We need many more people like this woman in our country. Congratulations Ms. Krouse. - - Donna Poisl
BY EARL HOLLAND • STAFF WRITER
SALISBURY -- It was 35 years ago when Leila Borrero Krouse came to the U.S. from her native Puerto Rico to study social work.
While getting her degree was one of her achievements, she had another goal in mind that she wanted to complete.
"I wanted to enhance my ability to communicate in English," she said. "Believe it or not, while English is taught in the schools in Puerto Rico, some people do not speak it and it is not practiced much."
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Monday, December 27, 2010
The GOP's census dilemma: Embrace immigration or gerrymander
States that have a large enough population increase to get more seats in Congress have to redraw their districts. These districts have many immigrants who are not happy with the GOP. This may affect the next election. - - Donna Poisl
By Edward Schumacher-Matos
Some Republicans are crowing over the 2010 Census, but any red-state gains they make will depend on two big ifs: whether the party undergoes a virtual religious conversion and supports immigrants, or it gerrymanders like mad.
Most news reports this week on the new population figures understated the size of the immigrant impact. If you add their American-born children, immigrants accounted for fully three-fourths of the nation's population growth over the past decade, and not the slightly less than half that was widely reported, based on counting the foreign-born only in the Census Bureau's parallel 2009 American Community Survey.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Edward Schumacher-Matos
Some Republicans are crowing over the 2010 Census, but any red-state gains they make will depend on two big ifs: whether the party undergoes a virtual religious conversion and supports immigrants, or it gerrymanders like mad.
Most news reports this week on the new population figures understated the size of the immigrant impact. If you add their American-born children, immigrants accounted for fully three-fourths of the nation's population growth over the past decade, and not the slightly less than half that was widely reported, based on counting the foreign-born only in the Census Bureau's parallel 2009 American Community Survey.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Next Congress unlikely to pass DREAM Act, Republicans say
These next two years will be difficult for immigration reform, but there is always a chance. And another election. - - Donna Poisl
By Shankar Vedantam, Washington Post Staff Writer
Congressional Republicans are pronouncing President Obama's proposal that the next Congress overhaul the country's immigration laws as dead before arrival.
In his year-end news conference Wednesday, Obama said his biggest regret about the recent lame-duck session of Congress was the defeat of the DREAM Act, a measure that offered a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants brought to the country as children.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Shankar Vedantam, Washington Post Staff Writer
Congressional Republicans are pronouncing President Obama's proposal that the next Congress overhaul the country's immigration laws as dead before arrival.
In his year-end news conference Wednesday, Obama said his biggest regret about the recent lame-duck session of Congress was the defeat of the DREAM Act, a measure that offered a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants brought to the country as children.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
States Hispanics Call Home See Large Population Growth
The Census results are starting to come out, and the immigrant population is having a big impact. - - Donna Poisl
By Elizabeth Llorente
States where Hispanics have settled in large numbers saw some of the highest percent changes in population growth and gained congressional seats, according to the first set of Census 2010 results, released Tuesday.
Many states in the South and West that have been magnets for Latinos saw double-digit percentage growths. The growth in those areas far outpaced the nation’s, which saw a population increase of 9.7 percent over the 2000 Census count of 281 million residents.
The new national population is 308.7 million.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Elizabeth Llorente
States where Hispanics have settled in large numbers saw some of the highest percent changes in population growth and gained congressional seats, according to the first set of Census 2010 results, released Tuesday.
Many states in the South and West that have been magnets for Latinos saw double-digit percentage growths. The growth in those areas far outpaced the nation’s, which saw a population increase of 9.7 percent over the 2000 Census count of 281 million residents.
The new national population is 308.7 million.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Immigration Legislation: Outlook for 2011-2012
With the change in the Congress, immigration reform will be even more difficult. But there are bright spots. - - Donna Poisl
by Carl Shusterman
Immigration legislation in Congress ended on a sour note in 2010. The DREAM Act, after narrowly passing in the House of Representatives, failed to get the necessary 60 votes in the Senate required to overcome a threatened GOP filibuster. Comprehensive immigration reform never even came to a vote in the last Congress.
What will the outlook be for immigration legislation in the 112th Congress which convenes beginning on January 3, 2011?
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by Carl Shusterman
Immigration legislation in Congress ended on a sour note in 2010. The DREAM Act, after narrowly passing in the House of Representatives, failed to get the necessary 60 votes in the Senate required to overcome a threatened GOP filibuster. Comprehensive immigration reform never even came to a vote in the last Congress.
What will the outlook be for immigration legislation in the 112th Congress which convenes beginning on January 3, 2011?
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Immigrants mix old and new for first Christmas in America
This very interesting article tells how immigrants from Thailand, Iraq and Haiti are celebrating Christmas in their new country. - - Donna Poisl
BY MATTHEW T. HALL AND MORGAN LEE
Christmas means many things to many people in many parts of the world. It is a glorious time, a gathering time, a gorging time. It is a spiritual and secular time.
In countries as far-flung as Thailand and Iraq and Haiti, friends and relatives will come together on Dec. 25 to celebrate the birth of Jesus — and each other.
And in the United States, people who have immigrated here from countries the world over will do the same, bringing tastes of their homelands to new homes while embracing American culture and customs.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
BY MATTHEW T. HALL AND MORGAN LEE
Christmas means many things to many people in many parts of the world. It is a glorious time, a gathering time, a gorging time. It is a spiritual and secular time.
In countries as far-flung as Thailand and Iraq and Haiti, friends and relatives will come together on Dec. 25 to celebrate the birth of Jesus — and each other.
And in the United States, people who have immigrated here from countries the world over will do the same, bringing tastes of their homelands to new homes while embracing American culture and customs.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Monday, December 20, 2010
We won't forget - And we won't give up
from Marissa Graciosa
We won't forget
And we won't give up
On Saturday in the Senate, we saw small-minded, heartless politicians show their true colors.
In an appalling show of callousness, the Senate stopped the DREAM Act. A few Republican senators broke from their party to stand with us on the side of justice, but the rest of them voted no. Even a handful of Democrats joined them in stalling the dreams of millions.
To every single Senator who voted against deserving youth: we will not forget this.
Send a message to Senators who voted ‘no’: we’ll remember what you did. Click on the headline above.
The courageous DREAMers will continue to lead and will continue to fight. The work you’ve done to stand with them and get this far won’t be forgotten. We won’t forget who stood up for us, and we’ll definitely remember who killed the DREAM.
This battle isn’t over. Not by a long shot. Our movement will always stand together, and we’ll never stop fighting.
We won't forget
And we won't give up
On Saturday in the Senate, we saw small-minded, heartless politicians show their true colors.
In an appalling show of callousness, the Senate stopped the DREAM Act. A few Republican senators broke from their party to stand with us on the side of justice, but the rest of them voted no. Even a handful of Democrats joined them in stalling the dreams of millions.
To every single Senator who voted against deserving youth: we will not forget this.
Send a message to Senators who voted ‘no’: we’ll remember what you did. Click on the headline above.
The courageous DREAMers will continue to lead and will continue to fight. The work you’ve done to stand with them and get this far won’t be forgotten. We won’t forget who stood up for us, and we’ll definitely remember who killed the DREAM.
This battle isn’t over. Not by a long shot. Our movement will always stand together, and we’ll never stop fighting.
Inland area sees big drop in immigrants
The Census is showing that this part of California lost immigrants, probably because of the economy. - - Donna Poisl
By DAVID OLSON, The Press-Enterprise
The Inland area had among the nation's steepest declines in its immigrant population during the recession, a study released Wednesday found.
In Riverside and San Bernardino counties, the number of foreign-born residents fell by about 29,000 -- or 3.2 percent -- between 2007 and 2009, to about 883,000. The decline followed years of constant increases in the immigrant population, driven in part by the construction industry.
