Caribbean American Weekly - Issue 69 (Marijuana Edition) by Caribbean American Weekly

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BY JANET HOWARD

egal weed is creating an opportunity of a lifetime; but for whom? White people are earning profits on a product that landed millions of African Americans in prison for decades. It’s a booming industry. Less than two weeks after sales of recreational marijuana kicked off in Nevada, Las Vegas, stores are running out of pot to sell, according to the state's Department of Taxation. It’s such that Gov. Brian Sandoval endorsed the department's call for a "statement of emergency," which

Jamaican PM: Enough Talk Time for Action ...see page 3

continued on page 8

Financing 101 for New Graduates ... see page 7

Affordable Housing in NYC: How to Apply

n New York City, there are many housing programs intended to ease the financial burden of renting apartments for people earning a wide range of incomes. You can be solidly middle class and in some cases even earn six figures and still land a subsidized apartment via New York City’s system of affordable and middleincome housing lotteries. Consider this article your primer on how affordable housing lotteries for rentals work

Estate Planning is a Necessity; not a Luxury. Get Your Will Done. CALL NOW FOR A FREE CONSULTATION:

Take Responsibility Kamla ...see page 2

Roper: Velvet Gloves and Balls of Steel...see page 6

Call 855-768-8845

Caribbean Star: Dr Patricia Nicholas...see page 7

continued on page 3

Brian Figeroux, Esq.

Food for Thought:

DEMOCRATS, they are the “leaders” in NYC and NYS with no solutions for

Ilegal Stop & Frisk. Therefore, more arrests for Blacks & Hispanics, than Whites for Simple Marijuana Possession; hence the criminalization and

recidivism of minorities, resulting in no jobs and no business ownership);

and the criminalization of immigrants, resulting in the inadmissisability for a

Green Card and disqualification for Citizenship. If Democrats are the friends of minorities, what are the Republicans?

This STD is Becoming ‘Smarter’ and Harder to Treat ... see page 10

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 685 Third Avenue, Suite 1101 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 Grenada Aging Commission Launched the First Aqua Sunday to Bring Awareness to Dementia and Alzheimer’s in Grenada

t. George, Grenada: Alzheimer’s is a global crisis! The Alzheimer’s Association reports that over 47 million people are living with Dementia and that someone in the world develops Dementia every 3 seconds. Dementia is one of the biggest health and social challenges facing the Latin American and Caribbean regions. Globally, 59% of people incorrectly believe that Alzheimer’s is a typical part of aging. The importance of early assessment and treatment is crucial to care. The Grenada Aging Commission held its first annual Aqua (aqua is the color of healing) in St. George, Grenada event, created to build awareness of Dementia, Alzheimer’s and other Dementias. Mrs. A. Williams, Chair of the Aging Commission, states, “Our goal is to provide non-medical programs and informa-

tion that will help people living with the disease, caregivers and family members.” The Dementia/Alzheimer’s mobilization efforts,spearheaded by The Aging Commission with the support of by Ms. Arlette Murrain, consultant from the U.S. and native of Montserrat, met with fifteen organizations and private citizens, for examplw, St. George Anglican Church, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Ministry of Health, Grand Anse Home, Ministry of Social Development & Housing and business leaders. Special thanks to Sissons Paint and Spice Island Beach Resort. “It is my mission and honor to provide information about Dementia/Alzheimer’s and other chronic diseases to Grenada and other Caribbean islands,” said Ms. Murrain.

Take Responsibility, Kamla

BY PHILLIP ALEXANDER

amla Persad Bissessar has put out a release calling on Keith Rowley to stop focusing on small things and focus instead on the realities facing the average citizen and rightly so, but what she fails to acknowledge is the 'text message' he referred to and the one she wants him to ignore is a text sent to her that she read into the public space ringing an alarm for a kidnapping that never occurred. What Kamla must not be allowed to do is to use Rowley's failures to disguise her own. She accuses him of employing distraction, but that is precisely what she is doing here. She is yet to apologize for leading the nature astray for sharing fake news to the public about a kidnapping that never occurred, and while calls for other people to up their game are laudable, we all have to take responsibility for what WE do and say to the listening public. Her kneejerk reaction was highly irresponsible especially to a nation living in fear. Her lack of policies or plans of her own while

Persad Bissessar

in government is also brought into stark contrast by her calling him out on his. Six ministers of national security in five years is a failure or epic proportions, and while she is leaning into the shortcomings of others, she also has to lean into that. The reality is that neither party has done anything of substance to curb crime because crime is now big business in T&T.

Aqua Sunday will utilize the power and influence of church leadership and people of faith to promote and bring awareness to Dementia and Alzheimer’s. “It is the responsibility of clergy leaders to create health ministries within their congregations that will support, provide compassionate care, educate and design tailored programs in their respective communities,” Mrs. Williams said. The Aging Commission, St. George’s Grenada mission is to educate, advocate and provide informational programs that will assist and enhance the quality of life for seniors in Grenada.l Read more Caribbean news at www.cawnyc.com. Visit us on Facebook @cawnyc

Instead of wasting time spreading rumors and attacking each other, BOTH of these leaders should be advising the nation as to their plans for social development and management to eradicate the poverty driving crime, their plans to shut down the nation's borders to cut off the cocaine supply financing crime and the illegal guns facilitating crime, what they intend to do to right-size and redeploy an effective, professional and properly funded police service, and their plans for a justice system in pre-collapse. The nation is tired of political bacchanal and noise. The word on the street is clear. The average person is understanding what the government's role in the national equation is, and is starting to see how badly BOTH of these parties have failed them. We the people need to demand better, starting with changing what we give our attention to, what we allow to pass as the national conversation. It is time to end the politics of wasteful old talk, bacchanal and noise.l

Jamaican Youth to Be Awarded Queen’s Young Leader

amaican, Abrahim Simmonds, was received by Queen Elizabeth at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London as one of 60 young people from the Commonwealth who received the Queen’s Young Leaders Award. Simmonds is the co-founder of the Jamaican Youth Empowerment through Culture, Arts and Nationalism (JAYECAN). The awards are given in recognition of exceptional young people between the ages of 18 and 29 who are changing their communities throughout

the Commonwealth and bettering people’s lives. In 2017, the winners were recognized for working to support others, raise awareness and encourage change on many fronts, including bullying in schools, environmental protections, and promotion of gender equality. Simmonds, 23, was selected on the basis of his work using the arts to develop skills in young individuals. While visiting the UK, the winners participated in a program that includes networking opportunities, training sessions, and mentoring. The pro-

gram is designed to help them in the development toward leadership that will have a growing impact on people’s lives. The Queen’s Young Leaders Program was created by the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, Comic Relief, and The Royal Commonwealth Society to honor the Queen’s 60 years of service. The program’s goal is to enable young people to become leaders who can improve the lives of people throughout the Commonwealth. The program was designed to last four years and will end in 2018.l

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

TIME FOR ACTION

Enough Talk: Time To Act and Fully Implement CSME, Says Jamaica PM

INGSTON, Jamaica: Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness, has urged his regional colleagues to make haste and fully implement the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). He made the call yesterday as he contributed to discussions on the CSME during the first plenary session at the 38th meeting of Heads of Government of CARICOM in Grenada. “The true expression of the realization of the integration dream is to get the CSME going, and we have to have the resolve as leaders to do this,” he urged. “It is how our people will experience true development and prosperity. And so, Jamaica wants to urge members to seri-

Affordable Housing/ continued from page 1

in NYC, how to apply and what to expect.

What is Affordable Housing in NYC? New York City works with the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) to encourage local real estate developers and community groups to create for-rent and for-sale housing options at prices that are affordable to low- and middle-income New Yorkers. Keep in mind that “affordable” is a relative term and of course means different things for different people. According to the HPD, however, affordable means that the housing costs are no more than 30 percent of a person’s income. Although the HDP sets affordability at 30 percent of one’s income, local government housing programs (New York City’s included) use the area median income to determine who qualifies for affordable and middle-income housing. Area median income (AMI) takes into account the varying costs of living and income levels within a specific city, town or county to set the local benchmark. Based on how much you earn relative to your AMI, your housing options will

ously put our efforts and commitment behind the CSME.” Holness said regional leaders have been speaking about implementing a CSME for too long with little action. He said only three countries can truly

claim to have compliance in adopting the CSME, while for many it is a dream not realized and even denied. “We should all make the commitment and redouble our efforts to have compliance toward creating the real CSME. Otherwise, the reality is that we will keep meeting and eventually it will wither away,” said Holness during the first working session with regional leaders. The leaders met in caucus and discussed several matters of regional importance, including CARICOM’s response to Great Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union, as well as the situation in Venezuela, among other matters.l

vary. In 2016, the AMI for New York City was $81,600 for a family of three.

