eligibility
- Family and School Issues
- Detention and Know Your Rights
- Immigrants' Constitutional Rights
- Rapid Response to Legislative Initiatives Affecting Immigrant Communities in Virginia
When : Wednesday, October 27, 2010 from 8.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
Where : Unitarian Universalist Church, 4444 Arlington Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22204
The summit’s Itinerary includes:
- Virginia Policymaker Panel
- Working with Victims of Crimes
- Housing Issues
- Public Benefits and Immigrant Eligibility
- Family and School Issues
- Detention and Know Your Rights
- Immigrants' Constitutional Rights
- Rapid Response to Legislative Initiatives Affecting Immigrant Communities in Virginia
Congressional Hearing Featuring Bloomberg and Murdoch
For Immediate Release
Role of Immigration in Strengthening America's Economy
Congressional Hearing Featuring Bloomberg and Murdoch
September 29, 2010
Washington D.C. - On Thursday, the House Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law Membership will hold a hearing on the "Role of Immigration in Strengthening America's Economy," featuring New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Fox owner Rupert Murdoch (an immigrant himself). The two formed a new coalition earlier this year to press for immigration reform.
In anticipation of the event, the Immigration Policy Center wants to draw your attention to a resource page featuring a wide range of studies which analyze the economic impact of immigration on the U.S. The available data shows that legalizing undocumented workers would improve wages and working conditions for all workers, and increase tax revenues for cash-strapped federal, state, and local governments. The IPC has also synthesized a number of state studies which assess the economic impact of immigration on state and local economies.
To view the Economics Resource Page, see:
The Economics of Immigration Reform (Resource Page)
To view the State by State Economic Benefits of Immigration, see:
The Economic and Political Power of Immigrants, Latinos, and Asians in all 50 States (IPC State by State Fact Sheets)
###
For more information contact Wendy Sefsaf at wsefsaf@immcouncil.org or 202-507-7524.
Role of Immigration in Strengthening America's Economy
Congressional Hearing Featuring Bloomberg and Murdoch
September 29, 2010
Washington D.C. - On Thursday, the House Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law Membership will hold a hearing on the "Role of Immigration in Strengthening America's Economy," featuring New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Fox owner Rupert Murdoch (an immigrant himself). The two formed a new coalition earlier this year to press for immigration reform.
In anticipation of the event, the Immigration Policy Center wants to draw your attention to a resource page featuring a wide range of studies which analyze the economic impact of immigration on the U.S. The available data shows that legalizing undocumented workers would improve wages and working conditions for all workers, and increase tax revenues for cash-strapped federal, state, and local governments. The IPC has also synthesized a number of state studies which assess the economic impact of immigration on state and local economies.
To view the Economics Resource Page, see:
The Economics of Immigration Reform (Resource Page)
To view the State by State Economic Benefits of Immigration, see:
The Economic and Political Power of Immigrants, Latinos, and Asians in all 50 States (IPC State by State Fact Sheets)
###
For more information contact Wendy Sefsaf at wsefsaf@immcouncil.org or 202-507-7524.
Senators lay down marker with detailed immigration overhaul bill
It is unlikely that this bill will be worked on this fall, but it has been presented and we can only hope. - - Donna Poisl
By Chris Strohm, CongressDaily
Two key Democratic senators have introduced comprehensive legislation that would overhaul the nation's immigration laws, giving Latino voters and immigration advocates a parting gift heading into November's midterm elections.
The bill, introduced late Wednesday by Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chairman Robert Menendez, D-N.J., and Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., as the Senate prepared to begin its pre-election recess, is largely viewed as a marker to help spur consideration of an overhaul of immigration laws and policy when the new Congress convenes in January.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Chris Strohm, CongressDaily
Two key Democratic senators have introduced comprehensive legislation that would overhaul the nation's immigration laws, giving Latino voters and immigration advocates a parting gift heading into November's midterm elections.