Other areas hit hard by the economic downturn, such as Stockton, Fresno and Providence, R.I., also saw drops, while cities with lower unemployment rates, like Seattle and Raleigh, N.C., had a continued influx of immigrants, according to the report by the Washington, D.C.-based Brookings Institution.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By DAVID OLSON, The Press-Enterprise
The Inland area had among the nation's steepest declines in its immigrant population during the recession, a study released Wednesday found.
In Riverside and San Bernardino counties, the number of foreign-born residents fell by about 29,000 -- or 3.2 percent -- between 2007 and 2009, to about 883,000. The decline followed years of constant increases in the immigrant population, driven in part by the construction industry.
Other areas hit hard by the economic downturn, such as Stockton, Fresno and Providence, R.I., also saw drops, while cities with lower unemployment rates, like Seattle and Raleigh, N.C., had a continued influx of immigrants, according to the report by the Washington, D.C.-based Brookings Institution.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
The Afghans of Fremont
Afghan refugees are settling in this area, and are struggling to fit in. Mainly because they are refugees. - - Donna Poisl
by JUDITH MILLER
Anxious, uprooted—and under surveillance
The site of the Altamont Speedway, where four died and scores were injured in an infamous 1969 rock concert, isn’t far from Fremont, the largest city in Alameda County, California. But the area has changed dramatically in 40 years. The raceway itself is long gone; so are the hippies, most of the farms, and the sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll culture.
In their place, the first thing that a tourist might notice is that Fremont—along with other cities in this county just south of San Francisco Bay—now hosts enormous Indian, Pakistani, Vietnamese, and Chinese populations, as well as smaller clusters of a dozen other nationalities. In fact, this city of 217,000 is among the nation’s most ethnically and culturally diverse. Some 136 languages are spoken at home by children who attend Fremont schools, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, and white, native-born Americans constitute only 38 percent of the city’s residents.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by JUDITH MILLER
Anxious, uprooted—and under surveillance
The site of the Altamont Speedway, where four died and scores were injured in an infamous 1969 rock concert, isn’t far from Fremont, the largest city in Alameda County, California. But the area has changed dramatically in 40 years. The raceway itself is long gone; so are the hippies, most of the farms, and the sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll culture.
In their place, the first thing that a tourist might notice is that Fremont—along with other cities in this county just south of San Francisco Bay—now hosts enormous Indian, Pakistani, Vietnamese, and Chinese populations, as well as smaller clusters of a dozen other nationalities. In fact, this city of 217,000 is among the nation’s most ethnically and culturally diverse. Some 136 languages are spoken at home by children who attend Fremont schools, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, and white, native-born Americans constitute only 38 percent of the city’s residents.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
A melting pot stretches out to the suburbs
The Census report will probably show that many cities across the country are very similar to this city in MA, with large increases in their immigrant population. - - Donna Poisl
By Maria Sacchetti, Globe Staff
EVERETT — Ottavio’s barber shop, with its owner’s accent still tinged with traces of his native Sicily, bustles a few doors down from a Haitian grocery store and across the road from a kiosk where immigrants can wire money to Brazil.
Welcome to Main Street in Everett, where the percentage of immigrants has tripled since 1990 to 33 percent, one of the biggest increases in the state, according to US Census Bureau estimates released yesterday. It is a shift repeated across the state, with immigrant numbers rising in small cities and prosperous suburbs that once had far lower levels of foreign-born residents.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Maria Sacchetti, Globe Staff
EVERETT — Ottavio’s barber shop, with its owner’s accent still tinged with traces of his native Sicily, bustles a few doors down from a Haitian grocery store and across the road from a kiosk where immigrants can wire money to Brazil.
Welcome to Main Street in Everett, where the percentage of immigrants has tripled since 1990 to 33 percent, one of the biggest increases in the state, according to US Census Bureau estimates released yesterday. It is a shift repeated across the state, with immigrant numbers rising in small cities and prosperous suburbs that once had far lower levels of foreign-born residents.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Urgent: DREAM Act vote on Sat., Call these Senators
from Mohammad Abdollahi, co-founder of DreamActivist.org
Senator Reid has scheduled a vote for the DREAM Act on Saturday. The vote can come as early as 10:00 am EST.
Right now the vote is not looking good but there is still time to change that.
This means there is only 1 day to take action. 1 day to make as many calls as you can make. There is no going back so step up and take action!
Take Action:
1. Make at least 25 calls for the DREAM Act. Check out the UPDATED target list below. Or click on the headline.
2. Sponsor students in Washington D.C., a $25 donation will cover one student for a day.
Senate Democrats:
Conrad (ND) - 202-224-2043
Pryor (AR) 202-224-2353
Manchin (WV) 202-224-3954
Hagan (NC) 202-224-6342
Senate Republicans:
Brownback (KS) - 202-224-6521
Voinovich (OH) - 202-224-3353
Snowe (ME) - 202-224-5344
Collins (ME) - 202-224-2523
Senator Reid has scheduled a vote for the DREAM Act on Saturday. The vote can come as early as 10:00 am EST.
Right now the vote is not looking good but there is still time to change that.
This means there is only 1 day to take action. 1 day to make as many calls as you can make. There is no going back so step up and take action!
Take Action:
1. Make at least 25 calls for the DREAM Act. Check out the UPDATED target list below. Or click on the headline.
2. Sponsor students in Washington D.C., a $25 donation will cover one student for a day.
Senate Democrats:
Conrad (ND) - 202-224-2043
Pryor (AR) 202-224-2353
Manchin (WV) 202-224-3954
Hagan (NC) 202-224-6342
Senate Republicans:
Brownback (KS) - 202-224-6521
Voinovich (OH) - 202-224-3353
Snowe (ME) - 202-224-5344
Collins (ME) - 202-224-2523
Monday, December 13, 2010
We Cannot Afford Not to Pass the DREAM Act: A Plea from America’s Scholars
For Immediate Release
American Scholars Stand for the DREAM Act
National Sign-on Letter by Academic Community Re-issued
December 13, 2010
Washington D.C. - Today, leading scholars re-issued a national sign-on letter in support of the DREAM Act, a bill to give certain undocumented immigrant youth an opportunity at legal status. The letter currently has 288 signatories representing scholars in 38 states. While scholars have for years worked to educate the public and speak out on immigration reform, this letter represents the most concerted effort among the academic community to advocate for the DREAM Act.
To launch the letter and discuss their support of the DREAM Act, several leading immigration scholars joined a national teleconference. Their collective view, after decades of research, is that punishing the children of undocumented immigrants does a disservice to the future of our country. By failing to offer these young people a place in America, we are cutting them off from the very mechanisms that would allow them to contribute to our economy and society.
Douglas S. Massey, Professor at Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs said "Not only is passing the Dream Act in the best interests of the United States; it is the right thing to do. If Congress cannot pass a bill that lifts the burden of illegality from innocent children to unleash the productive potential of its own young people, then I fear for the future of the country in both moral and practical terms."
Ruben G. Rumbaut, Professor of Sociology at the University of California, Irvine said, "It would compound the tragedy for the United States Senate to miss what may be a last opportunity (as far as can be foreseen) to extend to the most successful of these youth nothing more than a fair chance at life -- and in so doing act in the best interests and values of this nation."
Roberto G. Gonzales, Ph.D., professor at the University of Washington's School of Social Work said "We must ask ourselves what we want for our country- a growing and vulnerable underclass of American-raised individuals or a significant number of young people ready and capable of strengthening our economy and society?"
Carola Suarez-Orozco, Ph.D., Professor at New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development said "The Dream act is good for the kids by rewarding them for their efforts of working hard in school and de facto if not, so far, de jure acting as good citizens. It is good for society by not wasting our educational investment from K-12 and leaving these young people to languish on the streets with nowhere to go. It is simply the right thing to do."
