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Trump’s Presidency Means: Increased Civil Rights Violations, Registration of Muslims, Criminilization of Immigrants and White Nationalist Laws Passed in Congress and States

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elebrity Apprentice, no more!

This is the real deal. America, he's hired. Yes, Donald Trump, the bombastic reality-TV-star-turnedpolitician is the president-elect of the United States of America. Here, we outline Donald’ Trump’s vision (www.donaldjtrump.com/policies/immigration/) on immigration that will surely destroy the immigrant community, if implemented.

•Prioritize the jobs, wages and security of the American people.

•Establish new immigration controls to boost wages and to ensure that open jobs are offered to American workers first.

•Protect the economic well-being of the

continued on page 10

Corruption Case in T&T ...see page 2

Photo credit:saynotogrump.com

Dangers Faced by Undocumented Nannies

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BY LLONA BRAY, JD

f you have small children, the day may come when you decide to hire in-home, or even live-in child care—otherwise known as a nanny.

Depending on where you live, some

of the most widely available, affordable, or qualified applicants may lack immigration paperwork. That doesn’t stop many parents from hiring them, but you should be aware of the risks, as described below:

You would be breaking the law.

As an employer (and yes, you would be an employer—the very nature of the nanny’s job means that the IRS is unlikely to call her an independent contractor) you must, under U.S. federal law, hire only nannies who have a legal right to both live and work in the continued on page 12

Nanny Training Certificate Program ...see pages 13-16

Scared? Nervous

about Presidentelect Trump’s Immigration Plans?

CALL NOW FOR A FREE CONSULTATION:

Call 718-222-3155.

Brian Figeroux, Esq.

White Evangelicals, Catholics and Mormons Carried Trump Religions that Blacks, Hispanics and other Minorities should leave, there membership support slavery, are anti-immigrant, ignore global warming, degrade women and believe Black Lives Do Not Matter.

continued on page 23

INSIDE: Jamaicans are #1in Home Ownership PLUS 4-page Real Estate Insert

Senator Jesse Hamilton: Do Not Despair ...see page 3

Carl Dix: A Fascist Has Been Elected President ...see page 4

Berthia Lewis: Fighting for Minority Businesses ...see page 18

Sir Hilary Beckles: White Global Supremacy Reconstructed? ...see page 2

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Caribbean Consulates

Anguilla 845 Third Avenue New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-745-0200

Antigua & Barbuda 305 East 47th Street, Suite 6A New York, N.Y. 10020 Tel: 212-541-4117

The Bahamas 231 East 46th Street New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-421-6420

Barbados 820 Second Avenue, 5th Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-551-4325

Belize 675 Third Avenue, Suite 1911 New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-593-0999

Dominica 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400H New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-949-0853

Dominican Republic 1500 Broadway, Suite 410 New York, N.Y. 10036 Tel: 212-599-8478

Grenada 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400K New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-599-0301

Guyana 308 West 38th Street New York, N.Y. 10018 Tel: 212-947-5119

Haiti 815 Second Avenue,6th Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-697-9767

Jamaica 767 Third Avenue, 2nd Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-935-9000

Martinique 444 Madison Avenue, 16th Floor New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-838-6887

Montserrat 845 Third Avenue New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-745-0200

Panama 1212 Avenue of the Americas, 20th Floor New York, N.Y. 10036 Tel: 212-840-2450

St. Kitts & Nevis 414 East 75th Street, 5th Floor New York, N.Y. 10021 Tel: 212-535-5521

St. Lucia 800 Second Avenue, 9th Floor New York, N.Y. 10007 Tel: 212-697-9360 St. Maarten 675 Third Avenue, Suite 1807 New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 800-786-2278

St. Vincent & The Grenadines 801 Second Avenue, 21st Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-687-4981 Trinidad & Tobago 125 Maiden Lane, 4th Floor New York, N.Y. 10038 Tel: 212-682-7272

For more Consulate information go to www.cawnyc.com/directory

IN THE NEWS

Corruption Case: T&T Government Goes After Officials Under Past Administration

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ORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: The Government has initiated legal action against nine former officials of the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) on allegations of corruption during their tenure.

Speaking with the T&T Guardian hours after Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley revealed that the lawsuit had been filed on November 9, Attorney General Faris AlRawi said it was the first to arise out of extensive audits and investigations ordered by the People’s National Movement (PNM) Government after assuming office in September last year.

“In this particular matter, there are nine defendants, including public officials and persons who have had control of certain entities of the State,” Al-Rawi said.

“The nature of matters surround the core of corruption, unjust enrichment, [and] the breach of certain duties but it is squarely designed to tackle corruption, mismanagement and to ask people to account for what they have done.”

While Al-Rawi repeatedly said he could

Attorney General, Faris Al-Rawi

not reveal the parties named in the lawsuit and the wrongdoing they are alleged to have committed as the case was at a sensitive stage, the T&T Guardian understands it involves former officials of HDC, a staterun company which falls under the Ministry of Housing.

“You would know that some time ago I also made a commitment not to do what my predecessors had done, which is to give chapter and verse and campaigning in

relation to litigation really because we are adamant that due process ought to be followed and that the courts will be the ultimate arbiter of the matters which are under investigation,” Al-Rawi said.

Al-Rawi also said the same approach used in the case would apply to officials of his Government, in the event they were similarly accused of corrupt activities.

He also expressed optimism over the Government’s chances of succeeding in the case.

“I can tell you that we are absolutely certain and very confident in what we have brought in the courts already. We are also very confident that the other matters we have in gear will be managed very shortly,” he said.

In addition to the civil claim, Al-Rawi revealed that criminal prosecutions may also arise from the Government’s investigations.l

Source: Trinidad Guardian via www.Caribbean360.com

Could Caribbean Economic Citizenship Programs Cash in on Trump’s Victory?

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ASHINGTON, DC: Uncertainty and fear over a United States governed by a Donald Trump administration appears to be pushing wealthy Americans to look for alternative citizenships—and the Caribbean just might benefit.

The Republican’s upset win over Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, after the November 8 elections, followed a divisive campaign that featured controversial statements and actions by the real estate mogul, particularly as it relates to immigration, trade and climate change.

According to a statement issued by a highprofile citizenship advisory firm, “in the hours since Donald Trump was confirmed as the next President of the United States, there has been a sharp increase in the number of Americans enquiring about alternative residence and citizenship programs.”

It said similar sharp increases were also noted after major events such as the United Kingdom’s vote to leave the European Union, Brexit. “Such spikes happen when

citizens become uncertain about the future of their country. They seek safer options for their families,” it added, noting that as the chance that Trump would win the election increased, the Canadian Immigration website crashed because of an overload of visitors.

In contrast to 12 years ago, there are now many more residence and CBIs programs available to choose from worldwide.

Among them are CBIs in the Caribbean nations of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, and St. Kitts and Nevis.

Governments are embracing these citizenship programs to stimulate economic development and growth, and there are a growing number of wealthy and talented individuals looking to diversify their citizenship portfolios to give themselves and their families greater international opportunity, freedom and security. Governments are recognizing the significant benefits of attracting global citizens who can contribute to their own economic development and advancement, with those individuals

bringing not only their investment, but proven business success, world-class skills and international experience, valuable networks and contacts that can benefit a country enormously.

Meantime, leading Caribbean academic Sir Hilary Beckles said people should expect “migration of larger numbers of Caribbean people back to the region and significantly back to Latin America” because of Trump’s win.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies issued the warning as he contended that presidency had “reconstructed the white global supremacy system”.

Sir Hilary suggested that Trump’s election was a retrograde step that would take the U.S. back by several decades to the days of “plantation America” when blacks had little to no civil rights and white supremacy was key.l Source: Caribbean360.com

Jamaicans No. 1 in U.S. Home Ownership Among Caribbean Immigrants

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BY XAVIER MURPHY

amaica is at the head of a list of Latin American and South American nations in the number of immigrants to the United States who are home owners. In a report from the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) published by News America, immigrants from Latin American and Caribbean nations are among the top foreign-born home owners in the U.S. The report, which is based on data from the U.S Census Bureau for 2014 and 2015, shows that 53 percent of an estimated 706,000

Jamaicans living in the U.S. own their homes. This is the highest percentage of home owners of any immigrant population from the Americas.

Second on the list is Cuba with 52 percent of the 1.1 million Cuban immigrants and in third place is Colombia, which has more than 48.3 percent of the estimated 707,000 Colombian immigrants .

The remaining nations in the top ten are Mexico with almost 45 percent of its 11.4 million immigrants; Haiti with 43 percent of an estimated 606,000 Haitian nationals living in the U.S. being home ownersl

Source:jamaicans.com

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CONVERSATIONS

Senator Hamilton Offers Words of Wisdom and Comfort

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BY VANDELL PARK

s the news of Donald Trump’s victory ripple across the United States of America, millions are rejoicing, while millions more are in despair. After all, what’s more frustrating, is that Hillary Clinton and her losing Democratic party received more votes than Donald Trump and his Republican party that will inherit the handle of power. The unexpected defeat for Hillary Clinton at the polls left millions also grappling in her agony of defeat. According to many, it is not the defeat that angst their confidence, rather, it is the person who was elected president and his unpredictable character, and damning campaign rhetoric that’s dogging their minds. People fear that President-elect Donald Trump, along with a re-elected Republican Congress and Senate, is a bad combination that will ruin years of progress this country has made on issues of civil rights, immigration, race relations here in the U.S. and bilateral relations worldwide. Senator Jesse Hamilton of New York State 20th Senatorial District expressed his fears this way: “Presidentelect Trump has made profound statements as far as immigration issues as far as deporting people who are not here legally.