How to Apply for the NYC Affordable Housing Lottery All New York City housing lotteries are funneled through NYC Housing Connect, an online portal for applying for low and middle-income rentals. Housing Connect is a component of the New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC). To apply for a housing lottery, you have to first set yourself up on NYC Housing Connect. Follow these steps: •Register and create an account on NYC Housing Connect. All you need is a valid email address and basic contact info. Tip: Only one account per household. •Enter all your household information. This step is more involved and requires you to enter all the employment and income information for all members of your household. Don’t worry – you don’t have to complete this in one sitting. You can save a draft, but you must complete all fields before submitting your application.

TEAM

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

Graphic & Website Designers Praim Samsoondar Lana Delgadillo Contributors Janet Howard Candace Bahr Ginita Wall Phillip Alexander

Email: cariaweekly@aol.com Telephone: 718-771-0988

Website: www.cawnyc.com

•Submit it! The best part is you can submit an application for any lottery you qualify for. Just make sure you submit one application per property and you submit by the deadline. •Track your application history. The housing lottery is the kind of thing where no news is a bad sign. They will only contact you if you have been selected for acceptance into the program. That said, you can view all the lotteries you applied for to help keep track. Again, it’s a very slow process so don’t freak out if you haven’t heard several weeks after submitting your application. It can take months. l

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CIVIL RIGHTS

Trump-Pence-Kobach Voter Suppression Efforts are Underway

ASHINGTON—Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement following the issuance of two letters by the Trump administration that indicate it is laying the groundwork for mass voter purges. In a letter sent by the Department of Justice to states covered by the National Voter Registration Act, the government is requesting information on voter registration list maintenance procedures. In another letter sent by Kris Kobach, who along with Vice President Mike Pence co-chairs President Trump’s efforts to investigate so-called election fraud, the government is requesting all publicly available data from each state’s voter rolls: “These two letters, sent on the same day, are highly suspect, and seem to confirm that the Trump administration is laying the groundwork to suppress the right to vote. It is not normal for the Department of Justice to ask for voting data from all states covered by the National Voter Registration Act. It’s likely that this is instead the beginning of an effort to force unwarranted voter purges. The fact that the Justice Department letter coincides with the Kobach letter should cause vot-

ers serious concern. Kris Kobach is a man with an agenda and a history of discriminatory and regressive views on voting rights. We are particularly concerned that these calls for information may be used to wrongly remove eligible Black and Hispanic voters from the rolls through the problematic process known as Crosscheck. The integrity of our elections is indeed under assault – just not in the way that Donald Trump claims. Instead of wasting taxpayer dollars with a new effort led by two Republicans to promote President Trump’s highly questionable and thoroughly discredited voting agenda, the American people deserve to know how Russia interfered with our last election and how we can fix the serious obstacles eligible voters face to fully participate in our democracy.” Gupta also opposed the Trump’s Nomination of Eric Dreiband for Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. She stated, “I had the honor and privilege of running the Civil Rights Division at a time when civil rights issues were at the front and center for the country. Whoever leads the ‘crown jewel’ of the Justice Department must have deep relationships with stakeholders and marginalized communities, and have a deep,

abiding faith in our nation’s civil rights laws. They must respect the laws that touch everyone, rights that people have literally died for. They must respect the role of what has been called the conscience of the federal government. In all those regards, Eric Dreiband is woefully unqualified to lead the Civil Rights Division. Now, more than ever, the leader of the Civil Rights Division must uphold its mission. This is an administration that has shown an open hostility to, and a demonstrated record of, undermining our nation’s core civil rights. We need a leader who will take the lessons of previous administrations and reject the politicization of the division. We need a leader who will be fair and yet aggressive about protecting civil rights, and can bring together faith, business, and law enforcement communities in pursuit of that goal. Dreiband does not have the qualities needed to lead. Dreiband has devoted the vast majority of his career to defending corporations accused of employment discrimination. He has opposed important legislation to safeguard our civil rights. And he has no known experience in most of the Civil Rights Division’s core issue areas, such as voting rights, police reform, housing,

education, and hate crimes. He is the wrong person for the job.” Dreiband has made a name for himself as one of corporate America’s go-to lawyers in an effort to restrict the rights and remedies for discrimination victims. He testified against legislation to reverse the Supreme Court’s infamous Ledbetter decision that allowed for pay discrimination against women, and against legislation to reverse a Supreme Court case that was a severe setback for age discrimination victims. He criticized the Obama EEOC’s litigation priorities, including its important ‘ban-the-box’ guidance, which promotes fair chance hiring by removing the conviction history checkbox from job applications. In recent years, he also filed lawsuits challenging the Affordable Care Act’s provisions that require employers to extend reproductive health care benefits to women employees. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Division. The American people deserve a leader of the Civil Rights Division who will embrace its historic mission and fight for the civil rights of all Americans. Eric Dreiband is not that person and The Leadership Conference calls on the Senate to reject his nomination.l

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MONEY MATTERS

Finance 101 for New Graduates

BY CANDACE BAHR, CEA, CDFA & GINITA WALL, CPA, CFP®

raduation is a time for new beginnings. As you join the world of work, realize that you have a tremendous power to shape your financial future. That’s because you hold the greatest of all assets—time! The ability to set goals and know what needs to be done to reach them begins the exciting journey toward financial maturity.

Finance 101: Budgeting for the Young and Restless Budgeting, yuck! If you’ve never attempted a budget before, the whole idea may seem frightening and unpleasant. But viewed from the proper perspective, budgets are a power tool that gives you more enjoyment from the money you spend. While budgets can help control spending, they can also help with saving for particular goals. And within the basic guidelines, budgets can be flexible. You can decide where to expand and contract discretionary spending. Plan your finances rather than spending recklessly, and you’ll be happier, and your money will go farther.

Managing the Credit Monster Students today are offered a dizzying array of credit opportunities that can

strain their finances to the breaking point if not approached with caution. The credit card companies are in the business of extending credit. They count on you, the cardholder, not to take on more debt than you can handle and to take good care of the FICO score that can determine your future borrowing power. Knowing how best to use credit and how to avoid abusing it can literally save your financial life. Don’t take on more credit card debt than you can comfortably pay back within the coming year.

Saving and Investing With Father Time The future can seem too distant to be real

when money is needed today for rent, transportation, meals, and more. But here’s an example of the wisdom of saving and investing for tomorrow rather than spending “in the moment.” A $10,000 investment earning 8% will grow to $20,000 in 9 years, and in nine more years you’ll have $40,000, then $80,000, then $160,000. Don’t have $10,000 to invest? Try $100 a month. Compounding of earnings is so powerful that those who begin in their twenties can amass large nest eggs with relatively little effort as long as they invest regularly. Money left to grow over years and years can be your ticket to a lifetime of finan-

cial security. Even if the initial investment is small, time is on your side. Congratulations graduates, you just passed finance 101! Use your financial power wisely, and you will have a bright future ahead of you.l

Reprinted with permission. Candace Bahr, CEA, CDFA and Ginita Wall, CPA, CFP® are co-founders of WIFE.org, a nonprofit that aims to teach females how to take financial control of their lives after major life transitions — like divorce.

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NY POLITICS

The Brooklyn Civil Court Candidate with the “Velvet Gloves and Steel Balls”

BY NIA BENJAMIN

andra Elena Roper as a civil rights lawyer, while also a hospital pharmacist, has been an ardent community advocate referred to as the woman with “Velvet Gloves” and “Steel Balls”, by the press. Roper, an AfroLatina from Panama, was the first person of color to run for Brooklyn District Attorney after taking the baton from the late Judge John Phillips after he was unceremoniously removed as a candidate by the incumbent. Roper’s bravery, tenacity and perseverance kept her on course despite no political backing, incredibly modest finances and disproportionate malicious tactics by the incumbent, which led to her granted request for federal election day monitors by then US Attorney General John Ashcroft. As a first time candidate, Roper ran a truly grassroots campaign with the orchestration of John O’Hara, Judge Phillips’ campaign manager. During that election the incumbent threatened to have her disbarred and attempted to do so by all means thereafter. Although The Grievance Committee found Roper had committed no offense, as the saying goes

a prosecutor “can indict a ham sandwich”. Indeed, the incumbent did just that by falsely claiming that a special prosecutor had been assigned to prosecute Roper for fraud of a litigious former client that was well known to the incumbent as questionable in veracity. Governor Pataki refused the incumbent’s request for a special prosecutor. Likely, indicating that Governor Pataki refused to sully his hands with the prosecution against Roper, leaving the incumbent to do his own “dirty deeds” against his former opponent. The incumbent used Roper as an example to frighten away other opponents when he continually reminded the press as to the woes he

inflicted against Roper. So mean-spirited was incumbent that he actually attempted to have Roper taken to Rikers Island even though she had in full cooperation personally surrendered. Roper refused to succumb to his attempts to have her admit to any wrongdoing after attempting several times for an Alford Plea. Roper’s faith and Mom gave her the strength and tenacity to endure this David and Goliath fight. Roper opened the doors much to her peril for subsequent opposition campaigns against the incumbent culminating on that fateful day. On November 5, 2013, Roper and her Mom, an integral part and her primary confidante during her campaign for DA, watched the election results in Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital as it was announced that the incumbent DA had finally lost. Even though her Mom was very weak and was about to be transferred to hospice, she mustered up enough strength to give a smile and thumbs up. At her mom’s insistence, Roper attended the victory party of the new Brooklyn DA, where she was introduced to the late Ken Thompson. Ken greeted Roper ebulliently and she was so very humbled as he thanked her for being a progenitor for

