from Jonathan Yorba, Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino
Thank you for your support of the American Latino Museum. We are reaching out to you today because we urgently need your help to secure the location for the museum. The U.S. Senate is expected to vote before year-end! Senator Menendez, and other leaders supporting our effort, need you to call your Senator quickly. Your Senator needs to know you want their vote to support the legislation that will designate a building for the National Latino Museum on the National Mall. This is your opportunity to actively help create the national American Latino Museum.
Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) has introduced the Smithsonian American Latino Museum Act, S. 1868, which designates a location for the future American Latino Museum. If this bill passes, the Arts and Industries Building on the National Mall will be set aside as the future home of this long overdue museum. This location is perfect because it is close to public transportation and close to other museums and landmarks, so many people will have access to the countless stories of American Latino contributions to American history.
But we can’t pass this bill on our own. We need you to let your Senators know TODAY how much this museum means to you. We need you to share the disappointment you feel with existing national museums for leaving out American Latino history. Urge your Senators to pass this bill because it is the first, vital step on the journey that will lead us to completing the picture of American heritage for future generations.
Call: 1-877-429-0678 and ask for your Senators or Representative by name. Tell your members of Congress that you support the creation of the American Latino Museum and that they should vote to pass the Smithsonian American Latino Museum Act, S.1868.
U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Majority Leader Reid (D-NV), U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), U.S. Representative Xavier Becerra (D-CA) and U.S. Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) introduced bipartisan legislation in the Senate and House of Representatives to authorize the Smithsonian’s Arts and Industries building on the National Mall as the designated location of the Smithsonian American Latino Museum. The authorization of the museum follows the recommendations of the May 2011 report of the bipartisan Commission to Study the Potential Creation of the National Museum of American Latino, a Commission that was established by law in 2008.
In order to keep the momentum going, contact your U.S. Senator TODAY and ask them to support the Smithsonian American Latino Museum Act.
Sincerly,
Jonathan Yorba
Chair
Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
House votes to end country limits for skilled workers seeking green cards
This should make the visas a little more fair and help skilled workers stay and start businesses. - - Donna Poisl
from Associated Press
WASHINGTON — The House voted Tuesday to end per-country caps on worker-based immigration visas, a move that should benefit skilled Indian and Chinese residents seeking to stay in the United States and the high-tech companies who hire them.
The legislation, which passed 389-15, was a rare example of bipartisan accord on immigration, an issue that largely has been avoided during the current session of Congress because of the political sensitivities involved.
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from Associated Press
WASHINGTON — The House voted Tuesday to end per-country caps on worker-based immigration visas, a move that should benefit skilled Indian and Chinese residents seeking to stay in the United States and the high-tech companies who hire them.
The legislation, which passed 389-15, was a rare example of bipartisan accord on immigration, an issue that largely has been avoided during the current session of Congress because of the political sensitivities involved.
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Student commits suicide, letters reveal worries over immigration status
A very sad story about a high school senior who really needed the DREAM Act to pass. - - Donna Poisl
by Daisy Martinez
Diyre Mendoza of Mission recalled Saturday, how his little brother, 18-year-old Joaquin Luna, hoped to become an engineer.
The undocumented immigrant was a Senior at Juarez Lincoln High School in Mission.
"It's like all these kids that are here, they're all dependant in that Dream Act to keep on studying," Mendoza said.
The family is now planning Luna’s funeral.
They said the teen committed suicide Friday - leaving letters behind revealing he was worried about his immigration status.
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by Daisy Martinez
Diyre Mendoza of Mission recalled Saturday, how his little brother, 18-year-old Joaquin Luna, hoped to become an engineer.
The undocumented immigrant was a Senior at Juarez Lincoln High School in Mission.
"It's like all these kids that are here, they're all dependant in that Dream Act to keep on studying," Mendoza said.
The family is now planning Luna’s funeral.
They said the teen committed suicide Friday - leaving letters behind revealing he was worried about his immigration status.
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New immigration laws could hit farmers, drive up food prices
Farmers are losing their workers, maybe if our food prices rise dramatically, Americans will finally realize that we need these immigrants. - - Donna Poisl
Written by Chas Sisk | The Tennessean
HICKORY POINT, TENN. — Inside a spartan shed thick with the smell of moist tobacco, temporary laborers from the Mexican state of Nayarit deftly stripped a truckload of the plant’s broad leaves from its hardened stalks.
A foreman, Pedro Peña, handed racks of dark air-cured tobacco down to another worker, Lupe Villegas, who loaded each one onto one of two sets of chain drives. As the racks went along the drive, teams of eight workers laid the stalks bare and sorted the tobacco into three grades, all in less than a minute. A final worker removed the exposed stems and loaded them into a V-shaped crib.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Written by Chas Sisk | The Tennessean
HICKORY POINT, TENN. — Inside a spartan shed thick with the smell of moist tobacco, temporary laborers from the Mexican state of Nayarit deftly stripped a truckload of the plant’s broad leaves from its hardened stalks.
A foreman, Pedro Peña, handed racks of dark air-cured tobacco down to another worker, Lupe Villegas, who loaded each one onto one of two sets of chain drives. As the racks went along the drive, teams of eight workers laid the stalks bare and sorted the tobacco into three grades, all in less than a minute. A final worker removed the exposed stems and loaded them into a V-shaped crib.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Illegal immigrant laws affect citizens
The harsh new immigrant laws in some states are giving officials the right to stop and search people who might look like an "illegal immigrant" but who are citizens. - - Donna Poisl
by L. Patricia Ice
Last month, I attended a Jewish Yom Kippur Forgiveness and Renewal High Holiday service at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta. After the service, I met a young African-American woman, Shayna, who lives in the area. We discussed the new Georgia anti-undocumented immigration law known as HB57 which went into effect this summer.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by L. Patricia Ice
Last month, I attended a Jewish Yom Kippur Forgiveness and Renewal High Holiday service at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta. After the service, I met a young African-American woman, Shayna, who lives in the area. We discussed the new Georgia anti-undocumented immigration law known as HB57 which went into effect this summer.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Immigration Enforcement Shift Could Spare Thousands from Deportation
A large group of immigrants may escape deportation with the new policies in place now. - - Donna Poisl
By JEREMY B. WHITE
A recent shift in the policies guiding immigration field agents and prosecutors could offer the type of hope that has been steadily receding for Silvia Salcedo Sanchez.
The Department of Homeland Security announced last week a sweeping review of deportation cases before immigration courts and the establishment of a nationwide retraining program for enforcement agents and prosecuting attorneys. Both are intended to advance a policy, first articulated in a June memo from Immigration and Customs Enforcement director John Morton, that would focus deportations on immigrants who have committed serious crimes or who pose a threat to public safety. That would divert enforcement away from a broad category of noncriminal immigrants that includes those who arrived as young children, veterans and those with strong family ties.
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By JEREMY B. WHITE
A recent shift in the policies guiding immigration field agents and prosecutors could offer the type of hope that has been steadily receding for Silvia Salcedo Sanchez.
The Department of Homeland Security announced last week a sweeping review of deportation cases before immigration courts and the establishment of a nationwide retraining program for enforcement agents and prosecuting attorneys. Both are intended to advance a policy, first articulated in a June memo from Immigration and Customs Enforcement director John Morton, that would focus deportations on immigrants who have committed serious crimes or who pose a threat to public safety. That would divert enforcement away from a broad category of noncriminal immigrants that includes those who arrived as young children, veterans and those with strong family ties.
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Immigrants giving thanks for their new lives
All over the country, new residents are celebrating Thanksgiving, with a special reason for thanks this year. - - Donna Poisl
BY MONSY ALVARADO, STAFF WRITER
Thousands of immigrants will be celebrating their first Thanksgiving as legal residents today in New Jersey, some who have just arrived and had been apart from family members for years.
In New Jersey, more than 27,000 lawful permanent resident cards were issued from December 2010 through early this week to new arrivals, said Katie Tichacek Kaplan, public affairs officer for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Thousands more New Jersey residents received "green cards" who had already been living here and adjusted their status, she said.
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BY MONSY ALVARADO, STAFF WRITER
Thousands of immigrants will be celebrating their first Thanksgiving as legal residents today in New Jersey, some who have just arrived and had been apart from family members for years.
In New Jersey, more than 27,000 lawful permanent resident cards were issued from December 2010 through early this week to new arrivals, said Katie Tichacek Kaplan, public affairs officer for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Thousands more New Jersey residents received "green cards" who had already been living here and adjusted their status, she said.