In my district I have a large immigrant population who work hard but are just not documented…we will work hard and organize to let people know that we need the DREAM Act passed in the New York State Legislature where all children whether you are documented or undocumented get a quality education…Donald Trump as far as the immigration issue, gives people a lot of anxiety as far as what’s going to happen. It’s the fear of the unknown. For the African-American community with regards to the Black Lives Matter, Donald Trump says he wants law and order, does that mean that there will be more young men of color locked up in prison? Are we going to go in the direction of criminalizing the behavior of being poor? Or, are we going to look at getting more resources to keep people from going to prison?”

According to Senator Hamilton, undocumented immigrants in New York City in particular, are fearful that they are targets of the Donald Trump threat of deportation, since many of them are vulnerable due to the current New York City Identification Card drive: “The scary thing right now is that we have IDNYC where many people’s addresses and other personal information

is in a public database in order for them to obtain ID cards just to open a bank account and to do normal business in the city. So right now we have to ensure that we, at the New York State Senate introduce legislation to protect undocumented immigrants who applied for the IDNYC, so their information can be kept confidential, and not given to any state oderal Agency to deport someone. And my fear is that if they do try to start deporting people, we know that communities of color will be adversely affected. We know that they will not go to someone who is Irish, or from Europe. It will most likely be done in a quota system and like the criminal justice system, when you have a quota, you go to people who don’t look like you. And as a senator, I don’t want to see Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) coming to people’s apartment in the middle of the night and deporting them because of their color and in certain communities.”

Senator Hamilton further believes Donald Trump’s appointment of the 9th Justice to the United States Supreme Court will tremendously impact the lives of people, in particular, African American, Caribbean and Latino men across the country. He believes that: “Donald Trump appointment to the Supreme Court could have a dramatic impact on our civil liberties. Here in New York, we fought hard to end stop and frisk where thousands of young men were stopped, frisked and incarcerated for minor offenses, while their white counterparts weren’t arrested at all.

You don’t have to go far to see how many people are going through the criminal courts. So, the Supreme Court’s appointment will have a tremendous adverse impact on America, from the Roe v Wade law to women’s rights to have an abortion, certainly how the court rule on certain cases will be impacted by the lifetime appointment that will be made by this new President and that’s a scary issue right

now. In addition, the funding of education to certain demographics in this country is another issue likely to be affected by a Donald Trump presidency.”

The senator says he will fight vigorously for the rights of hardworking, tax -paying undocumented immigrants who abides by the laws of this country and make a significant contribution to the economy of New York City, New State and the United States of America in general: “I don’t see why undocumented immigrants who are working here and are not committing a crime should be deported. If you want to say that your policy will target people who come to this country after a certain date, that’s different; we can talk about it, but going back to those who are already here, I have a problem with that, because people been here fifteen, twenty years have children, never got in trouble, being productive, I don’t see why you’re going to deport someone like that. It is un-American to me. I have no problem with people who live in this country who want to work, want to get a car to take their families around, who want a car to do business and even get their own trucking company; why shouldn’t they have a driver’s license? I am for undocumented immigrants who obey the laws of this country and live in New York State to get a driver’s license. Come January 1st 2017, I New York State Senator Jesse Hamilton would be introducing legislation to make sure that whether you are documented or undocumented you can get a driver’s license in New York State.”

Senator Hamilton also issued a message of hope to those who are or might still be reeling from the shock of Donald Trump’s victory at the polls: “Not to deny the fear, anxiety, and grief that tens of millions of our neighbors feel…but despair is not the answer. Because our Muslim, our LGBTQ, our Latino, and our African-American brothers, our fellow Americans need our support. Because we must organize.

Because democracy is about what happens on Election Day and every day in between.

Because we still need the spirit of the Civil Rights Movement in our politics. Because social justice needs champions. Because our ideals of human rights for women, people of color, the disenfranchised, and the downtrodden still matter. Because these ideals matter all that much more under a presidency that pose profound challenges to the direction we envision for our country. We hope.”l

TEAM

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My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. —Hosea 4:6 Publisher I.Q. INC.

Managing Editor & Editor-in-Chief Pearl Phillip Legal Advisor Brian Figeroux, Esq. Assistant Editor Marilyn Silverman

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CIVIL RIGHTS

A Vile Fascist Has Been Elected President of the United States

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BY CARL DIX, REVCOM.US

here must be no illusions that somehow this will be OK. It won't. Every immigrant, woman, Black, Latino, Native American, Muslim or differently gendered person...every person who cares about the planet, every person with even an elementary sense of justice and compassion—all over the world—has reason to hurt and be concerned for the future like never before.

All that Donald Trump represents must not stand. Starting today, there must be massive resistance to everything Donald Trump represents and every reactionary measure that he has promised to deliver.

This is a time for courage, not despair.

Struggle, not retreat, escape or conciliation.

Donald Trump promised to "Make America Great Again." Hillary Clinton countered that America was already great. The reality: America Was Never Great. This country has been a nightmare from its founding with enslavement of Africans and the genocide of Native Americans, continuing through the theft of Mexico and on through the endless wars and invasions of countries and peoples around the world while here at home

the horror is unrelenting for tens of millions. The American nightmare is real, and it has just gotten more horrific.

But, this too is real: Donald Trump is a grotesque representative of a system that has a name—capitalism-imperialism-and this system means, and can only mean, misery and horrors for the majority of humanity. Through the whole election process this vicious buffoon has been treated as a legitimate candidate for president. Any system that treats such a racist and misogynist fascist as legitimate reveals itself to be illegitimate. There should be no illusions or rationalizations to explain this reality away. And, the fact that there has been and will continue to be such intense ugly infighting among the ruling class reveals a system facing major challenges and crises, and potential openings and freedom to be wrenched for the struggle of the people

for a radically new and better world.

Donald Trump represents an even more grotesque and openly murderous form of this system, and his attacks against the people should be met with massive resistance. But what is needed will NOT be to return to what has been, continuing the same brutal system, its crimes and horrors.

What is needed and possible is a radically new society, and a radically different kind of state, that will open the way and lead finally to the abolition of all forms of oppressive and repressive rule and all relations of domination and exploitation, throughout the world. This is a society charted and embodied in the Constitution for the New Socialist Republic in North America. This pathbreaking work is authored by Bob Avakian, architect of the new communism, and the leader of the revolution—

an ACTUAL revolution, to overthrow this system at the soonest possible time.

HOW WE CAN WIN—How We Can Really Make Revolution, from the Central Committee of the Revolutionary Communist Party, USA starts with this foundational point: An actual revolution does not mean trying to make some changes within this system—it means overthrowing this system and bringing into being a radically different and far better system. This system of capitalism-imperialism cannot be reformed. There is no way, under this system, to put an end to the brutality and murder by police, the wars and destruction of people and the environment, the exploitation, oppression and degradation of millions and billions of people, including the half of humanity that is female, here and throughout the world— all of which is rooted in profound contradictions built into the basic functioning, relations, and structures of this system. Only an actual revolution can bring about the fundamental change that is needed.

This is a time for daring. People need to be in the streets and getting into, and getting with, the revolution.l

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CIVIL RIGHTS

Black Lives Matter Is Not a Hate Group

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BY RICHARD COHEN

ach year, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), of which I am the president, compiles and publishes a census of domestic hate groups.

Our list, which is cited extensively by journalists, academics and government officials alike, provides an important barometer—not the only one, of course—to help us understand the state of hate and extremism in America.

In recent weeks, we’ve received a number of requests to name Black Lives Matter a hate group, particularly in the wake of the murders of eight police officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge.

Numerous conservative commentators have joined the chorus. There is even a Change.org petition calling for the hate group label.

In our view, these critics fundamentally misunderstand the nature of hate groups and the BLM movement.

Generally speaking, hate groups are, by our definition, those that vilify entire groups of people based on immutable characteristics such as race or ethnicity.

Federal law takes a similar approach.

While it’s no surprise, given our country’s history, that most domestic hate groups hold white supremacist views, there are a number of black organizations on our hate group list as well.

A prime example is the New Black Panther Party (NBPP), whose leaders are known for anti-Semitic and antiwhite tirades. Its late chairman, Khalid Abdul Muhammad, famously remarked, “There are no good crackers, and if you find one, kill him before he changes.”

Bobby Seale, a founding member of the original Black Panther Party, has called the NBPP a “black racist hate group.”

We have heard nothing remotely comparable to the NBPP’s bigotry from the founders and most prominent leaders of the Black Lives Matter movement and nothing at all to suggest that the bulk of the demonstrators hold supremacist or black separatist views. Thousands of white people across America – indeed, people of all races — have marched in solidarity with African Americans during BLM marches, as is clear from the group’s website. The movement’s leaders also have condemned violence.

There’s no doubt that some protesters who claim the mantle of Black Lives Matter have said offensive things, like the chant “pigs in a blanket, fry ‘em like bacon” that was heard at one rally. But before we condemn the entire movement for the words of a few, we should ask ourselves whether we would also condemn the entire Republican Party for the racist words of Donald Trump — or for the racist rhetoric of many other politicians in the party over the course of

years.

Many of its harshest critics claim that Black Lives Matter’s very name is antiwhite, hence the oft-repeated rejoinder “all lives matter.” This notion misses the point entirely. Black lives matter because they have been marginalized throughout our country’s history and because white lives have always mattered more in our society. As BLM puts it, the movement stands for “the simple proposition that ‘black lives also matter.’”

The backlash to BLM, in some ways, reflects a broad sense of unease among white people who worry about the cultural changes in the country and feel they are falling behind in a country that is rapidly growing more diverse in a globalizing world. We consistently see this phenomenon in surveys showing that large numbers of white people believe racial discrimination against them is as perva-

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sive, or more so, than it is against African Americans.

