The feelings about illegal immigrants have impacted all immigrants, and have put them all into one big group. Skilled workers trying to get specific visas are trying to hurry immigration reform along. This country needs skilled workers - and businesses suffer when they can't work here. DP
Skilled workers say visa reform a separate issue from illegal immigration
By DAVE MICHAELS / The Dallas Morning News
dallasnews.com: Roopa Aragolam has little in common with the millions of illegal immigrants who toil in restaurants and hotels and on construction sites. But her fate, it seems, is tied up with theirs.
Ms. Aragolam, a master's student at the University of Texas at Dallas who is from India, will need a special visa to work in the U.S. Her chances to get one are "pretty bad," she reasons, given the shortage that has developed in recent years.
Raising the number of high-skilled worker permits, known as H1B visas, has bipartisan support in Washington. But many members of Congress, alternately skittish and brash about the hot-potato subject of immigration, disavow any bill that doesn't tackle illegal immigration and border security.
"H1B is only for people with specialized knowledge, who bring intellectual knowledge to the country," said Ms. Aragolam, 26. "Putting them in the same frame as illegal immigrants is totally wrong."
A growing chorus of immigration advocates and businesses agrees with her. Yet their voice has been drowned out as presidential candidates, particularly Republicans, hustle for votes with proclamations to expel illegal immigrants and seal porous borders.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Jill Wagner: Help our immigrants learn English
This opinion piece tells people to help immigrants learn English. The people who complain that they won't learn are the first ones who should volunteer. DP
By Jill Wagner
news-record.com: Are you proud to be an American? Do you consider yourself a talker or a good listener? Do you enjoy telling stories, reading them or even listening to them?
If so, why not reach out to those who are new to our community and to the English language by becoming an ESL (English as a Second Language) tutor?
An ESL learner is a person whose first language is not English. An ESL tutor is one who helps the ESL learner study English to improve his or her communication skills and be better able to function in our society.
If you've ever traveled to a country that does not speak English, you realize how difficult it can be to communicate beyond basic conversation. Can you imagine trying to speak to a mechanic in France about getting your car fixed? Or what if you were in Japan with your child gravely ill, but you couldn't understand the doctor's instructions? Or what if you simply wanted to understand all the memos that came home from school?
Consider your last name — what is your heritage? Are you a Native American, or did your ancestors arrive in the United States from some other land? How did they assimilate into American culture? Who taught them English? What struggles did your ancestors overcome or what sacrifices did they make in their quest to make a better life for themselves and their families in America?
There are many organizations in the Greensboro area — including the Glenwood Public Library, Reading Connections, FaithAction and many churches — that maintain long waiting lists of learners who are seeking English tutors. There are more individuals seeking tutors than there are available tutors. Many ESL learners work long days, hold down several jobs and take care of families, yet they still attempt to learn English either through community college classes or by signing up for a tutor.
These lists, quietly lying on the desks at these organizations, clearly demonstrate that our nonEnglish-speaking neighbors are decidedly making attempts to better communicate in English.
And no, I'm not affiliated with any of these organizations, but most of these organizations offer ESL tutor training with the only real requirements being a sincere desire to make a difference and to be fluent in English. Just an hour or two of your time once a week can make a tremendous difference in an English learner's life.
As you're making your New Year's resolutions, think about becoming an ESL tutor. Whatever your opinion on immigration, the compassionate thing to do is to welcome our neighbors and share the very essence of what we call our own — English.
By Jill Wagner
news-record.com: Are you proud to be an American? Do you consider yourself a talker or a good listener? Do you enjoy telling stories, reading them or even listening to them?
If so, why not reach out to those who are new to our community and to the English language by becoming an ESL (English as a Second Language) tutor?
An ESL learner is a person whose first language is not English. An ESL tutor is one who helps the ESL learner study English to improve his or her communication skills and be better able to function in our society.
If you've ever traveled to a country that does not speak English, you realize how difficult it can be to communicate beyond basic conversation. Can you imagine trying to speak to a mechanic in France about getting your car fixed? Or what if you were in Japan with your child gravely ill, but you couldn't understand the doctor's instructions? Or what if you simply wanted to understand all the memos that came home from school?
Consider your last name — what is your heritage? Are you a Native American, or did your ancestors arrive in the United States from some other land? How did they assimilate into American culture? Who taught them English? What struggles did your ancestors overcome or what sacrifices did they make in their quest to make a better life for themselves and their families in America?
There are many organizations in the Greensboro area — including the Glenwood Public Library, Reading Connections, FaithAction and many churches — that maintain long waiting lists of learners who are seeking English tutors. There are more individuals seeking tutors than there are available tutors. Many ESL learners work long days, hold down several jobs and take care of families, yet they still attempt to learn English either through community college classes or by signing up for a tutor.
These lists, quietly lying on the desks at these organizations, clearly demonstrate that our nonEnglish-speaking neighbors are decidedly making attempts to better communicate in English.
And no, I'm not affiliated with any of these organizations, but most of these organizations offer ESL tutor training with the only real requirements being a sincere desire to make a difference and to be fluent in English. Just an hour or two of your time once a week can make a tremendous difference in an English learner's life.
As you're making your New Year's resolutions, think about becoming an ESL tutor. Whatever your opinion on immigration, the compassionate thing to do is to welcome our neighbors and share the very essence of what we call our own — English.
Starting over in America
This immigrant helped another immigrant group of women adjust in their new country by first teaching them to crochet. It gave them confidence, helped them learn the language, made new friends, earned some money, got them out of their houses and even taught them some health care. DP
Somali Bantu women enjoy a craft group while learning other skills needed in their new home
By Katya Cengel, The Courier-Journal
courier-journal.com: Louise Nyiramulinda knows what it is like to flee her country and to start over.
She came to the United States in 1998, leaving behind her native Rwanda, her degree in sociology and her job at a non-profit organization.