To hear a recording of the discussion click:
http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/ipc/7SCHOLARS121310.mp3
To view the sign-on letter click on the headline above:
We Cannot Afford Not to Pass the DREAM Act: A Plea from America's Scholars
###
For more information contact Wendy Sefsaf at wsefsaf@immcouncil.org or 202-507-7524.
American Scholars Stand for the DREAM Act
National Sign-on Letter by Academic Community Re-issued
December 13, 2010
Washington D.C. - Today, leading scholars re-issued a national sign-on letter in support of the DREAM Act, a bill to give certain undocumented immigrant youth an opportunity at legal status. The letter currently has 288 signatories representing scholars in 38 states. While scholars have for years worked to educate the public and speak out on immigration reform, this letter represents the most concerted effort among the academic community to advocate for the DREAM Act.
To launch the letter and discuss their support of the DREAM Act, several leading immigration scholars joined a national teleconference. Their collective view, after decades of research, is that punishing the children of undocumented immigrants does a disservice to the future of our country. By failing to offer these young people a place in America, we are cutting them off from the very mechanisms that would allow them to contribute to our economy and society.
Douglas S. Massey, Professor at Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs said "Not only is passing the Dream Act in the best interests of the United States; it is the right thing to do. If Congress cannot pass a bill that lifts the burden of illegality from innocent children to unleash the productive potential of its own young people, then I fear for the future of the country in both moral and practical terms."
Ruben G. Rumbaut, Professor of Sociology at the University of California, Irvine said, "It would compound the tragedy for the United States Senate to miss what may be a last opportunity (as far as can be foreseen) to extend to the most successful of these youth nothing more than a fair chance at life -- and in so doing act in the best interests and values of this nation."
Roberto G. Gonzales, Ph.D., professor at the University of Washington's School of Social Work said "We must ask ourselves what we want for our country- a growing and vulnerable underclass of American-raised individuals or a significant number of young people ready and capable of strengthening our economy and society?"
Carola Suarez-Orozco, Ph.D., Professor at New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development said "The Dream act is good for the kids by rewarding them for their efforts of working hard in school and de facto if not, so far, de jure acting as good citizens. It is good for society by not wasting our educational investment from K-12 and leaving these young people to languish on the streets with nowhere to go. It is simply the right thing to do."
To hear a recording of the discussion click:
http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/sites/default/files/docs/ipc/7SCHOLARS121310.mp3
To view the sign-on letter click on the headline above:
We Cannot Afford Not to Pass the DREAM Act: A Plea from America's Scholars
###
For more information contact Wendy Sefsaf at wsefsaf@immcouncil.org or 202-507-7524.
Call this DREAM Act Target List
from Mohammad Abdollahi, Co-Founder of DreamActivist.org
Today is day 35 of the Texas hunger strike for the DREAM Act. Youth and allies have been starving for the DREAM Act for a long time now but many are holding their Senators even more accountable and putting their own bodies and minds on the line for the DREAM Act.
We need to make sure that the sacrifices they are making are being recognized. The goal for today is 50,000 calls for the DREAM Act and we know you will help us make them. To support the strikers change your facebook profile to this image, ask your friends to do the same and make those calls!
The United We Dream Network and other networks are mobilizing youth to Washington D.C., if you are interested in attending sign up here: https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dEpGRlFVb19DMzg0SThhbklRYTZTOWc6MQ
For the first time in history we were able to pass DREAM in the House and we were able to generate more calls than the anti-immigrants. Let's not stop now.
Click on the headline for the list of Senate Democrats and Republicans who have not voted yet.
Today is day 35 of the Texas hunger strike for the DREAM Act. Youth and allies have been starving for the DREAM Act for a long time now but many are holding their Senators even more accountable and putting their own bodies and minds on the line for the DREAM Act.
We need to make sure that the sacrifices they are making are being recognized. The goal for today is 50,000 calls for the DREAM Act and we know you will help us make them. To support the strikers change your facebook profile to this image, ask your friends to do the same and make those calls!
The United We Dream Network and other networks are mobilizing youth to Washington D.C., if you are interested in attending sign up here: https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dEpGRlFVb19DMzg0SThhbklRYTZTOWc6MQ
For the first time in history we were able to pass DREAM in the House and we were able to generate more calls than the anti-immigrants. Let's not stop now.
Click on the headline for the list of Senate Democrats and Republicans who have not voted yet.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Bloomberg Talks Immigration With Business Titans
Mayor Bloomberg understands and explains to big business why we need more immigrants here and immigration reform. - - Donna Poisl
By SAM DOLNICK
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg told his business-world peers on Friday that if they cared about their city and, more pointedly, their companies, they needed to support his call for comprehensive immigration reform. The economy is suffering because of Washington’s failure to change restrictive policies, he said, and talented entrepreneurs were taking their ideas to other countries that are only too happy to host them.
“If we keep the best and the brightest out of this country, all the next big things will happen outside this country,” the mayor said during a speech at the New York Stock Exchange.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By SAM DOLNICK
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg told his business-world peers on Friday that if they cared about their city and, more pointedly, their companies, they needed to support his call for comprehensive immigration reform. The economy is suffering because of Washington’s failure to change restrictive policies, he said, and talented entrepreneurs were taking their ideas to other countries that are only too happy to host them.
“If we keep the best and the brightest out of this country, all the next big things will happen outside this country,” the mayor said during a speech at the New York Stock Exchange.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Friday, December 10, 2010
IMMIGRATION: Soldiers become U.S. citizens
Twenty one soldiers were sworn in as U.S. citizens at a ceremony in an Army Training Center in California. Congratulations to them and thank you for serving. - - Donna Poisl
By DARRELL R. SANTSCHI, The Press-Enterprise
Army Spc. Guadalupe Forcado, of San Bernardino, is a Mexican immigrant who has lived in the United States 22 of her 23 years.
"I already felt like I was part of this country," she said, "but I wanted to call myself a citizen. To me, it is an honor."
She and 20 other soldiers from 14 countries were sworn in as U.S. citizens Thursday morning at the Army's National Training Center at Fort Irwin. All were legal immigrants with green cards.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By DARRELL R. SANTSCHI, The Press-Enterprise
Army Spc. Guadalupe Forcado, of San Bernardino, is a Mexican immigrant who has lived in the United States 22 of her 23 years.
"I already felt like I was part of this country," she said, "but I wanted to call myself a citizen. To me, it is an honor."
She and 20 other soldiers from 14 countries were sworn in as U.S. citizens Thursday morning at the Army's National Training Center at Fort Irwin. All were legal immigrants with green cards.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Former undocumented immigrant creates site to help Latino immigrants achieve success
This naturalized citizen is using his own experience with a new website that is intended to help other Latino immigrants. - - Donna Poisl
Posted by Marisa Treviño
LatinaLista.net -- One of the major concerns expressed about Latino immigrants is their "perceived" reluctance to assimilate into the mainstream. Just to be clear -- assimilation has nothing to do with giving up one's native language. But it does mean learning the new language of the adopted country and learning the rules, laws and how to navigate the system.
In these areas, immigrants clearly could benefit from someone else's experience who has been there and done that.
Someone like Alberto Galdámez.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Posted by Marisa Treviño
LatinaLista.net -- One of the major concerns expressed about Latino immigrants is their "perceived" reluctance to assimilate into the mainstream. Just to be clear -- assimilation has nothing to do with giving up one's native language. But it does mean learning the new language of the adopted country and learning the rules, laws and how to navigate the system.
In these areas, immigrants clearly could benefit from someone else's experience who has been there and done that.
Someone like Alberto Galdámez.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Chinese immigrants discover Christianity in the U.S.
The growing number of Chinese churches in the U.S. are attracting more Chinese immigrants to Christianity. - - Donna Poisl
written by The Underground Staff
Immigrants from China are hearing the gospel for the first time in the U.S., and they are embracing it.
World Magazine said Chinese immigrants find love, acceptance and community in Christian churches which become a refuge in a new country. Li Rong Liu, of Fujian, South China says the spirituality seems more real, too.