It’s the same dynamic that researchers at Harvard Business School described in a recent study: White people tend to see racism as a zero-sum game, meaning that gains for African Americans come at their expense. Black people see it differently. From their point of view, the rights pie can get bigger for everyone.

Black Lives Matter is not a hate group.

But the perception that it is racist illustrates the problem. Our society as a whole still does not accept that racial injustice remains pervasive. And, unfortunately, the fact that white people tend to see race as a zero-sum game may actually impede progress.

This commentary first appeared at TIME.coml

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MAN ON THE STREET

Youth Views on President-elect Trump Ashlee Thomas 18, Flatbush, Brooklyn “I feel like everyone is hot-headed because Trump got elected. No, I did not vote for Trump let me make that clear.

I’m upset because he has yet to prove us wrong yet he got elected. We cannot turn to violence to make a difference. We have to sit it out and see what he will actually do.”

Irsa Shahzadi 19, Brooklyn “I fell asleep thinking Hillary was going to win. I texted my friend, ‘who won?’ and she said ‘Trump.’ I’m not a citizen.

I’m scared for myself and my friends who aren’t. I’m scared for my friends who are covered [with a hijab]. We thought we were progressing. We’re kind of happy [however] that New York voted for Hillary and not [for] Trump.”

Lekeem Phillips 18, Brooklyn “Why not process all the harm he is going to do? Even if you are going to vote [for the] third party don’t throw away your vote. His supporters are so brave right now. Many people are scared for their families and I’m scared for my friends.”

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Chad Buckley, 20, Brooklyn “I feel like it’s something that we’re going to have to get used to. I think people aren’t used to him being president right now. Overtime people will get used to it and embrace him as [the] president.

It will just take time for people to adjust.”

Christian Campos, 20, Brooklyn “I believe that these next four years are a wake up call of the worst kind, because [it will] seem like a nightmare.”

Sabeena Ramnanan 21, Ozone Park, Queens “I stayed up until 4 a.m. watching the [election], I was really surprised [by] the results because the polls have been showing the total opposite up until yesterday. I was definitely shocked. I wanted Bernie Sanders to win, but he didn’t win the primaries.”

Sierah Rodriguez, 18, Long Island “I think he's a racist bigot and he should've never been allowed to campaign past the primaries. I'm hoping Congress won't pass any of his irrational laws. I'm just hoping that [the] checks and balances do its job.”

Aminata Toure, 26, Bronx “I didn’t think anyone would actually vote for him. Then when the results came it’s not like he won by a little bit. It was a huge difference, especially with electoral votes. Is America going back to the racist age? My heart went out to Hillary Clinton. It’s scary because we don’t know what’s going to happen next.”

Dante Mckie, 19 Brooklyn “I didn’t believe it. I thought it was a joke. I thought [Donald Trump] was a joke. [Donald Trump] has no political background. Him winning was a huge shock to me. No one of his stature should be running for president.”

Cheyenne Perez 21, Queens “I feel like he is not the best candidate.

Now you can see that the majority of Americans agree with him. I was unsatisfied that he won. I wanted Hilary because I couldn’t agree with Donald Trump. Even though Hillary may not be the best, she is the better out of the two.”

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MONEY MATTERS

Introduction to the Innocent Spouse

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any married taxpayers choose to file a joint tax return because of certain benefits this filing status allows. Both taxpayers are jointly and individually responsible for the tax and any interest or penalty due on the joint return even if they later divorce. This is true even if a divorce decree states that a former spouse will be responsible for any amounts due on previously filed joint returns. One spouse may be held responsible for all the tax due even if all the income was earned by the other spouse.

In some cases, a spouse will be relieved of the tax, interest, and penalties on a joint tax return. The three types of relief available are: •Innocent spouse relief •Separation of liability •Equitable relief

Each type of relief has different requirements. By requesting innocent spouse relief, you can be relieved of responsibility for paying tax, interest, and penalties if your spouse (or former spouse) improperly reported items or omitted items on your tax return. Generally, the tax, interest, and penalties that qualify for relief can only be collected from your spouse (or former spouse.) However, you are jointly and individually responsible for any tax, interest, and penalties that do not qualify for relief. The IRS can collect these amounts from either you or your spouse (or former spouse.)

The IRS will figure the tax you are responsible for after you file Form 8857.

You are not required to figure this amount.

But if you wish, you can figure it yourself.

You must meet all of the following conditions to qualify for innocent spouse relief: •You filed a joint return which has an understatement of tax due to erroneous items, defined below, of your spouse (or former spouse).

•You establish that at the time you signed the joint return you did not know, and had no reason to know, that there was an understatement of tax.

•Taking into account all the facts and circumstances, it would be unfair to hold you liable for the understatement of tax.

•You and your spouse (or former spouse) have not transferred property to one another as part of a fraudulent scheme. A fraudulent scheme includes a scheme to defraud the IRS or another third party, such as a creditor, ex-spouse, or business partner.

Erroneous Items Erroneous items are either of the following: •Unreported income.

•Incorrect deduction, credit, or basis.

•The expense for which the deduction is taken was never paid or incurred. For example, your spouse, a cash-basis taxpayer, deducted $10,000 of advertising expenses on Schedule C of your joint tax return •The expense does not qualify as a deductible expense.

•No factual argument can be made to support the deductibility of the expense.

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does not apply to any part of the understatement of tax due to that item. You and your spouse (or former spouse) remain jointly liable for that part of the understatement.

The IRS will consider all facts and circumstances in determining whether you had reason to know of an understatement of tax due to an erroneous item.

Actual Knowledge or Reason to Know You knew or had reason to know of an understatement if: •You actually knew of the understatement, or •A reasonable person in similar circumstances would have known of the understatement.

Actual Knowledge If you actually knew about an erroneous item that belongs to your spouse (or former spouse), the relief discussed here does not apply to any part of the understatement of tax due to that item. You and your spouse (or former spouse) remain jointly liable for that part of the understatement.

Reason to Know If you had reason to know about an erroneous item that belongs to your spouse (or former spouse), the relief discussed here

Partial Relief When Portion of Erroneous Item Is Unknown You may qualify for partial relief if, at the time you filed your return, you had no knowledge or reason to know of only a portion of an erroneous item. You will be relieved of the understatement due to that portion of the item if all other requirements are met for that portion.

Indications of Unfairness for Innocent Spouse Relief The IRS will consider all of the facts and circumstances of the case in order to determine whether it is unfair to hold you responsible for the understatement.

You are an injured spouse if your share of the overpayment shown on your joint return was, or is expected to be, applied against your spouse's past-due federal debts, state taxes, or child or spousal support payments. If you are an injured spouse, you may be entitled to receive a refund for your share of the overpayment.l Source: irs.gov

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AMERICAN DREAM

Help for Veterans: VA Loans

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VA loan is a mortgage that is guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA helps active military, veterans and eligible surviving spouses become homeowners by enabling VAapproved lenders to offer loans with these benefits: •No down payment* •No private mortgage insurance premium •No pre-payment penalties

Who is Eligible for a VA Loan?

Generally, the following people are eligible: •Veterans who meet length of service requirements •Servicemembers on active duty who have served a minimum period •Certain Reservists and National Guard members •Certain surviving spouses of deceased Veterans Disabilities determined by VA to be related to your military service can lead to monthly non-taxable compensation, enrollment in the VA health care system, a 10-point hiring preference for federal employment and other important benefits.

Ask your VA representative or Veterans Service Organization representative about Disability Compensation, Pension, Health Care, Caregiver Program, Career Services, Educational Assistance, Home Loan Guaranty, Insurance and/or Dependents and Survivors’ Benefits.

Note: The VA appraisal is not intended to be an “inspection” of the property. A veteran should get expert advice from a qualified residential inspection service before legally committing to a purchase agreement. Veterans are also encouraged to have radon testing performed.

Note: There are other groups of individuals who may be eligible. To determine your eligibility, check eBenefits or contact VA Eligibility Center at 1-888-768-2132.

Benefits of a VA Guaranteed Loan: •Equal opportunity for all qualified Veterans to obtain a VA loan •Reusable •No down payment (unless required by the lender or the purchase price is more than the reasonable value of the property) •No mortgage insurance •One time VA funding fee that can be included in the loan •Veterans receiving VA disability com pensation are exempt from the VA funding fee •VA limits certain closing costs a Veteran can pay •Can be assumed by qualified persons •Minimum property requirements to ensure the property is safe, sanitary, and sound

•VA staff dedicated to assisting Veterans who become delinquent on their loan

How Do I Start the Process?

VA provides policy, guidelines and oversight of the program. Lenders provide financing for eligible veterans. The guaranty allows veterans to obtain a competitive loan without a down payment.

Lenders need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to prove your entitlement. Most veterans can obtain the COE online through eBenefits. Lenders also have the ability to request the COE on your behalf. VA encourages prospective buyers to talk to several lenders to find one that fits their needs, knows the VA loan program, and offers competitive rates and terms.

Key Underwriting Criteria: •No maximum debt ratio; however lender must provide compensating factors if total debt ratio over 41%.

•No maximum loan amount; however, VA does limit its guaranty; Veterans can borrow up to $417,000 without a down payment in most of the country. Find out the limit in any county •Published residual income guidelines to ensure Veterans have the capacity to repay their obligations while accounting for all living expenses.

•No minimum credit score requirement; instead VA requires a lender to review the entire loan profile to make a lending decision.l

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FAMILY MATTERS

How to Resolve Relationship Fights

Y

BY SARAH O’LEARY

ou may have heard the statistic that only 7% of what you communicate is in your words. The rest is made up of body language and tone of voice. In order to be heard and understood in relationship fights, we need to keep calm, actively listen, and respond mindfully rather than just reacting.

