This is a sad and maddening story; new immigrant laws are making farmers unable to harvest. So many hungry people and the food is rotting! - - Donna Poisl
By Challen Stephens, The Huntsville Times
Regardless of how a federal judge rules this week, Alabama's new immigration law has already delivered "unintended consequences" across the state, said Agriculture Commissioner John McMillan.
The picking of blueberries, tomatoes and squash largely requires hand labor, McMillan said Monday, and the work is no longer getting done.
McMillan said he recently visited a farmer who has 75 acres of squash in north Jackson County.
"It was just rotting in the fields because he had half the labor," McMillan told The Huntsville Times editorial board. "That's a fact. What I'm telling you is what I've seen."
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Friday, September 30, 2011
New York High School Helps Immigrant 'Kids' Adapt
Read this interview with the author of a new book that followed students in a Brooklyn High School and learned their amazing stories. - - Donna Poisl
from NPR
NPR's Neal Conan speaks with Brooke Hauser and Dariana Castro
Starting at a new high school can be tough for any kid, but for new immigrants and refugees it can be even harder.
Brooklyn's International High School is a public school for recent immigrants. Some of its students have trekked across deserts or fled war and persecution to get to the U.S., and many start their first day of school speaking little or no English.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
from NPR
NPR's Neal Conan speaks with Brooke Hauser and Dariana Castro
Starting at a new high school can be tough for any kid, but for new immigrants and refugees it can be even harder.
Brooklyn's International High School is a public school for recent immigrants. Some of its students have trekked across deserts or fled war and persecution to get to the U.S., and many start their first day of school speaking little or no English.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Minister organizes concert to help immigrants
A youth minister and musician organized a concert to help immigrants in his area who are exploited. - - Donna Poisl
By RAMON RENTERIA, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
EL PASO, TEXAS — Josh Rivera wants to shed more light on one of El Paso's dark secrets: human trafficking.
Rivera is the inspiration behind the upcoming "Save the Brave Music Fest," a Christian music concert designed to create awareness and raise money for The Salvation Army's anti-human-trafficking program.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By RAMON RENTERIA, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
EL PASO, TEXAS — Josh Rivera wants to shed more light on one of El Paso's dark secrets: human trafficking.
Rivera is the inspiration behind the upcoming "Save the Brave Music Fest," a Christian music concert designed to create awareness and raise money for The Salvation Army's anti-human-trafficking program.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Church hears speakers for DREAM Act
About 300 houses of worship are taking part in a campaign to pass the DREAM Act. - - Donna Poisl
By: BERTRAND M. GUTIERREZ | Winston-Salem Journal
ELKIN -- Moises Serrano, a Mexican immigrant who was raised mostly in the United States but is not authorized to be in the country, didn't choose to cross the U.S. border.
Serrano was less than 2 at the time. His parents made that decision while fleeing poverty and violence about two decades ago — ultimately to pick tobacco fields as migrant workers in North Carolina, Serrano said Sunday in a small church in Elkin.
"My mom blames herself every day for bringing me here. She says, 'It's my fault.' … But I tell her not to blame herself. The people that I love are here. This is my country," Serrano said.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By: BERTRAND M. GUTIERREZ | Winston-Salem Journal
ELKIN -- Moises Serrano, a Mexican immigrant who was raised mostly in the United States but is not authorized to be in the country, didn't choose to cross the U.S. border.
Serrano was less than 2 at the time. His parents made that decision while fleeing poverty and violence about two decades ago — ultimately to pick tobacco fields as migrant workers in North Carolina, Serrano said Sunday in a small church in Elkin.
"My mom blames herself every day for bringing me here. She says, 'It's my fault.' … But I tell her not to blame herself. The people that I love are here. This is my country," Serrano said.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Urge your Senators and Representatives to pass the DREAM Act.
from Chris McGraw
Grassroots Advocacy Program Director
Amnesty International USA
A valedictorian. A volunteer tutor. A Harvard biology student.
What do these talented young students living in the US have in common? The US government has sought to have them deported -- despite their outstanding contributions to their communities -- just because their parents brought them as children to the US without legal permission.
Amnesty International can't let the dreams of these young students die, but we can't succeed if individuals like you don't take action. Lead a delegation of fellow activists in your home state during the weeks of Oct. 24 to Nov. 6, asking your Senators and Representatives to cosponsor and pass the DREAM Act.
2.1 million undocumented minors in the US who arrived here as children, have grown up here, and consider the US home are at risk as more and more states enact draconian anti-immigrant legislation. The DREAM Act focuses specifically on these young immigrants (DREAMers), providing them conditional legal status and an opportunity to permanently legalize their status in the US if they prove to have good moral character and complete two years of higher education or uniformed service, among other criteria.
This is not an "open door" -- it's simply doing what's right. Your elected officials of all political stripes need to know that you and other Amnesty International activists like you are standing up for the rights of DREAMers. All individuals have the human right to due process before deportation and cannot be arbitrarily separated from their families.
Last year, with your help, the DREAM Act nearly became law, and was only narrowly defeated in the Senate. This year, we believe that your in-person meetings with your legislators -- with you asking them to do their job and represent your views as a constituent -- will help us achieve a critical human rights victory for millions of young people in the US.
Leading an in-person delegation of activists to speak with your elected officials may sound daunting, but we will support you every step of the way with training, key points to address, and tips to be effective. And you won't be alone -- we'll be mobilizing in districts all throughout the country, working in a powerful coalition of other groups looking to make the DREAM Act a reality.
You have the power to influence decision makers to pass the DREAM Act! A generation of talented DREAMers -- and the communities throughout the US that they have touched -- will thank you.
For a bright future,
Chris McGraw
Grassroots Advocacy Program Director
Amnesty International USA
Grassroots Advocacy Program Director
Amnesty International USA
A valedictorian. A volunteer tutor. A Harvard biology student.
What do these talented young students living in the US have in common? The US government has sought to have them deported -- despite their outstanding contributions to their communities -- just because their parents brought them as children to the US without legal permission.
Amnesty International can't let the dreams of these young students die, but we can't succeed if individuals like you don't take action. Lead a delegation of fellow activists in your home state during the weeks of Oct. 24 to Nov. 6, asking your Senators and Representatives to cosponsor and pass the DREAM Act.
2.1 million undocumented minors in the US who arrived here as children, have grown up here, and consider the US home are at risk as more and more states enact draconian anti-immigrant legislation. The DREAM Act focuses specifically on these young immigrants (DREAMers), providing them conditional legal status and an opportunity to permanently legalize their status in the US if they prove to have good moral character and complete two years of higher education or uniformed service, among other criteria.
This is not an "open door" -- it's simply doing what's right. Your elected officials of all political stripes need to know that you and other Amnesty International activists like you are standing up for the rights of DREAMers. All individuals have the human right to due process before deportation and cannot be arbitrarily separated from their families.
Last year, with your help, the DREAM Act nearly became law, and was only narrowly defeated in the Senate. This year, we believe that your in-person meetings with your legislators -- with you asking them to do their job and represent your views as a constituent -- will help us achieve a critical human rights victory for millions of young people in the US.
Leading an in-person delegation of activists to speak with your elected officials may sound daunting, but we will support you every step of the way with training, key points to address, and tips to be effective. And you won't be alone -- we'll be mobilizing in districts all throughout the country, working in a powerful coalition of other groups looking to make the DREAM Act a reality.
You have the power to influence decision makers to pass the DREAM Act! A generation of talented DREAMers -- and the communities throughout the US that they have touched -- will thank you.
For a bright future,
Chris McGraw
Grassroots Advocacy Program Director
Amnesty International USA
THIS WEEK IN IMMIGRATION
Click the headline to read stories from this week from the Immigration Policy Center.
Helping new immigrants get up to speed on technology
Volunteers are helping immigrants learn about computers and the internet, how it can help and how they can avoid being cheated. - - Donna Poisl
Written by Lori Obert and Bazi Kanani
DENVER - New technology can be hard to keep up with - even for those of us who have been raised around it.
So just imagine starting to learn about computers and the Internet as an adult with no prior experience. That's what some of our newest neighbors are trying to do after coming to Colorado from thousands of miles away.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Written by Lori Obert and Bazi Kanani
DENVER - New technology can be hard to keep up with - even for those of us who have been raised around it.
So just imagine starting to learn about computers and the Internet as an adult with no prior experience. That's what some of our newest neighbors are trying to do after coming to Colorado from thousands of miles away.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Immigrants source of growth
The work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit of immigrants is needed for our economy to grow. - - Donna Poisl
Written by Mark Curnutte
Three Greater Cincinnati organizations that promote Hispanic business and cultural interests say the region should embrace immigration as a primary source of economic growth.
“We need to attract and welcome all immigrants, not just Latinos,” said Alfonso Cornejo, president of the Cincinnati USA Hispanic Chamber. “We need Pakistanis, Indians and Chinese to develop high-tech industries here for our future.
“The fact is, for a regional economy, the entrepreneurial spirit of immigrants is like having the wind at your back when you’re running.”
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Written by Mark Curnutte
Three Greater Cincinnati organizations that promote Hispanic business and cultural interests say the region should embrace immigration as a primary source of economic growth.
“We need to attract and welcome all immigrants, not just Latinos,” said Alfonso Cornejo, president of the Cincinnati USA Hispanic Chamber. “We need Pakistanis, Indians and Chinese to develop high-tech industries here for our future.
“The fact is, for a regional economy, the entrepreneurial spirit of immigrants is like having the wind at your back when you’re running.”
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Detained for Broken Light, Sign Petition
from Mohammad Abdollahi, co-founder of DreamActivist.org
I first met Javier over two weeks ago—he was being held in the same jail cell as a few of us who were arrested during an event in North Carolina. In jail we had the chance to learn more about Javier; we knew right then that we had to help him out.
Take Action: Obama Reunite Javier with his Family
Javier, now 34, came to the U.S. over 10 years ago, he has two children. His wife, Leticia, is 8 months pregnant with his third child. While several of us were being arrested fighting against programs like 287(g), Javier was being pulled over for nothing more than a missing light above his license plate—A ridiculous charge which clearly translates to 'driving while brown.'
Take Action: Bring Javier Home to his Family. http://action.dreamactivist.org/javier/
Now two weeks after we met, Javier has been transferred to a detention center in Georgia. He's far away from his family or anyone that can fight for him. He is being pressured to sign 'voluntary deportation,' being told that he stands no chance of seeing his family. ICE wants him to make it easy for them and leave on his own.