Liu told World Magazine, “When I was in China, I had heard of Christianity, but I didn’t think I needed it. Now in the U.S., when I’m alone and facing new hardships, here is where I find God.”
When travel restrictions eased in China in 1978, Chinese immigrants to the U.S. rose from 200,000 in 1980 to 1.4 million in 2006. Chinese churches in the U.S. increased from 366 in 1980 to more than 800 today, World Magazine said.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
written by The Underground Staff
Immigrants from China are hearing the gospel for the first time in the U.S., and they are embracing it.
World Magazine said Chinese immigrants find love, acceptance and community in Christian churches which become a refuge in a new country. Li Rong Liu, of Fujian, South China says the spirituality seems more real, too.
Liu told World Magazine, “When I was in China, I had heard of Christianity, but I didn’t think I needed it. Now in the U.S., when I’m alone and facing new hardships, here is where I find God.”
When travel restrictions eased in China in 1978, Chinese immigrants to the U.S. rose from 200,000 in 1980 to 1.4 million in 2006. Chinese churches in the U.S. increased from 366 in 1980 to more than 800 today, World Magazine said.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Utica school program teaches English to young adults
This school program helps new immigrants who are between 17 and 21 years old. They don't know enough English to go to college or get a job. And not enough for high school either. - - Donna Poisl
By DANIEL P. BADER, Observer-Dispatch
UTICA — Dima Zhuk, 18, has it a little better than some of his other classmates.
The refugee from Belarus had 11 years of education before coming to the United States. He just needs to learn English.
Zhuk is one of 23 students in the beginner class of the Utica City School District’s Newcomer’s program, an intensive English as a Second Language course for 17- to 21-year-olds that is held during the day at the Underground Café, the after-school teen center on Washington Street.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By DANIEL P. BADER, Observer-Dispatch
UTICA — Dima Zhuk, 18, has it a little better than some of his other classmates.
The refugee from Belarus had 11 years of education before coming to the United States. He just needs to learn English.
Zhuk is one of 23 students in the beginner class of the Utica City School District’s Newcomer’s program, an intensive English as a Second Language course for 17- to 21-year-olds that is held during the day at the Underground Café, the after-school teen center on Washington Street.
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.
`Business Death Penalty' for Hiring Illegal Aliens Unites Obama, Companies
This article gives a very good explanation of the case before the Supreme Court now. - - Donna Poisl
By Greg Stohr
In 2007, Arizona enacted a law containing what then-Governor Janet Napolitano called the “business death penalty,” a provision threatening companies that hired illegal aliens with revocation of their corporate charters.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s challenge to the law is now before the U.S. Supreme Court, which hears arguments today. With states and cities seeking to crack down on illegal border crossing, a ruling upholding the measure would spur enactment of similar laws elsewhere, advocates on both sides say.
“Once the principles are in place, the floodgates will open around the country,” said Michael Hethmon, a lawyer with the Washington-based Immigration Reform Law Institute, which supports the Arizona law.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Greg Stohr
In 2007, Arizona enacted a law containing what then-Governor Janet Napolitano called the “business death penalty,” a provision threatening companies that hired illegal aliens with revocation of their corporate charters.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s challenge to the law is now before the U.S. Supreme Court, which hears arguments today. With states and cities seeking to crack down on illegal border crossing, a ruling upholding the measure would spur enactment of similar laws elsewhere, advocates on both sides say.
“Once the principles are in place, the floodgates will open around the country,” said Michael Hethmon, a lawyer with the Washington-based Immigration Reform Law Institute, which supports the Arizona law.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
DREAM Act Passes House! Call these Senators!
from Mohammad Abdollahi, Co-Founder DreamActivist.org
The Dream Act Passes the House
We have just witnessed the passage of the Dream Act in the House of Representatives, on a vote of 216 to 198. CONGRATULATIONS!
However, our work is not over yet, the Senate needs to hear you. Call the following Senators NOW:
Your calls and donations have helped us get here, but the work is not over yet. The Senate vote has been delayed until tomorrow and your calls matter more now than ever.
Help us make the final push by making those calls!
Click on the headline and call the following Senators
Senate Democrats:
Conrad (ND)
Dorgan (ND)
McCaskill (MO)
Webb (VA)
Warner (VA)
Landrieu (LA)
Pryor (AR)
Tester (MT)
Hagan (NC)
Senate Republicans:
Murkowski (AK)
Hutchison (TX)
Brownback (KS)
Kirk (IL)
Bennett (UT)
Voinovich (OH)
Snowe (ME)
Collins (ME)
Lemieux (FL)
Lugar (IN)
Bunning (KY)
The Dream Act Passes the House
We have just witnessed the passage of the Dream Act in the House of Representatives, on a vote of 216 to 198. CONGRATULATIONS!
However, our work is not over yet, the Senate needs to hear you. Call the following Senators NOW:
Your calls and donations have helped us get here, but the work is not over yet. The Senate vote has been delayed until tomorrow and your calls matter more now than ever.
Help us make the final push by making those calls!
Click on the headline and call the following Senators
Senate Democrats:
Conrad (ND)
Dorgan (ND)
McCaskill (MO)
Webb (VA)
Warner (VA)
Landrieu (LA)
Pryor (AR)
Tester (MT)
Hagan (NC)
Senate Republicans:
Murkowski (AK)
Hutchison (TX)
Brownback (KS)
Kirk (IL)
Bennett (UT)
Voinovich (OH)
Snowe (ME)
Collins (ME)
Lemieux (FL)
Lugar (IN)
Bunning (KY)
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
For our nation, the DREAM Act means success
Dr. Biden writes a wonderful piece telling why our country needs the DREAM Act. - - Donna Poisl
BY JILL BIDEN
I have been an educator for almost 30 years and I continue to teach English full time at a community college not too far from the White House. Education for me is not an abstract policy debate -- it's about the young people I work with every day who are overcoming countless obstacles to prepare themselves for success.
I'm proud that the president and vice president know the value of education to our nation. This administration recognizes that if America is to remain competitive in an increasingly dynamic global economy, we need to work hard to improve our schools, boost our graduation rates, and ensure that our nation is once again the world's leader in cultivating skilled talent.
In short, we must seek at every step to enable children to succeed.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
BY JILL BIDEN
I have been an educator for almost 30 years and I continue to teach English full time at a community college not too far from the White House. Education for me is not an abstract policy debate -- it's about the young people I work with every day who are overcoming countless obstacles to prepare themselves for success.
I'm proud that the president and vice president know the value of education to our nation. This administration recognizes that if America is to remain competitive in an increasingly dynamic global economy, we need to work hard to improve our schools, boost our graduation rates, and ensure that our nation is once again the world's leader in cultivating skilled talent.
In short, we must seek at every step to enable children to succeed.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
GOP rises, DREAM Act falters
GOP members who sponsored the DREAM Act are probably going to vote against it, to save their own seats in the next election. - - Donna Poisl
By SCOTT WONG
To see how dramatically the immigration debate has shifted, look no further than Orrin Hatch.
The Utah Republican was the chief sponsor of the DREAM Act when it was first introduced in the Senate in 2001 and, later, in 2003. But now, worried about a potential tea party challenge in 2012, Hatch is steering clear of the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act.
On Wednesday, immigrant advocates who have been engaged in this fight for nearly a decade will very likely see the DREAM Act sputter again with a feeble lame-duck vote.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By SCOTT WONG
To see how dramatically the immigration debate has shifted, look no further than Orrin Hatch.
The Utah Republican was the chief sponsor of the DREAM Act when it was first introduced in the Senate in 2001 and, later, in 2003. But now, worried about a potential tea party challenge in 2012, Hatch is steering clear of the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act.
