Here is another nice story about a woman who found that becoming fluent and literate in English is necessary to be sucessful here. - - Donna Poisl
By Teri Vance
Beatriz Britting, 34, is living the American dream. She and her husband of eight years, Jerome, own a home in Dayton where they are raising their sons Branden, 6, and Jason, 4.
He works during the day as a plant manager in Minden. She attends evening classes at Western Nevada College. They spend most weekends camping as a family.
But at 17, Britting had no idea what her future held. She only knew she didn't have one in Mexico.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Saint Joseph’s Literacy Connection helps immigrants Connect
All immigrants know that they need fluency in English to be successful in this country. Here is another wonderful program helping some of them to achieve this. - - Donna Poisl
By Pat B. Tarantino
Allston-Brighton - When Natasha Iftica immigrated to Boston from Albania, she found herself isolated in the most populous city in New England.
Without a command of written or spoken English, Iftica struggled to find a job, schedule a doctor’s appointment or even navigate the Registry of Motor Vehicles until she discovered the Literacy Connection, a program operated by Brighton’s Sisters of Saint Joseph to give recent immigrants and refugees one-on-one tutoring in English and professional skills.
Last week, Iftica stood with Literacy Connection’s director, Sister Pat Andrews of Saint Joseph’s, before community leaders who helped fund the Literacy Connection since its inception in 1987 to thank them for their continued support during their second annual community meeting at the Saint Joseph Motherhouse.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Pat B. Tarantino
Allston-Brighton - When Natasha Iftica immigrated to Boston from Albania, she found herself isolated in the most populous city in New England.
Without a command of written or spoken English, Iftica struggled to find a job, schedule a doctor’s appointment or even navigate the Registry of Motor Vehicles until she discovered the Literacy Connection, a program operated by Brighton’s Sisters of Saint Joseph to give recent immigrants and refugees one-on-one tutoring in English and professional skills.
Last week, Iftica stood with Literacy Connection’s director, Sister Pat Andrews of Saint Joseph’s, before community leaders who helped fund the Literacy Connection since its inception in 1987 to thank them for their continued support during their second annual community meeting at the Saint Joseph Motherhouse.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Latinos are honored at citizenship ceremony
More than a million people became U.S. citizen last year. This ceremony in Portland had a mariachi band serenading 69 new citizens. - - Donna Poisl
By Gosia Wozniacka, The Oregonian
With a ruffle of colorful double-circled skirts and the "ay, ay, ay!" of a serenading mariachi, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services honored Latinos and their contributions during a special citizenship ceremony Thursday commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month.
Sixty-nine new U.S. citizens were sworn in during the ceremony at the Bonneville Power Administration auditorium in downtown Portland. They hailed from 26 different countries, the majority Spanish-speaking. Half of Thursday's new citizens were born in Mexico.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Gosia Wozniacka, The Oregonian
With a ruffle of colorful double-circled skirts and the "ay, ay, ay!" of a serenading mariachi, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services honored Latinos and their contributions during a special citizenship ceremony Thursday commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month.
Sixty-nine new U.S. citizens were sworn in during the ceremony at the Bonneville Power Administration auditorium in downtown Portland. They hailed from 26 different countries, the majority Spanish-speaking. Half of Thursday's new citizens were born in Mexico.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Bilingual Americans essential to makeup of U.S
This opinion piece talks about how important it is to be bilingual and how far we have come since Reagan talked about everyone knowing English. - - Donna Poisl
by Wyatt Kanyer
Ronald Reagan once said, "By emphasizing the importance of a common language, we safeguard a proud legacy and help to ensure that America's future will be as great as her past."
To say that the language "legacy" in the United States is "proud" is a dangerously presumptuous statement.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by Wyatt Kanyer
Ronald Reagan once said, "By emphasizing the importance of a common language, we safeguard a proud legacy and help to ensure that America's future will be as great as her past."
To say that the language "legacy" in the United States is "proud" is a dangerously presumptuous statement.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Immigrants from India wanted to participate in SJSU study
This notice was in the San Jose Mercury News. Any readers here who know people who fit into this group? Donna Poisl
By Lisa Fernandez
A team of researchers wants to interview people who immigrated to Silicon Valley from India between the years of 1940 and 1965 in a project titled, "The Indian Diaspora Oral History Project.''