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his ultimate victory against the incumbent. Roper’s Mom succumbed to ovarian cancer that Monday thereafter. Roper as an Afro-Latina American from Panama is the eldest from Ralph and Norma Roper and Grandparents Lionel and Cecilia Scott. Her educational background was so much in the sciences that she was frequently pushed to become a doctor, instead opting to become a Hospital Pharmacist in 1980, later on attending Brooklyn Law School and New York University Law School for her LLM degree specializing in pharmaceutical law. Never did Roper know that she would be lead to civil rights law in a small storefront practice on Fulton Street in Bedford Stuyvesant. Roper says often that she was quite fortunate to have had many exciting albeit challenging experiences; whether successfully fighting predatory lending; race or sex discrimination, police excessive force, voting rights in the Supreme Court of the United States, unfair trade practices against local pharmacies by big corporate pharmacies, just to name a few. But, Roper’s greatest attribute, that she lives by the motto- upon whom much is given, much is expected, which was instilled in her by her Dad. Roper believes that with all she has already done thus far for society via the law, that she has more to give in the rendering of Justice as a Brooklyn Civil Court Judge. Roper has consistently been “unbought and unbossed” as Shirley Chisholm has coined during her presidential campaign. As an independent Democrat Roper is a member of the Challenger Slate of Civil Court Judges against the Kings County Democratic Party spearheaded by very successful Gary Tilzer, who is responsible for many successful wins for independent Democrats in Brooklyn. This is an unprecedented Civil Court race in Brooklyn offering the people of Brooklyn real choices and not merely rubberstamped Party picks. Roper joins John O’Hara, who was also retaliated against by the Kings County party and former DA Charles Hynes for malicious prosecution for illegal voting was overturned by the Brooklyn DA conviction review unit earlier this year; Thomas J. Kennedy, an attorney at Glancy Prongay & Murray, LLP; Patrick Hayes, formerly an assistant Brooklyn DA and founding member of the Law Office of Patrick Hayes; and a principal court attorney for the NYS Supreme Court in Brooklyn, Isiris Isela Isaac.l RoperForJudge2017@NYC.Com has more in depth information as Roper with her Challenger Team are gearing up for the Democratic Primary, Tuesday, September 12, 2017 and the General Election, November 7, 2017.

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CARIBBEAN STAR

First Caribbean-Born Female Installed as President for NYSPMA

he New York State Podiatric Medical Association (NYSPMA) is proud to announce the election of Patricia Nicholas, DPM, as the 75th president of the association. Dr. Nicholas was installed as president during the NYSPMA 121st Annual House of Delegates on June 3. Dr. Nicholas is the first Caribbean-born female to serve in this prestigious position. Dr. Nicholas has been a practicing podiatrist for over 24 years. She currently practices at her private practice, Lite Step Podiatry in Wading River, NY, and is affiliated with Peconic Bay Medical Center Northwell Health. Born in Haiti in the late 1960’s, podiatry was unknown to her. Today, she is proud to have the opportunity to lead the NYSPMA and advocate for the full integration of podiatry into the health care system. “I am truly humbled to have been afforded a position that allows me to give back to the profession that I love so dearly,” said Dr. Nicholas during her inauguration speech at The Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown, NY. “Podiatry is the best kept secret in medicine, and together with the NYSPMA, I will continue to work tirelessly toward aligning our agenda with the New York State

Public Health care initiatives. I am honored to be the voice of the profession for my patients and my colleagues.” Dr. Nicholas’ goals for the 2017 – 2018 term include advancing NYSPMA initiatives including insurance, legislative and policy advocacy, career awareness and student recruitment. “We should be proud to be podiatrists,” said Dr. Nicholas to a room of over 100 House of Delegates attendees that included local and national member podiatrists, key members of the NYSPMA leadership board from across New York State, lobbyists and distinguished guests. “Let us embark on this journey together and embrace our unique position on an integrated multidisciplinary health care team.” Dr. Nicholas migrated to the United States in 1982 and graduated from Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn in 1984. She went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Francis College in 1989 with minors in French and Philosophy. Dr. Nicholas further pursued a doctoral degree and graduated from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in 1993 and completed her residency from Wyckoff Heights

Dr Nicholas

Medical Center. Dr. Patricia Nicholas has served on the board of the NYSPMA since 2010 and as past president of the Caribbean American Medical and Scientific Association. In 2016, News Americas named her as one of the top 10 leading Caribbean-born female doctors across the United States. Additionally, Dr.

Nicholas is the founder of the Kindest Hearts Foundation (O'Rouck (Anse-aVeau), Haiti), which she created after volunteering in Haiti after the devastating earthquake of 2010. The organization focuses on rebuilding Haiti one town at a time by teaching the people of O’Rouck to help themselves through valuable, self-sufficiency tools that deliver success. Family is of high value to Dr. Nicholas, and it is no surprise that she filled the room with immediate and extended family and friends during her inauguration ceremony. During her speech, Dr. Nicholas recognized her husband Nigel, whom she has been married to for 26 years, and her three children for all of their love and support as she followed her career path in podiatry. She thanked her parents, who traveled from Florida to witness the event, for always pushing her to strive to become more than she could be.l

For more information about Dr. Nicholas, visit www.litesteppodiatry.com. For more information about the NYSPMA, visit www.nyspma.org.

Podiatrists. Strides towards saving lives. NEW YORK’S ONLY FOOT SPECIALISTS SINCE 1895.

The NYSPMA congratulates

Patricia Nicholas, DPM, of

Wading River, NY, who was

recently appointed 75th president of the Association.

Haitian-born, Dr. Nicholas is the ﬁrst female of

Caribbean descent to hold this prestigious position. ENGAGE

EXPLORE

CONNECT

info@nyspma.org

nyspma.org

facebook.com/NYSPMA

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Why Do Whites Control the Marijuana Industry/ continued from page 1

would allow for more licensed distributors. Why is this opportunity of a lifetime controlled by whites and not blacks and other minorities? Jamaica and St Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean are noted for marijuana, with the St Vincent and the Grenadines boasting the best weed. Last year, of the initial 15 preliminary licenses awarded by the Medical Cannabis Commission to grow the plant, none of them went to a company owned or controlled by an African American. That’s a pretty clear disparity. In Maryland, Governor, Larry Hogan, ordered the state to conduct a study on whether racial disparities exist in the process for obtaining a state license for growing or selling medical marijuana. However, the state already completed a disparity study, released on February 8, looking at opportunities for African Americans, women, and racial minorities to start businesses in the general (non-weed) business market. The results weren’t great: The 562-page report concluded that “minorities and women are substantially and significantly less likely to own their own businesses as the result of discrimination than would be expected based upon their observable characteristics, including age, education, geographic location, and industry.”

Among the Report’s Findings: •Overall annual average wages for African Americans, from 2010 to 2014, were 37 percent lower than for similarly situated white men—a “large and statistically significant” difference. •Overall annual earnings for selfemployed African Americans during the same time were 41.8 percent lower than for white males. •The business formation rates for African Americans were 2.4 percentage points lower than for white men. All of these disparities held true for Latinos, Asians, and Native Americans as well, showing “large, adverse, and statistically significant” differences, compared to their white counterparts. The report also found that minorityowned firm loan requests were “substantially more likely to be denied than non-minorities,” even when controlling for firm size and credit history. The diversity, or lack thereof, in the marijuana industry has been a concern for advocates throughout the United States. Medical marijuana is legal in 29 states. But an investigation by BuzzFeed last year, estimates that only about 1 percent of the nation’s more than 3,500 marijuana dispensaries are owned by African Americans. “It’s disappointing that the very people impacted the most by this part of the war on drugs are not now able to participate in what is now the legal regulated world,” says attorney Christian

CURIOUS ABOUT MARIJUANA?

Sederberg. He’s with the so-called Marijuana Law Firm in Colorado, where weed is legal. “And it’s not just because of criminal backgrounds, but because these businesses in some states have high barriers to entry: lots of money, huge infrastructure costs and political connections. It’s not that no people of color have those, but it’s a classic American sort of new industry dominated by white men.”