Time is running out for Javier. Will you help us get Javier out of the detention center and back with his family? Right now, we need your help to get 500 signatures of support for Javier and his family. Click here to sign Javier's petition.
Thank you for your help,
Mohammad Abdollahi
co-founder of DreamActivist.org
PS: If you are on twitter or facebook please help us get the word out: RT Take Action Javier detained for broken license plate light = 'driving while brwn' www.bit.ly/javierga watch video and help @dreamact
I first met Javier over two weeks ago—he was being held in the same jail cell as a few of us who were arrested during an event in North Carolina. In jail we had the chance to learn more about Javier; we knew right then that we had to help him out.
Take Action: Obama Reunite Javier with his Family
Javier, now 34, came to the U.S. over 10 years ago, he has two children. His wife, Leticia, is 8 months pregnant with his third child. While several of us were being arrested fighting against programs like 287(g), Javier was being pulled over for nothing more than a missing light above his license plate—A ridiculous charge which clearly translates to 'driving while brown.'
Take Action: Bring Javier Home to his Family. http://action.dreamactivist.org/javier/
Now two weeks after we met, Javier has been transferred to a detention center in Georgia. He's far away from his family or anyone that can fight for him. He is being pressured to sign 'voluntary deportation,' being told that he stands no chance of seeing his family. ICE wants him to make it easy for them and leave on his own.
Time is running out for Javier. Will you help us get Javier out of the detention center and back with his family? Right now, we need your help to get 500 signatures of support for Javier and his family. Click here to sign Javier's petition.
Thank you for your help,
Mohammad Abdollahi
co-founder of DreamActivist.org
PS: If you are on twitter or facebook please help us get the word out: RT Take Action Javier detained for broken license plate light = 'driving while brwn' www.bit.ly/javierga watch video and help @dreamact
Dayton reaches out to immigrants
This Ohio city is welcoming immigrants, they also know how important they are to their growth. - - Donna Poisl
By Jeremy P. Kelley, Staff Writer
DAYTON — City officials on Wednesday introduced a plan to reach out to immigrants of all types, with the “Welcome Dayton Plan” intended to brand Dayton as an immigrant-friendly city.
Recommendations range from creation of an “international marketplace” on East Third Street, to increased interpretation services in courts, health care and government, creation of a municipal ID card for residents who are not eligible for a driver’s license or state ID, to a World Cup-style soccer tournament of immigrants from many nations.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Jeremy P. Kelley, Staff Writer
DAYTON — City officials on Wednesday introduced a plan to reach out to immigrants of all types, with the “Welcome Dayton Plan” intended to brand Dayton as an immigrant-friendly city.
Recommendations range from creation of an “international marketplace” on East Third Street, to increased interpretation services in courts, health care and government, creation of a municipal ID card for residents who are not eligible for a driver’s license or state ID, to a World Cup-style soccer tournament of immigrants from many nations.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
City rolls out longer, wider welcome mat for immigrants
This California city is trying to welcome immigrants, they know they are needed. - - Donna Poisl
By Rowena Coetsee, Contra Costa Times
OAKLEY -- Bienvenidos. Maligayang pagdating. Hoan Nghinh. Ahlan Wa Sahlan.
The words mean the same in any language: Welcome.
And it's a message Oakley wants to make sure it conveys to its immigrant population.
To that end, the city recently formalized efforts to make foreign-born residents feel that they're a valuable part of their adopted community in a campaign it's calling "You, Me, We = Oakley."
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Rowena Coetsee, Contra Costa Times
OAKLEY -- Bienvenidos. Maligayang pagdating. Hoan Nghinh. Ahlan Wa Sahlan.
The words mean the same in any language: Welcome.
And it's a message Oakley wants to make sure it conveys to its immigrant population.
To that end, the city recently formalized efforts to make foreign-born residents feel that they're a valuable part of their adopted community in a campaign it's calling "You, Me, We = Oakley."
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Marcos Breton: Let's move beyond America's immigration hostility
This shows that the old arguments should be forgotten. The benefits for all of us are very large when the immigrants are given legal status. - - Donna Poisl
By Marcos Breton
Every time I write about immigration, a certain demographic hurls the same two points at me like jagged rocks.
First, that illegal immigrant means illegal immigrant and all "illegals" should be deported.
Secondly, that somehow I'm for open borders and lawlessness. "Maybe you are on a gang payroll," one gentleman wrote me on Monday. "You are despicably dishonest."
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Marcos Breton
Every time I write about immigration, a certain demographic hurls the same two points at me like jagged rocks.
First, that illegal immigrant means illegal immigrant and all "illegals" should be deported.
Secondly, that somehow I'm for open borders and lawlessness. "Maybe you are on a gang payroll," one gentleman wrote me on Monday. "You are despicably dishonest."
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Risks Seen for Children of Illegal Immigrants
This study finds that children in households with parent(s) here illegally, suffer throughout their lives. That seems obvious to most of us. - - Donna Poisl
By JULIA PRESTON
Children whose parents are illegal immigrants or who lack legal status themselves face “uniformly negative” effects on their social development from early childhood until they become adults, according to a study by four researchers published Wednesday in the Harvard Educational Review.
The study concluded that more than five million children in the United States are “at risk of lower educational performance, economic stagnation, blocked mobility and ambiguous belonging” because they are growing up in immigrant families affected by illegal status.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By JULIA PRESTON
Children whose parents are illegal immigrants or who lack legal status themselves face “uniformly negative” effects on their social development from early childhood until they become adults, according to a study by four researchers published Wednesday in the Harvard Educational Review.
The study concluded that more than five million children in the United States are “at risk of lower educational performance, economic stagnation, blocked mobility and ambiguous belonging” because they are growing up in immigrant families affected by illegal status.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Rural school adapts to population with little English
Even though this school has to work hard to teach English to their students, they know how important these kids and their families are to their area. - - Donna Poisl
By Sally Holland
Columbus Junction, Iowa (CNN) -- This rural community in the southeast corner of Iowa is one of the last places you would expect to find a large number of students who don't speak English, yet English language learners have had a huge effect on the schools there, according to Columbus Community Schools Superintendent Rich Bridenstine.
Nationally, 9% of students in the U.S. are considered to have limited proficiency in English, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. About 11% of those students attend school in rural settings like Columbus Junction. A quarter of the Columbus Community School students are English language learners, a large enough number to have an impact on the classrooms.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Sally Holland
Columbus Junction, Iowa (CNN) -- This rural community in the southeast corner of Iowa is one of the last places you would expect to find a large number of students who don't speak English, yet English language learners have had a huge effect on the schools there, according to Columbus Community Schools Superintendent Rich Bridenstine.
Nationally, 9% of students in the U.S. are considered to have limited proficiency in English, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. About 11% of those students attend school in rural settings like Columbus Junction. A quarter of the Columbus Community School students are English language learners, a large enough number to have an impact on the classrooms.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Women immigrants share stories
This photographic exhibit tells and shows the fascinating stories of 18 immigrant women and their struggles to get to this country. - - Donna Poisl
By Denise Dick
About two years ago, Youngstown State University professor Rosemary D’Apolito started to notice a change in the Mahoning Valley’s demographics.
She saw women in grocery stores and other places around town from the Middle East and from parts of Asia and Africa. There were more ethnic grocery stores and churches.
“I would see women in the grocery store and talk to them in line,” said D’Apolito, an associate professor of sociology and anthropology.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Denise Dick
About two years ago, Youngstown State University professor Rosemary D’Apolito started to notice a change in the Mahoning Valley’s demographics.
She saw women in grocery stores and other places around town from the Middle East and from parts of Asia and Africa. There were more ethnic grocery stores and churches.
“I would see women in the grocery store and talk to them in line,” said D’Apolito, an associate professor of sociology and anthropology.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
New hotline a clearinghouse for advice for immigrants facing deportation
A new hotline from the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights is helping immigrants in several languages and from all over the country. - - Donna Poisl
By Antonio Olivo, Tribune reporter
In response to an acceleration of deportations — nearly 400,000 people last year — immigrant advocates in Chicago on Monday plan to formally unveil a legal aid and assistance hotline that during a monthlong test period received calls for help from as far away as California from people who had learned of it through word of mouth.
The hotline — 855-435-7693 or 855-HELP-MY-F(amily) — is modeled after ones for homelessness or domestic violence, where volunteers take calls around the clock and guide callers to help.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Antonio Olivo, Tribune reporter
In response to an acceleration of deportations — nearly 400,000 people last year — immigrant advocates in Chicago on Monday plan to formally unveil a legal aid and assistance hotline that during a monthlong test period received calls for help from as far away as California from people who had learned of it through word of mouth.
The hotline — 855-435-7693 or 855-HELP-MY-F(amily) — is modeled after ones for homelessness or domestic violence, where volunteers take calls around the clock and guide callers to help.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Film showcases immigrant teachers
A new PBS movie tells the story of immigrants from Philippines who are teachers here. - - Donna Poisl
by Robert Nott | The New Mexican
Ramona S. Diaz aims to reveal a different side of the immigrant's face in her new documentary, The Learning, by focusing on "the professional." "You hear about the immigrant as day laborer, but this provides a face to the career woman," she said.
The Learning follows the one-year sojourn of four Filipina teachers who migrate to Baltimore to work in the school system there. The women realize that they need to embrace this new life in order to move forward, while their students realize that they need these initially-strange outsiders to lead them. "You have to be here next year," one inspired teen girl tells Dorotea, one of the four protagonists. "There's so much you taught us to do."
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by Robert Nott | The New Mexican
Ramona S. Diaz aims to reveal a different side of the immigrant's face in her new documentary, The Learning, by focusing on "the professional." "You hear about the immigrant as day laborer, but this provides a face to the career woman," she said.
The Learning follows the one-year sojourn of four Filipina teachers who migrate to Baltimore to work in the school system there. The women realize that they need to embrace this new life in order to move forward, while their students realize that they need these initially-strange outsiders to lead them. "You have to be here next year," one inspired teen girl tells Dorotea, one of the four protagonists. "There's so much you taught us to do."
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Merchant has zeal to help through jobs, education
This man certainly deserves this award, he employs 540 people in his many locations. Immigrants are known for being entrepreneurial and this proves the theory. - - Donna Poisl
He is receiving a Passport to Prosperity Award for his contributions to society.