Seven years later, she was still laboring toward a bachelor's degree in social work at Spalding University while also working at Americana Community Center, a non-profit serving refugees and immigrants.
It was at Americana that she learned about the difficulties another refugee group from Africa, the Somali Bantu, was facing.
"We were hearing things about how they were struggling to adjust," said Nyiramulinda.
While their inexperience with technology, lack of English and often a lack of literacy in their own language were all hurdles, there was another obstacle as well, said Nyiramulinda.
"As a refugee, you go through a trauma, and then you come here and you think, 'Oh, OK. Phew, I can breathe now.' "
But the Somali Bantu, she explained, experienced a double trauma, because when they arrived they encountered expatriate countrymen of the same ethnic group who had repressed them there.
And the most isolated in their patriarchal society were the women, who rarely left the house, she said. Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Somali Bantu women enjoy a craft group while learning other skills needed in their new home
By Katya Cengel, The Courier-Journal
courier-journal.com: Louise Nyiramulinda knows what it is like to flee her country and to start over.
She came to the United States in 1998, leaving behind her native Rwanda, her degree in sociology and her job at a non-profit organization.
Seven years later, she was still laboring toward a bachelor's degree in social work at Spalding University while also working at Americana Community Center, a non-profit serving refugees and immigrants.
It was at Americana that she learned about the difficulties another refugee group from Africa, the Somali Bantu, was facing.
"We were hearing things about how they were struggling to adjust," said Nyiramulinda.
While their inexperience with technology, lack of English and often a lack of literacy in their own language were all hurdles, there was another obstacle as well, said Nyiramulinda.
"As a refugee, you go through a trauma, and then you come here and you think, 'Oh, OK. Phew, I can breathe now.' "
But the Somali Bantu, she explained, experienced a double trauma, because when they arrived they encountered expatriate countrymen of the same ethnic group who had repressed them there.
And the most isolated in their patriarchal society were the women, who rarely left the house, she said. Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
One million immigrants seek US citizenship to vote: campaigners
Immigrants are learning the importance of having a vote. Too bad more people who are born here haven't learned it yet. DP
AFP
aft.google.com: WASHINGTON (AFP) — A record one million immigrants sought US citizenship last year so they could vote in the 2008 presidential election, overwhelming the processing offices, Hispanic groups said on Monday.
"Surpassing the goal of one million applications is a tremendous achievement," said Arturo Vargas, head of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO).
Immigrants from Latin America represent the biggest ethnic minority in the United States -- some 45 million people. They could wield decisive weight in November's election, especially in largely Hispanic states such as Florida, Nevada, New Mexico and Colorado.
NALEO is one of several groups running a campaign to mobilize the Hispanic vote with the early presidential nominating contests underway and immigration a hot topic.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services received 1.029 million applications for citizenship from immigrants between January and October 2007, the organizations say, citing official figures.
The figure -- a 10-year record, and twice the number for the previous year -- overwhelmed the offices processing the claims, causing a backlog.
The USCIS said in November it could not process all the applications at the normal speed.
"Our campaign is committed to building the support we need to clear this backlog," said Cecilia Munoz, vice-president of the biggest Hispanic group, the National Council of La Raza.
"They deserve the opportunity to have their voices heard on election day."
AFP
aft.google.com: WASHINGTON (AFP) — A record one million immigrants sought US citizenship last year so they could vote in the 2008 presidential election, overwhelming the processing offices, Hispanic groups said on Monday.
"Surpassing the goal of one million applications is a tremendous achievement," said Arturo Vargas, head of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO).
Immigrants from Latin America represent the biggest ethnic minority in the United States -- some 45 million people. They could wield decisive weight in November's election, especially in largely Hispanic states such as Florida, Nevada, New Mexico and Colorado.
NALEO is one of several groups running a campaign to mobilize the Hispanic vote with the early presidential nominating contests underway and immigration a hot topic.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services received 1.029 million applications for citizenship from immigrants between January and October 2007, the organizations say, citing official figures.
The figure -- a 10-year record, and twice the number for the previous year -- overwhelmed the offices processing the claims, causing a backlog.
The USCIS said in November it could not process all the applications at the normal speed.
"Our campaign is committed to building the support we need to clear this backlog," said Cecilia Munoz, vice-president of the biggest Hispanic group, the National Council of La Raza.
"They deserve the opportunity to have their voices heard on election day."
Welcome immigrants into democratic process
This column talks about the need to help immigrants learn about our democracy. Many do not understand it and don't know how it works or how it could help them. DP
By ETHAN LO, GUEST COLUMNIST
seattlepi.com: Immigrants are America. Everyone living here today has roots tracing back to someone who took the plunge. But while there has been much commotion over the enormous number of people immigrating in, the way we ignore those immigrants already here is a critical issue.
Many immigrants are unaware of the processes of American democracy, and we're not taking enough steps to address that. With the percentage of foreign-born residents in Seattle near 20 percent, city government needs to take a more active role in encouraging immigrants to participate in politics.
The most fundamental part of political participation is the simple act of voting. It's understandable that many recent immigrants don't vote because they don't have a full handle on the process. U.S. natives educated in public schools have the advantage of being slowly taught the structure of government. Immigrants have no such luxury. Because many are unaware of our system of democracy, responsibility falls upon the city government to educate and encourage participation in immigrants.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By ETHAN LO, GUEST COLUMNIST
seattlepi.com: Immigrants are America. Everyone living here today has roots tracing back to someone who took the plunge. But while there has been much commotion over the enormous number of people immigrating in, the way we ignore those immigrants already here is a critical issue.
Many immigrants are unaware of the processes of American democracy, and we're not taking enough steps to address that. With the percentage of foreign-born residents in Seattle near 20 percent, city government needs to take a more active role in encouraging immigrants to participate in politics.