Starting a Marijuana Business In New York, where the registration fee alone was $200,000 when the medicalmarijuana program went online last year, the average applicant likely spent millions. The cannabis-business advising firm 4FrontAdvisors told MarketWatch the total capital and operating costs of New York dispensaries will be somewhere between $15 million and $30 million for each of the five companies granted operating licenses in the first year. In an article by Allison Keyes for The Root, longtime African-American marijuana activist and entrepreneur Wanda James gets furious when she talks about the racial disparity among the owners of weed businesses. “It angers me to my core!” rails James, founder and CEO of the Colorado-based Simply Pure dispensary and edibles. “Why do white men in Colorado … get to sell a billion dollars’ worth of weed,

HOT TOPIC

yet a black kid in Texas selling a $24 bag can still go to jail for a felony for a year? Your zip code determines whether you are a felon or a millionaire.” But she stresses that though the business is not cheap, it is not impossible for blacks and Latinos to get involved as long as people of color move to make sure their paths to getting in aren’t permanently blocked. “One, is being part of the rulemaking in every state, because they are putting barriers up,” James says, noting that in Colorado, if you had a drug felony, you couldn’t be in on the industry, but if you were a rapist, you could. “It’s stuff like that that makes no sense so it becomes dog whistle and racist because we have been targeted for the last 80 years and given ridiculous [weed] sentences.” James says that people of color need to lobby to make sure the barriers are reasonable, and that they have the tools to navigate them successfully. “Let’s not think you can open a dispensary with $25,000 in the bank. We’ve got to be prepared with partnerships. It doesn’t matter that one person doesn’t have a million,” James explains, “but partnerships can be formed to take on investors and be ready to be in this industry in a big way. It does require business acumen, but if you’ve got the desire to do this, find the people you can partner with to make this happen. They’re out there. You just have to find them.”l

NY WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

Are you working? Have you been injured on the job? Was it a serious injury as defined under NY Workers’ Compensation Law? If yes, then call Figeroux & Associates for a FREE Consultation at 718-222-3155.

The Business & Health Benefits of Marijuana Join us for an informational seminar:

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The Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates. Call us at 718-222-3155. VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR MORE NEWS AND INFORMATION, FREE LEGAL CONSULTATIONS AND A CHANCE TO WIN A TV!

NEWS 9

NEWS

nHEALTH

nENTERTAINMENT

nRELATIONSHIPS

nRECIPES

Saint Lucia is Rated Top Caribbean Destination

Sugar Beach, Saint Lucia

aint Lucia has been listed as one of the top 3 vacation destinations in the Caribbean by the US News & World Report. The publication just released its World’s Best Places to Visit and it ranks Saint Lucia as the third best Caribbean island for the ultimate holiday. According to US News, Saint Lucia is ‘a lush, unspoiled island’ with ‘a growing fan base’ that spans honeymooners, thrill seekers and music lovers alike. It highlights the fact that Saint Lucia does not limit itself to offering just one type of vacation; visitors can get whatever kind of holiday experience they want when they come to the island. The list is compiled using a methodology that brings together travelers’ opinions along with travel editors’ and experts’ analysis. Each destination is judged according to a set of 10 criteria including adventure, nightlife, food, culture, romance and sights. Over 300 countries were analyzed in these and other categories to come up with the rankings. Saint Lucia continues to be a favorite among tourists due to its array of premier hotels, resorts, villas and other boutique accommodation. Its tours and attractions such as the iconic twin peaks, the Pitons, and the Sulphur Springs mud baths entice families, couples and sole travelers looking for adventure.l

Forbes Magazine Says Jamaica Top Exporter of Top Models

he Saint modeling agency, which is managed from Jamaica, has produced many global runway fashion stars during its nearly 20 years in business, and its achievements were noted by Forbes Magazine. Some of the agency’s successes include Brandon Bailey, a Jamaican who made his debut modeling on the Prada runway in Milan, Italy, in 2015. He went on to make runway appearances for Paul Smith, Berluti and Yeezy, in addition to being featured in an ad campaign for Ralph Lauren. Other models from Saint include Tami Williams, former face of Valentino and the Calvin Klein Collection who modeled in Chanel’s Métier d’Art show in Tokyo, and Kai Newman, former face of Ralph Lauren and a “fixture” on the runway for designers such as Gucci, Prada, Loewe and Burberry Prorsum. The founder of Saint, Deiwght Peters, celebrates the international achievements of his models every year by closing down busy Knutsford Boulevard in Kingston to hold an outdoor runway festival known as

nSPORTS

nDINING

Kitchen Corner: Caribbean Grilled Crab Cakes "Absolutely delicious! I have made these in a skillet as well and they taste just as delicious as on the grill. I prefer to use fresh crabmeat, but you can use whatever is on hand." -Juliep, AllRecipes.com

Ingredients For Crab Cakes: 3/4 pound crabmeat 1 cup plain bread crumbs 3/4 cup mayonnaise 1 egg, beaten 2 green onions, minced Hot sauce, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

For Mango Salsa: 1 mango, peeled, pitted and diced 1 red onion, diced 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 1 lime, juiced Minced jalapeno, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions Drain the crabmeat. In a large bowl, mix the crabmeat, bread crumbs, mayon-

“Fashion Block.” For one night, featuring a DJ and sponsored bar, the general public has the chance to watch as the models, global ambassadors for Jamaica, take the runway. The 2017 staging of Fashion Block featured Lydia Barnett, 16, who Tami made her debut for Fausto Puglisi and Philipp Plein in Milan, and Jamaica-based accounting student Naki Depass, who models for Céline, Isabel Marant and Giorgio Armani in her spare time. Long-time model Brad Allen of Saint is the current face of Polo Ralph Lauren. Saint’s 20th anniversary comes in 2020, and its founder says he has accomplished his mission: finding the best black models in the region and getting them to work with the top designers, stylists and brands in the world. Peters believes that the models are “exceptional” ambassadors to the world. His one remaining goal: to see a top American or British group cover his models in a fashion shoot in Jamaica.l —StephanieK/Jamaicans.com

naise, egg, green onions, hot sauce, and salt and pepper until combined. Shape the mixture into 16 small cakes. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl combine the diced mango, onion, basil, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeno (if using), and salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use. To grill: Preheat grill for medium heat and lightly oil the grate or a grill basket. Grill about 8 minutes, turning once. To pan-fry: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook crab cake patties until crisp and golden brown on both sides, about 4 minutes per side. Top crab cakes with mango salsa and enjoy.l

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HEALTH MATTERS

This STD is Becoming 'Smarter' and Harder to Treat

NICOLE CHAVEZ, CNN (Via Apple News)

onorrhea is becoming harder and in some cases impossible to treat with antibiotics, the World Health Organization (WHO) said. "The bacteria that cause gonorrhea are particularly smart. Every time we use a new class of antibiotics to treat the infection, the bacteria evolve to resist them," said Teodora Wi, a human reproduction specialist at the WHO, in a news release. Three superbugs — bacteria that cannot be killed by the best available drug — were detected in Japan, France and Spain, according to the WHO. "We need to be more vigilant now," Wi told reporters in a phone briefing. Each year, about 78 million people worldwide are infected with gonorrhea, the WHO said. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there are 820,000 new gonorrhea infections each year. Data from 77 countries collected by WHO shows there is a widespread resistance to older, cheaper antibiotics and in some countries, the infection has became "untreatable by all known antibiotics," the international health organization said in the news release.

Earlier this year, gonorrhea was named among 11 types of bacteria that health experts believe pose the greatest threats to human health because they are in urgent need of new antibiotics. Marc Sprenger, WHO's director of antimicrobial resistance, said there's an urgent need for drugs and tests to prevent, diagnose and treat gonorrhea. More specifically, Sprenger said, the health community needs new antibiotics, a long term vaccine to prevent the infection and tests that will predict with accuracy if an antibiotic will work on a particular infection. Gonorrhea has developed resistance to nearly every class of antibiotics used to treat it such as penicillin, tetracycline and fluoroquinolones, the CDC said.

"It's important to understand that ever since antibiotics appeared on the scene, Neisseria gonorrhoeae has been fairly quick in developing resistance to all the classes of antibiotics that have been thrown at it," Manica Balasegaram, director of the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership, told reporters. From 2009-2014, the WHO says that several countries discovered a widespread resistance to drugs used to treat gonorrhea like ciprofloxacin, azithromycin and even last resort treatments such as extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESCs), the health organization said. In 2016, the organization began advising doctors to switch to a two-drug combination: ceftriaxone and azithromycin after more than 50 countries reported that ESCs were no longer effective in some cases.

Why drugs stop working The sexually transmitted infection is becoming resistant to the usual recommended treatments around the world and creating new antibiotics is "not very attractive for commercial pharmaceutical companies," the WHO said. Gonorrhea symptoms include a burning

sensation when urinating and unusual discharge from the penis or vagina. Left untreated, the infection can cause serious health problems including long-term abdominal pain and pelvic inflammatory disease, which could lead to ectopic pregnancy and infertility. But most people who are infected do not have any symptoms and in some cases, doctors mistakenly diagnose gonorrhea, health officials said. Using antibiotics improperly is contributing to the development of antibiotic resistance in gonorrhea as well as other bacterial diseases, health officials said. In the US, the CDC recommends a twodrug regimen — ceftriaxone and azithromycin — for treating gonorrhea. Last year, a cluster of infections in Hawaii did not succumb as easily to the antibiotics as infections have in the past. "Since 2005, we have seen four isolated cases that showed resistance to both drugs. But the Hawaii cases are the first cluster we have seen with reduced susceptibility to both drugs," said Paul Fulton Jr., a spokesman for the CDC.l CNN's Susan Scutti and Meera Senthilingam contributed to this report.