Written by JOANNE BOECKMAN
When Shahbaz Ahmed Merchant opens his 22nd Jimmy John’s franchise in Iowa next month, he’ll have about 540 Iowans working for him.
Creating jobs is a mission of Merchant, a Pakistan-born immigrant who is chairman and CEO for Merchant Investment Trust, a Des Moines-based corporation that owns and operates the restaurants in Iowa and five other states.
“The reason I grow the business is not for my own personal growth, or personal gain or personal richness,” Merchant said. “I don’t have to take all this pressure and stress, but I continue to do it because it gives me pleasure to do it for people.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
He is receiving a Passport to Prosperity Award for his contributions to society.
Written by JOANNE BOECKMAN
When Shahbaz Ahmed Merchant opens his 22nd Jimmy John’s franchise in Iowa next month, he’ll have about 540 Iowans working for him.
Creating jobs is a mission of Merchant, a Pakistan-born immigrant who is chairman and CEO for Merchant Investment Trust, a Des Moines-based corporation that owns and operates the restaurants in Iowa and five other states.
“The reason I grow the business is not for my own personal growth, or personal gain or personal richness,” Merchant said. “I don’t have to take all this pressure and stress, but I continue to do it because it gives me pleasure to do it for people.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
A college’s stand for hopes and dreams
This editorial shows how important it is to educate these immigrants who are qualified and have gone through school in the area. Everyone benefits. - - Donna Poisl
Editorial Board Opinion
FOR THE BETTER part of a decade, Montgomery College has given tuition breaks to illegal immigrants who are recent graduates of Montgomery County high schools — treating them, in effect, just like their native-born classmates. But it was only last fall that the college codified the practice and gave it a name: Policy 45003.
This makes the community college, which enrolls some 27,000 degree-seeking students, an outlier among this region’s public colleges and, in our view, a beacon of good sense and opportunity.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Editorial Board Opinion
FOR THE BETTER part of a decade, Montgomery College has given tuition breaks to illegal immigrants who are recent graduates of Montgomery County high schools — treating them, in effect, just like their native-born classmates. But it was only last fall that the college codified the practice and gave it a name: Policy 45003.
This makes the community college, which enrolls some 27,000 degree-seeking students, an outlier among this region’s public colleges and, in our view, a beacon of good sense and opportunity.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Improving the Naturalization Process
For Immediate Release
Improving the Naturalization Process
September 19, 2011
Washington D.C. - Citizenship Day, which was celebrated this past Saturday, September 17, is a good time to reflect on the naturalization process and the need for better integration policies in America. Today, the Immigration Policy Center releases, Improving the Naturalization Process: Better Immigrant Integration Leads to Economic Growth, by Mary Giovagnoli, Esq.
Becoming a citizen is hard work. A new country, new rules, high costs, and little targeted support for new immigrants makes what should be a journey of exploration and opportunity one that may be frustrating and lonely. Integration is an often overlooked but key component of U.S. immigration policy. Successful integration of immigrants fuels their success, strengthens communities, and builds bridges between newcomers and other community members.
Time and again, an influx of immigrants has been shown to reverse economic decline and breathe new life into urban areas, small towns, and rural communities. Moreover, integration can be a key to entrepreneurship and future economic growth. Solid integration policies offer benefits to both the immigrant and the receiving community. The investment in immigrants, therefore, is an investment in the country’s own well-being.
To read the piece in its entirety, see:
Improving the Naturalization Process: Better Immigrant Integration Leads to Economic Growth by Mary Giovagnoli, Esq.
CLICK ON THE HEADLINE ABOVE
###
For more information contact Wendy Sefsaf at wsefsaf@immcouncil.org of 202-507-7524.
Improving the Naturalization Process
September 19, 2011
Washington D.C. - Citizenship Day, which was celebrated this past Saturday, September 17, is a good time to reflect on the naturalization process and the need for better integration policies in America. Today, the Immigration Policy Center releases, Improving the Naturalization Process: Better Immigrant Integration Leads to Economic Growth, by Mary Giovagnoli, Esq.
Becoming a citizen is hard work. A new country, new rules, high costs, and little targeted support for new immigrants makes what should be a journey of exploration and opportunity one that may be frustrating and lonely. Integration is an often overlooked but key component of U.S. immigration policy. Successful integration of immigrants fuels their success, strengthens communities, and builds bridges between newcomers and other community members.
Time and again, an influx of immigrants has been shown to reverse economic decline and breathe new life into urban areas, small towns, and rural communities. Moreover, integration can be a key to entrepreneurship and future economic growth. Solid integration policies offer benefits to both the immigrant and the receiving community. The investment in immigrants, therefore, is an investment in the country’s own well-being.
To read the piece in its entirety, see:
Improving the Naturalization Process: Better Immigrant Integration Leads to Economic Growth by Mary Giovagnoli, Esq.
CLICK ON THE HEADLINE ABOVE
###
For more information contact Wendy Sefsaf at wsefsaf@immcouncil.org of 202-507-7524.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Funny Videos about jobs immigrants
from Adam Luna, America's Voice
Just because it's Friday, we're sending you a little something fun to kick off your weekend.
We decided to bring it down a notch with a few video clips to remind us of just how ridiculous the anti-immigrant crowd can be - sometimes you've got to laugh to keep from crying. For your viewing pleasure, we bring you the best of South Park, Family Guy and some British TV show I'd never heard of.
Here in DC, the talk has all been about jobs - and just when the conversation started to get serious, Rep. Lamar Smith decided to release his jobs-killing bill, E-Verify. Smith doesn't want to focus on actually spurring the economy; he just wants to mass-deport all of America's immigrants.
But you should know that Smith's bill ran into some trouble this week thanks to awesome organizing from our allies all over the country. The fight is far from over but we're feeling good today.
So enjoy the videos, and as always, please share.
Just because it's Friday, we're sending you a little something fun to kick off your weekend.
We decided to bring it down a notch with a few video clips to remind us of just how ridiculous the anti-immigrant crowd can be - sometimes you've got to laugh to keep from crying. For your viewing pleasure, we bring you the best of South Park, Family Guy and some British TV show I'd never heard of.
Here in DC, the talk has all been about jobs - and just when the conversation started to get serious, Rep. Lamar Smith decided to release his jobs-killing bill, E-Verify. Smith doesn't want to focus on actually spurring the economy; he just wants to mass-deport all of America's immigrants.
But you should know that Smith's bill ran into some trouble this week thanks to awesome organizing from our allies all over the country. The fight is far from over but we're feeling good today.
So enjoy the videos, and as always, please share.
15 immigrants sworn in as new U.S. citizens
After going through years of hard work, these immigrants have finally become American citizens. - - Donna Poisl
By TOM LUTEY Of The Gazette Staff
The road to U.S. citizenship isn’t easy, with questions to be answered about the U.S. Constitution and national history that would stump some natural-born citizens.
New U.S. citizen Alina Popa not only gave the right answers to those questions, but if there was a pop quiz on U.S geography, the 28-year-old native Romanian could have located Cooke City on a map.
Popa’s U.S. citizenship journey, finalized Thursday with a swearing-in at U.S. District Court in Billings, began seven years ago at a high-mountain hotel in Cooke City, elevation 8,200 feet.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By TOM LUTEY Of The Gazette Staff
The road to U.S. citizenship isn’t easy, with questions to be answered about the U.S. Constitution and national history that would stump some natural-born citizens.
New U.S. citizen Alina Popa not only gave the right answers to those questions, but if there was a pop quiz on U.S geography, the 28-year-old native Romanian could have located Cooke City on a map.
Popa’s U.S. citizenship journey, finalized Thursday with a swearing-in at U.S. District Court in Billings, began seven years ago at a high-mountain hotel in Cooke City, elevation 8,200 feet.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Reflecting On 9/11 After 10 Years As An Immigration Attorney
Very interesting! This shows how much everything has changed in these 10 years. - - Donna Poisl
by Cyrus D. Mehta
In the spring and summer of 2001, and the days just prior to September 11, 2001, things were not going so badly for immigrants. Although the Section 245(i) deadline of April 30, 2001 had expired, hundreds of thousands of people had managed to file their applications before the deadline to hopefully benefit from this provision and ultimately adjust status in the US even though they were in the US unlawfully.
A week before September 11, Presidents Vicente Fox of Mexico and Bush were in serious negotiations on an immigration deal that would have granted benefits to undocumented immigrants, especially those from Mexico. In the same week, on September 6, 2001, a compromise was reached between the Senate and the House (the Senate had earlier passed its version) to extend the Section 245(i) provision to April 30, 2002, which would have allowed those unlawfully in the US to adjust status, albeit under more limited terms.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by Cyrus D. Mehta
In the spring and summer of 2001, and the days just prior to September 11, 2001, things were not going so badly for immigrants. Although the Section 245(i) deadline of April 30, 2001 had expired, hundreds of thousands of people had managed to file their applications before the deadline to hopefully benefit from this provision and ultimately adjust status in the US even though they were in the US unlawfully.
A week before September 11, Presidents Vicente Fox of Mexico and Bush were in serious negotiations on an immigration deal that would have granted benefits to undocumented immigrants, especially those from Mexico. In the same week, on September 6, 2001, a compromise was reached between the Senate and the House (the Senate had earlier passed its version) to extend the Section 245(i) provision to April 30, 2002, which would have allowed those unlawfully in the US to adjust status, albeit under more limited terms.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Opinion: There are legal, not just emotional, arguments for California's Dream Act
A very thoughtful piece showing how important the Dream Act is, for many reasons. - - Donna Poisl
By Pratheepan Gulasekaram, Special to the Mercury News
The California Legislature has passed the second part of the California Dream Act of 2011, AB 131, which would allow undocumented, college-eligible immigrants to access public financial assistance for higher education. As it awaits the governor's signature, it is worth reflecting on the constitutional design that underpins the idea that all willing students, even undocumented ones, deserve access to our nation's educational system.