The bill, introduced late Wednesday by Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chairman Robert Menendez, D-N.J., and Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., as the Senate prepared to begin its pre-election recess, is largely viewed as a marker to help spur consideration of an overhaul of immigration laws and policy when the new Congress convenes in January.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Immigration expert talks border policies
This expert talked about the huge price the border walls have cost and have not stopped the problem. The solution is immigration reform. - - Donna Poisl
By Erin Inman
If you build it, they will come. And in border enforcement, if you build it higher, they will still come.
That was part of the hard look Wayne Cornelius, director of the Center for Immigration Studies at UC-San Diego, took at the effectiveness of U.S. border enforcement in a talk at Stanford on Thursday.
Cornelius founded the Mexican Migration Field Research and Training Program, which studies immigration from three Mexican regions: Jalisco, Oaxaca and the Yucatan.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Erin Inman
If you build it, they will come. And in border enforcement, if you build it higher, they will still come.
That was part of the hard look Wayne Cornelius, director of the Center for Immigration Studies at UC-San Diego, took at the effectiveness of U.S. border enforcement in a talk at Stanford on Thursday.
Cornelius founded the Mexican Migration Field Research and Training Program, which studies immigration from three Mexican regions: Jalisco, Oaxaca and the Yucatan.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Immigrants focus of Lynn fire prevention
Fire departments all over the country know that immigrants need to be educated about fire safety and reporting fires to 911. It saves lives and helps neighbors and the fire fighters too. - - Donna Poisl
By David Liscio / The Daily Item
LYNN - Seven people escaped a Hamilton Avenue house fire last Friday because the smoke detectors blared a warning.
While the incident highlighted the importance of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, it did not call attention to another problem faced by the Fire Department.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By David Liscio / The Daily Item
LYNN - Seven people escaped a Hamilton Avenue house fire last Friday because the smoke detectors blared a warning.
While the incident highlighted the importance of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, it did not call attention to another problem faced by the Fire Department.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Immigrant Students: Demands for Some, Jobs for Others
The large number of immigrants means ESL teachers are in great demand, creating more jobs for them. - - Donna Poisl
John Potter, Channel 2 News
Reno is still booming when it comes to immigrants. With the minority share of the pie getting ever bigger, needs are changing. Those needs are creating jobs for one group, and pressure for another.
Washoe County schools are seeing an increased demand for "English as Second Language" or "ESL" classes for kids who don't speak English. The district's Mary Ann Robinson told us, "We have ESL programs in 53 elementary schools, all but 2 middle schools, and all of our high schools."
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
John Potter, Channel 2 News
Reno is still booming when it comes to immigrants. With the minority share of the pie getting ever bigger, needs are changing. Those needs are creating jobs for one group, and pressure for another.
Washoe County schools are seeing an increased demand for "English as Second Language" or "ESL" classes for kids who don't speak English. The district's Mary Ann Robinson told us, "We have ESL programs in 53 elementary schools, all but 2 middle schools, and all of our high schools."
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
On contemporary immigration questions, Chinese-Americans divided
Angel Island Immigration Station is 100 years old and people are comparing the stories of now and then. - - Donna Poisl
By Matt O'Brien, Contra Costa Times
ANGEL ISLAND -- As he sailed on a ferry to Angel Island State Park last week, clad in the hooded, brown robe of a Franciscan friar, the Rev. Franklin Fong imagined his ancestors who landed on the island some 80 years ago.
"It takes every generation of native-born folks to recognize, you know, there's something to learn from our own history," Fong said. "Because if we don't know our history, we're destined to repeat it."
The friar at Oakland's St. Elizabeth Catholic Church was one of about 350 people, nearly all of them Chinese-Americans, who took a pilgrimage Saturday to the island's old immigration station. They prayed, shared stories and sought to make connections between the plight of Asian immigrants who faced discrimination a century ago and the challenges faced by newcomers today.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Matt O'Brien, Contra Costa Times
ANGEL ISLAND -- As he sailed on a ferry to Angel Island State Park last week, clad in the hooded, brown robe of a Franciscan friar, the Rev. Franklin Fong imagined his ancestors who landed on the island some 80 years ago.