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Buying an exceptional home calls for exceptional service. As you consider the purchase of a new home, you expect a high level of service. With Citibank®, you’ll receive dedicated assistance from a Mortgage Representative, offering a selection of mortgage products to best suit your needs.

THE BENEFITS OF A CITIBANK MORTGAGE INCLUDE: Jumbo loan sizes up to $3 million — Loan sizes up to $8 million available to well-qualified buyers who meet Citi’s High Net Worth1 requirements Mortgage discounts with Relationship Pricing2 SureStart® pre-approval so you can shop with confidence3

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Shawn Carson Home Lending Officer 718-915-8695 shawn.carson@citi.com NMLS# 109828

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Terms, conditions and fees of accounts, programs, products and services are subject to change. This is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit and property approval. Certain restrictions may apply on all programs. Offer cannot be combined with any other mortgage offer. 1. Available for clients with a minimum of $1million or more in investable post-close assets and at least $100,000 in traditional assets must be on deposit with Citi at least 10 days prior to closing. This amount may be part of the $1,000,000 eligibility requirement. Real estate, loan proceeds, stock options, restricted stock and personal property will not be counted as part of the $1million or more in investable post-close asset. Investable assets are defined as deposit accounts (checking, savings, money market, Certificates of Deposit), unrestricted stocks, bonds, and retirement accounts held by the individual who is personally liable on the loan. Similar asset types held in revocable trust may be used provided the trust document meets the Trust Policy. The assets held in trust must be of the investable quality stated above. Additional conditions apply. 2. A Citibank deposit account and automated monthly transfers of the mortgage payment from a Citibank personal deposit account using EZ Pay will be required to receive Citibank mortgage relationship pricing. Ask a mortgage representative for details on eligible balances and the qualifying closing cost credit or rate discount. Availability of the Citibank mortgage relationship pricing for Citibank account holders is subject to change without notice. 3. Final commitment is subject to verification of information, receipt of a satisfactory sales contract on the home you wish to purchase, appraisal and title report, and meeting our customary closing conditions. There is no charge to receive a SureStart pre-approval. However, standard application and commitment fees will apply for the mortgage loan application. © 2017 Citibank, N.A. NMLS #412915. Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. Citi, Citi and Arc Design and other marks used herein are service marks of Citigroup Inc. or its affiliates, used and registered throughout the world.

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

The Immigrant’s Journal

Our leaders who stood for Unity & Justice

FREE

Protecting God’s Children From Distant Lands

www.ijlef.org

Vol.94

26 Court Street, Suite 701, Brooklyn, NY 11242 Tel: 718-243-9431 Fax: 718-222-3153 Email: immjournal @aol.com

In the Days of Deportation, All Immigrants Are Targets

BY MELISSA CRUZ

ince the Trump administration announced its crackdown on undocumented immigrants, stories of individuals abruptly deported have pervaded the news. The accounts of longtime residents who have built families, homes, and businesses only to be deported after years in the United States may seem like outliers, but in fact are now becoming the new normal. Such accounts are found in Slate’s Days of Deportation, which documents 60 days’ worth of immigration arrests in the Trump era. Slate’s portfolio of immigra-

Top Terrible Things about Trump’s Budget... see page 7

continued on page 5

Acting Brooklyn DA’s Policy Regarding Handling of Cases against Non-citizen Defendants

cting Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez implemented a new policy aimed at minimizing collateral immigration consequences of criminal convictions, particularly for misdemeanor and other low-level offenses. The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office has hired two immigration attorneys to train all staff on immigration issues and to advise prosecutors when making plea offers and sentencing recommendations on cases of non-citizen defendants in an effort to avoid disproportionate collateral consequences, such as deportation, while maintaining public safety. Gonzalez said, “I am committed to

Scared? Nervous about President Trump’s Immigration Plans? CALL NOW FOR

A FREE

CONSULTATION:

Call 718-243-9431.

Eric Gonzalez Acting Brooklyn DA

continued on page 4

Brian Figeroux, Esq.

Trump Calls on Congress to Pass Bills Aimed at Undocumented Immigrants

resident Trump hosted the families of victims of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants at the White House recntly as part of an effort to put pressure on Republicans in the House to pass legislation targeting socalled sanctuary cities.

“You lost the people that you love because our government refused to enforce our nation’s immigration laws and that’s including the existing immigration laws,” Trump told the family members who had joined him in the Cabinet room. “For years the pundits,

Who Will and Won’t Be Impacted by the Travel Ban after the Supreme Court Decision ... see page 3

journalists, politicians in Washington refused to hear your voices, but on Election Day 2016, your voices were heard all across the entire world. No one died in vain, I can tell you that.” The two pieces of legislation are comcontinued on page 6

The American Dream: Small Business Boot Camp ...see page 6

How to Get a Tax ID ... see page 2

DCA Files Charges for Deceptive ID4ICE Card ... see page 2

What to Do If You’re Stopped by ICE Agents... see page 3

NEWSBRIEFS

HELP US! Donate to the IJLEF Visit

www.ijlef.org

A Special Invitation

to all faith-based leaders to empower their congregation and membership from the IJLEF, Inc. a 501(c)(3) approved not-for-profit organization offering:

FREE IMMIGRATION SEMINARS/ PRESENTATIONS & CONSULTATION CARDS ($100 VALUE) ON THE DAY OF THE PRESENTATION

Call 718-243-9431 to schedule a presentation

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Department of Consumer Affairs Files Charges against Organization and its President for Deceptive “ID4ICE” Card

EW YORK, NY—Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Lorelei Salas recently announced charges against A New Beginning for Immigrants Rights, Inc. (NBIR) and its president, Carlos Davila, for engaging in deceptive and illegal practices to profit from immigrant consumers. NBIR, a former nonprofit corporation, and Mr. Davila have been preying on the desperation and fear of immigrants by falsely advertising“ID4ICE” cards as a “National Identification Card” that provides immigrants with protection against deportation and immunity from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. In reality, these identification cards, which range from $50-$200, offer no such protections and serve only as a scam to collect hundreds of dollars from vulnerable New Yorkers desperate to find a legal way to stay in the United States. DCA’s charges, which will be heard at the City’s Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH), allege numerous violations and seeks more than $1.3 million in fines. “These deceptive tactics not only place immigrant New Yorkers at extraordinary risk, but also violate the City’s Consumer Protection Law,” said DCA Commissioner Lorelei Salas. “DCA is committed to preventing predatory immigration assistance providers from

Commissioner Salas

taking advantage of vulnerable New Yorkers, and we will continue to investigate anyone who engages in these practices. Immigrants should utilize the City’s free and secure services to ensure they are keeping themselves and their families safe.” "It is unconscionable to sell a false bill of goods to immigrant communities during a time of immense uncertainty and fear," said Nisha Agarwal, Commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs. "These national IDs are fake, and the City will do everything in its power to hold fraudsters accountable. Any New Yorker without government-issued identification should call 311 to make an appointment to get a free IDNYC card — official ID for entering City buildings, your child's school, and to interact with the NYPD."l

How to Get a Tax ID

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 The Immigrant’s Journal Legal & Educational Fund, Inc at 718-243-9431 to schedule an appointment to apply for your ITIN today.l

USCIS Introduces Redesigned Form for Green Card Applicants

.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today published a revised Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Form I485). The new Form I-485 and instructions have been substantially updated to reduce complexity after collecting comments from the public and stakeholders. The revised version gives applicants better information to accurately complete Form I-485, including clear navigation to the parts of the form and instructions that are relevant to the applicants’ specific situations. These updates should increase the efficiency of the adjudication process by reducing errors and requests for evidence. Applicants living in the United States file Form I-485 to adjust their immigration status and become lawful permanent residents, which allows one to live and work permanently in the United States. Adjusting status is a critical step for those seeking U.S. citizenship. USCIS also revised the Form I-485 Supplement A and Form I-485 Supplement J (as well as each supplement’s instructions), to provide applicants with more detailed information about how to properly complete, file, and submit evidence if those supplements are applicable to their situation. Beginning June 26, there will be a 60day grace period during which USCIS will accept both the 01/17/17 and 06/26/17 editions of Form I-485 and Supplement A and J. Beginning Aug. 25, USCIS will only accept the revised Form and Supplement A and J of Form I-485 and will no longer accept earlier versions of either form.