The state's Dream Act embodies and amplifies the basic principles enshrined in our Constitution, starting with the fundamental notion that our society does not visit the transgressions of parents upon their children. Our founding document: (1) ensures that descendants of traitors can still inherit property; (2) prohibits the conferral of titles of nobility; (3) grants citizenship to those born on U.S. territory, regardless of their parents' legal status; and (4) prohibits denial of fundamental rights based on happenstances of birth, such as race, gender and wealth.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Pratheepan Gulasekaram, Special to the Mercury News
The California Legislature has passed the second part of the California Dream Act of 2011, AB 131, which would allow undocumented, college-eligible immigrants to access public financial assistance for higher education. As it awaits the governor's signature, it is worth reflecting on the constitutional design that underpins the idea that all willing students, even undocumented ones, deserve access to our nation's educational system.
The state's Dream Act embodies and amplifies the basic principles enshrined in our Constitution, starting with the fundamental notion that our society does not visit the transgressions of parents upon their children. Our founding document: (1) ensures that descendants of traitors can still inherit property; (2) prohibits the conferral of titles of nobility; (3) grants citizenship to those born on U.S. territory, regardless of their parents' legal status; and (4) prohibits denial of fundamental rights based on happenstances of birth, such as race, gender and wealth.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
To create U.S. jobs, bring in immigrants
If more immigrants come here and start businesses, it will help our economy. - - Donna Poisl
Bernd Debusmann
WASHINGTON — In tandem with the $447 billion jobs plan President Barack Obama announced on September 8, his administration is breathing new life into an old program to draw job-creating foreigners to the United States. It’s known as the EB-5 investor program, has a clouded history, and can’t bring much relief to America’s unemployment misery.
But with 27 million people unemployed or underemployed and Obama’s own job depending on whether or not he can bring down the unemployment rate in time for next year’s presidential election, every job-creating opportunity is worth pursuing.
Which is why Homeland Security chief Janet Napolitano and Alejandro Mayorkas, the director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), announced “streamlining measures” to America’s complicated immigration laws a few weeks before the president laid out his ideas on how to spur growth, a mix of tax cuts and infrastructure spending.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Bernd Debusmann
WASHINGTON — In tandem with the $447 billion jobs plan President Barack Obama announced on September 8, his administration is breathing new life into an old program to draw job-creating foreigners to the United States. It’s known as the EB-5 investor program, has a clouded history, and can’t bring much relief to America’s unemployment misery.
But with 27 million people unemployed or underemployed and Obama’s own job depending on whether or not he can bring down the unemployment rate in time for next year’s presidential election, every job-creating opportunity is worth pursuing.
Which is why Homeland Security chief Janet Napolitano and Alejandro Mayorkas, the director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), announced “streamlining measures” to America’s complicated immigration laws a few weeks before the president laid out his ideas on how to spur growth, a mix of tax cuts and infrastructure spending.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Immigrants sending kids to stay with family overseas
This is a great way for these kids to learn more about their ancestor's culture and also learn the language. Knowing more than one language is very valuable. - - Donna Poisl
BY LOIS BARRETT
For the Vasilakos family of Queens, sending their children to Greece for the summer has become an annual ritual.
For Anastasia, 17, and Nicholas, 14, it's a way to stay connected with extended family, learn the culture and polish their language skills.
It also added extra panache to those "what I did last summer" stories when they returned to school this week.
Such stints overseas are becoming an integral part of summer life for Queens children as a diverse array of immigrant families try to keep their heritage alive.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
BY LOIS BARRETT
For the Vasilakos family of Queens, sending their children to Greece for the summer has become an annual ritual.
For Anastasia, 17, and Nicholas, 14, it's a way to stay connected with extended family, learn the culture and polish their language skills.
It also added extra panache to those "what I did last summer" stories when they returned to school this week.
Such stints overseas are becoming an integral part of summer life for Queens children as a diverse array of immigrant families try to keep their heritage alive.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Top MO Winery's Roots Extend to 1800s; Still a Good Trip Now
Another story about immigrants and how they added to this country. - - Donna Poisl
By Denise Bertacchi
You’ve seen Stone Hill wines in your local grocery store and maybe you’ve even had a few glasses of the winery's famous Norton red. But to understand what makes Stone Hill winery so interesting, you need to know a little history about the wine business in Missouri.
Stone Hill Winery is located in Hermann, MO, about an hour's drive from St. Louis County. The town was settled by German immigrants back in 1837, and like other immigrants, they came to this part of the world looking for cheap land and a shot at the American dream. While many Germans settled in St. Louis and introduced us to the fine art of beer making, a few hardy souls pushed on to the Missouri River valley and went about the even finer art of wine-making.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Denise Bertacchi
You’ve seen Stone Hill wines in your local grocery store and maybe you’ve even had a few glasses of the winery's famous Norton red. But to understand what makes Stone Hill winery so interesting, you need to know a little history about the wine business in Missouri.
Stone Hill Winery is located in Hermann, MO, about an hour's drive from St. Louis County. The town was settled by German immigrants back in 1837, and like other immigrants, they came to this part of the world looking for cheap land and a shot at the American dream. While many Germans settled in St. Louis and introduced us to the fine art of beer making, a few hardy souls pushed on to the Missouri River valley and went about the even finer art of wine-making.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Giving a voice to immigrant victims of 9/11 and aiding families
More than 100 of the people killed in the 9/11 attack were undocumented immigrants and many more were legal immigrants. All their families needed special help to recover from the trauma. - - Donna Poisl
ALBOR RUIZ - NY LOCAL
We didn't have time to cry," said Joel Magallán, executive director of Asociación Tepeyac, about the months following the 9/11 World Trade Center terrorist attacks.
"It was a very, very intense period, and we only had time to work from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., day in and day out."
Not that Magallán and the mostly Mexican community group did not have plenty to cry about.
After all, it was thanks to their efforts that it was discovered that more than 100 undocumented immigrants - deliverymen, waiters, cleaners, cooks - had been killed at the World Trade Center.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
ALBOR RUIZ - NY LOCAL
We didn't have time to cry," said Joel Magallán, executive director of Asociación Tepeyac, about the months following the 9/11 World Trade Center terrorist attacks.
"It was a very, very intense period, and we only had time to work from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., day in and day out."
Not that Magallán and the mostly Mexican community group did not have plenty to cry about.
After all, it was thanks to their efforts that it was discovered that more than 100 undocumented immigrants - deliverymen, waiters, cleaners, cooks - had been killed at the World Trade Center.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
"My Fellow American" Video and Pledge
Take the pledge of tolerance, read about others who took the pledge and watch the video. - - Donna Poisl
THIS WEEK IN IMMIGRATION
Click the headline to read stories from this week from the Immigration Policy Center.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Proud to be American, an immigrant gives back
This young man came here as a 3 year-old, is now a citizen, a dentist and a major in the Air Force Reserve. - - Donna Poisl
by Jack Broom, Seattle Times staff reporter
Ardi Pribadi enjoys being a dentist. It's the career he'd been planning since his youth.
He's also proud to be a major in the Air Force Reserve, though that came about through decisions he made much more recently, in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
"It was like I had to fulfill a calling," said Pribadi, who lives in Snohomish.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by Jack Broom, Seattle Times staff reporter
Ardi Pribadi enjoys being a dentist. It's the career he'd been planning since his youth.
He's also proud to be a major in the Air Force Reserve, though that came about through decisions he made much more recently, in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
"It was like I had to fulfill a calling," said Pribadi, who lives in Snohomish.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Immigration is Not Charity
The tough new immigration laws in some states are hurting everyone, this article shows both sides of those laws. - - Donna Poisl
by Alex Nowraste
The biggest misconception about immigration is that it is a zero-sum game--that there is a finite number of jobs which immigrants "take" from the native-born and that immigrants consume social services without paying anything in.
Several state governments--including Arizona, Alabama, South Carolina, and others--have bought into this myth, enacting measures to address what they perceive as problems arising from undocumented immigration. Yet anti-immigration laws hurt not only immigrants, but native-born Americans as well.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by Alex Nowraste
The biggest misconception about immigration is that it is a zero-sum game--that there is a finite number of jobs which immigrants "take" from the native-born and that immigrants consume social services without paying anything in.
Several state governments--including Arizona, Alabama, South Carolina, and others--have bought into this myth, enacting measures to address what they perceive as problems arising from undocumented immigration. Yet anti-immigration laws hurt not only immigrants, but native-born Americans as well.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
State Dream Acts Offer Important Opportunities to Undocumented Students
These new laws will help the kids go to college, hopefully, by the time they finish, more laws will be enacted to help them in the next steps. - - Donna Poisl
by Roberto G. Gonzales
As thousands of undocumented immigrant students in California and Illinois enter and return to college this fall, they will have new hope about their futures because of legislation providing them access to privately-funded college tuition assistance passed earlier this summer in both states. While these state measures do not guarantee a pathway to legalization for their recipients, they do help to address financial needs for higher education -- presently, while more than 65 percent of all American students receive some form of financial aid, undocumented immigrant students are ineligible for federal or state financial assistance.
Nevertheless, many ask, why prepare these young people for futures they cannot legally attain?
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by Roberto G. Gonzales
As thousands of undocumented immigrant students in California and Illinois enter and return to college this fall, they will have new hope about their futures because of legislation providing them access to privately-funded college tuition assistance passed earlier this summer in both states. While these state measures do not guarantee a pathway to legalization for their recipients, they do help to address financial needs for higher education -- presently, while more than 65 percent of all American students receive some form of financial aid, undocumented immigrant students are ineligible for federal or state financial assistance.
Nevertheless, many ask, why prepare these young people for futures they cannot legally attain?
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Many deportees unwittingly waive rights, report says
Immigrants often sign documents that they do not understand and cause more trouble for themselves. - - Donna Poisl
By Paloma Esquivel, Los Angeles Times
The U.S. has deported more than 160,000 immigrants, the vast majority of whom had no legal representation — and signed documents they may not have understood — under a program that carries severe penalties should they reenter the country, a report released Thursday said.
According to the National Immigration Law Center and professors at Stanford Law School and Western State University College of Law, immigrants often signed the so-called stipulated removals because they believed it was the only way to avoid prolonged detention. But by agreeing to the removal order, immigrants can be barred from returning to the U.S. and be subject to criminal prosecution for illegal reentry.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Paloma Esquivel, Los Angeles Times
The U.S. has deported more than 160,000 immigrants, the vast majority of whom had no legal representation — and signed documents they may not have understood — under a program that carries severe penalties should they reenter the country, a report released Thursday said.