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Assimilation, American style
This columnist tells how kids are assimilated into American life in school, even in a Jewish school, learning religion and American customs together. Somehow, it works. - - Donna Poisl
By Jeff Jacoby | GLOBE COLUMNIST
WITH OUR music teacher, Mrs. Feigenbaum, at the piano playing the melody — the Toreador’s Song from the opera “Carmen’’ — and the lyrics handed out to us on mimeographed pages, my fourth-grade classmates and I practiced one of the songs we were learning for our school’s Thanksgiving assembly.
I was a student at the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland, a Jewish day school where half of the curriculum was devoted to religious studies and the school year conformed to the Jewish calendar. Most of the kids in my class came from Orthodox Jewish homes, and many of us were the children of Eastern European immigrants who spoke Yiddish more fluently than English.
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By Jeff Jacoby | GLOBE COLUMNIST
WITH OUR music teacher, Mrs. Feigenbaum, at the piano playing the melody — the Toreador’s Song from the opera “Carmen’’ — and the lyrics handed out to us on mimeographed pages, my fourth-grade classmates and I practiced one of the songs we were learning for our school’s Thanksgiving assembly.
I was a student at the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland, a Jewish day school where half of the curriculum was devoted to religious studies and the school year conformed to the Jewish calendar. Most of the kids in my class came from Orthodox Jewish homes, and many of us were the children of Eastern European immigrants who spoke Yiddish more fluently than English.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Juan Castillo teaches immigrants who speak obscure languages how to make it in New York
These immigrants from Mexico don't speak Spanish or English, this class is helping them thrive in NYC. - - Donna Poisl
By Amy Lieberman
All of Juan Castillo's adult students have had little or no formal education. But that isn't always the main impediment to them tackling their classes, taught in Spanish or English.
It's the fact that they don't speak either of these languages.
Many of Mr. Castillo's approximately 400-plus students do come from Latin America – Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Ecuador. But they are from indigenous communities where idiomas de la tierra, local native languages, are spoken.
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By Amy Lieberman
All of Juan Castillo's adult students have had little or no formal education. But that isn't always the main impediment to them tackling their classes, taught in Spanish or English.
It's the fact that they don't speak either of these languages.
Many of Mr. Castillo's approximately 400-plus students do come from Latin America – Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Ecuador. But they are from indigenous communities where idiomas de la tierra, local native languages, are spoken.
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THIS WEEK IN IMMIGRATION
Click the headline to read stories from this week from the Immigration Policy Center.
Hispanics Have Only Three Options to Establish their Voice and Identity in America
This writer gives three options, and one of them is very good. It says to get involved and help. - - Donna Poisl
FROM GLENN LLOPIS
As the Presidential campaign builds momentum, Hispanics must consider the 2012 election as enabling new possibilities. Hispanics must become an integral part of the policy-making discussions and agenda for a new America. But beyond the influence Hispanics may have in the upcoming campaign, the Hispanic community at large must finally decide how to establish its voice in America, a voice that must educate mainstream audiences about the real opportunities we can create.
There are three ways Hispanics can establish our voice and identity in America.
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FROM GLENN LLOPIS
As the Presidential campaign builds momentum, Hispanics must consider the 2012 election as enabling new possibilities. Hispanics must become an integral part of the policy-making discussions and agenda for a new America. But beyond the influence Hispanics may have in the upcoming campaign, the Hispanic community at large must finally decide how to establish its voice in America, a voice that must educate mainstream audiences about the real opportunities we can create.
There are three ways Hispanics can establish our voice and identity in America.
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Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Bay Area immigrants find comfort in old and new Thanksgiving rituals
These immigrants combine food from their homeland along with turkey to make their own Thanksgiving Day memories. This is the American way. - - Donna Poisl
By Iris Kim
Sushi, tamales, pho and, of course, turkey with all the fixings.
For many immigrants in the Bay Area, Thanksgiving is a melting pot of foods and traditions. For some, it’s an occasion for helping less fortunate members of their communities. For others, it’s a day that holds little significance.
Here is a snapshot of how local immigrants are planning to spend this most American of holidays:
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By Iris Kim
Sushi, tamales, pho and, of course, turkey with all the fixings.
For many immigrants in the Bay Area, Thanksgiving is a melting pot of foods and traditions. For some, it’s an occasion for helping less fortunate members of their communities. For others, it’s a day that holds little significance.
Here is a snapshot of how local immigrants are planning to spend this most American of holidays:
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RELEASE DAVID FROM ICE DETENTION!
from Mohammad Abdollahi, DreamActivist.org
Despite what President Obama says DREAMer David has been sitting in a Georgia detention center for over a month now. David, now 20, has been living in Florida for the past 8 years. He graduated from high-school here and is currently working towards a bachelors degree in business management. All in all Florida is now David's home, but an immigration judge denied David's request for bond saying he 'is a flight risk.'
Take action and demand David be released. David wants to stay in America, his home, he is not a flight risk!
David is just another one of the countless DREAM Act youth who are now facing deportation because of flawed policies. David's time is now running out, on Thursday and immigration judge is going to decide if David should be ordered deported. This means that, this Thursday, December 1st, David could be ordered deported to Venezuela.
We are asking for your support in making 100 calls to ICE demanding that they immediately stop the deportation of David Zambrano. In addition to ICE we really need the support of Senator Bill Nelson from Florida. Will you help us reach our goal of 100 calls in support of David?
1. Call ICE - John Morton's office: 800-394-5855
2. Call Senator Bill Nelson's office: 800-821-9385
"Hi I was calling to ask that David Zambrano's deportation be stopped. David is DREAM Act eligible, he is 20 years old and has been living in Florida since he was 12. His Alien # is: 200-278-833. He has court this Thursday and could be ordered deported to Venezuela. Other DREAMers have been spared, why are you not helping DREAMer David?"
Be sure to urge Senator Nelson's office to take immediate action, that office is telling David's family that there 'is nothing' they can do. They are lying when they say that. Let's make sure they know David has a lot of supporters on the outside fighting for him.
P.S. If you're on Twitter, please spread the word by posting this message: David could be deported in 2 days. Plz sign and RT to stop his deportation: bit.ly/davidfl #immyouth #stopice @dreamact
Despite what President Obama says DREAMer David has been sitting in a Georgia detention center for over a month now. David, now 20, has been living in Florida for the past 8 years. He graduated from high-school here and is currently working towards a bachelors degree in business management. All in all Florida is now David's home, but an immigration judge denied David's request for bond saying he 'is a flight risk.'
Take action and demand David be released. David wants to stay in America, his home, he is not a flight risk!
David is just another one of the countless DREAM Act youth who are now facing deportation because of flawed policies. David's time is now running out, on Thursday and immigration judge is going to decide if David should be ordered deported. This means that, this Thursday, December 1st, David could be ordered deported to Venezuela.
We are asking for your support in making 100 calls to ICE demanding that they immediately stop the deportation of David Zambrano. In addition to ICE we really need the support of Senator Bill Nelson from Florida. Will you help us reach our goal of 100 calls in support of David?
1. Call ICE - John Morton's office: 800-394-5855
2. Call Senator Bill Nelson's office: 800-821-9385
"Hi I was calling to ask that David Zambrano's deportation be stopped. David is DREAM Act eligible, he is 20 years old and has been living in Florida since he was 12. His Alien # is: 200-278-833. He has court this Thursday and could be ordered deported to Venezuela. Other DREAMers have been spared, why are you not helping DREAMer David?"
Be sure to urge Senator Nelson's office to take immediate action, that office is telling David's family that there 'is nothing' they can do. They are lying when they say that. Let's make sure they know David has a lot of supporters on the outside fighting for him.
P.S. If you're on Twitter, please spread the word by posting this message: David could be deported in 2 days. Plz sign and RT to stop his deportation: bit.ly/davidfl #immyouth #stopice @dreamact
Easing up on deportation good politics and policy
This article shows why this new policy is good for everyone. - - Donna Poisl
Chicago Sun Times editorial staff
When gridlock keeps you from moving forward, be careful not to slip back.
The Obama administration acknowledged that reality last week when officials began training immigration agents in a new policy to stop deporting as many illegal immigrants who have no criminal records.
The philosophy behind President Barack Obama’s earlier ramping up of deportations was to demonstrate that current laws are being enforced, creating a climate leading to reform of immigration laws. The administration has deported nearly 400,000 people each year for the past three years.
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Chicago Sun Times editorial staff
When gridlock keeps you from moving forward, be careful not to slip back.
The Obama administration acknowledged that reality last week when officials began training immigration agents in a new policy to stop deporting as many illegal immigrants who have no criminal records.