The most fundamental part of political participation is the simple act of voting. It's understandable that many recent immigrants don't vote because they don't have a full handle on the process. U.S. natives educated in public schools have the advantage of being slowly taught the structure of government. Immigrants have no such luxury. Because many are unaware of our system of democracy, responsibility falls upon the city government to educate and encourage participation in immigrants.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
The Sound of Silence
This study of Arizona shows that the illegal immigrants actually help the economy. Wages are higher; crime, poverty and unemployment numbers are lower. DP
By Linda Chavez
news.yahoo.com: Arizona has been ground zero in the fight against illegal immigration — but a funny thing happened this week when a new anti-illegal alien state law went into effect. Nothing.
A new study out by the conservative think tank Americas Majority Foundation (www.amermaj.com) suggests a possible explanation why more Arizonans aren't rushing to run off illegal workers. It turns out Arizonans may be better off — not worse — because of the presence of so many immigrants in the population.
This sounds counterintuitive, at least if you believe current political rhetoric and tendentious research by anti-immigrant groups like the Center for Immigration Studies, NumbersUSA, and the Federation for American Immigration Reform. But the Americas Majority Foundation data are pretty persuasive. States with the highest percentage of immigrants or the largest recent influx of immigrants —19 High Immigrant Jurisdictions (HIJs) in all — are wealthier, have better employment numbers and most have better crime figures than those with fewer immigrants.
In Arizona, for example, personal income is higher, as is the gross state product, the measure of all economic activity in the state. Unemployment is lower, as is household poverty. And crime is lower than both the national average and the average among states with fewer immigrants.
And, the trends for HIJs are every bit as good as the absolute numbers. Not only are GSP, personal income, per capita personal income, disposable income, per capita disposable income, median household income and per capita median personal income higher than in other states, but they have been growing at faster rates between 1999 and 2006 than in other states.
In the area of crime, the trends are especially encouraging for HIJs. The 10 high influx states, those that experienced the most dramatic percentage increases in immigrant population from 2000-2007, had the lowest rates of violent crime and total crime, according to FBI figures. In 1999, the 19 HIJs did have higher crime rates, but the rates declined much faster than they did in lower immigration states over the next seven years: 13.6 percent faster compared with 7.1 percent in total crime and 15 percent compared with 1.2 percent in violent crime, leading to lower crime rates overall in HIJs in 2006.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Linda Chavez
news.yahoo.com: Arizona has been ground zero in the fight against illegal immigration — but a funny thing happened this week when a new anti-illegal alien state law went into effect. Nothing.
A new study out by the conservative think tank Americas Majority Foundation (www.amermaj.com) suggests a possible explanation why more Arizonans aren't rushing to run off illegal workers. It turns out Arizonans may be better off — not worse — because of the presence of so many immigrants in the population.
This sounds counterintuitive, at least if you believe current political rhetoric and tendentious research by anti-immigrant groups like the Center for Immigration Studies, NumbersUSA, and the Federation for American Immigration Reform. But the Americas Majority Foundation data are pretty persuasive. States with the highest percentage of immigrants or the largest recent influx of immigrants —19 High Immigrant Jurisdictions (HIJs) in all — are wealthier, have better employment numbers and most have better crime figures than those with fewer immigrants.
In Arizona, for example, personal income is higher, as is the gross state product, the measure of all economic activity in the state. Unemployment is lower, as is household poverty. And crime is lower than both the national average and the average among states with fewer immigrants.
And, the trends for HIJs are every bit as good as the absolute numbers. Not only are GSP, personal income, per capita personal income, disposable income, per capita disposable income, median household income and per capita median personal income higher than in other states, but they have been growing at faster rates between 1999 and 2006 than in other states.
In the area of crime, the trends are especially encouraging for HIJs. The 10 high influx states, those that experienced the most dramatic percentage increases in immigrant population from 2000-2007, had the lowest rates of violent crime and total crime, according to FBI figures. In 1999, the 19 HIJs did have higher crime rates, but the rates declined much faster than they did in lower immigration states over the next seven years: 13.6 percent faster compared with 7.1 percent in total crime and 15 percent compared with 1.2 percent in violent crime, leading to lower crime rates overall in HIJs in 2006.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Family ties span time, borders
This woman, born in California, has a sad story about her youngest child, but it has turned out surprising and happy. They have been reunited after 16 years. DP
A teenage boy makes an international journey to meet his mother.
By AMY TAXIN, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
ocregister.com: ANAHEIM - Desireé Thomas was surprised to get a call in December from her ex-husband, who had phoned only a handful of times since the couple split up 16 years ago.
He asked her if she had seen their son.
Desireé, 43, was puzzled. She hadn't seen Andrew since he was a baby. He had been growing up in Mexico with his father and grandparents, at least as far as she knew.
He's gone. He told his grandmother he went to get some donuts, and he never came back home, she said her ex-husband told her over the line.
Putting old wounds aside, the former couple devised a plan to alert authorities on both sides of the border that Andrew was missing. He was only 16. Her ex-husband called the police in Mexico. Desireé called the Anaheim police department and told her story.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
A teenage boy makes an international journey to meet his mother.
By AMY TAXIN, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
ocregister.com: ANAHEIM - Desireé Thomas was surprised to get a call in December from her ex-husband, who had phoned only a handful of times since the couple split up 16 years ago.
He asked her if she had seen their son.
Desireé, 43, was puzzled. She hadn't seen Andrew since he was a baby. He had been growing up in Mexico with his father and grandparents, at least as far as she knew.
He's gone. He told his grandmother he went to get some donuts, and he never came back home, she said her ex-husband told her over the line.
Putting old wounds aside, the former couple devised a plan to alert authorities on both sides of the border that Andrew was missing. He was only 16. Her ex-husband called the police in Mexico. Desireé called the Anaheim police department and told her story.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Skokie's immigrants learn to get involved in civic life
Skokie Illinois is putting on seminars helping immigrants fit into life here. Immigrants who have succeeded are using their experiences to teach newcomers. DP
Immigrants share tips on becoming a part of community
By Deborah Horan | Tribune staff reporter
Chicagotribune.com: Jody Wadhwa is executor of his family's non-profit educational foundation and an Oakton Community College trustee. But the immigrant from India didn't start his American journey as a wealthy philanthropist. When Wadhwa came to Chicago at 22, he drove a taxi, worked in factories and toiled as a day laborer.