Open on a Positive Note A good way to start a conversation that tends to lead to your relationship fights is to sandwich the issue — put the issue in between two positive things. For example, “I think we’re really good at respecting each other’s privacy, but I feel like we need to spend more time together because I really enjoy being able to connect with you.” or “I love your passion for making pottery, but I feel like our finances are really strained right now. I’d love if we could find something less expensive we can do together while we work on our savings.”

Keep Calm Before you address a hot button issue, take a moment to yourself. Reciprocate to your partner as well; don’t jump to conclusions if they need some time to respond. It doesn’t mean they’re avoiding or lying; we all process differently. Take a deep breath and speak in a nurturing rather than aggressive manner.

Communicate your goal for the conversation (“I’d like for us to be able to get on the same page and understand each other about ___”) to establish something you can both agree on. If things get heated, understand that defensiveness is a sign of pain or fear. Let your partner know that their words hurt. If you must take a break to cool down, set a short time limit to consider your feelings, their feelings, and what kind of message you want your partner to receive.

Listen Actively Especially during confrontation, your attention and body language matter. Try to keep your arms and legs uncrossed with your body facing toward your partner, communicating openness and receptiveness. Maintain a gentle but direct eye contact. Mind your expressions – smile when appropriate, portray concern as needed, and avoid rolling your eyes if you become exasperated. Offer comfort to a distressed

partner through a light touch or even a hug.

Wait Your Turn Relationship fights escalate when each person does not feel heard. Allow your partner to finish their thoughts before stating your own; don’t interrupt them with defensiveness or counter-arguments.

Expect that they will do the same for you, and if they don’t, let them know (“I would appreciate it if you let me finish this thought. I’ve been listening carefully to what you’ve been saying and I’d like to be heard, too”).

Respond Mindfully Choose your words carefully. When talking about your partner’s behavior, use language that reflects how you perceived the situation and how it made you feel.

Judgmental or absolute language (“You always think that I’m doing things wrong.”) is like dry tinder for relationship

9

fights. Keep your body language, tone of voice, and overall message in mind as you speak. Saying, “That’s fine” through gritted teeth and a tensed back, shows very clearly that it is not fine. When you respond, reflect on what your partner is saying. Remember to let them know what you are feeling, too. This is a great time to talk about both of your needs, desires, frustrations, insecurities, and anxieties on the topic. You want this to be an open dialogue, not a one-way “you talk and I’ll listen.” Keep the conversation relevant – don’t bring up irrelevant things from the past.

Relationship Fights Don’t Have to Go On Forever Resolving conflict takes time, but it is important that you and your conversation partner are able to have open dialogues about your feelings. Relationship fights are normal and nobody is perfect at handling conflict, but learning how to articulate your feelings as well as how to hear and adapt to your partner’s feelings are essential to a healthy, lasting relationship.

The conversation will be uncomfortable — conflict always is — but mindfully expressing the feelings behind the conflict reinforces the safe and healthy connection in your relationship. l

Sarah O’Leary is a team member with Estes Therapy working under direct supervision of Jennine Estes MFT#47653.

Family Law Practice Summarized

NEW YORK IS NOW A NO-FAULT DIVORCE STATE

nDIVORCE nSEPARATION nSUPPORT nCUSTODY The lawyer you hire, does make a difference!

uContested &

Uncontested Divorces

uSeparation & Prenuptial Agreements

Has your spouse disappeared?

We can find your spouse!

Matrimonial Investigations

u Business & Degree Evaluations

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u Custody/Visitation

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Investigation

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10 #

IMMIGRATION

Trump’s Presidency Means: Increased Civil RIghts Violations, Registration of Muslims, Criminilization of Immigrants and White Nationalist Laws Passed in Congress and States/

continued from page 1

lawful immigrants already living here by curbing uncontrolled foreign worker admissions •Select immigrants based on their likelihood of success in the U.S. and their ability to be financially self-sufficient.

•Vet applicants to ensure they support America’s values, institutions and people, and temporarily suspend immigration from regions that export terrorism and where safe vetting cannot presently be ensured.

•Enforce the immigration laws of the United States and restore the Constitutional rule of law upon which America’s prosperity and security depend.

Donald J. Trump’s 10 Point Plan to Put America First 1. Begin working on an impenetrable physical wall on the southern border, on day one. Mexico will pay for the wall.

2. End catch-and-release. Under a Trump administration, anyone who illegally crosses the border will be detained until they are removed out of our country.

3. Move criminal aliens out day one, in joint operations with local, state, and federal law enforcement. We will terminate the Obama administration’s deadly, non-

enforcement policies that allow thousands of criminal aliens to freely roam our streets.

4. End sanctuary cities.

5. Immediately terminate President Obama’s two illegal executive amnesties.

All immigration laws will be enforced — we will triple the number of ICE agents.

Anyone who enters the U.S. illegally is subject to deportation. That is what it means to have laws and to have a country.

6. Suspend the issuance of visas to any place where adequate screening cannot occur, until proven and effective vetting mechanisms can be put into place.

7. Ensure that other countries take their people back when we order them deported.

8. Ensure that a biometric entry-exit visa tracking system is fully implemented at all land, air, and sea ports.

9. Turn off the jobs and benefits magnet.

Many immigrants come to the U.S. illegally in search of jobs, even though fed-

eral law prohibits the employment of illegal immigrants.

10. Reform legal immigration to serve the best interests of America and its workers, keeping immigration levels within historic norms.

KEY ISSUES •Illegal immigrants and other non-citizens in our prisons and jails together had around 25,000 homicide arrests to their names. [United States Government Accountability Office, March 2011] •Current immigration policy costs taxpayers $300 billion a year [National Review, Sept. 22, 2016] •There are at least 2 million convicted criminal aliens now inside the country.

[Center for Immigration Studies, Oct. 2013 •Since 2013 alone, the Obama Administration has allowed 300,000 criminal aliens to return back into U.S. communities.

•Between 9/11 and the end of 2014, at least 380 foreign-born individuals were convicted in terror cases inside the United States. [U.S. Senate Immigration Subcommittee, June 22, 2016] •In the last five years, we’ve admitted nearly 100,000 immigrants from Iraq and Afghanistan — in these two countries, according to Pew research, a majority of residents say that the barbaric practice of honor killings against women are often or sometimes justified. [U.S. Department of Homeland Security, August 2016], [Pew Research Center, July 22, 2016] •From the year 2008 through 2014, nearly 13,000 criminal aliens were released back into U.S. communities because their home countries would not take them back. [The Boston Globe, June 4, 2016] •62 percent of households headed by illegal immigrants used some form of cash or non-cash welfare programs, like food stamps or housing assistance. [Center for Immigration Studies, Sept. 2015] •Nearly 1 million illegal immigrants, including nearly 200,000 with criminal convictions, had been ordered deported but remain at large. [Washington Examiner, July 1, 2015 •Between 2013 and 2015, the Obama Administration released over 86,000 criminal aliens from custody. In 2015 alone, ICE freed 19,723 criminal aliens, who had 64,197 convictions among them. These included 8,234 violent convictions and 208 homicide convictions.

[Homeland Security Committee, Nov. 19, 2015] l

WE HELP IMMIGRANTS!

lGET THE FACTS

lBE SMART

lMAKE THE RIGHT DECISION

uHealth Care (RN/OT/PT/TSHH/SLP’S & IT Cases) uExtension of Status & Visa Renewals uWork Authorization uH-IB Professional Workers uF-1 Students Visa uJ-1 Exchange Visitor Trainees uO-1 Extraordinary Ability uR-1 Religious Workers uU.S. Citizenship uFamily-based Petitions and Fiancee Visa uGreen Cards/Labor Certification (RIR) uImmigration Visa Petitions:Employment Based uTemporary Work Visas uU.S. Citizenship & Derivative Petitions uLabor Certifications uU Visa - Crime Victimd uApplication for Asylum uPetitions for Writ of Habeas Corpus uAppeals to the Board of Immigration Appeal uLawsuits involving Eligibility and Processing for Citizenship uDACA, DAPA & Provisional Waivers uDeportation Defense, 601 Waivers, etc

lBEWARE OF IMMIGRATION FRAUD

LAW OFFICES OF FIGEROUX & ASSOCIATES

CALL 718-834-0190 26 Court Street, Suite 701 Brooklyn, NY 11242

lPERSONAL INJURY lACCIDENTS lFAMILY LAW lPOLICE BRUTALITY lCRIMINAL LAW lCIVIL LITIGATION lBANKRUPTCY lREAL ESTATE

Visit our website at: www.311immigration.com

BROOKLYN: 26 Court Street, Suite 701. Tel: 718-834-0190 VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR MORE NEWS AND INFORMATION, FREE LEGAL CONSULTATIONS AND A CHANCE TO WIN A TV!

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12

Dangers Faced by Undocumented Nannies/ continued from page 1

United States. If you are caught, you could be fined several hundred dollars.

Your nanny could be arrested at any time. U.S. immigration enforcement authorities are pretty busy, so the chances of your nanny being targeted for arrest are slim. But they’re not nonexistent, especially in states where the police cooperate with immigration authorities by turning over suspected undocumented persons. You absolutely wouldn’t want to face a situation where the nanny is afraid to call the police about a burglar in your home because she might be arrested.

If arrested while at your home, your children could be left there, alone.

It has happened. Immigration enforcement authorities do not consider childcare to be among their responsibilities.

And if your nanny is eventually removed from the United States, the sudden and complete separation could be traumatic for your children.