On Wednesday, immigrant advocates who have been engaged in this fight for nearly a decade will very likely see the DREAM Act sputter again with a feeble lame-duck vote.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
DREAM Act Target List -- Call today
from Mohammad Abdollahi, co-founder DreamActivist.org
We have one or two days left till a vote actually takes place and it is clear we need to continue to escalate. Students in Texas are on their 27th day of a hunger strike urging Senator Hutchison to support DREAM. For a week now, Pastor Lorenza Smith has been detained in jail, while still on her hunger strike. Just yesterday, she announced that she would now be entering into a full fast until passage of the DREAM Act.
Our struggle is real. People are ready to put their lives on the line, all to show that our communities are suffering for the DREAM Act.
As you make your calls think of Rev. Lorenza Smith's commitment and courage to continue the fight. The Members of Congress need to hear us loud and clear in the coming crucial days before the vote.
With the Reverend in mind can we make our 20,000 calls today? Check out the updated target list and make those calls! Click on the headline above!
Also, in the next two days we hope to have hundreds of students walking the halls of congress. In order to make this possible we need your continued support, please make a contribution of $25 to help with transportation and expenses.
Lets finish the day with filling up the rest of those voice mails!
Mohammad Abdollahi
co-founder DreamActivist.org
We have one or two days left till a vote actually takes place and it is clear we need to continue to escalate. Students in Texas are on their 27th day of a hunger strike urging Senator Hutchison to support DREAM. For a week now, Pastor Lorenza Smith has been detained in jail, while still on her hunger strike. Just yesterday, she announced that she would now be entering into a full fast until passage of the DREAM Act.
Our struggle is real. People are ready to put their lives on the line, all to show that our communities are suffering for the DREAM Act.
As you make your calls think of Rev. Lorenza Smith's commitment and courage to continue the fight. The Members of Congress need to hear us loud and clear in the coming crucial days before the vote.
With the Reverend in mind can we make our 20,000 calls today? Check out the updated target list and make those calls! Click on the headline above!
Also, in the next two days we hope to have hundreds of students walking the halls of congress. In order to make this possible we need your continued support, please make a contribution of $25 to help with transportation and expenses.
Lets finish the day with filling up the rest of those voice mails!
Mohammad Abdollahi
co-founder DreamActivist.org
Urgent: Congress to Vote on Immigration Bill
from Angela Maria Kelley, Center for American Progress Action Fund
We need you to pick up the phone right now.
We've just heard that Congress will vote this week on the DREAM Act—a key immigration bill that could make a huge difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of undocumented young people.
Call Congress now at 1-866-996-5161 and tell them to vote YES on the DREAM Act.
The DREAM Act is bipartisan legislation that would enable high-character undocumented young people to work towards their dream of American citizenship. The bill enjoys broad support from leaders in the military, education, immigration, and religious communities.
And this week, the House of Representatives and Senate are both planning to vote on the DREAM Act.
Call 1-866-996-5161 and tell Congress to vote YES on the DREAM Act.
Our partners at Campus Progress have a new TV ad and more information about why it's so crucial that Congress act now on this bill.
The DREAM Act creates a way for bright and talented young people who grew up in America to legalize their status and achieve their dreams. It would provide a path to citizenship for undocumented young people who work hard and pursue higher education or military service. And the bill makes economic sense, too—the Congressional Budget Office found that it would reduce the deficit by $1.4 billion over ten years.
Mobilization in support of this bill has reached a tipping point. Young activists are seeking what we all want—a bona fide shot at the American DREAM. Join us in telling Congress to give them that shot.
Thanks for your support as we work to make this DREAM a reality.
Best wishes,
Angela Maria Kelley
Vice President for Immigration Policy and Advocacy
Center for American Progress Action Fund
P.S. This is urgent. Please, pick up the phone. Then post the phone number, 1-866-996-5161, to your Facebook and Twitter accounts and forward this message to your friends, family members, and co-workers and ask them to call Congress too.
We need you to pick up the phone right now.
We've just heard that Congress will vote this week on the DREAM Act—a key immigration bill that could make a huge difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of undocumented young people.
Call Congress now at 1-866-996-5161 and tell them to vote YES on the DREAM Act.
The DREAM Act is bipartisan legislation that would enable high-character undocumented young people to work towards their dream of American citizenship. The bill enjoys broad support from leaders in the military, education, immigration, and religious communities.
And this week, the House of Representatives and Senate are both planning to vote on the DREAM Act.
Call 1-866-996-5161 and tell Congress to vote YES on the DREAM Act.
Our partners at Campus Progress have a new TV ad and more information about why it's so crucial that Congress act now on this bill.
The DREAM Act creates a way for bright and talented young people who grew up in America to legalize their status and achieve their dreams. It would provide a path to citizenship for undocumented young people who work hard and pursue higher education or military service. And the bill makes economic sense, too—the Congressional Budget Office found that it would reduce the deficit by $1.4 billion over ten years.
Mobilization in support of this bill has reached a tipping point. Young activists are seeking what we all want—a bona fide shot at the American DREAM. Join us in telling Congress to give them that shot.
Thanks for your support as we work to make this DREAM a reality.
Best wishes,
Angela Maria Kelley
Vice President for Immigration Policy and Advocacy
Center for American Progress Action Fund
P.S. This is urgent. Please, pick up the phone. Then post the phone number, 1-866-996-5161, to your Facebook and Twitter accounts and forward this message to your friends, family members, and co-workers and ask them to call Congress too.
DREAM Act promises economic benefits and justice for immigrants
People who are against this should study the economic benefits that would come to the country if it passes. They might be very surprised. - - Donna Poisl
By Annie Fehrenbacher
Members of the Senate and House began deliberations Nov. 29 on the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act.
The DREAM Act is a bill that would provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented youth who complete two years of college or military service. If the DREAM Act passes, more than 25,000 undocumented students in California – including more than 300 at UCLA – could be in line for the dream jobs that currently elude them.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Annie Fehrenbacher
Members of the Senate and House began deliberations Nov. 29 on the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act.
The DREAM Act is a bill that would provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented youth who complete two years of college or military service. If the DREAM Act passes, more than 25,000 undocumented students in California – including more than 300 at UCLA – could be in line for the dream jobs that currently elude them.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
High court ruling on Arizona act could shape immigration law
We are all watching the Supreme Court and hoping they will strike against the AZ law. This will have a big impact on the whole country and immigration reform. - - Donna Poisl
The 2007 Legal Arizona Workers Act cracks down on employers who hire illegal workers, but the Obama administration says it conflicts with the federal government's authority to enforce immigration laws.
By David G. Savage, Tribune Washington Bureau
Reporting from Washington — President Obama once favored a "crackdown on employers" who hired illegal immigrants, and as a candidate called for "much tougher enforcement standards" for companies that employed illegal workers.
But this week, Obama's top courtroom lawyer will join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in urging the Supreme Court to strike down an Arizona law that goes after employers who hire illegal workers. The administration also seeks to void a part of the state's law that tells employers they must check the federal government's E-Verify database to make sure their new hires are authorized to work in the United States.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
The 2007 Legal Arizona Workers Act cracks down on employers who hire illegal workers, but the Obama administration says it conflicts with the federal government's authority to enforce immigration laws.
By David G. Savage, Tribune Washington Bureau
Reporting from Washington — President Obama once favored a "crackdown on employers" who hired illegal immigrants, and as a candidate called for "much tougher enforcement standards" for companies that employed illegal workers.
But this week, Obama's top courtroom lawyer will join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in urging the Supreme Court to strike down an Arizona law that goes after employers who hire illegal workers. The administration also seeks to void a part of the state's law that tells employers they must check the federal government's E-Verify database to make sure their new hires are authorized to work in the United States.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Kennewick Family Learning Center reaches out to refugees
Volunteers and a small grant have helped this center assist refugees from Asia and Africa learn to live in this country. - - Donna Poisl
BY JOHN TRUMBO, HERALD STAFF WRITER
The small unit at Central Park Apartments in Kennewick has no couch, no bed, no easy chairs or TV. And for good reason.