What’s New? USCIS improved Form I-485 to include: • Better flow and organization of questions to make it user-friendly for both the applicants and USCIS. In addition, readability has significantly improved due to new spacing, columns, flow, white space, and formatting. • The questions about biographic information (Form G-325A) so applicants will no longer need to file a separate form; • A list of 27 immigrant categories, which allows applicants to identify the specific immigrant category under which they are applying; and • A comprehensive, updated list of admissibility-related questions. The added questions to ensure USCIS officers have the necessary information to better assess the applicant’s admissibility and eligibility.l

VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.IJLEF.ORG FOR MORE IMMIGRATION NEWS & UPDATES

MOVING FORWARD

Who Will and Won’t Be Impacted by the Travel Ban After the Supreme Court’s Decision

BY AARON REICHLIN-MELNICK

he Supreme Court has decided to hear the Travel Ban case when its fall session begins in October 2017. In the meantime, the Court will allow the administration to implement parts of President Trump’s second executive order (EO-2), which bans the entry of nationals of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen from the United States for at least 90 days and suspends the admission of all refugees for 120 days. In a narrow decision, the Court ruled that the government can only enforce the travel ban against foreign nationals who do not have “a credible claim of a bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the United States.” What this means is that individuals from the six countries will be permitted to enter the United States if they have a “close familial relationship” with someone already here or if they have a “formal, documented” relationship with an American entity formed “in the ordinary course” of business. However, the Court said that such relationships cannot be established for the purpose of avoiding

the travel ban. The government will likely begin applying the travel ban in the limited fashion permitted by the Supreme Court on June 29, 2017. Who is likely to be allowed to enter the United States? •Individuals who have valid immigrant or non-immigrant visas issued on or before June 26, 2017. These individuals are not included in the travel ban. •Individuals with visas coming to live or visit with family members. The Court’s order is clear that individuals who “wish to enter the United States to live with or visit a family member”

have close familial relationships. The Court used both a spouse and a motherin-law as examples of qualifying relationships, but it is unclear whether more distant relatives would qualify. •Students who have been admitted to a U.S. university, workers who have accepted offers of employment with U.S. companies, and lecturers invited to address an American audience. The Court provided these three examples of individuals who have credible claims of a bona fide relationship to an American entity. •Other types of business travelers. It is unclear whether individuals with employment-based visas that do not require a petitioning employer will be able to demonstrate the requisite relationship with a U.S. entity. •Refugees. Most refugees processed overseas have family or other connections to the United States including with refugee resettlement agencies. The Court ruled that such individuals may not be excluded even if the 50,000 cap on refugees has been reached or exceeded.

Stopped by ICE Agents: Know Your Rights

f you are stopped by police officers, immigration agents or other public authorities, you have rights. It does not matter if you entered the country by crossing the border in Mexico, if you are an overstay, green card holder or citizen. As long as you are within the borders of the United States, you have rights. Know them. Use them. The first step is to call your immigration law and deportation defense attorneys at Figeroux & Associates. The Law Firm team has represented clients across the United States and has a 24/7 emergency line, 855-768-8845. It does not matter what day or time it is — pulled over or stopped by Immigration Authorities, call Figeroux & Associates today. Here’s what to do if you’re stopped by ICE Agents:

1) No ICE officer should stop anybody based on appearance alone; regardless of your ethnicity, the color of your skin, the way you dress or talk or the language you’re speaking. It’s the law.

2) If an immigration officer asks for proof that you are a legal resident of the United States and wants to see some identification, you have the right to refuse to give them your ID. You can also refuse to answer any of their questions. Unless they

continued on page 5

return to your home country, you have the right to request a meeting with an immigration officer. 6) Do not sign anything you don’t understand. You might be signing a voluntary deportation order.

have a warrant, you have no obligation to interact with them at all. You can ask, “Am I arrested?” If the answer is no, you do not need to give them any information regarding your legal status in the U.S. Showing them your ID is totally optional . 3) If you are being interrogated do not give false information, and do not give them false documentation. You can be charged with identity theft if you show them forged documents, or someone else’s documents, even if you have legal status. Remember that everything you say or do can be used against you.

4) If immigration officials (ICE) begin to knock on your door, you have the right not to open the door. They only have the right to enter to your home if they have a warrant from a judge.

5) If you are arrested in an immigration detention center and you don’t want to

7) Some cases can be resolved with the help of an immigration attorney. The lawyer can request for a court date to meet with an immigration judge and help solve your case. You don’t have the right to an attorney provided by the state, but you do have the right to see your own attorney. Call the Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates, at 855-768-8845.

8) Who should you call: Your family member to contact an immigration lawyer. When you enter an immigration center, they will assign you an A#, which is your alien number. Make sure you give your A# to the people you talk to on the outside helping with your case. If you have no one else to call you should call the Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates at 855-768-8845.l

THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE. CONSULT AN ATTORNEY. CALL 855-768-8845

Publisher I.Q. INC.

TEAM

Managing Editor & Editor-in-Chief Pearl Phillip

Assistant Editor Marilyn Silverman

Graphic & Website Designer Praim Samsoondar

Contributors Melissa Cruz Aaron Reichlin-Melnick Gregory Chen Email immjournal@aol.com Visit www.ijlef.org www.figeroux.com

Executive Director Diandra Archibald Public Relations Ruth McSween Gloria Conttreras

Legal Advisor Brian Figeroux, Esq. Volunteering at THE IMMIGRANT'S JOURNAL LEGAL & EDUCATIONAL FUND, INC. Internship positions available throughout the year.

The Immigrant's Journal Legal & Educational Fund, Inc. is an organization dedicated to the educational and economic empowerment of all immigrants and immigrant organizations here in the United States. We at the Journal recognize the enormous contribution of immigrants to this country economically, socially and politically. Since September 11, 2001, however, immigrants have increasingly been discriminated against and Congress has passed legislation curtailing the rights of immigrants here in the U.S., broadly claiming that immigrants are a threat to ''National Security.'' We at the Journal believe that these charges are unfounded, unsubstantiated and exaggerated. The Immigrant's Journal Volunteer Intern Program was introduced to give our volunteers the opportunity to work in an immigrant friendly environment while developing the necessary skills for college or law school. They assist our staff in resolving immigration and other legal concerns through personal interviews, radio, email and telephone contact. They also assist the public with citizenship applications and in researching whether or not children of naturalized U.S. citizens have derived citizenship from their parents. Some of our volunteers assist our legal staff by engaging in legal research and writing letters on other legal issues. Volunteer interns are also assigned various other jobs in our Youth Programs.

Hours are flexible. Email your cover letter and resume or any questions to: immjournal@aol.com

Tel: 718-243-9431 Fax: 718-222-3153

VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.IJLEF.ORG FOR MORE IMMIGRATION NEWS & UPDATES

IMMIGRANT CONCERNS Handling of Cases against Non-citizen Defendants/ continued from page 1

equal and fair justice for all Brooklyn residents — citizens, lawful residents and undocumented immigrants alike. Now more than ever, we must ensure that a conviction, especially for a minor offense, does not lead to unintended and severe consequences like deportation, which can be unfair, tear families apart and destabilize our communities and businesses. In Brooklyn, we have been proactive in protecting immigrants from fraud and hate crimes and now, with the unprecedented hiring of immigration attorneys and the implementation of this policy, we continue to lead on this important issue.” “I want to emphasize that our Office is not seeking to frustrate the federal government’s function of protecting our country by removing non-citizens whose illegal acts have caused real harm and endangered others. Rather, our goal is to enhance public safety and fairness in the criminal justice system and this policy complements, but does not compromise, this goal. We will not stop prosecuting crimes, but we are determined to see that case outcomes are proportionate to the offense as well as fair and just for everyone.” The Acting District Attorney (ADA) said that non-citizen defendants may face harsh immigration penalties as a

result of criminal convictions, even for minor offenses. Lawful residents (green card holders or students, workers, visitors, refugees and asylees with valid visas) can face deportation, detention during removal proceedings, bars to readmittance into the country and negative effects on applications for permanent residency or citizenship. A conviction for undocumented immigrants can make them a priority for deportation enforcement or eliminate the possibility of the cancellation of removal proceedings that might be otherwise available based on length of stay, marriage, extreme hardship and other factors. According to federal law, four factors primarily affect how a conviction impacts a defendant’s immigration consequences: 1. Nature of the crime. Certain offenses, like those involving a controlled substance, domestic violence, firearms, crimes against a child and crimes of moral turpitude, are prioritized and can be determinative on how a state offense

IN TROUBLE WITH THE LAW?