According to the National Immigration Law Center and professors at Stanford Law School and Western State University College of Law, immigrants often signed the so-called stipulated removals because they believed it was the only way to avoid prolonged detention. But by agreeing to the removal order, immigrants can be barred from returning to the U.S. and be subject to criminal prosecution for illegal reentry.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Help Reunite Sergey with his Family
from Gaby Pacheco, END Consultant, United We Dream
Despite the Obama administration’s recent announcement to halt the deportation of people deemed low priority, DREAMers are still being deported. Sergey is one of them.
In 2008, when Sergey called the police in an attempt to save his friend’s life, he was detained and placed in deportation proceedings. Unfortunately, at the time of his detention he followed bad legal counsel and accepted voluntary departure not fully understanding its consequences. Now he faces deportation to a country he hasn't been to in over 20 years.
If we show enough public support for his case, we can put pressure on DHS to release Sergey. Click here to send a fax to John Morton to ask that Sergey be released from detention.
Sergey has had a difficult life. He and his mother left Russia fleeing the widespread conflict following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 when he was 11 years old. During his childhood, he was placed in foster care for several years and was unable to finish school, but later earned his GED. Sergey now lives in New York with his wife and they are awaiting the arrival of their first child in just a few months. Four months ago, Sergey was detained again in Florida and has been away from his family since.
Click the headline to send a fax to John Morton asking that Sergey be released so he can be reunited with his family.
In solidarity,
Gaby Pacheco
END Consultant
United We Dream
Despite the Obama administration’s recent announcement to halt the deportation of people deemed low priority, DREAMers are still being deported. Sergey is one of them.
In 2008, when Sergey called the police in an attempt to save his friend’s life, he was detained and placed in deportation proceedings. Unfortunately, at the time of his detention he followed bad legal counsel and accepted voluntary departure not fully understanding its consequences. Now he faces deportation to a country he hasn't been to in over 20 years.
If we show enough public support for his case, we can put pressure on DHS to release Sergey. Click here to send a fax to John Morton to ask that Sergey be released from detention.
Sergey has had a difficult life. He and his mother left Russia fleeing the widespread conflict following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 when he was 11 years old. During his childhood, he was placed in foster care for several years and was unable to finish school, but later earned his GED. Sergey now lives in New York with his wife and they are awaiting the arrival of their first child in just a few months. Four months ago, Sergey was detained again in Florida and has been away from his family since.
Click the headline to send a fax to John Morton asking that Sergey be released so he can be reunited with his family.
In solidarity,
Gaby Pacheco
END Consultant
United We Dream
Latino Immigrant Children More Likely to Go Hungry
Many children in our country don't have enough to eat, immigrants kids are a large percentage of them. - - Donna Poisl
from PRNewswire-USNewswire
Nearly one in five children in the United States lives in a family that struggles to put food on the table, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Latino children of immigrants are even more likely to be at risk of hunger, according to by Bread for the World Institute.
More than 30 percent of Latino children live in households where they don't get enough to eat, and a third of Latino families rely on food banks to help feed their families. Recent U.S. Census Bureau poverty figures show that more than one in four Latinos lived below the poverty line in 2009, and 56 percent of immigrant children live in low-income families.
"More than half of immigrant children in the United States live in impoverished households where food is scarce," said Ivone Guillen, immigration policy fellow at Bread for the World Institute.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
from PRNewswire-USNewswire
Nearly one in five children in the United States lives in a family that struggles to put food on the table, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Latino children of immigrants are even more likely to be at risk of hunger, according to by Bread for the World Institute.
More than 30 percent of Latino children live in households where they don't get enough to eat, and a third of Latino families rely on food banks to help feed their families. Recent U.S. Census Bureau poverty figures show that more than one in four Latinos lived below the poverty line in 2009, and 56 percent of immigrant children live in low-income families.
"More than half of immigrant children in the United States live in impoverished households where food is scarce," said Ivone Guillen, immigration policy fellow at Bread for the World Institute.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Berkshire Immigrant Center may be forced to shut
Funding cuts are causing lots of trouble for community service programs, this one may have to close. - - Donna Poisl
By Tony Dobrowolski, Berkshire Eagle Staff
PITTTSFIELD -- The Berkshire Immigrant Center may have to close or limit its hours if it can't breach a $50,000 funding gap by the time its new fiscal year begins on Oct. 1.
Executive Director Hilary Greene said a cut in federal Community Service Block Grant funds, which make up between $40,000 to $50,000 of the Pittsfield-based center's $140,000 annual budget, has left the agency in this
predicament.
"For the last couple of years, we've relied heavily on Community Service Block Grant funding to help cover our deficit from the grants and fundraising that we bring in," Greene said. "This year it doesn't appear that those funds will be available in the federal budget."
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Tony Dobrowolski, Berkshire Eagle Staff
PITTTSFIELD -- The Berkshire Immigrant Center may have to close or limit its hours if it can't breach a $50,000 funding gap by the time its new fiscal year begins on Oct. 1.
Executive Director Hilary Greene said a cut in federal Community Service Block Grant funds, which make up between $40,000 to $50,000 of the Pittsfield-based center's $140,000 annual budget, has left the agency in this
predicament.
"For the last couple of years, we've relied heavily on Community Service Block Grant funding to help cover our deficit from the grants and fundraising that we bring in," Greene said. "This year it doesn't appear that those funds will be available in the federal budget."
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Cook County bucks immigration officials
The Chicago area is releasing illegal immigrants who are in jail for minor offenses, mainly for financial reasons. - - Donna Poisl
Board votes to reject federal requests to hold suspected illegal immigrants jailed in minor cases
By Antonio Olivo, Tribune reporter
The Cook County Board of Commissioners passed an ordinance Wednesday that would allow suspected illegal immigrants jailed in misdemeanor cases to be freed despite federal requests to have them detained for possible deportation.
The legislation, which passed by a vote of 10-5, again places Illinois in the middle of the ongoing national debate over federal immigration reforms. But County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and other supporters characterized the ordinance as a financial issue.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Board votes to reject federal requests to hold suspected illegal immigrants jailed in minor cases
By Antonio Olivo, Tribune reporter
The Cook County Board of Commissioners passed an ordinance Wednesday that would allow suspected illegal immigrants jailed in misdemeanor cases to be freed despite federal requests to have them detained for possible deportation.
The legislation, which passed by a vote of 10-5, again places Illinois in the middle of the ongoing national debate over federal immigration reforms. But County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and other supporters characterized the ordinance as a financial issue.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
This Year's Carvel Immigrant Entrepreneur Award Recipient is...
from Ali Noorani, Executive Director
I am thrilled to announce that Philippe Villers, founder and president of Families USA, will receive this year’s Carvel Immigrant Entrepreneur Award on October 13, 2011 at Keepers of the American Dream.
A mechanical engineer by training, Mr. Villers has spent over 50 years in the engineering industry. In that time, he founded several successful high-tech corporations, including Computervision, Inc., Automatix, Inc., and Cognition, Inc. He is currently the President of GrainPro, Inc., a company committed to environmental preservation and food security in developing countries.
At a young age, Mr. Villers immigrated to the United States with his family to avoid the onslaught of World War II in France. Today, he credits the experience for helping shape his social conscience. In 1981, when he and his wife put their minds together to determine a way they could improve quality of life for the elderly, they established Families USA.
Mr. Villers remains deeply committed to Families USA’s mission to achieve collective access to high quality, affordable health and long-term care for all Americans. Additionally, he continues to advocate for social justice by serving on the ACLU President’s Committee and serving on the boards of organizations like United Villages, Mercy Corps, and the Institute for Global Leadership.
It is our pleasure to recognize Mr. Villers at this year’s Keepers of the American Dream Awards for his innovative spirit and longstanding commitment to social change.
Join us on Thursday, October 13, 2011 for the Keepers of the American Dream awards event to honor individuals like Mr. Villers, who light the path for immigrant leaders everywhere and act as a testament to the power of immigrant voices.
Sincerely,
Ali Noorani
Executive Director
P.S. To have your name listed in the program book for the event, you must pledge your support by Friday, September 30th.
I am thrilled to announce that Philippe Villers, founder and president of Families USA, will receive this year’s Carvel Immigrant Entrepreneur Award on October 13, 2011 at Keepers of the American Dream.
A mechanical engineer by training, Mr. Villers has spent over 50 years in the engineering industry. In that time, he founded several successful high-tech corporations, including Computervision, Inc., Automatix, Inc., and Cognition, Inc. He is currently the President of GrainPro, Inc., a company committed to environmental preservation and food security in developing countries.
At a young age, Mr. Villers immigrated to the United States with his family to avoid the onslaught of World War II in France. Today, he credits the experience for helping shape his social conscience. In 1981, when he and his wife put their minds together to determine a way they could improve quality of life for the elderly, they established Families USA.
Mr. Villers remains deeply committed to Families USA’s mission to achieve collective access to high quality, affordable health and long-term care for all Americans. Additionally, he continues to advocate for social justice by serving on the ACLU President’s Committee and serving on the boards of organizations like United Villages, Mercy Corps, and the Institute for Global Leadership.
It is our pleasure to recognize Mr. Villers at this year’s Keepers of the American Dream Awards for his innovative spirit and longstanding commitment to social change.
Join us on Thursday, October 13, 2011 for the Keepers of the American Dream awards event to honor individuals like Mr. Villers, who light the path for immigrant leaders everywhere and act as a testament to the power of immigrant voices.
Sincerely,
Ali Noorani
Executive Director
P.S. To have your name listed in the program book for the event, you must pledge your support by Friday, September 30th.
Immigrants arrested at 'coming out' rally
Students are taking a big chance, demonstrating for "education, not deportation". But they feel it is worth it to raise awareness. - - Donna Poisl
By Franco Ordoñez
Police arrested at least 10 young illegal immigrants as they blocked traffic near Central Piedmont Community College Tuesday to protest policies they say discriminate against undocumented immigrants.
Nearly 200 people met on CPCC's central campus for a 1 p.m. "coming out" rally in which some protesters publicly announced they're living in the country illegally.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Franco Ordoñez
Police arrested at least 10 young illegal immigrants as they blocked traffic near Central Piedmont Community College Tuesday to protest policies they say discriminate against undocumented immigrants.