The philosophy behind President Barack Obama’s earlier ramping up of deportations was to demonstrate that current laws are being enforced, creating a climate leading to reform of immigration laws. The administration has deported nearly 400,000 people each year for the past three years.
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Thursday, November 24, 2011
ESL Teachers in High Demand
There are so many people waiting for openings in English language classes and more teachers are needed. - - Donna Poisl
By Maya Horowitz/Fairfax Connection
English as a second language (ESL) classes and certification programs for ESL teachers are popping up around Fairfax to meet the needs of a diverse immigrant population.
“The Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, including Arlington, Fairfax, Prince William, and Loudoun Counties, has an extremely diverse population, speaking many different native languages,” write Steven Weinberger and Douglas Wulf, linguistics professors at George Mason University in Fairfax. “Indeed, the Nov. 2, 2006 Metro section of the Washington Post published the American Community Survey of 2005 that estimated approximately 33 percent of all Fairfax County households speak a primary language other than English. This percentage of non-native speakers continues to grow with the growth of the population overall in the region. Because a working knowledge of English is so highly advantageous to people who wish to find employment or educational opportunities here, the demand for knowledgeable, linguistically sophisticated ESL instructors in the Commonwealth continues to increase.”
At George Mason, the linguistics department offers classes in applied linguistics and teaching English as a second language.
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By Maya Horowitz/Fairfax Connection
English as a second language (ESL) classes and certification programs for ESL teachers are popping up around Fairfax to meet the needs of a diverse immigrant population.
“The Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, including Arlington, Fairfax, Prince William, and Loudoun Counties, has an extremely diverse population, speaking many different native languages,” write Steven Weinberger and Douglas Wulf, linguistics professors at George Mason University in Fairfax. “Indeed, the Nov. 2, 2006 Metro section of the Washington Post published the American Community Survey of 2005 that estimated approximately 33 percent of all Fairfax County households speak a primary language other than English. This percentage of non-native speakers continues to grow with the growth of the population overall in the region. Because a working knowledge of English is so highly advantageous to people who wish to find employment or educational opportunities here, the demand for knowledgeable, linguistically sophisticated ESL instructors in the Commonwealth continues to increase.”
At George Mason, the linguistics department offers classes in applied linguistics and teaching English as a second language.
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Obama administration showing leniency in immigration cases
Some undocumented immigrants are being allowed to stay here under certain circumstances. - - Donna Poisl
By Brian Bennett, Washington Bureau
Reporting from Washington — The Obama administration will review immigration cases in Baltimore and Denver with an eye toward freezing deportations of illegal residents who have no criminal records and expanding the program nationwide.
The elderly, children who have been in the country more than five years, students who came to the U.S. under the age of 16 and are enrolled in a college degree program, and victims of domestic violence are among those whose deportations could be put on hold under the test program, which begins Dec. 4 and could be broadened in January.
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By Brian Bennett, Washington Bureau
Reporting from Washington — The Obama administration will review immigration cases in Baltimore and Denver with an eye toward freezing deportations of illegal residents who have no criminal records and expanding the program nationwide.
The elderly, children who have been in the country more than five years, students who came to the U.S. under the age of 16 and are enrolled in a college degree program, and victims of domestic violence are among those whose deportations could be put on hold under the test program, which begins Dec. 4 and could be broadened in January.
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Assimilation Tomorrow
This report shows that immigrants are assimilating at the same rate they always have, even though opponents think they are assimilating much slower than in the past. - - Donna Poisl
By Dowell Myers, John Pitkin
The revival of immigration to the United States since 1970 has been accompanied by substantial social change. Immigration was initially focused in states such as California, Florida, and New York, but it spread across the country beginning in the 1990s.
Many questions remain about the newcomers with such a rise in immigration and new immigrant destinations: Will they learn English? Are they locked in poverty? What are their prospects for success in America? Most importantly, will today’s immigrants fully integrate to become tomorrow’s Americans?
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By Dowell Myers, John Pitkin
The revival of immigration to the United States since 1970 has been accompanied by substantial social change. Immigration was initially focused in states such as California, Florida, and New York, but it spread across the country beginning in the 1990s.
Many questions remain about the newcomers with such a rise in immigration and new immigrant destinations: Will they learn English? Are they locked in poverty? What are their prospects for success in America? Most importantly, will today’s immigrants fully integrate to become tomorrow’s Americans?
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Immigrants take oaths at University’s first citizenship ceremony
The Eagleton Institute of Politics’ Program on Immigration and Democracy hosted a ceremony swearing in 34 new citizens. - - Donna Poisl
By Mary Diduch / Editor-in-Chief
Thirty-four women and men from 17 countries spanning five continents were naturalized yesterday, marking the end of their months-long journeys to become American citizens.
The Eagleton Institute of Politics’ Program on Immigration and Democracy hosted the ceremony on Douglass campus — the first at the University.
“New Jersey has 400,000 green card holders — well, it has 34 less after today — but we want to extend the resources of Rutgers to help those people move into citizenship and assume those rights and responsibilities,” said Anastasia Mann, program director.
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By Mary Diduch / Editor-in-Chief
Thirty-four women and men from 17 countries spanning five continents were naturalized yesterday, marking the end of their months-long journeys to become American citizens.
The Eagleton Institute of Politics’ Program on Immigration and Democracy hosted the ceremony on Douglass campus — the first at the University.
“New Jersey has 400,000 green card holders — well, it has 34 less after today — but we want to extend the resources of Rutgers to help those people move into citizenship and assume those rights and responsibilities,” said Anastasia Mann, program director.
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Chinese community enriched with immigrants from a small province
In the early 1990s, many people from one province in China moved to the U.S. and are all succeeding here now. - - Donna Poisl
Written by Mary Chao, Staff writer
Fujian province is on the southeastern coast of China across from the Taiwan Strait. In the large immigration wave about two decades ago, Fujian men went abroad to secure jobs, mostly in the restaurant industry, sending money back to their families in China. Certain areas of Fujian province look like ghost towns as many of the young people have gone abroad, says Jennifer 8. Lee, author of The Fortune Cookie Chronicles: Adventure in the World of Chinese Food. But as China's economy shifts, fewer people are leaving as there are now more job opportunities in China, local Fujianese say.
Dao Liang Sun, like many immigrants to the United States, left family members and made a dangerous journey across the ocean to find a better life for them.
And like thousands from the Fujian province of China, many from his hometown of Fuzhou, he paid thousands of dollars to a handler (the Chinese word for this means "snakehead") to smuggle him on a ship to Thailand. From there, he boarded a plane to New York City.
Sun was lucky. He secured political asylum and brought his family over two years later, including his son, Kevin, then 12.
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Written by Mary Chao, Staff writer
Fujian province is on the southeastern coast of China across from the Taiwan Strait. In the large immigration wave about two decades ago, Fujian men went abroad to secure jobs, mostly in the restaurant industry, sending money back to their families in China. Certain areas of Fujian province look like ghost towns as many of the young people have gone abroad, says Jennifer 8. Lee, author of The Fortune Cookie Chronicles: Adventure in the World of Chinese Food. But as China's economy shifts, fewer people are leaving as there are now more job opportunities in China, local Fujianese say.
Dao Liang Sun, like many immigrants to the United States, left family members and made a dangerous journey across the ocean to find a better life for them.
And like thousands from the Fujian province of China, many from his hometown of Fuzhou, he paid thousands of dollars to a handler (the Chinese word for this means "snakehead") to smuggle him on a ship to Thailand. From there, he boarded a plane to New York City.
Sun was lucky. He secured political asylum and brought his family over two years later, including his son, Kevin, then 12.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Soccer program changes lives of refugees
The coach of this soccer team of refugees helps the kids get to college too. She also explained how her own life changed when she started coaching these students from several countries. - - Donna Poisl
By Neil Harvey
The big change in Luma Mufleh's life came, she said, about the time she saw the boy with just one shoe.
Today, Mufleh is a soccer coach living in Georgia, and she's the central figure of Warren St. John's book "Outcasts United."
Mufleh spoke Sunday at William Fleming High School before a packed auditorium and between the final matches of Roanoke Valley Reads' Refugee Cup soccer tournament. Teams from Roanoke; Charlottesville; Nashville, Tenn.; and Columbus, Ohio, played in the championship at the high school and at Hollins University. Roanoke's Lion Football Club defeated Nashville 10-1 to win.
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By Neil Harvey
The big change in Luma Mufleh's life came, she said, about the time she saw the boy with just one shoe.
Today, Mufleh is a soccer coach living in Georgia, and she's the central figure of Warren St. John's book "Outcasts United."