With hard work and smarts, Wadhwa eventually became CEO of an aluminum foil company, which he sold for a tidy sum that allowed him to retire at 54.
Last month, he told his rags-to-philanthropy story during one of two seminars organized by the Village of Skokie designed to encourage immigrants to get involved in civic life.
The story involved a receptionist who wrote "yoused" instead of "used" on an inventory list, a misspelling that started Wadhwa on a campaign to strengthen American education. The tale captivated the 20 or so immigrant leaders who attended the seminars and, most importantly, it highlighted how simple it can be to overcome an obstacle that community leaders say prevents many immigrants from getting involved in mainstream America: the tendency to view themselves as outsiders.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Immigrants share tips on becoming a part of community
By Deborah Horan | Tribune staff reporter
Chicagotribune.com: Jody Wadhwa is executor of his family's non-profit educational foundation and an Oakton Community College trustee. But the immigrant from India didn't start his American journey as a wealthy philanthropist. When Wadhwa came to Chicago at 22, he drove a taxi, worked in factories and toiled as a day laborer.
With hard work and smarts, Wadhwa eventually became CEO of an aluminum foil company, which he sold for a tidy sum that allowed him to retire at 54.
Last month, he told his rags-to-philanthropy story during one of two seminars organized by the Village of Skokie designed to encourage immigrants to get involved in civic life.
The story involved a receptionist who wrote "yoused" instead of "used" on an inventory list, a misspelling that started Wadhwa on a campaign to strengthen American education. The tale captivated the 20 or so immigrant leaders who attended the seminars and, most importantly, it highlighted how simple it can be to overcome an obstacle that community leaders say prevents many immigrants from getting involved in mainstream America: the tendency to view themselves as outsiders.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
The 'Demonization' of Immigrants Rubs Groups the Wrong Way
The negative talk about illegal immigrants has affected all immigrants, even the ones who are already citizens. Some people think that everyone with a foreign accent is an illegal immigrant. DP
Polarizing Rhetoric
Ben Harris, Jewish Telegraphic Agency NEW YORK
jewishexponent.com: Though it lies nearly 500 miles from the nearest international border, the little town of Postville, Iowa whose kosher meatpacking plant has drawn a melting pot of Chasidic Jews and Hispanic immigrants to the Iowa heartland, presents a case study of the tensions that have made immigration a top concern for voters there heading into primary season.
Last summer, the backlash against Postville's new arrivals spilled over onto the Town Council, one member of which made derogatory remarks about Hispanic residents; he accused them of not respecting the town's law and culture, and importing drugs and crime. Seven local clergy, including a rabbi, shot back, denouncing the council member, who also had unkind words for Postville's insular ultra-Orthodox community.
Earlier this month, the Anti-Defamation League issued a statement urging presidential candidates to refrain from polarizing rhetoric that demonizes minority groups, but particularly Hispanics. The statement follows a lengthy ADL report showing how inflammatory rhetoric has seeped into the national discourse on immigration.
"In our view, demonizing illegal immigrants has the effect of demonizing many minorities, particularly Hispanics, regardless of their citizenship status. It is contrary to the high ideals upon which our nation -- a nation of immigrants -- was founded," the ADL said recently.
In its report, the ADL objected to rhetoric that portrays immigrants as invaders seeking to colonize the United States, while importing disease and crime, and eroding the American way of life. The report also showed how portrayals of immigrants as disease-carriers has spread to mainstream discourse -- employed by media personalities such as CNN's Lou Dobbs and MSNBC's Patrick Buchanan.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Polarizing Rhetoric
Ben Harris, Jewish Telegraphic Agency NEW YORK
jewishexponent.com: Though it lies nearly 500 miles from the nearest international border, the little town of Postville, Iowa whose kosher meatpacking plant has drawn a melting pot of Chasidic Jews and Hispanic immigrants to the Iowa heartland, presents a case study of the tensions that have made immigration a top concern for voters there heading into primary season.
Last summer, the backlash against Postville's new arrivals spilled over onto the Town Council, one member of which made derogatory remarks about Hispanic residents; he accused them of not respecting the town's law and culture, and importing drugs and crime. Seven local clergy, including a rabbi, shot back, denouncing the council member, who also had unkind words for Postville's insular ultra-Orthodox community.
Earlier this month, the Anti-Defamation League issued a statement urging presidential candidates to refrain from polarizing rhetoric that demonizes minority groups, but particularly Hispanics. The statement follows a lengthy ADL report showing how inflammatory rhetoric has seeped into the national discourse on immigration.
"In our view, demonizing illegal immigrants has the effect of demonizing many minorities, particularly Hispanics, regardless of their citizenship status. It is contrary to the high ideals upon which our nation -- a nation of immigrants -- was founded," the ADL said recently.
In its report, the ADL objected to rhetoric that portrays immigrants as invaders seeking to colonize the United States, while importing disease and crime, and eroding the American way of life. The report also showed how portrayals of immigrants as disease-carriers has spread to mainstream discourse -- employed by media personalities such as CNN's Lou Dobbs and MSNBC's Patrick Buchanan.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
State's schools get more diverse
This shows the changing minority percentages in Maryland schools, now the white students are the minority (48%) and there are as many as 48 languages in some schools. This diversity is becoming more common in many urban areas. DP
African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians outnumber whites in overall enrollment
By Liz Bowie | Sun reporter
baltimoresun.com: The faces of Maryland's public school children have quietly been changing over the past several years, and minorities - primarily Hispanics, Asians and African-Americans - now outnumber white students in the state.