Nearly 200 people met on CPCC's central campus for a 1 p.m. "coming out" rally in which some protesters publicly announced they're living in the country illegally.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Is the Border Broken? Rethinking the Conventional Wisdom
PRESS RELEASE
The Immigration Policy Center and the Mexico Institute at the Woodrow Wilson Center invite you to participate in a conversation:
Is the Border Broken? Rethinking the Conventional Wisdom
The U.S.-Mexico border has become the focal point of the complex policy debates surrounding immigration, trade, and security. How does the U.S. ensure its security while facilitating trade? Is border fortification the best way to stop unauthorized migration and trafficking in drugs and humans? And what about south-bound inspections to disrupt firearms trafficking and money laundering? Join our panelists for a discussion of these and other issues related to this vital border area.
Featuring:
Terry Goddard, Former Attorney General of Arizona
Josiah McC. Heyman, Chair of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Texas El Paso
Eric L. Olson, Senior Associate, Mexico Institute
Mary Giovagnoli, Director of the Immigration Policy Center
Monday, September 12, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Wilson Center
6th floor Boardroom
One Woodrow Wilson Plaza
1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20004-3027
Directions to the Wilson Center can be found at http://www.wilsoncenter.org/directions. The event is free, but space is limited. Please rsvp by September 9th to mwaslin@immcouncil.org.
The Immigration Policy Center and the Mexico Institute at the Woodrow Wilson Center invite you to participate in a conversation:
Is the Border Broken? Rethinking the Conventional Wisdom
The U.S.-Mexico border has become the focal point of the complex policy debates surrounding immigration, trade, and security. How does the U.S. ensure its security while facilitating trade? Is border fortification the best way to stop unauthorized migration and trafficking in drugs and humans? And what about south-bound inspections to disrupt firearms trafficking and money laundering? Join our panelists for a discussion of these and other issues related to this vital border area.
Featuring:
Terry Goddard, Former Attorney General of Arizona
Josiah McC. Heyman, Chair of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Texas El Paso
Eric L. Olson, Senior Associate, Mexico Institute
Mary Giovagnoli, Director of the Immigration Policy Center
Monday, September 12, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Wilson Center
6th floor Boardroom
One Woodrow Wilson Plaza
1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20004-3027
Directions to the Wilson Center can be found at http://www.wilsoncenter.org/directions. The event is free, but space is limited. Please rsvp by September 9th to mwaslin@immcouncil.org.
Register to Vote
from ya es hora
2012 Presidential election
The 2012 election season is not far away. Next year, you will be asked to vote for the next President, in addition to key seats in your states and much more. It is never too early to register to vote - click here to register. And click here to make this registration tool available on your website.
What is your organization doing?
Are you or your organization holding voter registration drives in the days leading up to the first primaries? Are you registering people to vote all year long? Or are you acting as an information center disseminating election-related information to your community? Whatever you are doing, ya es hora would love to hear about it!
Contact the campaign at veyvotahq@gmail.com and let us know. We'd love to partner with you on any civic engagement events that will help strengthen Latino communities.
For more information, visit www.yaeshora.info
2012 Presidential election
The 2012 election season is not far away. Next year, you will be asked to vote for the next President, in addition to key seats in your states and much more. It is never too early to register to vote - click here to register. And click here to make this registration tool available on your website.
What is your organization doing?
Are you or your organization holding voter registration drives in the days leading up to the first primaries? Are you registering people to vote all year long? Or are you acting as an information center disseminating election-related information to your community? Whatever you are doing, ya es hora would love to hear about it!
Contact the campaign at veyvotahq@gmail.com and let us know. We'd love to partner with you on any civic engagement events that will help strengthen Latino communities.
For more information, visit www.yaeshora.info
Thursday, September 08, 2011
Take Action on the DREAM Act
from Interfaith Immigration
Join faith communities around the country to advocate for the DREAM Act, which would provide a path to citizenship for undocumented young adults brought to the United States as children who complete two years of college or military service.
Click the headline to learn about DREAM Sabbath 2011, which will take place in congregations around the country from September 16th to October 9th.
Join faith communities around the country to advocate for the DREAM Act, which would provide a path to citizenship for undocumented young adults brought to the United States as children who complete two years of college or military service.
Click the headline to learn about DREAM Sabbath 2011, which will take place in congregations around the country from September 16th to October 9th.
Reaching out to immigrants to educate them about health care law and insurance
This program with the Department of Health and Human Services is working with immigrants to help them learn about medical assistance they are eligible for. - - Donna Poisl
By Marilyn Werber Serafini
When Dillon Pefok agreed to coach a men’s soccer team in the District’s Soccer 4 Jesus church league, it wasn’t his intention to teach the players about the 2010 health-care law between drills. But the league was brimming with uninsured African immigrants, and he had learned from a training session in March that the law would, among other things, extend Medicaid eligibility to thousands of lower-income people.
Since then, Pefok has educated soccer players and coaches, as well as parishioners at Dunamis Life Chapel in Largo, where he heads up the men’s ministry.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Marilyn Werber Serafini
When Dillon Pefok agreed to coach a men’s soccer team in the District’s Soccer 4 Jesus church league, it wasn’t his intention to teach the players about the 2010 health-care law between drills. But the league was brimming with uninsured African immigrants, and he had learned from a training session in March that the law would, among other things, extend Medicaid eligibility to thousands of lower-income people.
Since then, Pefok has educated soccer players and coaches, as well as parishioners at Dunamis Life Chapel in Largo, where he heads up the men’s ministry.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
The change in rural areas, fully framed
This article tells about the changing population in rural Minnesota. We have to think most rural areas are similar. - - Donna Poisl
Article by: DICK SENESE
Some move out. Others move in. Adaptations are successfully made.
Another constitutionally required decennial census has been conducted, and we will begin to hear lamentations about rural population decline, aging population and young people leaving rural areas.
The fundamental shifts contributing to these trends affect all of Minnesota, requiring residents and community leaders to rethink the future. Framing rural changes only as decline, however, leads to a false narrative that misses the nuance and vitality of rural communities and contributes to an already divisive civic dialogue.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Article by: DICK SENESE
Some move out. Others move in. Adaptations are successfully made.
Another constitutionally required decennial census has been conducted, and we will begin to hear lamentations about rural population decline, aging population and young people leaving rural areas.
The fundamental shifts contributing to these trends affect all of Minnesota, requiring residents and community leaders to rethink the future. Framing rural changes only as decline, however, leads to a false narrative that misses the nuance and vitality of rural communities and contributes to an already divisive civic dialogue.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Houston's Indian immigrants telling their stories
There is a large Indian community in Houston and they have been working on their history, so everyone understands their story. - - Donna Poisl
Effort captures early struggles, contributions to the city
By PURVA PATEL, HOUSTON CHRONICLE
When then-Mayor Bill White announced an oral history project capturing the stories of prominent Houstonians a few years ago, Krishna Vavilala noticed one group missing: Indian immigrants who have shaped the city's demographic landscape in subtle but influential ways.
So Vavilala, also chair of the Foundation for India Studies at the University of Houston, decided to start one himself.
"If someone else won't write our history, we will write it," said Vavilala, a native of India who came to Houston in 1981 after entering the U.S. through New York in 1974.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Effort captures early struggles, contributions to the city
By PURVA PATEL, HOUSTON CHRONICLE
When then-Mayor Bill White announced an oral history project capturing the stories of prominent Houstonians a few years ago, Krishna Vavilala noticed one group missing: Indian immigrants who have shaped the city's demographic landscape in subtle but influential ways.
So Vavilala, also chair of the Foundation for India Studies at the University of Houston, decided to start one himself.
"If someone else won't write our history, we will write it," said Vavilala, a native of India who came to Houston in 1981 after entering the U.S. through New York in 1974.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Immigrants get their hopes up as US plans to review deportation cases
Now the hard parts starts; finding out if individual immigrants qualify for the review. - - Donna Poisl
from NashuaTelegraph.com
LOS ANGELES – Hilda Jauregui and dozens of women at an Orange County, Calif., immigration detention center recently gathered to hear the news on television that the Obama administration will review thousands of deportation cases with an eye toward closing those considered “low-priority.”
“Everyone was shouting and hugging each other,” Jauregui said in a telephone interview from the James A. Musick jail facility. “One woman said ‘I’ll qualify because I’m older,’ another said she had children who were born in the country. Everyone was trying to find something positive that would make them qualify.”
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
from NashuaTelegraph.com
LOS ANGELES – Hilda Jauregui and dozens of women at an Orange County, Calif., immigration detention center recently gathered to hear the news on television that the Obama administration will review thousands of deportation cases with an eye toward closing those considered “low-priority.”
“Everyone was shouting and hugging each other,” Jauregui said in a telephone interview from the James A. Musick jail facility. “One woman said ‘I’ll qualify because I’m older,’ another said she had children who were born in the country. Everyone was trying to find something positive that would make them qualify.”
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Young immigrants plan rally to protest lack of path to becoming legal residents
These young people are marching to push for the DREAM Act to be enacted. - - Donna Poisl
By: BERTRAND M. GUTIERREZ | Winston-Salem Journal
Illegal immigrants brought to the United States as children plan to risk arrest and deportation at a rally Tuesday in Charlotte to protest what they believe are unfair laws that prevent them from correcting their immigration status and make it harder to get an education.
Moises Serrano, a Yadkinville resident who graduated with honors from Starmount High School in Boonville, said he and others from the area plan to attend the rally because their options are running out.
"I'm a great worker, but because of my status I can't take advantage of that. I can't get a job. I can't go to school because I can't afford out-of-state tuition. I can't drive down the road to my friend's house because I'm scared I might get pulled over. It's like living in fear 24/7," said Serrano, 21, who was brought to the U.S. by his parents before he was 2.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By: BERTRAND M. GUTIERREZ | Winston-Salem Journal
Illegal immigrants brought to the United States as children plan to risk arrest and deportation at a rally Tuesday in Charlotte to protest what they believe are unfair laws that prevent them from correcting their immigration status and make it harder to get an education.
Moises Serrano, a Yadkinville resident who graduated with honors from Starmount High School in Boonville, said he and others from the area plan to attend the rally because their options are running out.
"I'm a great worker, but because of my status I can't take advantage of that. I can't get a job. I can't go to school because I can't afford out-of-state tuition. I can't drive down the road to my friend's house because I'm scared I might get pulled over. It's like living in fear 24/7," said Serrano, 21, who was brought to the U.S. by his parents before he was 2.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Daughter of immigrants teaches powerful lesson
This tells another story about immigrants becoming Americans, the same story many of us have. - - Donna Poisl
Spt. Spinellis learned lover of education from her mother
By Frank Mortimer
Immigrants from Portugal, Debbie Spinelli's grandparents arrived in America nearly 100 years ago.