Your chances of attaining high political office would be nil.

Remember Nannygate, when Zoe Baird failed to win nomination as attorney general during Bill Clinton’s presidency?

Okay, so you’re not planning to run for office now, but you wouldn’t be the first person to make a career change.

If you’re paying under the table, you could get into trouble with the IRS, too.

Actually, you don’t need to pay an undocumented nanny under the table.

She can apply for what’s known as a “Taxpayer Identification Number” or TIN in lieu of a Social Security number, which you can use for filing payroll taxes. Nevertheless, your nanny may insist on being paid under the table, perhaps unwilling to file taxes herself. In that case, here’s what might happen if the IRS audits you: It will notice that you have small children, that all the parents in the house work, and that you are not claiming the childcare tax credit. That will inevitably raise the question of who is taking care of your children. You can see where this will lead.

If you find a nanny whom you are seriously interested in hiring and who is undocumented, you might want to pay for a consultation with an immigration attorney.

This is likely to cost around $100.

Perhaps there is some ground upon which the nanny can apply for a temporary work permit or a green card.

Do not get your hopes up too high, however. The eligibility categories are few, there’s a years-long wait for green cards in the unskilled worker (EB-3) category that would apply to the nanny as your employee, and the fact of her unlawful presence in the U.S. may trigger additional barriers or penalties.l

Source: nolo.com

DIASPORA CONCERNS

Congresswoman Clarke’s on the Resumed Deportation of Haitians

B

ROOKLYN: Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) released the following statement on the resumed deportation of Haitian nationals from the United States: “On November 9, Homeland Security confirmed that removal proceedings have resumed for Haitian nationals in the United States who lack Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The majority of the people Department of Homeland Security intends to remove have not been accused of any crime. These deportations will return thousands of Haitians to a country that continues to struggle with the devastation of Hurricane Matthew and the recent outbreak of cholera that was introduced by international aid

workers responding to the 2010 earthquake. In this period of turmoil, the forced removal of Haitian nationals will only exacerbate the difficulties of rebuilding Haiti and deny families access to remittances from relatives in the United States. I am deeply saddened that these deportations have resumed, and I call on President Obama and his administration to end this policy immediately.”

On November 2, Congresswoman Clarke, with thirteen of her colleagues, urged Secretary of Homeland Security, Jeh Johnson to suspend the removal of Haitian nationals who have not been convicted of a serious crime or otherwise present a threat to national security.l

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#

Why Become A Nanny?

I

BY MARILYN SILVERMAN

n today’s economic landscape, two-income families are increasingly the norm as parents struggle to put food on the table and pay rent. They don’t just need someone to sit in their apartment and watch their children while they are at work. Nannies are now required to possess a degree of training in child care and in some instances, must be certified or even have a formal academic degree in the field of child development. So, as you can see, there is more to childcare than playing games, baking cupcakes and watching tv together

Make a Difference Interestingly, a nanny may spend more time with her charges than their parents. As a nanny, you have the ability to shape their small minds and allow parents to focus on

their jobs comforted that their children are safe and happy at home. Very often, in addition to taking care of the child, nannies are now mandated to sit next to the children at their desks and lend a helping hand with their homework assignments as well as prepare nutritious meals for both the children and their fam-

ilies and perform housekeeping duties.

Vocation If you feel your mission in life is to work with children, working as a nanny gives you the ability to do just that. But the bonus of working as a personal nanny as opposed to a temporary babysitter or a childcare worker in a day care center, is that you truly get to know them. Like school, children in a daycare center move from teacher to teacher until they enter elementary school when they leave their daycare days behind them. You may stay with the same family for years and watch your charges grow from babies to young adults and recognize your contribution

via your role as nanny.

Being a Bridge Beyond caring for the children, you are responsible for acting as a liaison between the children and their teachers and parents. For example, as a nanny you may work with the parents to establish a routine for the children and you will have to keep track of the children’s after school activities, scheduled television time and medication schedule if any. You will be responsible for observing any abnormal developmental continued on page 14

INSIDE:

Why Become a Nanny? .......................................13

How to Get a Tax ID......14

Nanny Training Certificate Course Descriptions...................15

Nanny Certificate Program.........................16

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14

NANNY TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

Why Become a Nanny?/continued from

page 13

As a nanny, you have the ability to shape

their small minds and establish lifelong habits, such as manners and

organizational skills, that will aid them in

succeeding as adults. delays, health issues or the achievement of milestones.

Training If you have experience working with children, a career as a nanny may be a good match for the skills you already possess. Then combine this with patience, maturity, exceptional organizational skills and a sense of humor. It must be emphasized that some families will also require a background check before they will hire you since you will be entrusted with their most valuable commodity--their children. They want to ascertain that when they insert that key into their homes in the morning before going to work, that they can have peace of mind knowing they can trust you.

Nannies provide a valuable service in the nurturing, care, social, emotional and academic development of their charges.

Understanding cognitive as well as emotional development empowers nannies to understand the rationalization behind choices, behavior and actions even when the child does not fully grasp their full import.

A good place to start is with the New American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) Nanny Training Certificate Program. The Chamber’s mission is to empower nannies to start nanny businesses utilizing the skills developed, from our Nanny Training Certificate Program and our Small Business Boot Camp (Starting a Daycare Edition). We establish through our Nanny Training Certificate Program, knowledgeable, nurturing and loving nannies, who are dedicating their careers to challenging children to achieve greatness. Call us at 718-722-9217.n

How to Get a Tax ID

A

n Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

The IRS issues ITINs to individuals who are required to have a U.S. taxpayer identification number but who do not have, and are not eligible to obtain, a Social Security number (SSN) from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

The IRS issues ITINs regardless of immigration status, because both resident and nonresident aliens may have a U.S. filing or reporting requirement under the Internal Revenue Code. They do not serve any purpose other than federal tax reporting. An ITIN does not authorize work in the U.S. or provide eligibility for Social Security benefits or the Earned Income Tax Credit.

Do I need an ITIN? You must obtain an ITIN if: 1. You do not have an SSN and are not eligible to obtain one.

2. You identify with one of the following categories: • Nonresident alien who is required to file a U.S. tax return.

• U.S. resident alien who is (based on days present in the United States) filing a U.S. tax return.

• Dependent or spouse of a U.S. citizen/resident alien.

• Dependent or spouse of a nonresident alien visa holder.

When should I apply?

You can apply for an ITIN any time during the year when you have a filing or reporting requirement. At a minimum, you should complete Form W-7 when you are ready to file your federal income tax return by the return’s prescribed due date. If the tax return you attach to Form W-7 is filed after the return's due date, you may owe interest and/or penalties.

Checklist to Obtain ITIN 1) Office Fee: $175 per year (tax preparation) 2) Free preparation of IRS Form W-7 (Application for ITIN Number) 3) Need a notarized copy of Biographic Data Page of valid and unexpired passport (MUST be notarized by the appropriate Consulate General) 4) If last entry into the U.S. was on a validly issued Visa, provide said Visa and last Date of Entry.

Appointment Call 718-243-9431 to schedule an appointment to apply for your ITIN today.n

Nanny Training Certificate Program

Enhance Your Child Care Skills!

Our mission: The Chamber’s mission is to empower nannies to start nanny businesses utilizing the skills developed from our Nanny Training Certificate Program and our Small Business Boot Camp. We establish through our Nanny Training Certificate Program, knowledgeable, nurturing and loving nannies, who are dedicating their careers to challenging children to achieve greatness.

Classes begin Sat, January 28, 2017 @10am sharp!

Deposit of $500 5 payments of $200

To schedule an apppointment to process your application or for orientation:

Telephone: 855-768-8845

Who should attend?

Great for new parents, practicing and entry level nannies!

Location: 26 Court Street, Suite 701, Downtown Brooklyn

Register at www.nannytraining.nyc

Program includes 5-week Small Business Boot Camp: Starting Your Day Care Business

VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR MORE NEWS AND INFORMATION, FREE LEGAL CONSULTATIONS AND A CHANCE TO WIN A TV!

15

NANNY TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

Child Development: Ages 2 to Adolescence Material covered addresses the characteristics and needs of children ages 2 through early teens, with an emphasis on ages 2 through 7 years. Aspects of social, emotional, intellectual, moral and physical development are included. The psychology of effective childcare includes cognitive, behavioral and temperamentbased techniques of interaction and teaching, as well as some current popular schools of parenting.

Child Development: Birth to Age 2 This course teaches the principles and theories of child development from birth to age 2. The purpose of the course is to gain an understanding of the processes of growth and development in order to provide age appropriate and professional care for children in a loving, creative and educational environment.

Child Abuse Awareness On average, more than five children die each day as a result of child abuse or neglect in the United States. There are over 6.2 million reports made of child abuse and neglect each year. Over 15 million children witness violence in their homes each year. Child abuse can broadly be defined as an act—or failure to act, that results in a child's serious harm or risk of harm including physical or emotional harm, exploitation or death.

Every child has basic needs. A child whodoes not receive basic needs could be regarded as neglected. This occurs when a caretaker fails to provide for a child's basic needs.

Every child has a right to a safe childhood and a life free from violence. The effects of abuse affect each child differently. Child abuse can be long-lasting and hinder children from experiencing a healthy life. Children need to be safe and overcome the effects of trauma throughout their lives.

The students are presented with information on what signs to be aware of identifying child abuse and procedures for reporting to authorities.