Mufleh spoke Sunday at William Fleming High School before a packed auditorium and between the final matches of Roanoke Valley Reads' Refugee Cup soccer tournament. Teams from Roanoke; Charlottesville; Nashville, Tenn.; and Columbus, Ohio, played in the championship at the high school and at Hollins University. Roanoke's Lion Football Club defeated Nashville 10-1 to win.
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The American Immigration Council Applauds the Department of Justice for Responding to Utah's Anti-Immigrant Law
For Immediate Release
November 23, 2011
Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed suit against the state of Utah to block the implementation of HB 497, which mandates that local police enforce immigration laws. Several provisions of the law have already been enjoined as a result of previous legal challenges from immigrant rights groups. The DOJ claims that HB 497 violates the Constitution, and the suit is consistent with its other challenges in Alabama, Arizona and South Carolina. Utah's HB 497 is similar to Arizona's SB1070, however Utah state legislators attempted to couple the enforcement bill with a state-level guest-worker program. The guest-worker program is not yet being challenged by DOJ, as it does not go into effect until 2013.
The DOJ continues to appropriately exercise its obligation to preserve the federal government’s exclusive authority to regulate immigration and its responsibility to take a stand against laws that will result in profiling, discrimination and the violation of fundamental constitutional rights. As noted by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, these types of state immigration laws will overload the federal government with referrals and divert scarce resources from the agency’s highest priorities—national security and public safety.
The DOJ press release states that "the law’s mandates on law enforcement could lead to harassment and detention of foreign visitors and legal immigrants who are in the process of having their immigration status reviewed in federal proceedings and whom the federal government has permitted to stay in this country while such proceedings are pending." The reality of that concern was brought home in Alabama when a German Mercedes Benz executive, this week, was arrested under the Alabama anti-immigrant law while he was in town visiting the automaker's facilities.
"States contemplating copycat laws of their own should carefully study the disastrous consequences unfolding in other states,” said Benjamin Johnson, Executive Director of the American Immigration Council. "While these laws allegedly target undocumented immigrants, the impact on business, families and communities proves that the laws are, in fact, a burden and a threat to the well-being of all residents in these states. Congress must act on a federal solution or risk further challenges to their authority over immigration."
###
For more information contact Wendy Sefsaf at 202-507-7524 or wsefsaf@immcouncil.org
November 23, 2011
Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed suit against the state of Utah to block the implementation of HB 497, which mandates that local police enforce immigration laws. Several provisions of the law have already been enjoined as a result of previous legal challenges from immigrant rights groups. The DOJ claims that HB 497 violates the Constitution, and the suit is consistent with its other challenges in Alabama, Arizona and South Carolina. Utah's HB 497 is similar to Arizona's SB1070, however Utah state legislators attempted to couple the enforcement bill with a state-level guest-worker program. The guest-worker program is not yet being challenged by DOJ, as it does not go into effect until 2013.
The DOJ continues to appropriately exercise its obligation to preserve the federal government’s exclusive authority to regulate immigration and its responsibility to take a stand against laws that will result in profiling, discrimination and the violation of fundamental constitutional rights. As noted by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, these types of state immigration laws will overload the federal government with referrals and divert scarce resources from the agency’s highest priorities—national security and public safety.
The DOJ press release states that "the law’s mandates on law enforcement could lead to harassment and detention of foreign visitors and legal immigrants who are in the process of having their immigration status reviewed in federal proceedings and whom the federal government has permitted to stay in this country while such proceedings are pending." The reality of that concern was brought home in Alabama when a German Mercedes Benz executive, this week, was arrested under the Alabama anti-immigrant law while he was in town visiting the automaker's facilities.
"States contemplating copycat laws of their own should carefully study the disastrous consequences unfolding in other states,” said Benjamin Johnson, Executive Director of the American Immigration Council. "While these laws allegedly target undocumented immigrants, the impact on business, families and communities proves that the laws are, in fact, a burden and a threat to the well-being of all residents in these states. Congress must act on a federal solution or risk further challenges to their authority over immigration."
###
For more information contact Wendy Sefsaf at 202-507-7524 or wsefsaf@immcouncil.org
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Would Cracking Down on Illegal Immigration Really Cut Unemployment?
This article proves that unemployment is not helped with fewer immigrants here. - - Donna Poisl
by DANIEL INDIVIGLIO
"And here is something else that we have to do that will help the economy. We have to build the fence on America's southern border and get a grip on dealing with our immigration problem." This was one of the responses from Rep. Michelle Bachmann during Wednesday night's Republican Presidential Debate when asked how she would create jobs as quickly as possible. This is a sentiment shared by many Americans: when there are people in this country illegally, why should they be able to take some of the precious jobs available? In practice, however, most of these jobs aren't all that precious.
Elizabeth Dwoskin at Bloomberg wrote a very thought-provoking article on this topic this week. She found that Americans don't want many of those jobs that illegal immigrants have. She shows this through a sort of case study of Alabama. The state recently passed a law that allows the police to question people they suspect are in the U.S. illegally. As you might guess, illegal immigrants are fleeing the state.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by DANIEL INDIVIGLIO
"And here is something else that we have to do that will help the economy. We have to build the fence on America's southern border and get a grip on dealing with our immigration problem." This was one of the responses from Rep. Michelle Bachmann during Wednesday night's Republican Presidential Debate when asked how she would create jobs as quickly as possible. This is a sentiment shared by many Americans: when there are people in this country illegally, why should they be able to take some of the precious jobs available? In practice, however, most of these jobs aren't all that precious.
Elizabeth Dwoskin at Bloomberg wrote a very thought-provoking article on this topic this week. She found that Americans don't want many of those jobs that illegal immigrants have. She shows this through a sort of case study of Alabama. The state recently passed a law that allows the police to question people they suspect are in the U.S. illegally. As you might guess, illegal immigrants are fleeing the state.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Iowa is leading the way to encourage the next US immigrant success story
immigrants attending the Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit are all in business or interested in starting one. - - Donna Poisl
Dan Winters, Reporter
Forty-percent of America's current Fortune 500 companies were started by immigrants or their children.
Our state is leading the way to encourage the next US immigrant success story.
Richard Herman says America's future is certain. "We gotta sell in china. We gotta sell in India. We gotta sell in Latin America."
But the way we will approach it is still up for grabs. "And these are the folks that can help us do that."
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Dan Winters, Reporter
Forty-percent of America's current Fortune 500 companies were started by immigrants or their children.
Our state is leading the way to encourage the next US immigrant success story.
Richard Herman says America's future is certain. "We gotta sell in china. We gotta sell in India. We gotta sell in Latin America."
But the way we will approach it is still up for grabs. "And these are the folks that can help us do that."
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Immigrants get help filing for citizenship
A group of lawyers, who travel to immigrant communities in the state, is helping immigrants file papers for citizenship. - - Donna Poisl
Written by Linda Leicht, News-Leader
Luz Aleyda Ladino was one of about 35 people who came to a Citizenship Day event Saturday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Ladino met with Fayetteville, Ark., lawyer Nathan Bogart, who helped her fill out the necessary paperwork to start the process toward U.S. citizenship. The Colombian native, who has lived in the United States for about four years, said she would have had to fill out the documents on her own had the seven lawyers -- the lawyers are members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association -- not made the trip to Springfield.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Written by Linda Leicht, News-Leader
Luz Aleyda Ladino was one of about 35 people who came to a Citizenship Day event Saturday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Ladino met with Fayetteville, Ark., lawyer Nathan Bogart, who helped her fill out the necessary paperwork to start the process toward U.S. citizenship. The Colombian native, who has lived in the United States for about four years, said she would have had to fill out the documents on her own had the seven lawyers -- the lawyers are members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association -- not made the trip to Springfield.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Immigrants fueling economy
Massachusetts has a large number of successful immigrant business owners helping the state's economy. - - Donna Poisl
Recently arrived residents thriving as entrepreneurs in Massachusetts
By Jon Towne CORRESPONDENT
WORCESTER — Starting a small business isn't easy. The work is hard, the hours are long, sometimes the pay is nonexistent, and there's no guarantee your entrepreneurial dream will succeed.
Now, think about doing that as an immigrant. You don't speak English, you have little money or credit, you're unfamiliar with regulations, and competitors may have the home-field advantage.