Her grandfather came first, and found work in a shoe factory in Hudson.
He saved up enough money in two years to send for his fiancee, marrying her by proxy through a stand-in groom in Portugal -- so that she could get on the boat to America.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Spt. Spinellis learned lover of education from her mother
By Frank Mortimer
Immigrants from Portugal, Debbie Spinelli's grandparents arrived in America nearly 100 years ago.
Her grandfather came first, and found work in a shoe factory in Hudson.
He saved up enough money in two years to send for his fiancee, marrying her by proxy through a stand-in groom in Portugal -- so that she could get on the boat to America.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Donate "Green Card Stories" to your local school
from American Immigration Council
It's Back to School Time!
It's back to school time and kids all around the country are being taught to be better writers, readers, mathematicians... but what about better citizens?
Donate a copy of Green Card Stories to your local school, library or designated "hot spot" and help create a new generation of Americans who are well-versed in the role immigration has played in making our country what it is today.
Green Card Stories depicts 50 recent immigrants with permanent residence or citizenship in dramatic narratives accompanied by artistic photos. Green Card Stories is an important reminder that today’s immigrants are like you and me, and that behind all our perceived differences is the same desire to live and breathe free. That, we believe, is a story worth telling and sharing with others.
Pre-order Green Card Stories by clicking HERE
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Jessica Goddard at (202) 507-7525 or jgoddard@immcouncil.org.
It's Back to School Time!
It's back to school time and kids all around the country are being taught to be better writers, readers, mathematicians... but what about better citizens?
Donate a copy of Green Card Stories to your local school, library or designated "hot spot" and help create a new generation of Americans who are well-versed in the role immigration has played in making our country what it is today.
Green Card Stories depicts 50 recent immigrants with permanent residence or citizenship in dramatic narratives accompanied by artistic photos. Green Card Stories is an important reminder that today’s immigrants are like you and me, and that behind all our perceived differences is the same desire to live and breathe free. That, we believe, is a story worth telling and sharing with others.
Pre-order Green Card Stories by clicking HERE
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Jessica Goddard at (202) 507-7525 or jgoddard@immcouncil.org.
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
HUD Launches Initiative To Help Illegal Immigrants
Hopefully these various plans will save the immigrants from the damage new local and state laws are doing to them. - - Donna Poisl
from TheMoralLiberal.com
Besides the Department of Justice (DOJ), other federal agencies are quietly working behind the scenes and dedicating extensive resources to fighting local laws aimed at curbing illegal immigration.
For instance, this week the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) revealed that a “spate of state and local immigration related laws” has forced it to launch an “initiative to build a stronger network of community organization partners who serve the Hispanic population.” In the coming months the agency will hold a series of regional conferences to meet with organizations that work directly with the country’s Hispanic population.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
from TheMoralLiberal.com
Besides the Department of Justice (DOJ), other federal agencies are quietly working behind the scenes and dedicating extensive resources to fighting local laws aimed at curbing illegal immigration.
For instance, this week the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) revealed that a “spate of state and local immigration related laws” has forced it to launch an “initiative to build a stronger network of community organization partners who serve the Hispanic population.” In the coming months the agency will hold a series of regional conferences to meet with organizations that work directly with the country’s Hispanic population.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Colorado Corn Farmer Can't Find U.S. Citizens To Replace Immigrant Labor
Click on the headline to watch the VIDEO showing this farmer and his story. - - Donna Poisl
from Huff Post Denver
John Harold, an Olathe Sweet Corn farmer in Colorado's Montrose County, thought hiring workers to pick corn this season would be a cakewalk. Given high unemployment rates, Harold decided to hire more local workers instead of hiring legal Mexican immigrants on federal H2A visas.
According to the Montrose Daily Press, however, the positions have been difficult to fill.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
from Huff Post Denver
John Harold, an Olathe Sweet Corn farmer in Colorado's Montrose County, thought hiring workers to pick corn this season would be a cakewalk. Given high unemployment rates, Harold decided to hire more local workers instead of hiring legal Mexican immigrants on federal H2A visas.
According to the Montrose Daily Press, however, the positions have been difficult to fill.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Don’t Fear Islamic Law in America
This religious studies professor explains how this fear is silly and not much different than other fears in the past. - - Donna Poisl
By ELIYAHU STERN
MORE than a dozen American states are considering outlawing aspects of Shariah law. Some of these efforts would curtail Muslims from settling disputes over dietary laws and marriage through religious arbitration, while others would go even further in stigmatizing Islamic life: a bill recently passed by the Tennessee General Assembly equates Shariah with a set of rules that promote “the destruction of the national existence of the United States.”
Supporters of these bills contend that such measures are needed to protect the country against homegrown terrorism and safeguard its Judeo-Christian values. The Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich has said that “Shariah is a mortal threat to the survival of freedom in the United States and in the world as we know it.”
This is exactly wrong.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By ELIYAHU STERN
MORE than a dozen American states are considering outlawing aspects of Shariah law. Some of these efforts would curtail Muslims from settling disputes over dietary laws and marriage through religious arbitration, while others would go even further in stigmatizing Islamic life: a bill recently passed by the Tennessee General Assembly equates Shariah with a set of rules that promote “the destruction of the national existence of the United States.”
Supporters of these bills contend that such measures are needed to protect the country against homegrown terrorism and safeguard its Judeo-Christian values. The Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich has said that “Shariah is a mortal threat to the survival of freedom in the United States and in the world as we know it.”
This is exactly wrong.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Immigrant labor plays vital role
Our U.S. Secretary of Labor has written an opinion piece explaining how important immigrants are here. - - Donna Poisl
By Hilda L. Solis
Google, Goya, Yahoo, Intel and Levi Strauss. It’s hard to imagine a day without these iconic and uniquely American brands.
Most people don’t know that all were founded or co-founded by immigrants.
Goya foods was started by Don Prudencio and Carolina Unanue — a young immigrant couple who in 1936 sold olives and olive oil from a tiny Manhattan storefront.
Almost 60 years later, the website Yahoo was co-created by Jerry Yang, who immigrated to California from Taipei as a child. Immigrants founded 18 percent of the 2010 Fortune 500 companies — which post combined revenues of $1.7 trillion and employ more than 3.6 million people.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Hilda L. Solis
Google, Goya, Yahoo, Intel and Levi Strauss. It’s hard to imagine a day without these iconic and uniquely American brands.
Most people don’t know that all were founded or co-founded by immigrants.
Goya foods was started by Don Prudencio and Carolina Unanue — a young immigrant couple who in 1936 sold olives and olive oil from a tiny Manhattan storefront.
Almost 60 years later, the website Yahoo was co-created by Jerry Yang, who immigrated to California from Taipei as a child. Immigrants founded 18 percent of the 2010 Fortune 500 companies — which post combined revenues of $1.7 trillion and employ more than 3.6 million people.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
The Immigration Policy Center and the Mexico Institute at the Woodrow Wilson Center invite you to participate in a conversation
The U.S.-Mexico border has become the focal point of the complex policy debates surrounding immigration, trade, and security. How does the U.S. ensure its security while facilitating trade? Is border fortification the best way to stop unauthorized migration and trafficking in drugs and humans? And what about south-bound inspections to disrupt firearms trafficking and money laundering? Join our panelists for a discussion of these and other issues related to this vital border area.
Featuring
Terry Goddard, Former Attorney General of Arizona
Josiah McC. Heyman, Chair of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Texas El Paso
Eric L. Olson, Senior Associate, Mexico Institute
Mary Giovagnoli, Director of the Immigration Policy Center
Monday, September 12, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Wilson Center
6th floor Boardroom
One Woodrow Wilson Plaza
1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20004-3027
Directions to the Wilson Center can be found at http://www.wilsoncenter.org/directions. The event is free, but space is limited. Please rsvp by September 9th to mwaslin@immcouncil.org.
The Immigration Policy Center (IPC), established in 2003, is the policy arm of the American Immigration Council. IPC's mission is to shape a rational conversation on immigration and immigrant integration. Through its research and analysis, IPC provides policymakers, the media, and the general public with accurate information about the role of immigrants and immigration policy on U.S. society. IPC reports and materials are widely disseminated and relied upon by press and policy makers. IPC staff regularly serves as experts to leaders on Capitol Hill, opinion-makers and the media. IPC is a non-partisan organization that neither supports nor opposes any political party or candidate for office.
8th Annual National LATINA Symposium: Celebrating Latina Success
PRESS RELEASE
Admiral Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations, U.S. Navy to Receive President's Award for Leadership
Opening Ceremony address will be presented by BG Linda R. Urrutia-Varhall, U.S. Air Force. She will be joined by BG Camille Nichols, U.S. Army and RADM (Select) Raquel Cruz Bono, U.S. Navy.
Awards Luncheon Keynote Message will be delivered by the Hon. Juan M. Garcia, III, Assistant Secretary, U.S. Navy
Captain Kenneth J. Barrett, Deputy Director, ODMEO to serve as Featured Speaker
WASHINGTON, Sept. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- The Anna Maria Arias Foundation and LATINA Style Inc., are proud to present the 8th annual National LATINA Symposium at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City Hotel located at 2799 Jefferson Davis Highway in Arlington, VA 22202, on Thursday, September 8, 2011 from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm. The Symposium provides a national platform for Latina leaders, women in the service, entrepreneurs and professional working women to address the status of the Hispanic professional woman in the United States.
The Honorable Loretta Sanchez (CA-47) is the 2011 conference Honorary Chair. Open to the public and attended by Latina leaders from corporate America, the government and military, the Symposium will feature panels and workshops designed to unite and empower Latinas and will include some of the most prominent Latinas in our country.
This year's panels include "Nurturing Latina Leadership" featuring distinguished panelists RADM (Select) Raquel C. Bono, U.S. Navy; LTC Irene M. Zoppi Rodriguez, U.S. Army, and Linda Jimenez, CDO WellPoint. "The Power of Networking" a discussion on how Employee Resource Groups and Affinity Groups can play a vital role in professional growth and development will be moderated by Ms. Carla J. Grantham. U.S. Coast Guard; panelists include CDR Mery-Angela Katson, U.S. Navy, Ms. Marie Quintana, SVP Multicultural Sales, PepsiCo, Inc., and Ms. Arlene Gonzalez, Directorate of Civil Rights, U.S. Coast Guard.