Four computers sit on a long table in what otherwise would be the only bedroom. And a makeshift classroom, including alphabet and color charts, occupies the front room at the Family Learning Center in unit B-1.
This is where refugees from Burma and other countries in Southeast Asia and Africa who live at Central Park meet each week with volunteer teachers to practice English. They also get help developing computer skills and homework tutoring for their children.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
BY JOHN TRUMBO, HERALD STAFF WRITER
The small unit at Central Park Apartments in Kennewick has no couch, no bed, no easy chairs or TV. And for good reason.
Four computers sit on a long table in what otherwise would be the only bedroom. And a makeshift classroom, including alphabet and color charts, occupies the front room at the Family Learning Center in unit B-1.
This is where refugees from Burma and other countries in Southeast Asia and Africa who live at Central Park meet each week with volunteer teachers to practice English. They also get help developing computer skills and homework tutoring for their children.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Heritage Launches New Spanish Language Website
PRESS RELEASE
Heritage Launches New Spanish Language Website
WASHINGTON, Dec. 2, 2010 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- The Heritage Foundation, the nation's most broadly-supported think tank, today launched a new website to give Spanish-speaking Americans access to its cutting-edge analyses and policy recommendations to solve the nation's most pressing problems.
"The new website, Libertad.org, will give Spanish-speaking Americans access to the top-flight research and informed, conservative commentary that has helped Heritage build a center-right majority in the nation as a whole," said Heritage Vice President for Communications Mike Gonzalez.
"Surveys show that vast majorities of Hispanic Americans already embrace conservative attitudes, such as the desire for smaller government and less regulation," Gonzalez noted. "They also cherish personal freedom and free enterprise — the promise of which drew them and their forebears to this country in the first place," he added. "Heritage Libertad will provide the hard facts and conservative analysis too often ignored by the liberal-dominated media currently serving the Hispanic community."
According to Gonzalez, "the new site will include information, statistics and analysis of special interest to Hispanics, as well as blogs, audio and visual content in Spanish."
"Heritage Libertad will include a robust social media platform for sharing and discussion," he said, "with an intention to give conservative, free market-oriented Hispanics the opportunity to meet, exchange views and form online communities of their own."
About The Heritage Foundation
America's most broadly-supported public policy research institute, The Heritage Foundation has more than 700,000 individual, foundation and corporate donors. Founded in 1973, it works to develop effective policy solutions based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values and a strong national defense. http://www.heritage.org
SOURCE The Heritage Foundation
CONTACT: Israel Ortega of The Heritage Foundation, +1-202-608-6176 or Israel.Ortega@heritage.org
Heritage Launches New Spanish Language Website
WASHINGTON, Dec. 2, 2010 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- The Heritage Foundation, the nation's most broadly-supported think tank, today launched a new website to give Spanish-speaking Americans access to its cutting-edge analyses and policy recommendations to solve the nation's most pressing problems.
"The new website, Libertad.org, will give Spanish-speaking Americans access to the top-flight research and informed, conservative commentary that has helped Heritage build a center-right majority in the nation as a whole," said Heritage Vice President for Communications Mike Gonzalez.
"Surveys show that vast majorities of Hispanic Americans already embrace conservative attitudes, such as the desire for smaller government and less regulation," Gonzalez noted. "They also cherish personal freedom and free enterprise — the promise of which drew them and their forebears to this country in the first place," he added. "Heritage Libertad will provide the hard facts and conservative analysis too often ignored by the liberal-dominated media currently serving the Hispanic community."
According to Gonzalez, "the new site will include information, statistics and analysis of special interest to Hispanics, as well as blogs, audio and visual content in Spanish."
"Heritage Libertad will include a robust social media platform for sharing and discussion," he said, "with an intention to give conservative, free market-oriented Hispanics the opportunity to meet, exchange views and form online communities of their own."
About The Heritage Foundation
America's most broadly-supported public policy research institute, The Heritage Foundation has more than 700,000 individual, foundation and corporate donors. Founded in 1973, it works to develop effective policy solutions based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values and a strong national defense. http://www.heritage.org
SOURCE The Heritage Foundation
CONTACT: Israel Ortega of The Heritage Foundation, +1-202-608-6176 or Israel.Ortega@heritage.org
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Arizona's immigration law costs state a bundle
A very informative piece about how SB1070 has affected Arizona. And the governor was just elected to give her more power! - - Donna Poisl
by Ruben Navarrette Jr.
San Diego -- Racism is bad for business.
That's the message Arizona should have gotten 20 years ago when civil rights groups organized a boycott to punish the state for its stubborn refusal to honor the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. with a state holiday. The NFL pulled the Super Bowl from the Phoenix area, costing the state an estimated $100 million. By the time Arizona voters finally capitulated and approved a ballot initiative creating a holiday in 1992, convention business in the Phoenix area alone had suffered a nearly $200 million setback.
Now Arizona seems intent on committing financial suicide once again - this time over the issue of illegal immigration.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by Ruben Navarrette Jr.
San Diego -- Racism is bad for business.
That's the message Arizona should have gotten 20 years ago when civil rights groups organized a boycott to punish the state for its stubborn refusal to honor the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. with a state holiday. The NFL pulled the Super Bowl from the Phoenix area, costing the state an estimated $100 million. By the time Arizona voters finally capitulated and approved a ballot initiative creating a holiday in 1992, convention business in the Phoenix area alone had suffered a nearly $200 million setback.
Now Arizona seems intent on committing financial suicide once again - this time over the issue of illegal immigration.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Groups Make Late Push to Salvage Bill Aiding Illegal Immigrant Students
I hope all readers here have called their representatives to get this vote on the floor this week. - - Donna Poisl
By JULIA PRESTON
Immigrant advocate groups have mobilized across the country in what they call a last-ditch effort to persuade Congress to pass a bill that would grant legal status to hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrant students, pressing for action in the remaining weeks when Democrats control both houses of Congress.
The groups held marches, hunger strikes, prayer vigils and protests at lawmakers’ offices on Monday and Tuesday in support of the bill, which they call the Dream Act. Opponents are also in high gear, swamping some senators who have not disclosed their positions with faxes and phone calls.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By JULIA PRESTON
Immigrant advocate groups have mobilized across the country in what they call a last-ditch effort to persuade Congress to pass a bill that would grant legal status to hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrant students, pressing for action in the remaining weeks when Democrats control both houses of Congress.
The groups held marches, hunger strikes, prayer vigils and protests at lawmakers’ offices on Monday and Tuesday in support of the bill, which they call the Dream Act. Opponents are also in high gear, swamping some senators who have not disclosed their positions with faxes and phone calls.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Tackling the Big Questions of Immigration, Call in Dec 6
from Interfaith Immigration
For October, November and December the National Faith and Immigration Conference Calls have focused on the larger questions surrounding the immigration debate.
For December 6 at 4 pm EST, we will discuss the political state of play from the mid-term elections, and talk about the issue of border security. Some of the questions we will focus on include: what is a secure border? Is securing the border political rhetoric or a real part of reform? What has already been done and how much has been spent so far in securing the border? How can we as people of faith care for immigrants, stand for reform, and address this issue?
Click the headline above to read a resource put together by the Mennonite Central Committee, Washington DC office that you can use to educate yourself and others on this issue.
The call-in number is 800-920-7487 and the code is 76723736.
For October, November and December the National Faith and Immigration Conference Calls have focused on the larger questions surrounding the immigration debate.
For December 6 at 4 pm EST, we will discuss the political state of play from the mid-term elections, and talk about the issue of border security. Some of the questions we will focus on include: what is a secure border? Is securing the border political rhetoric or a real part of reform? What has already been done and how much has been spent so far in securing the border? How can we as people of faith care for immigrants, stand for reform, and address this issue?
Click the headline above to read a resource put together by the Mennonite Central Committee, Washington DC office that you can use to educate yourself and others on this issue.
The call-in number is 800-920-7487 and the code is 76723736.