Maryland public school enrollment data show that 48 percent of the students in the state's 24 school systems are white. African-Americans represent 38 percent of the school population, Hispanics 8 percent and Asian-Americans most of the remaining 6 percent.
The shift officially took place in 2004, after both a decline in the number of white students and growth in the number of minorities. But schools have been adapting to the change over several years - expanding classes for non-English speakers, bringing in translators for parent nights and creating smaller classes in schools with large numbers of minority students.
At Dumbarton Middle School in the Rodgers Forge neighborhood of Baltimore County, 48 languages are spoken, and the school population is 38 percent minority.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians outnumber whites in overall enrollment
By Liz Bowie | Sun reporter
baltimoresun.com: The faces of Maryland's public school children have quietly been changing over the past several years, and minorities - primarily Hispanics, Asians and African-Americans - now outnumber white students in the state.
Maryland public school enrollment data show that 48 percent of the students in the state's 24 school systems are white. African-Americans represent 38 percent of the school population, Hispanics 8 percent and Asian-Americans most of the remaining 6 percent.
The shift officially took place in 2004, after both a decline in the number of white students and growth in the number of minorities. But schools have been adapting to the change over several years - expanding classes for non-English speakers, bringing in translators for parent nights and creating smaller classes in schools with large numbers of minority students.
At Dumbarton Middle School in the Rodgers Forge neighborhood of Baltimore County, 48 languages are spoken, and the school population is 38 percent minority.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Paper declares 'the illegal immigrant' its Texan of the Year
The paper got lots of complaints from this, they still think this person/group made the biggest impact on Texas. DP
By Dallas Morning News
usatoday.com: The Dallas Morning News has declared "the illegal immigrant" its Texan of the Year.
As you'd expect, this editorial has evoked some interesting responses in the blogosphere. We'll have more on that in a minute. Here's the paper's rationale:
He breaks the law by his very presence. He hustles to do hard work many Americans won't, at least not at the low wages he accepts. The American consumer economy depends on him. America as we have known it for generations may not survive him. We can't seem to live with him and his family, and if we can live without him, nobody's figured out how. ... To their champions, illegal immigrants are decent, hardworking people who, like generations of European immigrants before them, just want to do better for their families and who contribute to America's prosperity. They must endure hatred and abuse by those of us who want the benefits of cheap labor but not the presence of illegal immigrants. ... Yet to those who want them sent home, illegal immigrants are essentially lawbreakers who violate the nation's borders. They use public resources – schools, hospitals – to which they aren't entitled and expect to be served in a foreign language. They're rapidly changing Texas neighborhoods, cities and culture, and not always for the better. Those who object get tagged as racists.
The paper's list of finalists includes former attorney general Alberto Gonzales, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
By Dallas Morning News
usatoday.com: The Dallas Morning News has declared "the illegal immigrant" its Texan of the Year.
As you'd expect, this editorial has evoked some interesting responses in the blogosphere. We'll have more on that in a minute. Here's the paper's rationale:
He breaks the law by his very presence. He hustles to do hard work many Americans won't, at least not at the low wages he accepts. The American consumer economy depends on him. America as we have known it for generations may not survive him. We can't seem to live with him and his family, and if we can live without him, nobody's figured out how. ... To their champions, illegal immigrants are decent, hardworking people who, like generations of European immigrants before them, just want to do better for their families and who contribute to America's prosperity. They must endure hatred and abuse by those of us who want the benefits of cheap labor but not the presence of illegal immigrants. ... Yet to those who want them sent home, illegal immigrants are essentially lawbreakers who violate the nation's borders. They use public resources – schools, hospitals – to which they aren't entitled and expect to be served in a foreign language. They're rapidly changing Texas neighborhoods, cities and culture, and not always for the better. Those who object get tagged as racists.
The paper's list of finalists includes former attorney general Alberto Gonzales, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
Short Trips: Follow the immigrants' dreams and hardships at the Nordic Heritage Museum
This museum tells the story of northern Europeans who settled part of this country. DP
By GORDY HOLT, P-I REPORTER
seattlepi.com: Should a Norwegian farmhand leave his little barnyard cell for the chance to test America's Homestead Act or to become a bricklayer, maybe, or a cabinetmaker?
Could a single Swedish woman improve her lot as a New World seamstress, or give parlor maid a try?
Between 1840 and 1914, some 52 million Europeans fled homelands to take their chances elsewhere. Among the 35 million who picked America were 1.2 million Swedes; 800,000 Norwegians; 301,000 Danes; 285,000 Finns; and 12,500 Icelanders, all harboring hopes that America would be that land of promised opportunity. Weren't artisans of all kinds needed? Wasn't there land to claim?
They would discover it was all of that, yes, but sometimes something less.
To see how it went, both in the thick and the thin of it, pay a visit to Seattle's Nordic Heritage Museum, a place arranged to put you in the muddy shoes of those who took the gamble and sailed west to this new country. Indeed, so candid and artistic is the telling of this story that you can't help but be reminded of today's immigration politics. The only thing missing from this story is a neck-snapping encounter with a pot of boiling lutefisk.
For the olfactorily timid, therefore, uff da! Your visit will be as safe for the nose as it will be economical for the family pocketbook.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By GORDY HOLT, P-I REPORTER
seattlepi.com: Should a Norwegian farmhand leave his little barnyard cell for the chance to test America's Homestead Act or to become a bricklayer, maybe, or a cabinetmaker?
Could a single Swedish woman improve her lot as a New World seamstress, or give parlor maid a try?
Between 1840 and 1914, some 52 million Europeans fled homelands to take their chances elsewhere. Among the 35 million who picked America were 1.2 million Swedes; 800,000 Norwegians; 301,000 Danes; 285,000 Finns; and 12,500 Icelanders, all harboring hopes that America would be that land of promised opportunity. Weren't artisans of all kinds needed? Wasn't there land to claim?