Despite those odds, Massachusetts' immigrant entrepreneurs are thriving. Latino- and Asian-owned businesses alone employ more than 50,000, with annual sales of more than $7 billion, according to the office of Gov. Deval L. Patrick.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Recently arrived residents thriving as entrepreneurs in Massachusetts
By Jon Towne CORRESPONDENT
WORCESTER — Starting a small business isn't easy. The work is hard, the hours are long, sometimes the pay is nonexistent, and there's no guarantee your entrepreneurial dream will succeed.
Now, think about doing that as an immigrant. You don't speak English, you have little money or credit, you're unfamiliar with regulations, and competitors may have the home-field advantage.
Despite those odds, Massachusetts' immigrant entrepreneurs are thriving. Latino- and Asian-owned businesses alone employ more than 50,000, with annual sales of more than $7 billion, according to the office of Gov. Deval L. Patrick.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Uncertain Outlook for Arizona Immigration Legislation After Recall Election
With Pearce gone, we must hope there will be no more radical bills passed. - - Donna Poisl
By Valeria Fernández
PHOENIX - Members of a group behind an historic recall of the architect of SB 1070 say the message is “loud and clear” for anyone that wants to follow in his footsteps in Arizona state politics.
“I hope that the message has been sent to them. We’re watching, if you try to mimic it, the same thing can happen to you,” said Chad Snow, chairman of Citizens for a Better Arizona (CBA), the group that led the successful recall effort against Republican Senator Russell Pearce.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Valeria Fernández
PHOENIX - Members of a group behind an historic recall of the architect of SB 1070 say the message is “loud and clear” for anyone that wants to follow in his footsteps in Arizona state politics.
“I hope that the message has been sent to them. We’re watching, if you try to mimic it, the same thing can happen to you,” said Chad Snow, chairman of Citizens for a Better Arizona (CBA), the group that led the successful recall effort against Republican Senator Russell Pearce.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Hispanic Veteran-Owned Businesses Grow the Economy and Create Jobs
Immigrants are usually very entrepreneurial and veterans are also, so this is a good combination. The Census report shows how important this group is to our economy. - - Donna Poisl
from Hispanic PR Wire
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- As the United States reflects this week on the many contributions of our veterans and service members over Veterans Day weekend, the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) recognizes the value that Hispanic veterans' efforts have had on our economic recovery.
According to the most recent Census Bureau Survey of Business, the percentage of Veteran-owned businesses under Hispanic ownership doubled from 2002 to 2007. Hispanic veteran-owned businesses now number over 113,000. These businesses employ about 141,000 people and account for nearly $25 billion in receipts.
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from Hispanic PR Wire
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- As the United States reflects this week on the many contributions of our veterans and service members over Veterans Day weekend, the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) recognizes the value that Hispanic veterans' efforts have had on our economic recovery.
According to the most recent Census Bureau Survey of Business, the percentage of Veteran-owned businesses under Hispanic ownership doubled from 2002 to 2007. Hispanic veteran-owned businesses now number over 113,000. These businesses employ about 141,000 people and account for nearly $25 billion in receipts.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Survey: Most Arizonans support a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants
About 2/3s of Arizonans from both major parties, believe illegal immigrants should be allowed to stay here and become citizens if they qualify. - - Donna Poisl
BY HOWARD FISCHER - CAPITOL MEDIA SERVICES
PHOENIX — A new statewide survey suggests that the attitude of Arizonans about illegal immigrants may not be as harsh as that of many politicians.
The poll done for the Morrison Institute for Public Policy found that 78 percent of Arizonans said they would support legislation allowing those in this country illegally to become citizens under certain circumstances. That includes having no criminal record either here or in their home country, pay a fine, get a taxpayer ID number, and demonstrate they can speak English.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
BY HOWARD FISCHER - CAPITOL MEDIA SERVICES
PHOENIX — A new statewide survey suggests that the attitude of Arizonans about illegal immigrants may not be as harsh as that of many politicians.
The poll done for the Morrison Institute for Public Policy found that 78 percent of Arizonans said they would support legislation allowing those in this country illegally to become citizens under certain circumstances. That includes having no criminal record either here or in their home country, pay a fine, get a taxpayer ID number, and demonstrate they can speak English.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Recall Election Claims Arizona Anti-Immigration Champion
Russell Pearce was surprised he lost, no one else was. - - Donna Poisl
By MARC LACEY and KATHARINE Q. SEELYE
MESA, Ariz. — For years, Russell Pearce, Arizona’s most powerful legislator and the architect of its tough immigration law, has sought to make life so uncomfortable for illegal immigrants in the state that they pack up and go.
But Mr. Pearce, known for his gruff, uncompromising manner, was the one sent packing on Tuesday after disgruntled voters in this suburban neighborhood outside Phoenix banded together to recall him from the State Senate and replace him with a more moderate Republican.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By MARC LACEY and KATHARINE Q. SEELYE
MESA, Ariz. — For years, Russell Pearce, Arizona’s most powerful legislator and the architect of its tough immigration law, has sought to make life so uncomfortable for illegal immigrants in the state that they pack up and go.
But Mr. Pearce, known for his gruff, uncompromising manner, was the one sent packing on Tuesday after disgruntled voters in this suburban neighborhood outside Phoenix banded together to recall him from the State Senate and replace him with a more moderate Republican.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Anthony Westbury: Battered, yes, but the American Dream still lives on
Haitian refugees have a difficult assimilating, this organization is helping them. - - Donna Poisl
By Anthony Westbury
Of all the immigrant groups that coexist on the Treasure Coast, perhaps Haitians find it hardest to assimilate with mainstream American society.
Not only do Haitians face barriers of language, they also come from a completely different society where superstition and herbal remedies reign and where a rigid family structure prevents members from reaching out to others.
The CHESS (The Center for Health Education and Social Services) organization aims to speed up that assimilation and make Haitians mentally and physically more comfortable in America.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Anthony Westbury
Of all the immigrant groups that coexist on the Treasure Coast, perhaps Haitians find it hardest to assimilate with mainstream American society.
Not only do Haitians face barriers of language, they also come from a completely different society where superstition and herbal remedies reign and where a rigid family structure prevents members from reaching out to others.
The CHESS (The Center for Health Education and Social Services) organization aims to speed up that assimilation and make Haitians mentally and physically more comfortable in America.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Oppression Is Not a State’s Right
A good editorial showing that states don't have the right to go against the Constitution. - - Donna Poisl
By ANDREW ROSENTHAL
Stop me if you’ve heard this one: Elected officials in Southern states barring the schoolhouse door, shaking their fists at the federal government over civil rights, the Constitution and their right to oppress minority groups without Washington’s meddling.
In our time, the great fight against racist policies is over immigration reform. Moderate Americans want it – to resolve the problem of tens of millions of illegal immigrants coming to do jobs Americans don’t want and do better themselves. Extremists do not want it, and they seem to be willing to do anything to stop it.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By ANDREW ROSENTHAL
Stop me if you’ve heard this one: Elected officials in Southern states barring the schoolhouse door, shaking their fists at the federal government over civil rights, the Constitution and their right to oppress minority groups without Washington’s meddling.
In our time, the great fight against racist policies is over immigration reform. Moderate Americans want it – to resolve the problem of tens of millions of illegal immigrants coming to do jobs Americans don’t want and do better themselves. Extremists do not want it, and they seem to be willing to do anything to stop it.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Arizona Recall Election: A Cautionary Tale for Anti-Immigrant Politicians
For Immediate Release
Arizona Recall Election: A Cautionary Tale for Anti-Immigrant Politicians
Washington D.C. – Yesterday, Russell Pearce, champion of Arizona’s SB1070 anti-immigrant legislation, saw his 10-year career as an Arizona legislator come to end after losing a recall election to a fellow Republican Jerry Lewis. It is the first time in the state’s 199-year history that a sitting legislator has been removed by a recall vote. The stage for this historic recall effort was set by a backlash against SB1070 and national outrage over Pearce's efforts to challenge the definition of citizenship under the 14th amendment, as well as other extreme measures. The following is a statement from Benjamin Johnson, Executive Director of the American Immigration Council:
"Arizona’s business, faith, and immigrant rights communities came together to organize a successful recall election against one of the nation’s most notorious anti-immigrant legislators, State Senate President Russell Pearce. The recall election highlighted Pearce’s extremist agenda and anti-immigrant demagoguery, which have damaged the state’s reputation and economy, and the voters spoke clearly in rejecting it.
As an Arizona native, I am encouraged to hear more and more voices of reason coming out of Arizona rejecting politicians and pundits who stoke fear and anger with anti-immigrant policies that imperil the lives and livelihoods of all who live in the state while doing nothing to actually address the need to fix our broken immigration system.