Learning Disabilities A learning disability doesn't have anything to do with a person's intelligence; after all, successful people such as Walt Disney, Alexander Graham Bell and Winston Churchill all had learning disabilities. Learning disabilities are problems that affect the brain's ability to receive, process, analyze or store information. These problems can make it difficult for a student to learn as quickly as someone who isn't affected by learning

disabilities. There are many kinds of learning disabilities. Most children affected by them have more than one kind. Certain kinds of learning disabilities can interfere with a person's ability to concentrate or focus and can cause someone's mind to wander too much. Other learning disabilities can make it difficult for a child to read, write, spell or solve problems. A diagnosis of a learning disability can feel upsetting; however, it is the first step in resolving this condition. There is no cure for a learning disability. You don't outgrow it. But it's never too late to get help.

Special Needs Awareness–Autism The family dynamics that come with a special needs child can be challenging at times. It is important to learn how to deal with certain special needs issues Every month and many days of the year have been set aside to promote awareness or advocacy of an illness, disability or other special needs-related cause.

Developing Interpersonal Skills in Children Babies start to develop interpersonal relationships as soon as they are born. Infants bond quickly with parents and siblings making eye contact and recognizing faces, voice sounds, tone and pitch. Smiles usually follow from about two months old and as any parent will know, babies have a way of communicating that something is wrong from a very early age, for instance, if they are tired, hungry, in pain or need changing. As children develop, so does their interpersonal and social skills around siblings and peers as they learn to share and also to be assertive and persuasive.

Children learn interpersonal and social skills based on their experiences--by what worked in the past. Interpersonal skills go far beyond social niceties such as being polite and civil. As children develop communications skills, so their interpersonal and social skills also mature.

Children’s Dentistry Students will learn how to maintain healthy teeth and how to reassure and soothe children’s anxiety on visiting the dentist.

Creative Play Students explore creativity and creative play (within the context of child development). Students should emerge from the class with the ability to identify the purpose of play throughout child development; an understanding of the importance of play in learning and development; the ability to identify and create age-appropriate play opportunities and materials; an identification of their own creative abili-

ties/strengths; and play materials to develop cognitive skills from the first few weeks of life. Identify the contribution of play in the process of cognitive development.

Etiquette Manners makes man and lady too!This course prepares the students to teach their charges social graces including table manners, thank-you notes and greetings.

Fire Safety Students will learn how to react in the event of a fire and how to keep themselves and their charges safe.

Hearing, Language & Speech The students will be presented with a class on hearing and speech difficulties and what to do or not do and when to recommend professional advice if a problem is noted.

Home Safe Home Childproofing Students will learn proper childproofing in homes.

Infant Care Preparing for baby’s arrival: Preparing the Family: Mother’s physiological and psychological changes; Caring for Baby: Breast and Bottle, nutritional needs of the newborn, Infant Sleep Patterns: Crying: Reasons why and ways to comfort and soothe.

Life Saving Techniques Includes Standard First Aid, Adult, Infant, Toddler and Child Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Defibrillation, Heimlich Maneuver, Emergency Care, Poison Prevention, and Epi Pen.

Nutrition and Organic Foods This course teaches students to identify those items which must be present in the diet to ensure adequate nutrition and the appropriate balance. Students will also learn how to purchase, prepare and cook healthy meals for children and cooking for special dietary needs. Weekly menu preparation is also included.

Students will visit local organic food stores and learn how to differentiate true healthy foods and the advantages to eating organic foods.

Vision Issues Students will learn how to recognize children with vision problems and how to address them.

Museum Students will visit the Museum and will be exposed on to how to escort their charges

through a museum, and learn what activities to involve their charges in before, during and after their visit to make it an interactive experience.

Traveling with Children Students will be presented with recommendations for preparing for and traveling with their charges with an emphasis on safety and comfort. .

Water Safety and Rescue Students are taught techniques for water rescue and how to keep their charges safe in and around pools, oceans and other bodies of water.

Small Business Boot Camp (Starting a Day Care Edition) Starting a day care or child care business in New York involves a particular set of legal considerations that are specific both to the type of business and to New York State. These include choosing the proper business entity, obtaining licenses and permits, dealing with health and safety, getting adequate insurance, and dealing with employees. This 5-week program covers these topics and more.

Accent Reduction Accents are a unique phenomenon, as it demonstrates the blending of one’s original culture with a new one. But it is also true that strong foreign and even regional accents can make it difficult for others to understand--undermining the benefits of a diverse, global workplace. This course willhelp you reduce your accent and hence, help you to communicate clearly and effectively.

Workers’ Compensation, Insurance, Unemployment, Tax & Payroll As in any walk of life, there are hundreds of reasons why having the right insurance cover could one day be the savior of a nanny. Some nannies assume that because they are employed by the child’s parents, they cannot be sued for negligence. But this is not the case. Public liability insurance covers nannies for anything happening to children in their care for which they can be held legally liable.

Learn about public liability, workers’ compensation, unemployment, tax and payroll.

Health Insurance (Obama Care) We want students to be aware of the various public and private health insurance coverage and care options available to New Yorkers.n

VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR MORE NEWS AND INFORMATION, FREE LEGAL CONSULTATIONS AND A CHANCE TO WIN A TV!

Nanny Training Certificate Program

Enhance Your Child Care Skills!

Our mission: The Chamber’s mission is to empower nannies to start nanny businesses utilizing the skills developed from our Nanny Training Certificate Program and our Small Business Boot Camp.

We establish through our Nanny Training Certificate Program, knowledgeable, nurturing and loving nannies, who are dedicating

their careers to challenging children to achieve greatness.

Who should attend?

Great for new parents, practicing and entry level nannies!

General Requirements lPrior experience working with children is an asset; not required lFluency in English

Academic Completion Requirements

The full number of hours prescribed for the program at an overall performance level of 70% or above must be completed within 14 weeks of commencement of the program to receive a certificate of academic completion. Students must also have all Required Documentation submitted and approved to receive their Nanny Certificate.

Nanny Training Certificate Program

For more information:

Telephone: 855-768-8845

Location: 26 Court Street, Suite 701, Downtown Brooklyn Register at www.nannytraining.nyc

Nanny Training Program Practicum

(Required) During the academic session, all students participate in an inhome Newborn and Toddler Practicum with a local childcare organization. At minimum, the organization will have newborn infants and toddlers between the ages of 2 and 4 years. This experiential education program takes place once per week for ten weeks. This practicum allows students to utilize the techniques learned in the classroom with children, giving them hands-on experience in the profession.

Students will be responsible for keeping weekly logs of their activities with the children. These logs will be reviewed by staff and applied toward the trainee’s grades. The child care organization submits weekly evaluations concerning the progress and activity of each student, which are kept in the student’s file.

lAccent Reduction lAmerican Museum of Natural History lBrooklyn Children’s Museum lChild Abuse Awareness lChild Development: Birth to Age 2 lChild Development: Ages 2 to Adolescence lChildren’s Dentistry lCreative Play & Outings lDriving School (recommended) lEtiquette lEquestrian Safety lFire Safety lHealth Insurance - ObamaCare lHearing, Language & Speech lHome Safety & Childproofing lHow Money Works lIndependent Contractor vs Employee

TOPICS:

lInfant Care & Massage lInterpersonal & Intrapersonal Relations lLearning Disabilities lLife Saving Techniques - First Aid & CPR lMusic, Arts & Drama lNutrition & Organic Foods lPersonal Awareness & Child Security lPublic Transportation & Safety lRole of the Nanny lSafety with the NYPD lSocial Services lSpecial Needs Awareness - Autism lTraveling with Children lVision Issues lWater Safety & Rescue lWorkers’ Compensation, Insurance, Unemployment,Tax & Payroll

Program is non-accredited.

Students who wish to start a placement agency or are selfemployed must attend our Small Business Boot Camp

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NEWS 23

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Wrongful Death Claims: An Overview

W

hen someone dies due to the fault of another person or entity (like a car manufacturer), the survivors may be able to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. Such a lawsuit seeks compensation for the survivors' loss, such as lost wages from the deceased, lost companionship, and funeral expenses. Here's a primer on wrongful death claims -- what they are, who can sue, who can be sued, and what damages may be recovered.

What is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim exists when a person dies due to the legal fault of another person. The right to file a lawsuit for wrongful death is a relatively new concept. "Common law" (the laws brought to the United States from England) did not allow this kind of lawsuit. But during the last century, state and federal courts created the right to bring a wrongful death action. Every state in this country now has some kind of wrongful death law.

Wrongful death claims involve all types of fatal accidents from simple car accidents to complicated medical malpractice or product liability cases. Persons, companies, and governmental agencies can be legally at fault for acting negligently (failing to act as a reasonable person would have acted) and for acting intentionally.

and then died. Check your state law and consult with an experienced wrongful death attorney to find out if such an action is allowed in your state.

Who May Sue for Wrongful Death?

A wrongful death claim must be filed by a representative on behalf of the survivors who suffer damage from the decedent's death (they are called the "real parties in interest"). The representative is usually the executor of the decedent's estate. The "real parties in interest" vary from state to state. Some of those people might include:

Immediate family members. In all states, immediate family members like spouses and children (including adopted children) and parents of unmarried children can recover under wrongful death actions.

Life partners, financial dependents, and putative spouses. In some states, a domestic or life partner, anyone who was financially dependent on the decedent, and a "putative spouse" (a person who had a good faith belief that he or she was married to the victim) have a right of recovery.

Distant family members. Some states allow more distant family members, such as brothers, sisters, and grandparents, to bring wrongful death lawsuits. For example, a grandparent who is raising a child may be able to bring an action.

All persons who suffer financially.

Some states allow all persons who suffer financially from the death to bring a wrongful death action for lost care or support, even if they are not related by blood or marriage to the victim.