They would discover it was all of that, yes, but sometimes something less.
To see how it went, both in the thick and the thin of it, pay a visit to Seattle's Nordic Heritage Museum, a place arranged to put you in the muddy shoes of those who took the gamble and sailed west to this new country. Indeed, so candid and artistic is the telling of this story that you can't help but be reminded of today's immigration politics. The only thing missing from this story is a neck-snapping encounter with a pot of boiling lutefisk.
For the olfactorily timid, therefore, uff da! Your visit will be as safe for the nose as it will be economical for the family pocketbook.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
English classes teach more than language
An interesting story about the different reasons immigrants want to learn English and benefit from it. DP
By ERIC WEDDLE
jconline.com: FRANKFORT -- Juan Salazar reverted to Spanish only once while explaining why he was learning English -- when he asked if he had used the word "know" correctly.
"I want the people to look at me and see me as an American, not a Mexican," he said. "I know English will help me."
Salazar and his wife, Aracely, have attended English-as-second-language classes at the Frankfort Adult Learning Center twice a week for two months. With about 30 other students, they are learning the basics, such as the alphabet, common phrases and grammar. Their aim is not only to speak and understand the language, but to be accepted as part of American culture.
"They just want to be self-sufficient and not rely on anyone else," said Guadalupe Cruz, an instructor who teaches basic English. "They come here to learn a little of everything."
For 13 years, the center has offered English courses, though the past few have seen enrollment grow. That corresponds to an increase in Clinton County's Hispanic population of nearly 70 percent over six years, to an estimated 4,207 residents in 2006, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By ERIC WEDDLE
jconline.com: FRANKFORT -- Juan Salazar reverted to Spanish only once while explaining why he was learning English -- when he asked if he had used the word "know" correctly.
"I want the people to look at me and see me as an American, not a Mexican," he said. "I know English will help me."
Salazar and his wife, Aracely, have attended English-as-second-language classes at the Frankfort Adult Learning Center twice a week for two months. With about 30 other students, they are learning the basics, such as the alphabet, common phrases and grammar. Their aim is not only to speak and understand the language, but to be accepted as part of American culture.
"They just want to be self-sufficient and not rely on anyone else," said Guadalupe Cruz, an instructor who teaches basic English. "They come here to learn a little of everything."
For 13 years, the center has offered English courses, though the past few have seen enrollment grow. That corresponds to an increase in Clinton County's Hispanic population of nearly 70 percent over six years, to an estimated 4,207 residents in 2006, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Reading Up
This story should help some see that many immigrants do want to learn English and with help, they will succeed. DP
Tucson employers are looking to a local nonprofit to help promote literacy
By MARI HERRERAS
Tucsonweekly.com: A $2-an-hour raise has Cesar Castellanos beaming.
A few weeks ago, the installer of commercial-heating and air-conditioning systems went to the office at Sun Mechanical Contracting to show off a certificate of completion for an English class. Castellanos says he didn't expect a raise; he just wanted to show off to human-resources assistant director Corey Comeau.
A large percentage of the company's employees primarily speak Spanish. Castellanos says about 70 percent of his 300 or so co-workers are Spanish-speaking.
"You know, I'm always trying to practice my English at work. When I see my boss, I say, 'Good morning,' but he always answers, 'Buenos dias,'" he says, smiling broadly. "I needed more help, especially with my pronunciation. That's been the hardest part."
Comeau says it wasn't just Castellanos' improved English skills that warranted the raise, but his initiative, leadership, good attitude and job skills. Comeau says he recently offered to reimburse employees for English classes, and Castellanos was the first employee to sign up.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Tucson employers are looking to a local nonprofit to help promote literacy
By MARI HERRERAS
Tucsonweekly.com: A $2-an-hour raise has Cesar Castellanos beaming.
A few weeks ago, the installer of commercial-heating and air-conditioning systems went to the office at Sun Mechanical Contracting to show off a certificate of completion for an English class. Castellanos says he didn't expect a raise; he just wanted to show off to human-resources assistant director Corey Comeau.
A large percentage of the company's employees primarily speak Spanish. Castellanos says about 70 percent of his 300 or so co-workers are Spanish-speaking.
"You know, I'm always trying to practice my English at work. When I see my boss, I say, 'Good morning,' but he always answers, 'Buenos dias,'" he says, smiling broadly. "I needed more help, especially with my pronunciation. That's been the hardest part."
Comeau says it wasn't just Castellanos' improved English skills that warranted the raise, but his initiative, leadership, good attitude and job skills. Comeau says he recently offered to reimburse employees for English classes, and Castellanos was the first employee to sign up.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Whitestone teacher rocks to Bon Jovi in classroom
Here is an interesting way to teach language to fourth graders, through popular music lyrics. DP
By Stephen Stirling
timesledger.com: Jon Bon Jovi is no Shakespeare, but for students of Roxanne Basandella, it hardly matters.
On. Dec. 18, Basandella was awarded the 2007 New York State English Council's Elementary School Teacher of the Year Award. And for what? Using the New Jersey-born rocker's lyrical prowess to teach her students about literary devices and grammar
"Really it all came to fruition through Bon Jovi," Basandella said. "I'm not into the classic poets. When we read through Bon Jovi and I'm playing the songs and dancing around, they get so excited. I use as much Bon Jovi as they will allow me to."
Basandella has taught fourth grade at the Drexel Avenue School in Westbury, L.I., for the last 12 years. She said her students have a diverse background and many of them are immigrants who are learning English as a second language, which presents unique challenges when teaching literature and grammar.
She said while more traditionally taught literature can often be too complex, Bon Jovi is just right.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Stephen Stirling
timesledger.com: Jon Bon Jovi is no Shakespeare, but for students of Roxanne Basandella, it hardly matters.