Politicians like Jerry Lewis and the newly elected Mayor of Phoenix, Greg Stanton, who chose to move the tone of the debate on immigration from demagoguery to constructive solutions, are examples of successful candidates who are charting a new course on the politics of immigration. Politicians in Arizona and around the nation would be smart to take notice."
###
For more information contact Wendy Sefsaf at wsefsaf@immcouncil.org or 202-507-7524.
Arizona Recall Election: A Cautionary Tale for Anti-Immigrant Politicians
Washington D.C. – Yesterday, Russell Pearce, champion of Arizona’s SB1070 anti-immigrant legislation, saw his 10-year career as an Arizona legislator come to end after losing a recall election to a fellow Republican Jerry Lewis. It is the first time in the state’s 199-year history that a sitting legislator has been removed by a recall vote. The stage for this historic recall effort was set by a backlash against SB1070 and national outrage over Pearce's efforts to challenge the definition of citizenship under the 14th amendment, as well as other extreme measures. The following is a statement from Benjamin Johnson, Executive Director of the American Immigration Council:
"Arizona’s business, faith, and immigrant rights communities came together to organize a successful recall election against one of the nation’s most notorious anti-immigrant legislators, State Senate President Russell Pearce. The recall election highlighted Pearce’s extremist agenda and anti-immigrant demagoguery, which have damaged the state’s reputation and economy, and the voters spoke clearly in rejecting it.
As an Arizona native, I am encouraged to hear more and more voices of reason coming out of Arizona rejecting politicians and pundits who stoke fear and anger with anti-immigrant policies that imperil the lives and livelihoods of all who live in the state while doing nothing to actually address the need to fix our broken immigration system.
Politicians like Jerry Lewis and the newly elected Mayor of Phoenix, Greg Stanton, who chose to move the tone of the debate on immigration from demagoguery to constructive solutions, are examples of successful candidates who are charting a new course on the politics of immigration. Politicians in Arizona and around the nation would be smart to take notice."
###
For more information contact Wendy Sefsaf at wsefsaf@immcouncil.org or 202-507-7524.
LULAC Hails Defeat of AZ Senate President Russell Pearce in Recall
PRESS RELEASE
Architect of Arizona's Anti-immigrant SB1070 Law Becomes First State Senate President in Nation to Lose a Recall Election
MESA, Ariz., Nov. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- The League of United Latin American Citizens, the largest and oldest Latino membership organization in the United States, hailed the stunning defeat of Arizona Senator Russell Pearce in a recall election that pitted his extremist anti-immigrant record against the moderate civil tone of his opponent Jerry Lewis. Pearce becomes the first senate president of any state to lose a recall election and must step down immediately once the election results become official.
"Mesa voters decided they have had enough of the anti-immigrant vitriol that Pearce used to create divisiveness throughout Arizona and the rest of the nation," stated LULAC National President Margaret Moran. "This historic recall along with the defeat of Sharon Angle in Nevada in 2010 should be a clear signal to unscrupulous politicians across the county that immigrant bashing will not help you get elected."
The conservative Arizona District 18 in Mesa, Arizona was considered a safe seat for Pearce who often boasted that he had never lost an election. Yet Lewis prevailed despite his pledge not to take contributions from lobbyists and special interests and being outspent by Peace by a 3-1 margin. Even the outpouring of support from controversial anti-immigrant politicians like Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio and Arizona Governor Jan Brewer could not save Pearce from voter disgust over his hardline positions.
"The defeat of Russell Pearce yesterday may very well be the election that finally turns the tide on the rise of anti-immigrant xenophobia in America," stated LULAC National Executive Director Brent Wilkes. "Arizona voters are clearly dismayed that Russell Pearce and the anti-immigrant SB1070 law that he championed have damaged the Arizona economy and given the state a reputation for intolerance."
The League of United Latin American Citizens, the largest and oldest Hispanic membership organization in the country, advances the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, housing, health and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating through 900 LULAC councils nationwide.
SOURCE League of United Latin American Citizens
CONTACT: Paloma Zuleta, +1-202-812-4477, pzuleta@lulac.org
Architect of Arizona's Anti-immigrant SB1070 Law Becomes First State Senate President in Nation to Lose a Recall Election
MESA, Ariz., Nov. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- The League of United Latin American Citizens, the largest and oldest Latino membership organization in the United States, hailed the stunning defeat of Arizona Senator Russell Pearce in a recall election that pitted his extremist anti-immigrant record against the moderate civil tone of his opponent Jerry Lewis. Pearce becomes the first senate president of any state to lose a recall election and must step down immediately once the election results become official.
"Mesa voters decided they have had enough of the anti-immigrant vitriol that Pearce used to create divisiveness throughout Arizona and the rest of the nation," stated LULAC National President Margaret Moran. "This historic recall along with the defeat of Sharon Angle in Nevada in 2010 should be a clear signal to unscrupulous politicians across the county that immigrant bashing will not help you get elected."
The conservative Arizona District 18 in Mesa, Arizona was considered a safe seat for Pearce who often boasted that he had never lost an election. Yet Lewis prevailed despite his pledge not to take contributions from lobbyists and special interests and being outspent by Peace by a 3-1 margin. Even the outpouring of support from controversial anti-immigrant politicians like Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio and Arizona Governor Jan Brewer could not save Pearce from voter disgust over his hardline positions.
"The defeat of Russell Pearce yesterday may very well be the election that finally turns the tide on the rise of anti-immigrant xenophobia in America," stated LULAC National Executive Director Brent Wilkes. "Arizona voters are clearly dismayed that Russell Pearce and the anti-immigrant SB1070 law that he championed have damaged the Arizona economy and given the state a reputation for intolerance."
The League of United Latin American Citizens, the largest and oldest Hispanic membership organization in the country, advances the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, housing, health and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating through 900 LULAC councils nationwide.
SOURCE League of United Latin American Citizens
CONTACT: Paloma Zuleta, +1-202-812-4477, pzuleta@lulac.org
Sec. Duncan says he supports allowing kids of illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition
Several states are enacting their own DREAM Act, Secretary Duncan approves. Maybe he can push it in Congress too. - - Donna Poisl
from Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Education Secretary Arne Duncan said Monday he’s encouraged that some states are allowing the children of illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition at public colleges.
As an example, Duncan pointed to Rhode Island, where this fall the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education unanimously approved in-state tuition for illegal immigrants starting in fall 2012.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
from Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Education Secretary Arne Duncan said Monday he’s encouraged that some states are allowing the children of illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition at public colleges.
As an example, Duncan pointed to Rhode Island, where this fall the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education unanimously approved in-state tuition for illegal immigrants starting in fall 2012.
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Monday, November 07, 2011
Tracking the History of Russian-Speaking Families in Shorewood
Many Russian families immigrated to the Milwaukee area in the 1990s and have a strong community now. - - Donna Poisl
By Rory Linnane
When Vladimir Shteyn moved to Shorewood from Ukraine in 1997 at 9 years old, the only English word he knew was "apple."
"In fourth grade, everyone thought my name was apple, and I never really went hungry because everyone gave me apples," Shteyn, who attended Atwater Elementary School, said.
Shteyn's family was one of hundreds who immigrated to the Milwaukee area from the former Soveit Union during the 1990s, a peak immigration period for Russian-speaking families as many fled anti-Semitism after the collapse of the USSR.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Rory Linnane
When Vladimir Shteyn moved to Shorewood from Ukraine in 1997 at 9 years old, the only English word he knew was "apple."
"In fourth grade, everyone thought my name was apple, and I never really went hungry because everyone gave me apples," Shteyn, who attended Atwater Elementary School, said.
Shteyn's family was one of hundreds who immigrated to the Milwaukee area from the former Soveit Union during the 1990s, a peak immigration period for Russian-speaking families as many fled anti-Semitism after the collapse of the USSR.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Immigration among topics discussed at Latino summit
A White House summit with the Hispanic/Latino community is working on some of the biggest issues in immigration reform. - - Donna Poisl
By Sandra Emerson, Staff Writer
UPLAND - The desire for comprehensive immigration reform was one of several topics discussed Saturday at a White House community action summit targeting the Hispanic community at the UC Riverside.
Latinos throughout the Inland Empire participated in the summit, which focused on some of the biggest issues facing the Latino community, including immigration, education, jobs and economic recovery as well as health care.
Several White House Officials spoke with the summit participants in small-session groups and one-on-one to receive input as well as to outline actions taken by President Barack Obama and his administration thus far.