Participants will be asked basic biography questions that delve into deeper issues about difficulties in transitioning to life in the United States and hardships encountered as a new immigrant. When complete, the findings will be available at the San Jose State University library.
"This research will fill an important gap and serve as a benchmark in the studies of Indian immigrants,'' said historian Rajiv Khanna, one of the researchers involved in the project. "The oral histories will both illuminate what it means to live as an Indian-American in the Bay Area as well as help the immigrant connect with their roots.''
Khanna said he hopes to attract immigrants, ages 65 to 85, who come from all parts of India and come from an array of cultural, educational, religious and socio-economic backgrounds.
The $9,500 study is being funded by the San Jose State University Foundation and Silicon Valley Center for Global Innovation and Immigration.
If you're interested in participating, contact Khanna at 408-924-5548 or e-mail him at rajivkkhanna@yahoo.com
By Lisa Fernandez
A team of researchers wants to interview people who immigrated to Silicon Valley from India between the years of 1940 and 1965 in a project titled, "The Indian Diaspora Oral History Project.''
Participants will be asked basic biography questions that delve into deeper issues about difficulties in transitioning to life in the United States and hardships encountered as a new immigrant. When complete, the findings will be available at the San Jose State University library.
"This research will fill an important gap and serve as a benchmark in the studies of Indian immigrants,'' said historian Rajiv Khanna, one of the researchers involved in the project. "The oral histories will both illuminate what it means to live as an Indian-American in the Bay Area as well as help the immigrant connect with their roots.''
Khanna said he hopes to attract immigrants, ages 65 to 85, who come from all parts of India and come from an array of cultural, educational, religious and socio-economic backgrounds.
The $9,500 study is being funded by the San Jose State University Foundation and Silicon Valley Center for Global Innovation and Immigration.
If you're interested in participating, contact Khanna at 408-924-5548 or e-mail him at rajivkkhanna@yahoo.com
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Flushing House fund-raiser to honor senior advocate
Three women are receiving an award for their work with senior citizens, including immigrant seniors who are often very isolated. - - Donna Poisl
By Connor Adams Sheets
The legacy of Queens-based senior citizen advocate Rose Kryzak, who died in 1999 at 99, has not been forgotten as three annual awards are set to be bestowed in her name at a Nov. 5 fund-raiser to benefit the nonprofit Flushing House retirement residence.
A dedicated advocate and activist, Kryzak is most remembered for her key role in helping to pass New York’s landmark 1987 Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage legislation, according to Robert F. Salant, director of community relations at Flushing House.
A year after her death, the first Rose Kryzak Senior Leadership Awards were distributed to deserving senior advocates, and the tradition has continued with three new recipients named every year.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Connor Adams Sheets
The legacy of Queens-based senior citizen advocate Rose Kryzak, who died in 1999 at 99, has not been forgotten as three annual awards are set to be bestowed in her name at a Nov. 5 fund-raiser to benefit the nonprofit Flushing House retirement residence.
A dedicated advocate and activist, Kryzak is most remembered for her key role in helping to pass New York’s landmark 1987 Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage legislation, according to Robert F. Salant, director of community relations at Flushing House.
A year after her death, the first Rose Kryzak Senior Leadership Awards were distributed to deserving senior advocates, and the tradition has continued with three new recipients named every year.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Maryville College documentary premier highlights Ferschke immigration struggle
Maybe if more people learn about the problems this Iraq soldier widow is having, the law can be changed. - - Donna Poisl
posted by Blount Today
The story of Michael Ferschke’s life, death and how his wife has struggled with federal immigration laws is the subject of a documentary that premiered at Maryville College recently.
The national premier of the Brave New Films documentary “Second Battle” is about two military spouses fighting to stay in the country for which their husbands proudly served. A portion of the film focuses on Ferschke and his widow, Hota.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story and the link for the video! This is only a small part of it.
posted by Blount Today
The story of Michael Ferschke’s life, death and how his wife has struggled with federal immigration laws is the subject of a documentary that premiered at Maryville College recently.
The national premier of the Brave New Films documentary “Second Battle” is about two military spouses fighting to stay in the country for which their husbands proudly served. A portion of the film focuses on Ferschke and his widow, Hota.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story and the link for the video! This is only a small part of it.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Gutierrez Outlines Core Principles for a New Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill
PRESS RELEASE
(Washington DC) At a rally today on the west lawn of the United States Capitol, U.S. Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez (D-IL) addressed a crowd of thousands who demanded change to our nation's broken immigration system. Rep. Gutierrez' address responded to a recent call from the immigration advocacy community to introduce comprehensive immigration reform in the House of Representatives.