On. Dec. 18, Basandella was awarded the 2007 New York State English Council's Elementary School Teacher of the Year Award. And for what? Using the New Jersey-born rocker's lyrical prowess to teach her students about literary devices and grammar
"Really it all came to fruition through Bon Jovi," Basandella said. "I'm not into the classic poets. When we read through Bon Jovi and I'm playing the songs and dancing around, they get so excited. I use as much Bon Jovi as they will allow me to."
Basandella has taught fourth grade at the Drexel Avenue School in Westbury, L.I., for the last 12 years. She said her students have a diverse background and many of them are immigrants who are learning English as a second language, which presents unique challenges when teaching literature and grammar.
She said while more traditionally taught literature can often be too complex, Bon Jovi is just right.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
In Chinatown, a Church Speaks in Several Languages, but With One Strong Voice
This 200 year old Catholic church has changed from being mostly Irish and Italian and now is the home of the largest congregation of Chinese in the country. It celebrates mass in three languages. DP
By JENNIFER 8. LEE
nytimes.com: At the church, pots of red and white poinsettias were carefully arranged for midnight Mass. With the funeral service for an 82-year-old Irish-American parishioner completed in the morning, the Italian-American priest spent part of his afternoon on Monday reviewing his homily, to be delivered in Cantonese and English. A sign announcing a Christmas Eve vigil for Fujianese immigrants was taped to the window.
The preparations to celebrate Christmas at the two-century-old Church of the Transfiguration in Chinatown, like the history of the church itself, were multilayered, reflecting the nimble adaptation of a church once dominated by Irish and Italian immigrants that now claims the largest Chinese Roman Catholic congregation in the United States.
The English-language Mass, scheduled in part for the Italian-Americans, was said early, at 6 p.m., because those parishioners are now old enough that their children have long since grown up and moved away to Long Island or Staten Island. They do not like to stay out too late.
The Mass in Cantonese, which still prevails on the stretch of Mott Street where the church stands, was said at 8 p.m. And at 9:30 p.m., immigrants from the southern Chinese province of Fujian, holding Catholic prayer books printed secretly in China away from the watchful eyes of the government, gathered for their vigil to await the midnight Mass, to be said in Mandarin and English.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By JENNIFER 8. LEE
nytimes.com: At the church, pots of red and white poinsettias were carefully arranged for midnight Mass. With the funeral service for an 82-year-old Irish-American parishioner completed in the morning, the Italian-American priest spent part of his afternoon on Monday reviewing his homily, to be delivered in Cantonese and English. A sign announcing a Christmas Eve vigil for Fujianese immigrants was taped to the window.
The preparations to celebrate Christmas at the two-century-old Church of the Transfiguration in Chinatown, like the history of the church itself, were multilayered, reflecting the nimble adaptation of a church once dominated by Irish and Italian immigrants that now claims the largest Chinese Roman Catholic congregation in the United States.
The English-language Mass, scheduled in part for the Italian-Americans, was said early, at 6 p.m., because those parishioners are now old enough that their children have long since grown up and moved away to Long Island or Staten Island. They do not like to stay out too late.
The Mass in Cantonese, which still prevails on the stretch of Mott Street where the church stands, was said at 8 p.m. And at 9:30 p.m., immigrants from the southern Chinese province of Fujian, holding Catholic prayer books printed secretly in China away from the watchful eyes of the government, gathered for their vigil to await the midnight Mass, to be said in Mandarin and English.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Friday, December 28, 2007
A TV show that teaches immigrants English will help them assimilate faster
This editorial tells about a TV show teaching basic English. A good idea! DP
EDITORIAL, OrlandoSentinel
orlandosentinel.com: "How much is the rent?" It's a simple phrase to most people, but a confusing maze of letters for an immigrant trying to learn English.
So here's a little help:
Azteca America, a Spanish-language network with 61 affiliate stations in the United States, plans to launch a TV show called Survival English. The program will attempt to teach basic language skills to viewers, obviously serving a basic need in emerging Hispanic communities.
It's refreshing to see strong public-service programming, quite the contrast to the banal drone of reality TV. Assimilation is a core goal for any immigrant group, and this program should help them get there quicker.
Everyone knows that assimilating starts with the ABC's of learning the language.
EDITORIAL, OrlandoSentinel
orlandosentinel.com: "How much is the rent?" It's a simple phrase to most people, but a confusing maze of letters for an immigrant trying to learn English.
So here's a little help:
Azteca America, a Spanish-language network with 61 affiliate stations in the United States, plans to launch a TV show called Survival English. The program will attempt to teach basic language skills to viewers, obviously serving a basic need in emerging Hispanic communities.
It's refreshing to see strong public-service programming, quite the contrast to the banal drone of reality TV. Assimilation is a core goal for any immigrant group, and this program should help them get there quicker.
Everyone knows that assimilating starts with the ABC's of learning the language.
Global positioning: Students, immigrants paired
These college students were paired with recent immigrants, so both sides could learn about their language, their story, their country, their lives. Everyone benefited, especially the young people. The immigrants were between 20 and 88, all with stories that surprised the students. DP
By Carmen Nobel, Globe Correspondent
boston.com: Last September, 13 Simmons College undergraduates signed up for a sociology class called Globalization. They expected to study cultural convergence. Their professor expected them to experience it.
"We live in Boston," said Anna Sandoval Girón, a sociology professor at Simmons. "It's a city full of interesting people. So I came up with the idea of teaching in a different way. Instead of reading about immigration in a book, why not leave the confines of the school and talk to people who have migrated here? I wanted students to see macro-level theory coupled with people who are living the theory."
Sandoval paired the students with recent immigrants who were studying English as a second language in Boston - either at the local YMCA International Learning Center or at the Symphony Plaza housing complex. She explained that the students and their partners would spend an hour together every week throughout the semester, just talking to each other. Both locations are an easy walk from Simmons, but the idea felt virtually worlds away for students raised on electronic communication.