"It takes every generation of native-born folks to recognize, you know, there's something to learn from our own history," Fong said. "Because if we don't know our history, we're destined to repeat it."
The friar at Oakland's St. Elizabeth Catholic Church was one of about 350 people, nearly all of them Chinese-Americans, who took a pilgrimage Saturday to the island's old immigration station. They prayed, shared stories and sought to make connections between the plight of Asian immigrants who faced discrimination a century ago and the challenges faced by newcomers today.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Immigrant Workers in Middle-Skilled Jobs
Download this document and read the Migration Policy Institute report showing that many immigrants are in the middle skilled job market. Not just in lower- or un-skilled or the very high-skilled.
Click on the headline above.
Click on the headline above.
THIS WEEK IN IMMIGRATION
Click the headline to read stories from this week from the Immigration Policy Center.
Chinese-American teen knows 'how blessed I am'
This shows how times have changed and how much more difficult it was for minorities in the past. Many are still struggling, but it was worse and we must hope it improves. - - Donna Poisl
Patty Machelor, Arizona Daily Star
Harmony Zhang has never been excluded from a swim party because of her appearance, and her dream of becoming a doctor is unlikely to be hindered because she is Chinese-American.
Zhang, 16, realized how much she has to be grateful for after interviewing an elderly member of Tucson's Chinese community.
"I felt how blessed I am to be living at this time," she said of hearing the life story of 90-year-old Mary Tom.
"I feel that it's because times have changed so much that we can go for our dreams without being hindered by anyone else."
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Patty Machelor, Arizona Daily Star
Harmony Zhang has never been excluded from a swim party because of her appearance, and her dream of becoming a doctor is unlikely to be hindered because she is Chinese-American.
Zhang, 16, realized how much she has to be grateful for after interviewing an elderly member of Tucson's Chinese community.
"I felt how blessed I am to be living at this time," she said of hearing the life story of 90-year-old Mary Tom.
"I feel that it's because times have changed so much that we can go for our dreams without being hindered by anyone else."
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Hurry! Register to Vote!
from Chris Torres, Reform Immigration FOR America
It's come down to this.
You know what we're up against. Our opponents won't stop until Arizona, and the rest of the country, are living under the fear and uncertainty so many of us face each day. They'll use all the tools available to them to keep our families and our communities from the respect we deserve.
They tried it with SB 1070. Governor Jan Brewer tried it by making up lies and spreading fear. Sheriff Joe Arpaio tried it with his reign of terror and hate. Everywhere we turn, our opponents have tried to demonize, marginalize, and discourage us.
We can stop them on Election Day. But only if we keep fighting and organizing now.
Click on the headline, above, to register to vote and make our power heard.
This Election Day is the most crucial moment for us to show our power. To make sure our voices are heard then, we need to organize now. There are many ways you can help grow our movement. Volunteer with us, and keep the forces we're fighting from gaining ground this Election Day.
It's come down to this.
You know what we're up against. Our opponents won't stop until Arizona, and the rest of the country, are living under the fear and uncertainty so many of us face each day. They'll use all the tools available to them to keep our families and our communities from the respect we deserve.
They tried it with SB 1070. Governor Jan Brewer tried it by making up lies and spreading fear. Sheriff Joe Arpaio tried it with his reign of terror and hate. Everywhere we turn, our opponents have tried to demonize, marginalize, and discourage us.
We can stop them on Election Day. But only if we keep fighting and organizing now.
Click on the headline, above, to register to vote and make our power heard.
This Election Day is the most crucial moment for us to show our power. To make sure our voices are heard then, we need to organize now. There are many ways you can help grow our movement. Volunteer with us, and keep the forces we're fighting from gaining ground this Election Day.