Rep. Gutierrez has been actively talking to advocacy and civil rights groups, faith-based groups, labor groups and his colleagues on the Hill to identify the most essential components of such a comprehensive bill. Today he outlined some of those core principles.
In a statement, Rep. Gutierrez said:
"We simply cannot wait any longer for a bill that keeps our families together, protects our workers and allows a pathway to legalization for those who have earned it. It is time we had a workable plan making its way through Congress that recognizes the vast contributions of immigrants to this country and that honors the American Dream. I am preparing such a plan, and will introduce it in the near future. It will include the following core principles:"
Click on the headline to read the rest of this PRESS RELEASE! This is only a small part of it.
(Washington DC) At a rally today on the west lawn of the United States Capitol, U.S. Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez (D-IL) addressed a crowd of thousands who demanded change to our nation's broken immigration system. Rep. Gutierrez' address responded to a recent call from the immigration advocacy community to introduce comprehensive immigration reform in the House of Representatives.
Rep. Gutierrez has been actively talking to advocacy and civil rights groups, faith-based groups, labor groups and his colleagues on the Hill to identify the most essential components of such a comprehensive bill. Today he outlined some of those core principles.
In a statement, Rep. Gutierrez said:
"We simply cannot wait any longer for a bill that keeps our families together, protects our workers and allows a pathway to legalization for those who have earned it. It is time we had a workable plan making its way through Congress that recognizes the vast contributions of immigrants to this country and that honors the American Dream. I am preparing such a plan, and will introduce it in the near future. It will include the following core principles:"
Click on the headline to read the rest of this PRESS RELEASE! This is only a small part of it.
Reno Vigil Underscores Immigration Reform Push
This vigil in Reno, Nevada is trying to put immigration reform back in the spotlight. - - Donna Poisl
by Chris Thomas, Public News Service - NV
RENO, Nev. - It's a big week for immigration reform, and Nevadans are holding a candlelight vigil in Reno tonight to stress the importance of the issue. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano speaks in California on Thursday and immigrants' rights advocates are busing in from other states to put the pressure on there there. Today, Congressman Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) unveils his plan for comprehensive immigration reform.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by Chris Thomas, Public News Service - NV
RENO, Nev. - It's a big week for immigration reform, and Nevadans are holding a candlelight vigil in Reno tonight to stress the importance of the issue. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano speaks in California on Thursday and immigrants' rights advocates are busing in from other states to put the pressure on there there. Today, Congressman Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) unveils his plan for comprehensive immigration reform.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Local Hispanic leaders pleased with new federal Web site that provides information in Spanish
USA.gov and GobiernoUSA.gov are helping immigrants and especially Hispanics. - - Donna Poisl
By Express-Times staff
A new federal Web site, GobiernoUSA.gov, has been online for two months and allows the nation’s 44 million Hispanics to access information in their native language.
The site is an exact copy of USA.gov and provides links to employment, income tax, science, nutrition and voting information as well as other helpful services such as life in the United States, the Bill of Rights, information about voting rights and where to find free legal services.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Express-Times staff
A new federal Web site, GobiernoUSA.gov, has been online for two months and allows the nation’s 44 million Hispanics to access information in their native language.
The site is an exact copy of USA.gov and provides links to employment, income tax, science, nutrition and voting information as well as other helpful services such as life in the United States, the Bill of Rights, information about voting rights and where to find free legal services.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Teaching reading, both at work and in her free time
Another great story about a reading tutor, teaching an immigrant to read better. - - Donna Poisl
By ELAINE ROSE, Staff Writer
GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP - Lisa Mainor works as a reading instructor at a Sylvan Learning Center and teaches reading and writing at Atlantic Cape Community College.
So when her work day is over, you'd think she would like to do something in her spare time besides teaching people to read, right?
Wrong.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By ELAINE ROSE, Staff Writer
GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP - Lisa Mainor works as a reading instructor at a Sylvan Learning Center and teaches reading and writing at Atlantic Cape Community College.
So when her work day is over, you'd think she would like to do something in her spare time besides teaching people to read, right?