"We were all really nervous," said Melina Muñoz, a junior.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Carmen Nobel, Globe Correspondent
boston.com: Last September, 13 Simmons College undergraduates signed up for a sociology class called Globalization. They expected to study cultural convergence. Their professor expected them to experience it.
"We live in Boston," said Anna Sandoval Girón, a sociology professor at Simmons. "It's a city full of interesting people. So I came up with the idea of teaching in a different way. Instead of reading about immigration in a book, why not leave the confines of the school and talk to people who have migrated here? I wanted students to see macro-level theory coupled with people who are living the theory."
Sandoval paired the students with recent immigrants who were studying English as a second language in Boston - either at the local YMCA International Learning Center or at the Symphony Plaza housing complex. She explained that the students and their partners would spend an hour together every week throughout the semester, just talking to each other. Both locations are an easy walk from Simmons, but the idea felt virtually worlds away for students raised on electronic communication.
"We were all really nervous," said Melina Muñoz, a junior.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Immigrants Bring Homeland Spirit to Christmas Season
This story is about Russian and West African immigrants and the Christmas traditions they celebrate in this country. DP
By Adam Phillips, New York
Gift giving, music and prayer. These are ways that Christians almost everywhere commemorate Jesus' birth. Still, every Christian immigrant group in America practices those traditions in ways that evoke their cultures of origin. VOA's Adam Phillips visited West African and Russian congregations in New York City to see how they've brought their own spirits to the season.
voanews.com: To most American ears, Russian Orthodox Christmas music may have a certain doleful quality, at least compared to the merrier lilts of the Christmas carols they are used to. But Ana Kouznezoff, who was born in Kiev, Ukraine, in 1922, says the tone of the music is appropriate. The 40 days leading up to the Christmas Feast are fast days in the Orthodox calendar. Unlike in American culture, neither meat nor revelry is allowed at this time.
"In some ways, the Russian is more the Christmas that belong(s) to God," Ana says. "In America, it's most of all the gifts. Buying, buying, buying. It doesn't feel the way we understand it. For me, the best way to celebrate is to come here to the "church."
The Christmas feast and the ten days of religious celebration which follow are joys that Ana and her fellow believers were denied while Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union, where religion was suppressed.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Adam Phillips, New York
Gift giving, music and prayer. These are ways that Christians almost everywhere commemorate Jesus' birth. Still, every Christian immigrant group in America practices those traditions in ways that evoke their cultures of origin. VOA's Adam Phillips visited West African and Russian congregations in New York City to see how they've brought their own spirits to the season.
voanews.com: To most American ears, Russian Orthodox Christmas music may have a certain doleful quality, at least compared to the merrier lilts of the Christmas carols they are used to. But Ana Kouznezoff, who was born in Kiev, Ukraine, in 1922, says the tone of the music is appropriate. The 40 days leading up to the Christmas Feast are fast days in the Orthodox calendar. Unlike in American culture, neither meat nor revelry is allowed at this time.
"In some ways, the Russian is more the Christmas that belong(s) to God," Ana says. "In America, it's most of all the gifts. Buying, buying, buying. It doesn't feel the way we understand it. For me, the best way to celebrate is to come here to the "church."
The Christmas feast and the ten days of religious celebration which follow are joys that Ana and her fellow believers were denied while Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union, where religion was suppressed.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Friday, December 21, 2007
U.S. kids learn parents' language
This school is teaching 2nd and 3rd generations the language of their ancestors. They have lost the language as all immigrants do, and are trying to get it back. DP
By PATRICK McGEE, Star-Telegram Staff Writer
star-telegram.com: ARLINGTON -- The school has a superintendent, a dean, a principal and 40 language teachers. Everyone who works there is a volunteer, and the budget is from donations and dues.
This is Vietnamese Martyrs Catholic Church's Vietnamese language program. It's a highly organized, energetic effort by the church to keep the native language alive in immigrant families' second and third generations.
"We want them to know their roots," said Anna Nguyen, an Arlington resident who had her daughter, Dianna, go through so many classes she became a teacher's aide. "I don't want them to forget Vietnamese because they are Vietnamese."
The south Arlington church's school, called Ducme La Vang, also teaches religious classes. The school efficiently runs with color-coded attendance sheets, a bell between classes and signs in Vietnamese next to each doorway.
But experts say immigrants' efforts to keep their language alive is an uphill battle.
Rubén Rumbaut, a sociology professor at the University of California at Irvine, said America has proven for centuries to be a "language graveyard" where immigrant families' native language is almost always lost by the third generation.
He said Spanish follows this pattern, too, but it might hold on a little longer than Asian languages because there are many more Spanish speakers to talk to. America's current wave of immigrants from Latin America has not stopped yet so the crop of Spanish speakers keeps being refreshed.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By PATRICK McGEE, Star-Telegram Staff Writer
star-telegram.com: ARLINGTON -- The school has a superintendent, a dean, a principal and 40 language teachers. Everyone who works there is a volunteer, and the budget is from donations and dues.
This is Vietnamese Martyrs Catholic Church's Vietnamese language program. It's a highly organized, energetic effort by the church to keep the native language alive in immigrant families' second and third generations.
"We want them to know their roots," said Anna Nguyen, an Arlington resident who had her daughter, Dianna, go through so many classes she became a teacher's aide. "I don't want them to forget Vietnamese because they are Vietnamese."
The south Arlington church's school, called Ducme La Vang, also teaches religious classes. The school efficiently runs with color-coded attendance sheets, a bell between classes and signs in Vietnamese next to each doorway.
But experts say immigrants' efforts to keep their language alive is an uphill battle.
Rubén Rumbaut, a sociology professor at the University of California at Irvine, said America has proven for centuries to be a "language graveyard" where immigrant families' native language is almost always lost by the third generation.
He said Spanish follows this pattern, too, but it might hold on a little longer than Asian languages because there are many more Spanish speakers to talk to. America's current wave of immigrants from Latin America has not stopped yet so the crop of Spanish speakers keeps being refreshed.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
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