Parents of a deceased fetus. In some states, the death of a fetus can be the basis for a wrongful death suit. In several other states, parents cannot bring a wrongful death action to recover for financial and emotional losses resulting from the death of a fetus. In those states, the parents can bring a wrongful death action only if the child was born alive

Who May Be Sued for a Wrongful Death?

Wrongful death lawsuits can be brought against a wide variety of persons, companies, government agencies, and employees. For example, in a car accident involving a faulty roadway and a drunk driver, a wrongful death action might include defendants such as: •the driver or employer at fault in the automobile accident •the designer or builder of the faulty roadway •a government agent who failed to provide adequate warnings regarding a road hazard that caused the accident •the manufacturer, distributor, or installer of a faulty or dangerous part of the vehicle •the persons who sold, served, or gave alcohol to the impaired driver, or •the owner of the premises where the alcohol was served.l

Source: nolo.com Note: This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with an attorney. Call 855-768-8845 for a FREE, NO OBLIGATION legal consultation.

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18

SMALL BUSINESS MATTERS

Fighting For Minority Businesses

F

BY VANDELL PARK

ounder and President of the action “think-thank” non-profit organization, The Black Institute, Bertha Lewis, says her organization will use its position to leverage federal, state and local governments to pay more attention to small businesses, by lobbying these policy-making bodies to deal directly with Minority and Women Business Enterprises (MWBEs), rather than issuing major contracts to supply the daily essentials of office supplies. Ms. Lewis says the time has come for MWBEs to be prime contractors instead of subs, and the various levels of government have the direct responsibility to make this happen: “It is a crisis here and again, [with] the Black Institute and the Black Leadership Coalition, part of our fight is to make visible the struggle that MWBEs have in this regard; supplying paper clips, cleaning services, papers, all kinds of equipment and services, whether it is locally, to the shame of New York City and this current administration, all the way up to the state house, to the shame of the governor and the state government, to the White House, when people want to talk in [the] campaign about businesses, they must be explicit and talk about minority- and women-owned businesses, and actually giving them a fair share, even if you did it in proportion to the population, it

would be much better than what is going on now. We are being short-changed, we are being held back, and it is sheer gender and race discrimination. There are some who want us to remain small, and so, the problem that we have whether it is at the local, state or federal level, is that MWBEs are given sub-contracts. We must always be subs to a white company, we say no; that’s it. This has got to end.

We can be prime suppliers and prime contractors, especially when we are talking about using public dollars, either for tax breaks, or for subsidies or for public contracts. We will not accept that because we are small we should always be subs. We want to be equal partners, we want to be prime, and there needs to

be a change in public policy and a change in the law. Too many times people say well, it’s just fair competition. You do not have a fair race when one leg, [and]two arms are tied behind your back, plus you have a rope around your neck; so it is not fair; it is not a level playing field.”

According to Ms. Lewis, the time has come for (MWBEs) to be seen as key builders of this country’s economy and as such, be given the opportunity to expand their businesses. Ms. Lewis contends: “When we talk about small business, are we really talking about every small business? And, what is small? I would argue that many small businesses which have 100 employees or less, are being left out

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because they are minority and women enterprises. We have seen study after study; the data is there. You cannot address inequality in a changing demographic country if you do not address business opportunities for women and minority business entrepreneurs. If we want to build the infrastructure, then we ought to be giving contracts to minority builders and developers. The federal contracts are less than 10% to minority firms, so if you really care about small businesses or even medium businesses and income inequality, you have got to even the playing field for women and minority businesses. You can start with federal contracts, you can make sure that you have public policy and legislation to do this and you can show the way on the local level. Here in New York City there is a great inequity for women- and minority-owned businesses, and I want to make sure that when we talk about small businesses, we are not just talking about a white general store in a rural county.

The other thing that we need is the federal government to lead the way and tell Wall Street that we in the MWBE[community] need investment. You don’t have hedge funds or angel investors and venture capitalist knocking on our business doors and saying, ‘let us invest in you.’

You can start up some app in your parent’s basement and Wall Street will come and say, ‘we’ll invest in you so you can hire people and you can get equipment,’ but, when it comes to us, we do not have that kind of investment. The federal government could help by leading the way for Wall Street, by saying you need to invest; we will give you incentives to invest specifically in MWBEs.” Ms. Lewis, a feisty business entrepreneur, says her organization has already begun taking action here at the local level to ensure MWBEs are positioned to grow and expand their businesses, but small business entrepreneurs must be prepared themselves if they are to succeed: “We are working with the state and the city comptrollers here locally to say, designate one percent of pension funds to an investment initiative; we need investment, so we are going to go hard at those in the White House, State House and City Hall, to make real investments in minority and women’s businesses. It is not that we are not concerned about all small businesses, but our priority are minorities and women. We’ve been doing the research; we’ve been putting policies and ideas and legislations together already. We talked about hitting the ground running and preparing; my challenge to all of us is, be prepared. Do not just leave it up to the elected officials; you’ve got to come prepared. We have a job to do by saying here is the research.

We are not just going to depend on you; we need to know this issue back and forth and the Black Institute and the Black Leadership Coalition, we are hell bent and determined to get equity for Minority and Women Business Enterprises.”l

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NEWS 19

NEWS

nHEALTH

nENTERTAINMENT

nRELATIONSHIPS

nRECIPES

nSPORTS

Holiday Entertaining Tips

T

he holiday season is packed with social events big and small. What makes some more memorable than others? The extra thought and special touches from the host or hostess.

Cookbook author and entertaining expert, Gaby Dalkin, shares how you can make a big statement this season with surprisingly little effort.

Conquer holiday stress with to-do lists To reduce stress, stay organized and ensure you maintain a merry attitude, use printed templates to create handwritten holiday party to-do lists.

"I start my to-do lists weeks before the celebration and break them down by day," Dalkin says. "A few days before the big event, I stock up on beverages. Two days before I buy all the shelf-stable ingredients. The day before, all the produce goes into the fridge, and I make any sauces or appetizers that can rest in the fridge overnight without being affected. And then, the day of the party is broken down by the hour. If you're making a roast, start it in the morning. A salad can be prepped

ahead of time and dressed before serving."

Elevate gifting with personalized presentation Nearly half of Americans feel that gift presentation enhances the gift they give or receive, according to a Paper and Packaging Board survey. That means if you want to impress, don't skimp on gift presentation.

"I grab a few rolls of brown kraft paper and make it special," Dalkin says. "If I'm sending a present to someone who loves food, I'll grab some stamps with fun food on them and stamp the paper so it's customized for that individual.These small gestures make a big impact."

Use a creative approach to assigned seating Assigned seating is particularly helpful when entertaining large groups. It takes the guesswork out of sitting down to dinner and keeps the evening flowing smoothly.

It's also an easy way to add festive style to the tabletop.

"If I'm entertaining for more than 10, I'll make little fold-over name tags out of cute cardstock," says Dalkin.

Add pizazz with a champagne bar The survey also found that for approximately half of all Americans, a cocktail bar stands out as a key component for an unforgettable holiday party.

Add an easy yet elegant touch to any holiday gathering by setting up a champagne bar. Simply chill a few bottles, place on a bar cart and add bowls of fresh berries and carafes of fresh squeezed juices.

Send guests home with a little something homemade Frozen cookie dough is one of the trendiest homemade gifts of the year.

Just whip up your favorite batch of dough, tightly wrap it in parchment paper and freeze. Then add some holiday ribbons, a personalized paper label and handwritten baking instructions. (BPT) l

nHOROSCOPE

Kitchen Corner

Turkey Quesadillas

BY GEVANS ALLRECIPES.COM

"Turkey and cranberry quesadillas.

You can use any cheese in place of the Cheddar cheese, if desired. To flip the quesadilla, place a plate over the skillet and turn the skillet over; slide quesadilla back into skillet!" - Gevans Ingredients •2 flour tortillas •1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese •1/4 pound shredded cooked turkey meat •2 tablespoons cranberry sauce

1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced •1 green onion, sliced •2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, or to taste Directions: Heat a skillet over medium heat.

Place 1 tortilla in the skillet and top with 1/2 of the Cheddar cheese, turkey, cranberry sauce, jalapeno pepper, green onion, and remaining Cheddar cheese, respectively. Place remaining tortilla over the top.

Cook until tortilla is golden brown and cheese is melted, 2 to 4 minutes per side.

•Prep: 10 minutes •Cook: 5 minutes •Ready: 15 minutes

Tip Aluminum foil helps keep food moist, ensures it cooks evenly, keeps leftovers fresh, and makes clean-up easy.l

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20

HEALTH

"Surviving and Thriving" Program to Combat City Domestic Abuse

I

BY TATYANA BELLAMY-WALKER

t started with playful shoving and slapping—then they were belittling their partner’s opinions. All too often young people struggle to identify the signs of interpersonal abuse. Student advocates from the Relationship Abuse Prevention Program (RAPP), a group which offers abuse counseling to teens, joined dozens of organizations last month at Brooklyn Borough Hall for the second annual, “Surviving and Thriving” event to combat domestic abuse.

“The more knowledge they know [about relationship abuse] the easier it is to get out,” said Ashaunte Currie, a 16-year-old advocate at RAPP. “They usually say, ‘I love this person. They love me and this is how they show their love. But that’s not how a loving relationship should be.”

RAPP student advocate, Shuwana Brown, 17, of George Western House High School in Brooklyn, advises students in abusive relationships to seek counseling. “Students don’t get out and get help because they think things will change,” Brown said. “That’s never the case. They are afraid people will judge them. When they go to their families they’re told they're ‘stupid’ for staying.”