Wrong.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Summit focuses on immigrants’ road to integration
Many immigrants arrive here with a very good education but can't use any of their experience or degrees to find work here. Plus, they have to adjust to all the other things that are new, including cold weather. - - Donna Poisl
by Patrick Meighan
NASHUA – Immigrants who freshly arrive here struggle with everything from learning how pedestrian crossing signals work to adapting to cold weather.
Simple acts of daily life aside, one of the largest frustrations is education.
During the second annual immigration summit held here Monday, several immigrants talked about how frustrating it is to have college degrees and years of experience in a career in their native land, only to be told they have to start from scratch in the U.S. Starting from scratch can mean not only having to go to college again, but also first needing a GED.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by Patrick Meighan
NASHUA – Immigrants who freshly arrive here struggle with everything from learning how pedestrian crossing signals work to adapting to cold weather.
Simple acts of daily life aside, one of the largest frustrations is education.
During the second annual immigration summit held here Monday, several immigrants talked about how frustrating it is to have college degrees and years of experience in a career in their native land, only to be told they have to start from scratch in the U.S. Starting from scratch can mean not only having to go to college again, but also first needing a GED.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Cardinal McCarrick brings immigration reform message to Senate
Cardinal McCarrick has told a Senate committee that immigration reform is needed to reunite families, help the country economically and restore human rights. - - Donna Poisl
by Catholic News Agency
Washington D.C., (CNA).- Comprehensive immigration reform is needed to help bring undocumented immigrants “out of the shadows” and to reunite them with their families, Archbishop Emeritus of Washington Cardinal Theodore McCarrick told a Senate subcommittee on Thursday.
Addressing the Senate Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees, and Border Security on Comprehensive Immigration Reform, the cardinal said the United States requires an immigration system that links legal immigration with the country’s long-term economic needs, with family unity and with basic human rights.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by Catholic News Agency
Washington D.C., (CNA).- Comprehensive immigration reform is needed to help bring undocumented immigrants “out of the shadows” and to reunite them with their families, Archbishop Emeritus of Washington Cardinal Theodore McCarrick told a Senate subcommittee on Thursday.
Addressing the Senate Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees, and Border Security on Comprehensive Immigration Reform, the cardinal said the United States requires an immigration system that links legal immigration with the country’s long-term economic needs, with family unity and with basic human rights.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Latinos would be wrong to boycott the 2010 Census count
I hope Latinos do not listen to the people telling them to boycott the Census just because they are unhappy about immigration reform and enforcement. Numbers talk and more counted on the Census will have a louder voice. - - Donna Poisl
by Ruben Navarrette Jr.
If Census Bureau estimates are accurate, there are about 47 million Latinos in the United States, accounting for about 15 percent of the total U.S. population.
The 2010 Census is six months away, but the national count is stirring controversy in the Latino community. It’s also exposing a contradiction on the part of America’s largest minority.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by Ruben Navarrette Jr.
If Census Bureau estimates are accurate, there are about 47 million Latinos in the United States, accounting for about 15 percent of the total U.S. population.
The 2010 Census is six months away, but the national count is stirring controversy in the Latino community. It’s also exposing a contradiction on the part of America’s largest minority.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Teaching Spanish to Pinellas deputies is a smart move
This police force has decided to teach their officers basic conversational Spanish so they can respond better to emergency calls. In the long run, it saves a lot of lives and money too. - - Donna Poisl
by Tampabay.com staff
Pinellas County Sheriff Jim Coats probably didn't need any population numbers to tell him that the county's Hispanic population is booming. His deputies see it daily and are grappling with a problem resulting from it: Increasingly, deputies are unable to communicate with people who call them for help. So Coats is sending deputies back to class — to learn Spanish. It is a creative and relatively inexpensive way to address a difficult problem for law enforcement.
Some police agencies in Pinellas have chosen to teach their officers a smattering of conversational Spanish to help them on the beat. For example, earlier this year more than 25 officers in the Clearwater Police Department took an intensive two-week Spanish course. They learned common phrases as well as some cultural information to help them serve Clearwater's fastest growing minority.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by Tampabay.com staff
Pinellas County Sheriff Jim Coats probably didn't need any population numbers to tell him that the county's Hispanic population is booming. His deputies see it daily and are grappling with a problem resulting from it: Increasingly, deputies are unable to communicate with people who call them for help. So Coats is sending deputies back to class — to learn Spanish. It is a creative and relatively inexpensive way to address a difficult problem for law enforcement.