This year Symposium will further expand the agenda by producing a groundbreaking panel designed to address issues unique to Latinas in the military. The panel, "Translating Military Expertise into a Civilian Workplace" will focus on the integration and assimilation of returning military into the civilian workplace. This signals a major initiative for LATINA Style and its partners.
The Symposium's feature event is the Distinguished Military Service Awards Luncheon, co-hosted with the Department of Defense. Among the honorees are: Gunnery Sergeant Marisa Gonzalez, U.S. Marine Corps, Major Elaine M. Bryant, U.S. Air Force, and LT Commander Angelina Hidalgo, U.S. Coast Guard. We are proud to also honor military members and Department of Defense (DoD) civilian employees who support the DoD mission. Admiral Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations, U.S. Navy, will be presented with The President's Award for Leadership. U.S. Army Brigadier General Camille Nichols and Rear Admiral (Select) Raquel C. Bono will be presented with the Trailblazer Award.
The 2011 National LATINA Symposium Awards are presented in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense. Sponsors for the Symposium Conference include the U.S. Navy, Kraft Foods, PepsiCo, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Southwest airlines, and Teleflora. Lead Media partners include: Telemundo Washington D.C.; MPT, Romantica 900AM, CapitalWirePR, El Tiempo Latino, Washington Hispanic, and PR Newswire.
For further information and to register, please visit www.nls.latinaStyle.com or call 703-531-1424.
SOURCE LATINA Style Magazine
CONTACT: Tania Einhorn, +1-703-531-1424, tania@latinastyle.com
Admiral Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations, U.S. Navy to Receive President's Award for Leadership
Opening Ceremony address will be presented by BG Linda R. Urrutia-Varhall, U.S. Air Force. She will be joined by BG Camille Nichols, U.S. Army and RADM (Select) Raquel Cruz Bono, U.S. Navy.
Awards Luncheon Keynote Message will be delivered by the Hon. Juan M. Garcia, III, Assistant Secretary, U.S. Navy
Captain Kenneth J. Barrett, Deputy Director, ODMEO to serve as Featured Speaker
WASHINGTON, Sept. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- The Anna Maria Arias Foundation and LATINA Style Inc., are proud to present the 8th annual National LATINA Symposium at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City Hotel located at 2799 Jefferson Davis Highway in Arlington, VA 22202, on Thursday, September 8, 2011 from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm. The Symposium provides a national platform for Latina leaders, women in the service, entrepreneurs and professional working women to address the status of the Hispanic professional woman in the United States.
The Honorable Loretta Sanchez (CA-47) is the 2011 conference Honorary Chair. Open to the public and attended by Latina leaders from corporate America, the government and military, the Symposium will feature panels and workshops designed to unite and empower Latinas and will include some of the most prominent Latinas in our country.
This year's panels include "Nurturing Latina Leadership" featuring distinguished panelists RADM (Select) Raquel C. Bono, U.S. Navy; LTC Irene M. Zoppi Rodriguez, U.S. Army, and Linda Jimenez, CDO WellPoint. "The Power of Networking" a discussion on how Employee Resource Groups and Affinity Groups can play a vital role in professional growth and development will be moderated by Ms. Carla J. Grantham. U.S. Coast Guard; panelists include CDR Mery-Angela Katson, U.S. Navy, Ms. Marie Quintana, SVP Multicultural Sales, PepsiCo, Inc., and Ms. Arlene Gonzalez, Directorate of Civil Rights, U.S. Coast Guard.
This year Symposium will further expand the agenda by producing a groundbreaking panel designed to address issues unique to Latinas in the military. The panel, "Translating Military Expertise into a Civilian Workplace" will focus on the integration and assimilation of returning military into the civilian workplace. This signals a major initiative for LATINA Style and its partners.
The Symposium's feature event is the Distinguished Military Service Awards Luncheon, co-hosted with the Department of Defense. Among the honorees are: Gunnery Sergeant Marisa Gonzalez, U.S. Marine Corps, Major Elaine M. Bryant, U.S. Air Force, and LT Commander Angelina Hidalgo, U.S. Coast Guard. We are proud to also honor military members and Department of Defense (DoD) civilian employees who support the DoD mission. Admiral Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations, U.S. Navy, will be presented with The President's Award for Leadership. U.S. Army Brigadier General Camille Nichols and Rear Admiral (Select) Raquel C. Bono will be presented with the Trailblazer Award.
The 2011 National LATINA Symposium Awards are presented in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense. Sponsors for the Symposium Conference include the U.S. Navy, Kraft Foods, PepsiCo, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Southwest airlines, and Teleflora. Lead Media partners include: Telemundo Washington D.C.; MPT, Romantica 900AM, CapitalWirePR, El Tiempo Latino, Washington Hispanic, and PR Newswire.
For further information and to register, please visit www.nls.latinaStyle.com or call 703-531-1424.
SOURCE LATINA Style Magazine
CONTACT: Tania Einhorn, +1-703-531-1424, tania@latinastyle.com
President Obama and First Lady to Attend CHCI's 34th Annual Awards Gala
PRESS RELEASE
WASHINGTON, Sept. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- CHCI Chair Rep. Charles A. Gonzalez announced today that President Barack Obama, joined by First Lady Michelle Obama, will address the largest Latino gala in the country at CHCI's 34th Annual Awards Gala on Wednesday, September 14, 2011, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. This marks the fourth consecutive year President Obama has addressed the CHCI Gala, going back to when he was a presidential candidate in 2008.
"CHCI is honored to have the President and First Lady join us again this year to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and recognize the tremendous leadership we have in the Latino community," said Gonzalez.
Also at the gala, Gonzalez will present the 2011 CHCI Chair's Award to the Honorable Hilda Solis, Secretary of Labor, and the Honorable Ken Salazar, Secretary of Interior. The 2011 Medallion of Excellence for Leadership and Community Service Awards will be presented to entertainer Vikki Carr and former NASA astronaut and engineer Jose Hernandez, in recognition of their contributions to the Latino community.
GRAMMY®-winning salsa artist Luis Enrique will headline gala entertainment with tropical music legend Gilberto Santa Rosa performing at the post-gala concert. Latin music sensation Prince Royce will open the show and sing the national anthem while Teresa Rodriguez, Univision television anchor, will serve as the celebrity host for the evening's events.
CHCI's Hispanic Heritage Month theme for 2011, "Keeping the Promise: Unity, Strength, Leadership," reflects the strength and immense contributions of Latinos to the United States while focusing on the unity and leadership we must continue to develop to ensure the future success of this great nation.
Press Credentials: Please register for credentials online at
http://www.chci.org/events/page/2011-hhm-media-credential-
CHCI Annual Awards Gala
CHCI's 34th Annual Awards Gala will be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on September 14, 2011, and is the largest and most prestigious gathering of Hispanic bipartisan, public and private sector leaders in the nation. National leaders, elected officials, corporate executives, educators, and entertainers gather to celebrate the achievements of the Latino community. As the hallmark event of Hispanic Heritage Month, the evening provides supporters and friends of CHCI an opportunity to network while honoring the annual Chair's Award(s) and the CHCI Medallion of Excellence honorees.
About CHCI
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), a nonprofit and nonpartisan 501(c) (3) organization, provides leadership development programs and educational services to students and young emerging leaders. The CHCI Board of Directors is comprised of Hispanic Members of Congress, nonprofit, union and corporate leaders. For more information call CHCI at (202) 543-1771, visit www.chci.org, or join us on Facebook, Twitter (chci) and LinkedIn.
SOURCE Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute
CONTACT: Scott Gunderson Rosa, +1-202-548-5876, sgrosa@chci.org
WASHINGTON, Sept. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- CHCI Chair Rep. Charles A. Gonzalez announced today that President Barack Obama, joined by First Lady Michelle Obama, will address the largest Latino gala in the country at CHCI's 34th Annual Awards Gala on Wednesday, September 14, 2011, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. This marks the fourth consecutive year President Obama has addressed the CHCI Gala, going back to when he was a presidential candidate in 2008.
"CHCI is honored to have the President and First Lady join us again this year to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and recognize the tremendous leadership we have in the Latino community," said Gonzalez.
Also at the gala, Gonzalez will present the 2011 CHCI Chair's Award to the Honorable Hilda Solis, Secretary of Labor, and the Honorable Ken Salazar, Secretary of Interior. The 2011 Medallion of Excellence for Leadership and Community Service Awards will be presented to entertainer Vikki Carr and former NASA astronaut and engineer Jose Hernandez, in recognition of their contributions to the Latino community.
GRAMMY®-winning salsa artist Luis Enrique will headline gala entertainment with tropical music legend Gilberto Santa Rosa performing at the post-gala concert. Latin music sensation Prince Royce will open the show and sing the national anthem while Teresa Rodriguez, Univision television anchor, will serve as the celebrity host for the evening's events.
CHCI's Hispanic Heritage Month theme for 2011, "Keeping the Promise: Unity, Strength, Leadership," reflects the strength and immense contributions of Latinos to the United States while focusing on the unity and leadership we must continue to develop to ensure the future success of this great nation.
Press Credentials: Please register for credentials online at
http://www.chci.org/events/page/2011-hhm-media-credential-
CHCI Annual Awards Gala
CHCI's 34th Annual Awards Gala will be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on September 14, 2011, and is the largest and most prestigious gathering of Hispanic bipartisan, public and private sector leaders in the nation. National leaders, elected officials, corporate executives, educators, and entertainers gather to celebrate the achievements of the Latino community. As the hallmark event of Hispanic Heritage Month, the evening provides supporters and friends of CHCI an opportunity to network while honoring the annual Chair's Award(s) and the CHCI Medallion of Excellence honorees.
About CHCI
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), a nonprofit and nonpartisan 501(c) (3) organization, provides leadership development programs and educational services to students and young emerging leaders. The CHCI Board of Directors is comprised of Hispanic Members of Congress, nonprofit, union and corporate leaders. For more information call CHCI at (202) 543-1771, visit www.chci.org, or join us on Facebook, Twitter (chci) and LinkedIn.
SOURCE Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute
CONTACT: Scott Gunderson Rosa, +1-202-548-5876, sgrosa@chci.org
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