is treated for immigration purposes. For instance: some state misdemeanors, like possession of marijuana and petit larceny, are considered felonies for immigration purposes, while trespass and unauthorized use of a vehicle are not. 2. Length of sentence. Certain misdemeanor dispositions are tantamount to aggravated felonies for immigration purposes. 3. The length of the defendant’s stay in the United States. 4. Whether the defendant has prior convictions and the nature of such convictions. Given the complexity of the law, a blanket set of guidelines is not applicable when attempting to prevent unintended collateral consequences, and any determination must be made on a case-bycase basis. Accordingly, the new policy instructs the following: •When reviewing a case, whether at the initial stages or further along its pendency, all staff must be alert to a defendant’s possible non-citizen status. If such possibility exists, the Assistant District Attorney must flag that fact to defense counsel and note that immigration consequences may be an issue. •In determining an appropriate plea offer or a sentencing recommendation after trial, every case must be evaluated on its merits so that justice is served. Among the several factors to be considered are the defendant’s present and future immigration status and any humanitarian fac-

tors, such as hardships if the defendant were deported. Whenever possible, if an appropriate disposition or sentence recommendation can be offered that neither jeopardizes public safety nor leads to removal or to any other disproportionate collateral consequence — the ADA should offer that disposition or make that recommendation. To reach an immigration-neutral disposition, ADAs may consider alternative offenses the defendant can plead to as well as reasonable modifications to the sentence recommendation. When possible, the alternative should be similar in level of offense and length of sentence to that offered to a citizen defendant, while the charge may be different. For example, a plea to a misdemeanor trespass may be offered when appropriate instead of a misdemeanor drug offense. In certain instances, it may be appropriate to offer a non-citizen defendant a plea for a lesser offense in light of the disproportionate immigration consequences a higher level offense may result in. •Two attorneys with specific expertise in immigration laws as well as broad knowledge of other collateral consequences (bars to housing, education opportunities, etc.) are joining the District Attorney’s staff. They will act as a resource to the entire Office, consulting on individual cases and providing targeted training to all ADAs.l

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IMMIGRATION MATTERS Impacted by the Travel Ban After Supreme Court Decision/

Days of Deportation/ continued from page 1

tion arrests paints a broad picture of what life is now like for undocumented immigrants—some are picked up taking their children to school, while others are deported to countries they haven’t seen since childhood. They have become powerful human interest stories which include tales of community members ripped from their families and homes. Public outrage has grown as many believed that immigration officials primarily target people who cross the border illegally or are dangerous threats to public safety—not the “good ones” who have spent years contributing to their communities, like many of the people highlighted in Days of Deportation. But in their effort to cast a wider net, the current administration has made it a priority to deport even those people who have lived in the country for decades. Under the Obama administration, immigration enforcement had refocused its enforcement priorities away from lawabiding long-time residents and towards those who had crossed the border without authorization or who posed a serious threat to public safety. However, under the new administration the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has done

continued from page 3

away with the previous priorities and has expanded their scope to include anyone who is unauthorized in the United States, regardless of where they are located, how long they have been in the country, or whether or not they are a danger to their community. Attorney General Jeff Sessions made this clear in April, when he said that “Everybody in the country illegally is subject to being deported, so people come here and they stay here a few years and somehow they think they are not subject to being deported—well, they are.” Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly echoed these sentiments, saying “ICE will no longer exempt classes or categories of removable [immigrants] from potential enforcement.” And the numbers already indicate the sea change. Arrests of non-criminal immigrants under the current administration have doubled and studies have

found that roughly half of these arrests were of people with no criminal convictions or were guilty of a traffic violation. This is happening despite the fact that smart law enforcement strategies and limited enforcement resources often dictate that these individuals should not be a priority for deportation. As a result of this shift, immigrationrelated arrests have increased by nearly 40 percent since this time last year. And because arrests along the border have plummeted, this means that the majority of the people being picked up and removed are those living in the interior of the country. The very people, in other words, whohave lived in the United States for years, and have likely become deeply integrated in their communities—these are the people the administration is considering a priority for deportation. And both their individual communities and America as a whole will continue to suffer for it.l

Who may have trouble entering the United States? •Individuals who form bona fide relationships with individuals or entities in the United States after June 26, 2017. The Court’s decision is not clear on whether it is prospective or retrospective only. Individuals who form such relationships to avoid the travel ban are barred from entering. •Tourists. Nationals of the designated countries who are not planning to visit family members in the United States and who are coming for other reasons (including sight-seeing) may be barred from entering. The real test will come as the government implements the order, which will be under intense scrutiny by Muslim, immigrant and refugee rights organizations. Undeniably, the Supreme Court’s decision has opened the door for more confusion and litigation in the months to come.l

LEGISLATIVE NEWS

Bills Aimed at Undocumented Immigrants/ continued from page 1

ing up for a vote in the House, “Kate’s Law” and “No Sanctuary for Criminals Act,” align with the President’s toughon-immigrants approach. Kate’s Law, which is named after a woman who was killed by an undocumented immigrant who’d been deported five times in San Francisco, would allow mandatory minimum sentences to be imposed on immigrants who are convicted of re-entering the country illegally. The Sanctuary bill reduce the amount of Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security grant funds available for jurisdictions that are found to have “sanctuary policies” that the administration says violate federal law. The White House issued statements in support of both pieces of legislation on June 27. Trump called on Congress to get the bills to his desk quickly. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan told Fox and Friends a vote on the two bills would come this week. “It’s time to support our police to protect our families and to save American lives and also to start getting smart,” Trump said. Attorney General Jeff Sessions also released a statement in support of the bill, saying criminals and gangs take advan-

tage of sanctuary policies in order to wreak havoc on communities. “Closing these loopholes in our laws must be a priority if we are to make America safe from these dangerous transnational organizations,” Sessions said in a statement. “These bills can restore sanity and common-sense to our system by ending abusive attempts to undermine federal law, and they can prevent future tragedies by empowering law enforcement.” While the White House is putting its muscle behind these two pieces of legislation, pro-immigration advocacy groups, some law enforcement groups, and others have raised concerns. In a post on the right-leaning Cato Institute’s website, the think-tank’s immigration policy analyst David Bier described the “No Sanctuary” bill as anti-federalist and said parts of it pose a threat to state

sovereignty. The National Fraternal Order of Police sent a letter to House leaders saying that while they believe state and local law enforcement should cooperate with their federal counterparts, they are opposed to any legislation that withholds federal funding from law enforcement programs. “It is unjust to penalize law enforcement and the citizens they serve because Congress disagrees with their enforcement priorities with respect to our nation’s immigration laws,” the letter reads. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has also come out against the bills. In a statement, Lorella Praeli, the director of immigration policy and campaigns at the ACLU said the bills were “riddled with constitutional violations”. “The true intent of these bills is to empower Trump’s deportation force and anti-immigrant agenda,” Praeli said. “We

urge the House to reject these bills, to defend the Constitution, and protect the rights of all people, no matter their background.” Families of victims, however, have praised the President’s efforts to seek justice for those who’d been attacked by illegal immigrants. A mother of a victim told the New York Times she was so overwhelmed by the President’s statements on immigrations she cried. “It was almost an out-of-body experience after being so deeply hurt and nobody listening and nobody wanting to talk to you about this,” Sabine Durden told the Times. “It’s almost like I put on a little Superwoman cape because I knew I was fighting a worthwhile fight.” Trump has put an emphasis on rooting out criminal immigrants from the U.S. since he’s been in office, ramping up immigration enforcement capabilities under two executive orders, though the enforcement has made all undocumented immigrants vulnerable to action. According to a White House Fact Sheet, there have been boosts in Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, arrests of undocumented immigrants, and removals of gang members since Trump took office.l This article was originally published on TIME.com

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TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

The Top Terrible Things in Trump’s Budget

BY GREGORY CHEN

here are a lot of things wrong with the President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2018 budget request. Some of the immigration-related provisions have been mentioned in the press or by advocates, while others are flying relatively unknown under the radar. But they all have one thing in common: they are meant to help the Trump Administration deport as many people as possible. Here are the top terrible (immigration-related) things in the president’s 2018 budget: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) got $1.7 billion more to its budget, which already sits at about $42 billion. Increases to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) budgets are extremely high. The budget proposal irrationally increases ICE and CBP funding while cutting DHS programs that are vital to security and public safety, such as FEMA grants to state and local governments to prepare for disasters, secure ports and waterways, and protect mass transit, as well as TSA efforts to improve security at airport checkpoints, ports, and other transportation hubs. What’s the increase for ICE? A whopping 18% (bringing the total to $7.57 billion). About $900 million (yes, almost a billion dollars) is allocated for detention beds, bringing the average daily detained population to 51,379. This 66% increase over the previous quota of 34,000 detention beds is an unprecedented expansion in the nation’s immigration detention system, at a time when border apprehensions are plummeting (down 75% since last October). There is no need for these additional beds. Clearly the president wants to use them to detain huge numbers of people who have no criminal backgrounds and have been in the U.S. for a