Some police agencies in Pinellas have chosen to teach their officers a smattering of conversational Spanish to help them on the beat. For example, earlier this year more than 25 officers in the Clearwater Police Department took an intensive two-week Spanish course. They learned common phrases as well as some cultural information to help them serve Clearwater's fastest growing minority.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Contributions of immigrants in U.S. recognized as Nobel Prize winners announced
Four of seven U.S. Nobel Prize winners were born in other countries. More proof how important immigrants are to our country. - - Donna Poisl
posted on www.chinaview.cn
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- The role of immigrants and their contributions to society have been recognized in the United States as four of the seven 2009 Nobel prize winners from the U.S. were born in other lands.
Seven of the Nobel Prize winners announced so far this week, including U.S. President Barack Obama, are U.S. citizens. But four of the winners are immigrants born outside of the United States.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
posted on www.chinaview.cn
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- The role of immigrants and their contributions to society have been recognized in the United States as four of the seven 2009 Nobel prize winners from the U.S. were born in other lands.
Seven of the Nobel Prize winners announced so far this week, including U.S. President Barack Obama, are U.S. citizens. But four of the winners are immigrants born outside of the United States.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
High School in NY Observes Hangeul Day
This small high school of 460 students is learning about Korean culture in a fun way. - - Donna Poisl
by Dong-A Ilbo staff
Dobbs Ferry High School is about a 50-minute drive from Manhattan. A Dong-A Ilbo reporter visited the school Wednesday, seeing banners reading, “Today, October 7, is Hangeul Day” at many locations, including the entrance to the library, classrooms, corridors and steps.
Posters on the wall also promoted events to introduce Korea and teach the Korean alphabet on the occasion of Hangeul Day.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
by Dong-A Ilbo staff
Dobbs Ferry High School is about a 50-minute drive from Manhattan. A Dong-A Ilbo reporter visited the school Wednesday, seeing banners reading, “Today, October 7, is Hangeul Day” at many locations, including the entrance to the library, classrooms, corridors and steps.
Posters on the wall also promoted events to introduce Korea and teach the Korean alphabet on the occasion of Hangeul Day.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
New York Needs More Immigrants, Says Bloomberg
Mayor Bloomberg says the most important thing immigrants need is help learning our language. More immigrants and more ESL classes are what NYC needs. - - Donna Poisl
By Charlotte Cuthbertson, Epoch Times Staff
NEW YORK—Immigrants are New York City’s economic engine, according to Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The Brooklyn Bridge was designed by an immigrant and both the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center were built by the hands of immigrants.
“New York City needs more immigrants,” Bloomberg said to a group of ethnic media at CUNY Graduate Center on Thursday. It was the first time Bloomberg met with ethnic media in New York—a detail the audience did not let pass.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Charlotte Cuthbertson, Epoch Times Staff
NEW YORK—Immigrants are New York City’s economic engine, according to Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The Brooklyn Bridge was designed by an immigrant and both the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center were built by the hands of immigrants.
“New York City needs more immigrants,” Bloomberg said to a group of ethnic media at CUNY Graduate Center on Thursday. It was the first time Bloomberg met with ethnic media in New York—a detail the audience did not let pass.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Friday, October 09, 2009
President Sets Refugee Admissions at 80,000 for 2010
President Obama has authorized the admission of up to 80,000 refugees to the United States in 2010. Read the whole press release and list of countries at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Presidential-Memoranda-9/30/09/
Or click on the headline.
Or click on the headline.
Winooski refugee influx brings praise, concern
Even though all the new refugees are a challenge to accommodate and teach, this city in Vermont feels it is worth it. They see it as an opportunity, not a negative. - - Donna Poisl
By Matt Sutkoski, Free Press Staff Writer
WINOOSKI -- History is repeating itself in Winooski in the form of a wave of new immigrants, and the city's leaders said they consider that a blessing and a challenge.
A continuing influx of immigrants and refugees is enlivening the cultural life of the city even as it crowds the schools, challenges teachers and police, and raises questions among residents about the mix of rental and owner-occupied housing in the city.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
By Matt Sutkoski, Free Press Staff Writer
WINOOSKI -- History is repeating itself in Winooski in the form of a wave of new immigrants, and the city's leaders said they consider that a blessing and a challenge.
A continuing influx of immigrants and refugees is enlivening the cultural life of the city even as it crowds the schools, challenges teachers and police, and raises questions among residents about the mix of rental and owner-occupied housing in the city.
Click on the headline to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)