New Data Show Newer Immigrants Assimilating Well
This new study shows that newer immigrants are assimilating very well and gives the reasons why they are doing so. - - Donna Poisl
One piece of a successful legalization program must be to help legalized immigrants integrate as quickly as possible and meet specified criteria.
By Michele Waslin
We want legal permanent residents (LPRs) to become U.S. citizens and fully participate in civic life -- and research shows they are, in fact, doing just that. DHS recently presented new data on two programs for legal permanent residence (LPR) status -- one that required immigrants to learn English and U.S. history, and one that did not. They found that those who were required to learn English and history (which are also requirements for U.S. citizenship) are naturalizing at higher rates.
The DHS fact sheet shows that 2.7 million immigrants obtained LPR status between 1989 and 1991 under the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) -- 1.6 million who arrived prior to 1982 (pre-1982 immigrants), and 1.1 million who legalized under a special agricultural workers (SAW) program.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
One piece of a successful legalization program must be to help legalized immigrants integrate as quickly as possible and meet specified criteria.
By Michele Waslin
We want legal permanent residents (LPRs) to become U.S. citizens and fully participate in civic life -- and research shows they are, in fact, doing just that. DHS recently presented new data on two programs for legal permanent residence (LPR) status -- one that required immigrants to learn English and U.S. history, and one that did not. They found that those who were required to learn English and history (which are also requirements for U.S. citizenship) are naturalizing at higher rates.
The DHS fact sheet shows that 2.7 million immigrants obtained LPR status between 1989 and 1991 under the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) -- 1.6 million who arrived prior to 1982 (pre-1982 immigrants), and 1.1 million who legalized under a special agricultural workers (SAW) program.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Arizona employer law nets immigrants, not companies
The U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether the Arizona employer law is legal. Raids catch immigrants, but employers are let go. This will be an interesting case to follow. - - Donna Poisl
By Daniel C. Vock, Stateline Staff Writer
PHOENIX — The video footage on the Phoenix morning news one Monday in mid-November showed dozens of heavily armed sheriff’s deputies breaking in on a business to round up and haul off illegal immigrants. The target of the morning raid was a landscaping company, but this was the 40th time in the past two years that the Maricopa County sheriff had raided a workplace. Among those previously targeted were McDonald’s franchises, a military contractor, sellers of printer cartridges, a meat packing plant, specialty metalworkers and trash collectors.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Daniel C. Vock, Stateline Staff Writer
PHOENIX — The video footage on the Phoenix morning news one Monday in mid-November showed dozens of heavily armed sheriff’s deputies breaking in on a business to round up and haul off illegal immigrants. The target of the morning raid was a landscaping company, but this was the 40th time in the past two years that the Maricopa County sheriff had raided a workplace. Among those previously targeted were McDonald’s franchises, a military contractor, sellers of printer cartridges, a meat packing plant, specialty metalworkers and trash collectors.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Local Immigrants Rally for DREAM Act
It is supposed to be put up for a vote this week, maybe it will pass. If not now, I fear it will be years before it happens. - - Donna Poisl
Two years of college or military could mean citizenship
By Diana Hubert, Epoch Times Staff
NEW YORK—Voices are getting louder for proponents of the DREAM Act, a bill that would grant undocumented immigrant children legal status if certain requirements are met. Dozens of youths rallied this Monday in Times Square trying to gain support for the bill, which is expected to be voted on within the coming weeks during the lame duck session in Congress.
The bipartisan act, which was originally introduced by Sens. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) in 2001 has been the subject of much debate.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Two years of college or military could mean citizenship
By Diana Hubert, Epoch Times Staff
NEW YORK—Voices are getting louder for proponents of the DREAM Act, a bill that would grant undocumented immigrant children legal status if certain requirements are met. Dozens of youths rallied this Monday in Times Square trying to gain support for the bill, which is expected to be voted on within the coming weeks during the lame duck session in Congress.
The bipartisan act, which was originally introduced by Sens. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) in 2001 has been the subject of much debate.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Assimilation: Agency for New Americans provides shelter, cultural perspective to incoming refugee
This center is helping refugees with English, education, housing and other things they need to settle here. - - Donna Poisl
Posted by Arbiter Staff
Uprooting families from everything they have ever known is difficult, even though their country may be riddled with bomb fragments and partially-destroyed buildings.
Their daring journey to America as refugees often leads to an opportunity for a fresh start along with a big helping of confusion. Luckily, Agency for New Americans is here to help. The agency’s main objective is to connect refugees with the community. Yasmin Aguilar is the community resource and match grant coordinator for Agency for New Americans. She gained her motivation for the job from many years of living as a refugee.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Posted by Arbiter Staff
Uprooting families from everything they have ever known is difficult, even though their country may be riddled with bomb fragments and partially-destroyed buildings.
Their daring journey to America as refugees often leads to an opportunity for a fresh start along with a big helping of confusion. Luckily, Agency for New Americans is here to help. The agency’s main objective is to connect refugees with the community. Yasmin Aguilar is the community resource and match grant coordinator for Agency for New Americans. She gained her motivation for the job from many years of living as a refugee.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Brazilian Immigrant Center helps newcomers from all countries
An interesting interview with the director of a Brazilian Immigrant Center. - - Donna Poisl
By Linda Miskin
Linda Mishkin interviewed Natalicia Tracy, executive director of the Brazilian Immigrant Center, 14 Harvard Ave., Allston, on Nov. 11. This is the final part of the interview.
· Linda Mishkin: You mentioned that there is a strong entrepreneurial spirit among those who immigrate to the U.S. from Brazil. But, like you, people make other choices as well. Do you want to talk about that?
· Natalicia Tracy: Yes. Many people choose other paths, including higher education, politics and other areas of public policy and international relations. So, there is a mixture, especially among those who have been here a while or are in the second generation here.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this interview! This is only a small part of it.
By Linda Miskin
Linda Mishkin interviewed Natalicia Tracy, executive director of the Brazilian Immigrant Center, 14 Harvard Ave., Allston, on Nov. 11. This is the final part of the interview.
· Linda Mishkin: You mentioned that there is a strong entrepreneurial spirit among those who immigrate to the U.S. from Brazil. But, like you, people make other choices as well. Do you want to talk about that?
· Natalicia Tracy: Yes. Many people choose other paths, including higher education, politics and other areas of public policy and international relations. So, there is a mixture, especially among those who have been here a while or are in the second generation here.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this interview! This is only a small part of it.
Immigrant student faces language, social hurdles
Older students, meaning new kids in middle and high school, have a harder time learning English than the little kids do. Learning to live here is a challenge, let's hope they stay in school and don't drop out. - - Donna Poisl
by Alexander Russo
Under No Child Left Behind, schools are under more pressure not just to teach kids English, but to raise achievement in core academic subjects. For older students, the challenge is greater.
On the surface, Jafet Melendez looks pretty much like any other 8th-grader at Pulaski Elementary in Bucktown. He wears an Old Navy hoodie and high-top sneakers nearly every day. He likes video games, McDonalds, and the Latin-flavored rap music called reggaetón. He has a cell phone—and a pierced tongue, thanks to his stepfather, Sergio, a factory worker and part-time tattoo artist. The desk near his bed at the family home is covered with items most teenage boys collect—action figures, tough-guy sunglasses and CDs.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by Alexander Russo
Under No Child Left Behind, schools are under more pressure not just to teach kids English, but to raise achievement in core academic subjects. For older students, the challenge is greater.
On the surface, Jafet Melendez looks pretty much like any other 8th-grader at Pulaski Elementary in Bucktown. He wears an Old Navy hoodie and high-top sneakers nearly every day. He likes video games, McDonalds, and the Latin-flavored rap music called reggaetón. He has a cell phone—and a pierced tongue, thanks to his stepfather, Sergio, a factory worker and part-time tattoo artist. The desk near his bed at the family home is covered with items most teenage boys collect—action figures, tough-guy sunglasses and CDs.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Latino vote in 2012 may hinge on whether Dems can pass immigration reform
I guess it is time the promises are kept. - - Donna Poisl
By Allison Sherry, The Denver Post
Two years ago, Latinos were promised work on immigration reform, passage of the DREAM Act and economic recovery if they ushered Barack Obama into the presidency.