Teens are not alone. Last year, the Mayor's Office to Combat Domestic Violence received 86, 819 reports of domestic abuse in Brooklyn. In a Caribbean American Weekly analysis, there were approximately 1,000 more reports filed in 2014. The latest statistics show progress in Brooklyn. In 2015, homicides for partner abuse were nearly cut in half across the borough.

Deputy Brooklyn Borough President, Diana Reyna, told Caribbean American Weekly in October that it’s important to challenge the stigma of interpersonal abuse. “Many people don’t know how to

contribute to a conversation that is so taboo,” Reyna said. “Perhaps many people are raised to say, ‘don’t say anything.

Keep it in the home.’ We want to share that when things are not spoken of, they torment us inside. Psychologically that is not helpful; spiritually it is not helpful.

And there is help out there.”

Reyna said attending community board meetings are essential to being aware of the services. “It’s another way of seeking assistance,” Reyna said. “You don’t have to be a victim; you don’t have to be a batterer. This does not discriminate."

Brooklyn Councilwoman, Laurie

Cumbo, said education is important to fighting the stigma. “Decades ago no one would come forward and talk about this,” Cumbo said. “This is an ongoing issue and we need to continue to do more education. This is not only a woman’s issue; it is a man’s issue as well. In the future, there should be just as many men here as there are women.”

Gabriella Mungalsingh, a case manager for Safe Horizons, a non-profit that provides shelters for victims of violence said it is important to notice the signs of emotional abuse. “It is not always bumps and bruises,” Mungalsingh said. “One of my clients is new to Safe Horizons and she escaped from New Jersey to seek domestic violence counseling. There is evidence of progression. She’s getting back on her feet [and] she’s learning new ways to keep herself safe."

In October, organizations wore purple to encourage strength and courage for survivors of abuse. “We want to bring [a] network under one roof,” Reyna said.

“They can become the ambassadors of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It’s 30 days out of the year, that we try to highlight this issue and it’s not enough.”l

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LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

How to Choose a Divorce Attorney

A

office will return phone calls within a reasonable time and that you will receive copies of all pleadings and correspondence received and generated. Also, beware of any attorney who guarantees certain results. An attorney can only promise to use his or her best efforts in representing you.

BY MICHELE SACKS LOWENSTEIN

divorce is one of the most traumatic events in a person’s life, ranking right up there with the death of a loved one. A divorce is also one of the few times – and maybe the only time – a person has to deal with the court system.

Ending a disintegrating marriage is made more difficult by the complexity of the divorce process and the emotional stress of dealing with the issues of child custody and support and division of assets.

Understanding the legal process is as baffling as trying to understand complex medical procedures, and just as you need to trust your physician, you need to feel confident with your attorney during a divorce. Your divorce attorney must be a combination of therapist, confidant, clergy person and “legal eagle.” So, how do you find this person to whom you can entrust your future?

Get referrals from friends If you have friends who have gone through a divorce, ask what they liked and disliked about their attorneys. Was your friend’s case as complex or less

21

complex than your own? Was the attorney equally competent in handling emotional issues such as custody and “business” issues such as division of assets?

Also, ask about the attorney who represented your friend’s spouse.

Meet with several attorneys Schedule appointments with several attorneys for consultations, and let the attorney know you are in the interviewing process. Most attorneys won’t see you free of charge since they have only their time and advice to sell, but some offer discounts for the initial consultation.

Ask the right questions When you meet with an attorney, bring a list of questions regarding your concerns

in choosing an attorney as well as your personal concerns in the divorce case.

Ask how the law firm bills its clients and ascertain the billing rates for each person who will be working on your case.

Most attorneys charge for all time spent in working on your matter. This includes time for phone calls, drafting court documents, court preparation and travel to the courthouse. It will be difficult for any attorney to give you an accurate estimate of total costs for the divorce because there are so many variables. Does your spouse want to reach a speedy resolution of the issues or is your spouse going to litigate every issue? These factors will go a long way toward determining your ultimate costs. No attorney will know all the issues at the initial consultation.

Be sure your attorney or someone in the

Develop lines of communication Above all, you and your attorney should be able to communicate effectively. Your attorney can only give you your choice of options and advise you as to the probable outcome of each option. Remember, nothing is a “slam dunk.” As in the rest of life, the legal process does not issue any guarantees.

Note: This information is not to be considered legal advice. Taking legal information out of context generally has negative consequences. If you have questions relating to your particular matter, you should contact an attorney. If you would like to get divorce advice from a divorce attorney without committing to the cost of a consultation, call 855-7688845.l

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22

FAITH IN THE COMMUNITY

White Evangelicals, Catholics and Mormons Carried Trump

A

BY LAUREN MARKOE

strong white evangelical, Catholic and Mormon vote for Donald Trump belied the condemnation many religious leaders had leveled at the tycoon and paved the way for a stunning upset after a long and polarizing campaign.

Preliminary exit polls indicate these religious groups voted for Trump by strong margins — in some cases larger than they had given to Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney in 2012.

Christians who described themselves as evangelical and born-again gave Trump 81 percent of their votes, up 3 percentage points from their support for Romney.

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton garnered 16 percent of their votes.

"Donald Trump made the most fullthroated and aggressive appeal to evangelical voters ... since Ronald Reagan spoke to the Religious Roundtable in August of 1980," said Ralph Reed, chairman of the Faith & Freedom Coalition. "He made these voters of faith a centerpiece of his campaign."

Evangelical support for Trump surged even as prominent evangelicals, including Southern Baptist Russell Moore, railed against Trump's behavior toward immigrants, women and other groups as unChristian.

Trump never cast himself as a particularly religious person. And Clinton made her commitment to her Methodist faith known on the campaign trail.

But no one should be surprised by evangelicals' turnout for Trump, said Robert P. Jones, CEO of PRRI. "White evangelicals in this election aren't values voters. They're nostalgia voters," he said. "Trump's line — 'Let's make America great again' — and his last-minute saying — 'Look, folks, I'm your last chance' — was really powerful for white evangelicals who see their numbers in the general population slipping.

"White Christians are declining every year by a percentage point or more as a proportion of the population," Jones added.

"So when Trump says, 'I'm your last chance, folks,' there's a real truth to that."

White Catholics favored Trump, 60 percent to 37 percent. Latino Catholics went for Clinton over Trump, 67 percent to 26 percent. Trump had lambasted the criminals and "rapists" among Mexican immigrants, promised to force Mexico to pay for a wall he would build on America's southern border, and denigrated a judge because of his Latino parentage.

Perhaps there was a little more Latino support for Trump than expected, said Greg Smith, associate research director at the Pew Research Center. But otherwise, he said, the divided Catholic vote — between whites and Latinos — split as earlier polls had predicted.

"Talk about a 'Catholic vote' as a whole can obscure as much as it reveals because there are identifiable subgroups of Catholics who tend to vote in particular ways, and that is exactly what we saw in

this election," he said.

Catholics in general voted for Trump over Clinton 52 percent to 45 percent. That's despite Pope Francis and other prominent Catholics' rebuke of the candidate for railing against immigrants and other minority groups.

White Catholics in both 2012 and 2016 went for the GOP candidate, their support for Trump this year just over the 59 percent they gave to Romney.* And while Latinos in both elections threw their support behind the Democrat, their support for Clinton trailed the 75 percent they gave to President Barack Obama four years ago.

The Mormon vote, the most important in overwhelmingly Republican Utah— where more than 60 percent of people belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — gave Trump an easy win in the state.Trump won 46 percent of Utah votes, compared with Clinton's 27 percent.

Independent Evan McMullin won 21 percent.

Prominent Mormon politicians in the state — including Gov. Gary Herbert, Rep. Jason Chaffetz and former Gov. Jon Huntsman — had expressed outrage at Trump after a video released last month revealed the candidate's lewd comments about assaulting women.

Given Mormons' reputation for clean living and their embrace of traditional values, there was even some talk in the past few weeks about the red state turning blue, or at least purple. But the backlash against Trump did not benefit Clinton. Anti-Trump

votes instead seemed to gravitate to McMullin, who is Mormon.

The statistics for mainline Protestants make drawing meaningful conclusions difficult. Available exit polling data, compiled by a firm hired by a consortium of major national news organizations, does not break down the group by race — an important factor in analyzing the vote.

The Jewish vote in this presidential election looked much as it did in the past, with overwhelming support for the Democrat: Clinton garnered 71 percent compared with Trump's 24 percent. That compared to 69 percent for Obama and 30 percent for Romney in 2012, and 78 percent for Obama and 22 percent for rival John McCain in 2008.

Do not hold your breath for statistics on the Muslim vote in 2016. Though the Muslim population of the nation is growing, and despite robust get-out-the-vote efforts among Muslim Americans, they still represent less than 1 percent of the electorate. That's too little, pollsters say, to collect enough data to draw conclusions about their voting patterns.l

[Lauren Markoe has been a national reporter for RNS since 2011. Previously, she covered government and politics as a daily reporter at the Charlotte Observer and The State (Columbia, S.C.).] *An earlier version of this article made an incorrect comparison.

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Fire Your Landlord

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Caribbean American Weekly's pre-purchase education program is known as the Fire Your Landlord Seminar. This seminar is designed to take the mystery out of the home buying process and prepare first-time home buyers to make the important choices related to home ownership.

The seminar covers such topics as: nKnowing your financial situation nCredit and credit issues nThe types of home ownership nThe role of the lender nUnderstanding the loan closing process nYour legal rights and responsibilities as a home owner nTax benefits of ownership Sponsored by:

To register: Call 718-722-9217 Email: info@mynacc.org Visit: www.chambercoailtion.org

Seminar dates: Saturday, Dec. 17 @12noon Saturday, Jan. 14 @12noon

Location: 26 Court Street Suite 701 Downtown Brooklyn

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