Felicia Escobar, senior policy adviser for the White House Domestic Policy Council, said the Obama administration has been committed to getting immigration reform passed by Congress, but change takes time.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Sandra Emerson, Staff Writer
UPLAND - The desire for comprehensive immigration reform was one of several topics discussed Saturday at a White House community action summit targeting the Hispanic community at the UC Riverside.
Latinos throughout the Inland Empire participated in the summit, which focused on some of the biggest issues facing the Latino community, including immigration, education, jobs and economic recovery as well as health care.
Several White House Officials spoke with the summit participants in small-session groups and one-on-one to receive input as well as to outline actions taken by President Barack Obama and his administration thus far.
Felicia Escobar, senior policy adviser for the White House Domestic Policy Council, said the Obama administration has been committed to getting immigration reform passed by Congress, but change takes time.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Immigrants' successes in business to be highlighted
Four immigrant business owners are being honored for their work and seminars are being held to help other immigrants start businesses. - - Donna Poisl
Written by KIRSTEN JACOBSEN
Some come to America with nothing but a backpack and a dream. Others are second generation, the children of immigrant parents straddling a cultural gap.
On Nov. 12, the fourth annual Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit will be held in Des Moines. The gathering of more than 700 participants from 40 countries will celebrate the successes of Iowa immigrant and minority business owners, as well as attend seminars on 15 topics ranging from starting a nonprofit to discussions of immigration issues.
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Written by KIRSTEN JACOBSEN
Some come to America with nothing but a backpack and a dream. Others are second generation, the children of immigrant parents straddling a cultural gap.
On Nov. 12, the fourth annual Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit will be held in Des Moines. The gathering of more than 700 participants from 40 countries will celebrate the successes of Iowa immigrant and minority business owners, as well as attend seminars on 15 topics ranging from starting a nonprofit to discussions of immigration issues.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Immigrant Entrepreneur Gets Visa After 'World News' Story
USCIS has reversed the decision to deport this man and he will finally receive the visa to continue running his business here. - - Donna Poisl
By BEN FORER and CHRISTINE BROUWER
On Tuesday "World News" shared the story of Amit Aharoni, an Israeli national and a graduate of Stanford Business School, who secured $1.65 million in venture capital funding with two cofounders to launch CruiseWise.com, an online cruise booking company.
The company hired nine Americans in just one year. But Aharoni hit rough waters after he received a letter on Oct. 4 from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services denying his request for a visa and notifying him that he needed to leave the country immediately. Aharoni moved to Canada, where he was forced to run his company via Skype from a friend's living room.
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By BEN FORER and CHRISTINE BROUWER
On Tuesday "World News" shared the story of Amit Aharoni, an Israeli national and a graduate of Stanford Business School, who secured $1.65 million in venture capital funding with two cofounders to launch CruiseWise.com, an online cruise booking company.
The company hired nine Americans in just one year. But Aharoni hit rough waters after he received a letter on Oct. 4 from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services denying his request for a visa and notifying him that he needed to leave the country immediately. Aharoni moved to Canada, where he was forced to run his company via Skype from a friend's living room.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
LatinoGraduate.net, Global Web Broadcasting
from Armando Sanchez, Exec. Dir. & Producer
LatinoGraduate.net
Global Web Broadcasting
3 live web broadcast programs/seminars to help students and parents to be successful and obtain the maximum financial aid package possible.
Professionals in the financial aid field will provide detailed information on what students and parents can do to get the most favorable financial aid package possible.
Viewers are also invited to join in on the question/answer segments during these web seminars.
"Obtaining the maximum financial aid possible"
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 6:30 pm (Pacific Time)
Thursday,December 8, 2011 @ 6:30 pm (Pacific Time)
"Understanding what scholarship application judges are looking for"
Thursday, December 1, 2011 @ 6:30 pm (Pacific Time)
Live broadcasts at www.livestream.com/lsacnational
Reminder: visit our on-demand video library at www.livestream.com/lsacnational to view our broadcast
of the presentation by U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein of Thursday, October 27, 2011
Armando Sanchez
Exec. Dir. & Producer
LatinoGraduate.net
Global Web Broadcasting
Broadcasting at www.livestream.com/lsacnational
Formally Latino Scholastic Achievement Corporation
Upcoming in 2011LatinoGraduate.net "National Universal Latino Scholarship e-Application"
Series beginning November 2011: "LIVE Thursday Night College Bound Show" Understanding financial aid and strategies for winning scholarships
* Live and free on-demand broadcast programs at www.livestream.com/LSACNational
LatinoGraduate.net Global Broadcasting studio at Pan American Bank, Los Angeles, CA
LatinoGraduate.net is the web site of the Latino Scholastic Achievement Corporation, a 501.c.3 national non-profit organization.
LatinoGraduate.net
Global Web Broadcasting
3 live web broadcast programs/seminars to help students and parents to be successful and obtain the maximum financial aid package possible.
Professionals in the financial aid field will provide detailed information on what students and parents can do to get the most favorable financial aid package possible.
Viewers are also invited to join in on the question/answer segments during these web seminars.
"Obtaining the maximum financial aid possible"
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 6:30 pm (Pacific Time)
Thursday,December 8, 2011 @ 6:30 pm (Pacific Time)
"Understanding what scholarship application judges are looking for"
Thursday, December 1, 2011 @ 6:30 pm (Pacific Time)
Live broadcasts at www.livestream.com/lsacnational
Reminder: visit our on-demand video library at www.livestream.com/lsacnational to view our broadcast
of the presentation by U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein of Thursday, October 27, 2011
Armando Sanchez
Exec. Dir. & Producer
LatinoGraduate.net
Global Web Broadcasting
Broadcasting at www.livestream.com/lsacnational
Formally Latino Scholastic Achievement Corporation
Upcoming in 2011LatinoGraduate.net "National Universal Latino Scholarship e-Application"
Series beginning November 2011: "LIVE Thursday Night College Bound Show" Understanding financial aid and strategies for winning scholarships
* Live and free on-demand broadcast programs at www.livestream.com/LSACNational
LatinoGraduate.net Global Broadcasting studio at Pan American Bank, Los Angeles, CA
LatinoGraduate.net is the web site of the Latino Scholastic Achievement Corporation, a 501.c.3 national non-profit organization.
Wednesday, November 02, 2011
40 Million Reasons to Celebrate
This shows how alike and also how different the experiences of immigrants in our early history are to the happenings today. - - Donna Poisl
FROM ALEX NOWRASTEH
At least two population milestones have been reached in 2011. The most spectacular is that 7 billion people now live in the world. The second, and more meaningful to Americans, is that nearly 40 million immigrants live in the United States today. The increase in our nation's immigrant population has generated considerable controversy, but that is not new. Amidst all the fears of newcomers failing to integrate into American society, we need to take a look back at how those controversies played out during earlier waves of immigration. We can learn a lot from that history.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
FROM ALEX NOWRASTEH
At least two population milestones have been reached in 2011. The most spectacular is that 7 billion people now live in the world. The second, and more meaningful to Americans, is that nearly 40 million immigrants live in the United States today. The increase in our nation's immigrant population has generated considerable controversy, but that is not new. Amidst all the fears of newcomers failing to integrate into American society, we need to take a look back at how those controversies played out during earlier waves of immigration. We can learn a lot from that history.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Immigrant Creates U.S. Jobs, Gets Boot Over Visa
Let's hope the government will stop this deportation, it seems ridiculous. - - Donna Poisl
By BEN FORER and CHRISTINE BROUWER
Last year, Amit Aharoni, an Israeli national and a graduate of Stanford Business School, secured $1.65 million in venture capital funding with two cofounders to launch CruiseWise.com, an online cruise booking company.
Business Insider ranked the company, which is set to launch its website in just a few weeks, one of the "20 Hot Silicon Valley Startups You Need to Watch," and Aharoni has already hired nine Americans.
But this story of entrepreneurship and job creation is hitting rough waters because Aharoni is not American. On Oct. 4, Aharoni received a letter from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services denying his request for a visa and notifying him that he needed to leave the country immediately.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By BEN FORER and CHRISTINE BROUWER
Last year, Amit Aharoni, an Israeli national and a graduate of Stanford Business School, secured $1.65 million in venture capital funding with two cofounders to launch CruiseWise.com, an online cruise booking company.
Business Insider ranked the company, which is set to launch its website in just a few weeks, one of the "20 Hot Silicon Valley Startups You Need to Watch," and Aharoni has already hired nine Americans.
But this story of entrepreneurship and job creation is hitting rough waters because Aharoni is not American. On Oct. 4, Aharoni received a letter from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services denying his request for a visa and notifying him that he needed to leave the country immediately.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Tuition traps; Unjust immigration system needs reform
Florida law says American born children of undocumented immigrants cannot pay in-state tuition because of their parents' status. - - Donna Poisl
The Alligator Editorial Board
The country's absolute failure to address the problem of illegal immigration creates messy situations all over the country.