Somalis Adjust To US Life, But Integration And Jobs Still Problems
This San Diego family came here as refugees and are succeeding. But assimilation is always difficult for any immigrants. - - Donna Poisl
BY AMITA SHARMA
It was 2 o'clock in the morning back in 1988. Amina Farah was about to go from a middle-class mother with a house and a job at the Central Bank of Somalia to refugee. Civil war had just erupted. The dark of the morning lit up with firefights. The air choked with smoke. And Farah says she had no choice but to grab her four-year-old son and run.
"You saw the children sitting with dead bodies," Farah said. "You saw injury. You saw no food and no hospital, no light, no doctor, no hygiene, no water."
Farah traveled by foot with thousands of other Somalis to Ethiopia in scorching heat. Each day of the month-long journey she thought would be her last. Farah tried to prevent her young son from succumbing to dehydration -- at times she gave him her saliva.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
BY AMITA SHARMA
It was 2 o'clock in the morning back in 1988. Amina Farah was about to go from a middle-class mother with a house and a job at the Central Bank of Somalia to refugee. Civil war had just erupted. The dark of the morning lit up with firefights. The air choked with smoke. And Farah says she had no choice but to grab her four-year-old son and run.
"You saw the children sitting with dead bodies," Farah said. "You saw injury. You saw no food and no hospital, no light, no doctor, no hygiene, no water."
Farah traveled by foot with thousands of other Somalis to Ethiopia in scorching heat. Each day of the month-long journey she thought would be her last. Farah tried to prevent her young son from succumbing to dehydration -- at times she gave him her saliva.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Immigration has grown more complicated
This article shows how difficult it is for people to come here legally and why they decide to come any way they can. - - Donna Poisl
By Chris Hawley, USA TODAY
When Yudi went to the U.S. consulate in San Pedro Sula in Honduras to see whether she could get into the USA, the receptionist ticked off the documents she would need to apply for a visitor's visa.
She would need to show whether she had a bank account and how much was in it, whether she owned real estate or a car and that she had a good-paying job for at least five years — all evidence that might indicate she was not trying to get into America to stay and work illegally. Her heart sank.
"I realized it was impossible," she said, speaking on the condition that her full name not be used because she said she was assaulted by smugglers. "I would never have those things."
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Chris Hawley, USA TODAY
When Yudi went to the U.S. consulate in San Pedro Sula in Honduras to see whether she could get into the USA, the receptionist ticked off the documents she would need to apply for a visitor's visa.
She would need to show whether she had a bank account and how much was in it, whether she owned real estate or a car and that she had a good-paying job for at least five years — all evidence that might indicate she was not trying to get into America to stay and work illegally. Her heart sank.
"I realized it was impossible," she said, speaking on the condition that her full name not be used because she said she was assaulted by smugglers. "I would never have those things."
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
As immigrant ranks grow, school districts teach moms and dads, too
School districts know that if the parents speak and read English, the children will do much better in school. So they are teaching the parents too. - - Donna Poisl
By KATHERINE LEAL UNMUTH / The Dallas Morning News
More than two decades after leaving Mexico, Maria Valdez was working long hours most nights as a cook and still didn't speak English. So last year Valdez, a single mother, signed up for English classes offered for free through the Irving school district. Her 10-year-old son often helps her. "I want him to be proud of me," she said. "I don't want to depend on anyone. I need English."
As the number of children of immigrants attending Texas schools increases, school districts are increasingly taking up the role of educating their parents.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By KATHERINE LEAL UNMUTH / The Dallas Morning News
More than two decades after leaving Mexico, Maria Valdez was working long hours most nights as a cook and still didn't speak English. So last year Valdez, a single mother, signed up for English classes offered for free through the Irving school district. Her 10-year-old son often helps her. "I want him to be proud of me," she said. "I don't want to depend on anyone. I need English."
As the number of children of immigrants attending Texas schools increases, school districts are increasingly taking up the role of educating their parents.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
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