Then, this fall, after none of that happened, they were asked to stay with the Democrats.
On Spanish-language radio, Obama beseeched listeners to stick by him. On television commercials and in stump speeches, Latinos were told that Tea Party candidates were scary and extreme and wouldn't represent their interests.
Again, Latinos were promised work toward comprehensive immigration reform and the DREAM Act, a better economy and more jobs.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Allison Sherry, The Denver Post
Two years ago, Latinos were promised work on immigration reform, passage of the DREAM Act and economic recovery if they ushered Barack Obama into the presidency.
Then, this fall, after none of that happened, they were asked to stay with the Democrats.
On Spanish-language radio, Obama beseeched listeners to stick by him. On television commercials and in stump speeches, Latinos were told that Tea Party candidates were scary and extreme and wouldn't represent their interests.
Again, Latinos were promised work toward comprehensive immigration reform and the DREAM Act, a better economy and more jobs.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Higher fees for immigration documents in place
Fees for most immigration documents have been increased. - - Donna Poisl
Higher immigration fees have taken effect, raising by about 10 percent most benefit petitions, including green cards and work permits.
BY ALFONSO CHARDY
The federal agency that processes requests from immigrants for documents ranging from green cards to work permits has raised fees by about 10 percent for most benefits.
Fees for citizenship petitions remained unchanged, and fees for a few other benefits went down.
Tuesday's fee increase is the second in three years, a result of a decline in agency revenue brought about by fewer applications being filed possibly because of the recession.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Higher immigration fees have taken effect, raising by about 10 percent most benefit petitions, including green cards and work permits.
BY ALFONSO CHARDY
The federal agency that processes requests from immigrants for documents ranging from green cards to work permits has raised fees by about 10 percent for most benefits.
Fees for citizenship petitions remained unchanged, and fees for a few other benefits went down.
Tuesday's fee increase is the second in three years, a result of a decline in agency revenue brought about by fewer applications being filed possibly because of the recession.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
A vote is days away! Now is the time for DREAM.
from Marissa Graciosa, Reform Immigration FOR America
This week a vote will be scheduled on the DREAM Act.
This is our only chance to pass immigration reform this year before the new Congress is seated. Our enemies have been flooding Congress with phone calls, and we need to show them that we're still in this fight.
Click the headline above to call your Senator and support the DREAM Act
All you need to make a difference in this fight is a phone. We'll connect you directly to your senator, so that you can tell them in your own words why the DREAM Act matters.
Time is running out, and every voice counts.
Thank you,
Marissa Graciosa
Reform Immigration FOR America
This week a vote will be scheduled on the DREAM Act.
This is our only chance to pass immigration reform this year before the new Congress is seated. Our enemies have been flooding Congress with phone calls, and we need to show them that we're still in this fight.
Click the headline above to call your Senator and support the DREAM Act
All you need to make a difference in this fight is a phone. We'll connect you directly to your senator, so that you can tell them in your own words why the DREAM Act matters.
Time is running out, and every voice counts.
Thank you,
Marissa Graciosa
Reform Immigration FOR America
Restrictionist Group Continues Cynical Legacy of Counting Costs While Ignoring Benefits of Immigration
For Immediate Release
Restrictionist Group Continues Cynical Legacy of Counting Costs
While Ignoring Benefits of Immigration
December 1, 2010
Washington D.C. - In a new report, the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) paints a misleading financial portrait of the DREAM Act. The report, entitled Estimating the Impact of the DREAM Act, claims that the bill would be a burden on U.S. taxpayers and would "crowd out" native-born students in the classroom. However, the available evidence does not support either of these dire predictions. In fact:
Institutions of higher education overwhelmingly support the DREAM Act, which would likely increase school revenues as students who would not normally attend college start to pay tuition.
The 10 states which, since 2001, have passed laws allowing undocumented students to qualify for in-state tuition have not experienced a large influx of new immigrant students that displaces native-born students.
Most DREAM Act students would likely enroll in community colleges, most of which have open enrollment, based on a philosophy that all qualified students should have the opportunity to learn. Historically, more than 80% of community college students hold full or part-time jobs, thus contributing to their own educations (and the tax base) even as they attend school. The American Association of Community Colleges estimates that state and local governments receive a 16% return on every dollar they invest in community colleges due to the increased earnings of college graduates.
Legalizing DREAM Act students would increase beneficiaries' earnings potential, as well as the U.S. tax base. A 2010 study by the UCLA North American Integration and Development Center estimates that the total earnings of DREAM Act beneficiaries over the course of their working lives would be between $1.4 trillion and $3.6 trillion.
CIS's cynical mischaracterization of the DREAM Act is not only inaccurate, but hypocritical as well. CIS frequently laments that so many immigrants to the United States have low levels of education, yet opposes a measure that would allow some of these immigrants to become more educated. What alternative to the DREAM Act does CIS propose? According to the Center for American Progress the cost to deport more than two million children and young adults who were raised in the United States would be $48.6 billion. How is that sound fiscal policy?
The U.S. economy doesn't need more deportations; it needs more college graduates. According to a recent report from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, "not enough Americans are completing college... by 2018, we will need 22 million new college degrees-but will fall short of that number by at least 3 million postsecondary degrees, Associate's or better." The DREAM Act would help meet this need.
###
For more information contact Wendy Sefsaf at wsefsaf@immcouncil.org or 202-507-7524.
Restrictionist Group Continues Cynical Legacy of Counting Costs
While Ignoring Benefits of Immigration
December 1, 2010
Washington D.C. - In a new report, the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) paints a misleading financial portrait of the DREAM Act. The report, entitled Estimating the Impact of the DREAM Act, claims that the bill would be a burden on U.S. taxpayers and would "crowd out" native-born students in the classroom. However, the available evidence does not support either of these dire predictions. In fact:
Institutions of higher education overwhelmingly support the DREAM Act, which would likely increase school revenues as students who would not normally attend college start to pay tuition.
The 10 states which, since 2001, have passed laws allowing undocumented students to qualify for in-state tuition have not experienced a large influx of new immigrant students that displaces native-born students.
Most DREAM Act students would likely enroll in community colleges, most of which have open enrollment, based on a philosophy that all qualified students should have the opportunity to learn. Historically, more than 80% of community college students hold full or part-time jobs, thus contributing to their own educations (and the tax base) even as they attend school. The American Association of Community Colleges estimates that state and local governments receive a 16% return on every dollar they invest in community colleges due to the increased earnings of college graduates.
Legalizing DREAM Act students would increase beneficiaries' earnings potential, as well as the U.S. tax base. A 2010 study by the UCLA North American Integration and Development Center estimates that the total earnings of DREAM Act beneficiaries over the course of their working lives would be between $1.4 trillion and $3.6 trillion.
CIS's cynical mischaracterization of the DREAM Act is not only inaccurate, but hypocritical as well. CIS frequently laments that so many immigrants to the United States have low levels of education, yet opposes a measure that would allow some of these immigrants to become more educated. What alternative to the DREAM Act does CIS propose? According to the Center for American Progress the cost to deport more than two million children and young adults who were raised in the United States would be $48.6 billion. How is that sound fiscal policy?
The U.S. economy doesn't need more deportations; it needs more college graduates. According to a recent report from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, "not enough Americans are completing college... by 2018, we will need 22 million new college degrees-but will fall short of that number by at least 3 million postsecondary degrees, Associate's or better." The DREAM Act would help meet this need.
###
For more information contact Wendy Sefsaf at wsefsaf@immcouncil.org or 202-507-7524.
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