In Florida, college students who are U.S. citizens but are dependent upon noncitizen parents have to pay out-of-state tuition.
The Alligator recently reported a story about Wendy Ruiz, a college student at Miami Dade College whose parents are illegal immigrants. Despite the fact that Ruiz is a citizen of the U.S. and Florida and was born and raised in Miami, she still has to pay out-of-state tuition.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
The Alligator Editorial Board
The country's absolute failure to address the problem of illegal immigration creates messy situations all over the country.
In Florida, college students who are U.S. citizens but are dependent upon noncitizen parents have to pay out-of-state tuition.
The Alligator recently reported a story about Wendy Ruiz, a college student at Miami Dade College whose parents are illegal immigrants. Despite the fact that Ruiz is a citizen of the U.S. and Florida and was born and raised in Miami, she still has to pay out-of-state tuition.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Chronic health problems plague immigrants decades after move
The U.S. lifestyle is bad for your health, according to this report. I think many people would agree, including Latino immigrants. - - Donna Poisl
By Dalina Castellanos, Los Angeles Times
Is migrating to the United States hazardous to your health?
If you’re Latino and have lived in the states more than 20 years, you might want to listen up: Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have found that the longer immigrants have lived in the U.S., the worse their health gets.
Latinos who migrated to the U.S. more than 20 years ago were twice as likely to be obese as those who had lived here for less than 10 years, lead researcher Leslie Cofie and colleagues reported Monday at the American Public Health Association’s annual meeting and expo in Washington.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Dalina Castellanos, Los Angeles Times
Is migrating to the United States hazardous to your health?
If you’re Latino and have lived in the states more than 20 years, you might want to listen up: Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have found that the longer immigrants have lived in the U.S., the worse their health gets.
Latinos who migrated to the U.S. more than 20 years ago were twice as likely to be obese as those who had lived here for less than 10 years, lead researcher Leslie Cofie and colleagues reported Monday at the American Public Health Association’s annual meeting and expo in Washington.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Obama: Immigrant experience inspires U.S. today
President Obama compared immigrants in our past to immigrants today. The experience is not much different. - - Donna Poisl
By David Jackson, USA TODAY
President Obama summoned the spirit and hard work of immigrants across the centuries Saturday in arguing that the United States will recover from its economic problems.
"These are tough times right now, and millions of Americans are hurting," Obama said during the National Italian American Foundation Gala in Washington.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By David Jackson, USA TODAY
President Obama summoned the spirit and hard work of immigrants across the centuries Saturday in arguing that the United States will recover from its economic problems.
"These are tough times right now, and millions of Americans are hurting," Obama said during the National Italian American Foundation Gala in Washington.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Children of immigrants hit an economic ceiling
American born children of immigrants, who have a good education, are having the same problem finding a job in this economy as many others are. - - Donna Poisl
By Alana Semuels, Los Angeles Times
Reporting from Dos Palos, Calif.— A Salvadoran flag wrapped around his neck to block out the sun, Geremias Romero hunches low to the ground alongside the other laborers, following the tractor along rows of cantaloupes.
He reaches into the leafy green rows of fruit, touches a melon to gauge its ripeness, and then tosses it into a cart, where another laborer boxes it. Walk, pick, toss. The pattern goes on all morning.
Harvesting cantaloupes for $8.25 an hour isn't the job that Romero, 28, dreamed of as a child. Born in Newark, N.J., to immigrant parents from El Salvador, he graduated from high school and has taken classes at the Art Institute of Philadelphia and Merced Community College. He has experience as a special education teacher but, unable to find a teaching job, he's started working in the fields.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Alana Semuels, Los Angeles Times
Reporting from Dos Palos, Calif.— A Salvadoran flag wrapped around his neck to block out the sun, Geremias Romero hunches low to the ground alongside the other laborers, following the tractor along rows of cantaloupes.
He reaches into the leafy green rows of fruit, touches a melon to gauge its ripeness, and then tosses it into a cart, where another laborer boxes it. Walk, pick, toss. The pattern goes on all morning.
Harvesting cantaloupes for $8.25 an hour isn't the job that Romero, 28, dreamed of as a child. Born in Newark, N.J., to immigrant parents from El Salvador, he graduated from high school and has taken classes at the Art Institute of Philadelphia and Merced Community College. He has experience as a special education teacher but, unable to find a teaching job, he's started working in the fields.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Religion leaders see immigration as 'God's call'
Many religious leaders are standing up for immigrants and know it is an humanitarian issue for them. - - Donna Poisl
from the Associated Press
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A Unitarian church in New Mexico sends supplies to the border for recent deportees. A coalition of church leaders gathers under a statue of colonial America religious figure Anne Hutchinson at the Massachusetts Statehouse to denounce immigration checks by police. A Methodist minister in Texas recites Isaiah 58:6, a passage about loosening the bonds of injustice, as she's thrown in jail after protesting alongside illegal immigrant students outside a U.S. senator's office.
As some states pass laws aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration and federal lawmakers balk at passing any immigration reforms, religious leaders from various denominations are jumping into the debate. They're holding rallies, walking in the Arizona desert, gathering testimonies from immigrants.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
from the Associated Press
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A Unitarian church in New Mexico sends supplies to the border for recent deportees. A coalition of church leaders gathers under a statue of colonial America religious figure Anne Hutchinson at the Massachusetts Statehouse to denounce immigration checks by police. A Methodist minister in Texas recites Isaiah 58:6, a passage about loosening the bonds of injustice, as she's thrown in jail after protesting alongside illegal immigrant students outside a U.S. senator's office.
As some states pass laws aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration and federal lawmakers balk at passing any immigration reforms, religious leaders from various denominations are jumping into the debate. They're holding rallies, walking in the Arizona desert, gathering testimonies from immigrants.
Click on the headline above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Turning off the Water: How the Contracting and Transaction Provisions of Alabama's Immigration Law Makes Life Harder for Everyone
For Immediate Release
Turning off the Water: How the Contracting and Transaction Provisions of
Alabama's Immigration Law Makes Life Harder for Everyone
November 1, 2011
Washington D.C. - Today, the Immigration Policy Center releases Turning off the Water: How the Contracting and Transaction Provisions of Alabama's Immigration Law Makes Life Harder for Everyone by Joan Friedland.
Since passage of HB 56, Alabama’s extreme new immigration law, many are aware of the most immediate consequences of the law—rotting tomatoes, racial profiling, and frightened school children. However, two provisions of the law that have the potential to be extremely damaging to the state’s economy, rule of law, and municipal functioning have received comparatively little attention. These two provisions outlined in sections 27 and 30 have been in effect since September 30, 2011, and deal with business transactions and contracts. This unprecedented reach of state bureaucracy into the lives of Alabamians in the name of immigration policy will undoubtedly have an impact on everyone in the state.
To view this special report in its entirety, Click on the Headline above:
· Turning off the Water: How the Contracting and Transaction Provisions of Alabama's Immigration Law Makes Life Harder for Everyone by Joan Friedland. (IPC Special Report, November 1, 2011)
###
For more information contact Wendy Sefsaf at wsefsaf@immcouncil.org or 202-507-7524.
Turning off the Water: How the Contracting and Transaction Provisions of
Alabama's Immigration Law Makes Life Harder for Everyone
November 1, 2011
Washington D.C. - Today, the Immigration Policy Center releases Turning off the Water: How the Contracting and Transaction Provisions of Alabama's Immigration Law Makes Life Harder for Everyone by Joan Friedland.
Since passage of HB 56, Alabama’s extreme new immigration law, many are aware of the most immediate consequences of the law—rotting tomatoes, racial profiling, and frightened school children. However, two provisions of the law that have the potential to be extremely damaging to the state’s economy, rule of law, and municipal functioning have received comparatively little attention. These two provisions outlined in sections 27 and 30 have been in effect since September 30, 2011, and deal with business transactions and contracts. This unprecedented reach of state bureaucracy into the lives of Alabamians in the name of immigration policy will undoubtedly have an impact on everyone in the state.
To view this special report in its entirety, Click on the Headline above:
· Turning off the Water: How the Contracting and Transaction Provisions of Alabama's Immigration Law Makes Life Harder for Everyone by Joan Friedland. (IPC Special Report, November 1, 2011)
###
For more information contact Wendy Sefsaf at wsefsaf@immcouncil.org or 202-507-7524.
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