very long time. That kind of enforcement won’t improve public safety, but it will hurt American families and business. Gutting detention conditions standards at a time when deaths in detention are the highest in years. DHS disclosed in the Administration’s budget that ICE will no longer expect the overwhelming majority of its detention facilities to comply with ICE detention standards. Instead, it will let county jails and private prison facilities use a rudimentary checklist Placing ever greater numbers of undocumented immigrants, including families, asylum seekers, and other vulnerable individuals, in facilities that don’t even meet ICE standards is a recipe for disaster. Hiring 1,000 new ICE agents, after years of massive build up in ICE personnel. In fact, the number of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations agents has already close to tripled in the past 13 years. The only way those agents are going to be kept busy, again considering that border apprehensions have cratered, is by targeting long-time residents who are no threat to public safety and in fact have contributed to the prosperity of communities around the nation. ICE director Thomas Homan admitted as much recently, saying that all undocumented people should live in fear and be looking over their shoulder. The request includes a reprehensible attempt to do an end-run on local law enforcement through the budget process. One provision would attempt to compel state and local law enforcement agencies to honor ICE detainer requests that have been ruled unconstitutional in courts around the country. Nothing in federal statute right now requires localities to comply with ICE detainer requests; however, in its budget request, the Administration asks Congress to prohibit localities from limiting compliance

with detainers. It’s a terrible idea for public safety reasons, and it likely violates the 10th Amendment, which prevents the federal government from commandeering the resources of local governments in order to implement federal laws. CBP’s massive increase in the budget includes $1.6 billion for the unnecessary, ineffective, and costly border wall development. CBP’s total budget would go up 17% (bringing the total to nearly $14 billion). The border wall has been shot down by Congress already and President Trump hasn’t been able to show any constructive reasons to invest in less than a hundred actual miles of border wall at such an immense cost. In addition to the 1,000 ICE agents in the budget, the Trump Administration wants 500 more Border Patrol officers – but they can’t offer any justification for the increase. Again, border apprehensions have plummeted 75% since October – why do we need hundreds more agents when CBP can’t fill the open positions it currently has? Congress certainly should not waive the CBP’s critical polygraph test requirement to enable it to quickly fill positions with subpar candidates. The Department of Justice would see a surge in hiring of U.S. Attorneys – 70 more – but not attorneys detailed to prosecute dangerous criminals who threaten public safety. No, instead, the new attorneys would only prosecute illegal entry and reentry. Immigration prosecutions already make up more than half of all federal prosecutions— more than for drugs, weapons, fraud and other federal crimes combined. Most of these folks are reentering the country to reunite with family or trying to seek asylum. Prosecuting border crossings before prosecuting serious crimes is shortsighted in the extreme. Nearly $2 million in additional funding to fight challenges to immigration laws, regula-

tions, and policies. The DOJ Office of Immigration Litigation (OIL) is certainly going to be busy as they try to defend potentially unlawful actions the Administration takes in the immigration law arena. Instead of funding more government attorneys, it would be fiscally sensible to just stop making bad—and unconstitutional–policy. Almost $132 million would be allocated for the E-Verify program, to work toward mandatory, nationwide use of the program. An effective employment verification system could be valuable, but only if done in a way that works for businesses and protects authorized U.S. and foreign workers. Those protections are definitely not built into this budget request. Last but not least, slashing funding for international refugee and humanitarian assistance is part of this budget – a 31% cut to refugee resettlement programs, reducing the number of refugees to the U.S. to 50,000, and the complete elimination of the Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance account, which is critical for the U.S. government’s capacity to respond to urgent crises. What can you do? Call or email your members of Congress to let them know they need to stand up against Trump’s mass deportation machine through the power of the purse. The Trump Administration can ask for funds but Congress controls those purse strings – tell them why these are bad policies and urge them to reject the increases that will hurt American families and businesses, and instead protect funding for programs that increase our shared prosperity.l

Gregory Chen is Director of Government Relations for the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)

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Thinking about Buying a 'Fixer Upper'? Here's What You Need to Know

ummer is a great time for renovations. And, with all of the home renovation and fixer-upper shows on television, the idea of completely renovating and re-doing an old home can seem like an enticing premise. Unfortunately, investing in the wrong fixer-upper can mean an awful lot of expenditure without the added financial rewards. Whether you're considering investing down the road or are ready to dive in, here are a few things to consider first:

How Much Do You Want to Spend? It's easy to be swept away by possibility, but before making an offer you'll need to sit down and determine exactly what you're willing to invest into upgrades for your fixer-upper. By decid-

ing what you would want to renovate, what the cost of materials and labor would be and how this figures into the market price of the home, you'll be able to determine if the price you're offering will be worth it.

Are Major Repairs Required? It's one thing to consider a nice paint job and new tiling in the kitchen, but if there are serious issues with the home, it can create huge financial issues to put money into it. Because foundational issues or water damage throughout the home can be expensive items to repair and will take time and resources, fixing these issues may cost more than the money you'll make. If you're uncertain about what you're getting into, it may be a wise decision to bypass the investment all together.

Are You Willing to Work? Most home fixer-uppers that people buy can be financially lucrative because the buyer is interested in doing a lot of the work themselves. However, if you're thinking of hiring people to do the work for you, this can end up costing a lot more money

Self-Employed? Here's What You'll Need to Get a Mortgage Approval

here's a lot of flexibility and personal freedom associated with self-employment that can be a great benefit to your lifestyle and your pocketbook. However, because of the somewhat unpredictable nature of selfemployment, it can make acquiring a mortgage a little more difficult. If you've recently become self-employed or have been in the game for a while, here are some things you may want to consider before submitting your mortgage application:

Putting More Money Down Twenty percent is often considered the magic number when it comes to the down payment because this will allow you to avoid homeowner's insurance. However, if you're self-employed, you may want to consider putting even more money down as this will be an even stronger signifier to lenders that

you're prepared for homeownership and in control of your finances. While your down payment will provide you with equity instantly, a higher payment will also lower your monthly cost and make your finances even more secure from month to month.

Minimizing Your Debt The amount of debt a potential homeowner has can adversely affect any mortgage application, but in the event you're self-em-

ployed, a high debt load means even more money is being paid out of a salary that is not necessarily predictable. By paying off the debts you can before applying for your mortgage, you'll be able to invest that much more of your hard-earned money into your monthly payment without breaking the bank and cutting monthly expenditures. continued on page 3

Smart homeowners and first-time homebuyers read this paper! and eating any profits the renovations might have created. It's also important to realize that renovations can go over budget. Instead of being idealistic about a fixer-upper, ensure you're certain it's what you really want so that you're not stuck with a home you don't want to invest your efforts into. The idea of digging in and getting your hands dirty with purchasing a fixer-upper may be endearing, but if you're not truly prepared for the responsibilities it can be a drain on your time and your finances. If you're currently considering purchasing a home in need of help in your neighborhood, you may want to contact one of our real estate professionals for more information.Call us at 888-670-6791.n

INSIDE:

Understanding Realâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;Estate Contracts and What You Can Expect to Find..............................2 Thinking about a Second Mortgage.....................................3 Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Easier to Get a Mortgage. How You Can Take Advantage.............4

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EQUITY SMART REALTY

Understanding Real Estate Contracts and What You Can Expect to Find

here are a lot of things that go into the successful sale of your home, but many people are unfamiliar with the intricacies of the contract. Whether you consult with your real estate agent or plan on diving in on your own, it's important to be clear on the terms. If you're wondering what you can expect when it comes to the contract, here are some pointers on what to watch out for:

Real Estate Jargon A real estate contract would not be complete without the professional terminology, so you'll see words like amortization, priceto-income ratio and title that may impact the meaning of your contract. Instead of going it blind, search the Internet for terms or consult with your real estate agent to provide a clear explanation.

Specifics on the Sale Information regarding the specifics of your property will be present in the contract, and it's important to check this information before signing on the dotted line. While the address and location of your home are important, it's also critical to verify the purchase price that has been decided upon, the

closing date on the property and any other items that have been negotiated and agreed upon.

Be Aware of Withdrawal Terms It can be easy to be taken away by excitement once you've received the perfect offer on your home, but it's important not to lose sight of everything that's required before the sale has been finalized. One of the most important parts of the contract is the withdrawal terms that are laid out, so be certain you're aware of what your rights are if you

or the homebuyer decides to withdraw from the process.

Watch for Seller's Responsibilities If you, as a seller, do not remain committed to the terms of the contract this can be a deal breaker, so ensure that you've familiarized yourself with exactly what's required of you. This may include everything from the maintenance on the property to offer negotiations, so it's important to comply with these terms. Dealing with a real estate contract can be

confusing for the layman, so it's worth your while to have a trusted real estate agent around who will be able to explain it. From withdrawal terms to seller responsibilities, there are plenty of things you should be aware of before sealing the deal. If you're currently embarking on selling your home, you may want to contact one of our real estate professionals for more information. Schedule an appointment today. Call 888-670-6791. n

EQUITY SMART

Thinking About a Second Mortgage on Your House? What You Need to Know

hether it's to consolidate debt or make funds available for a home renovation, many people consider a second mortgage to make it possible to pursue other options. However, like any important financial decision, it's important to be informed about the financial implications before diving in. If you're currently weighing your mortgage options and are considering a second mortgage, here are some things to do before the final decision:

Research the Lenders Since a second mortgage means that you'll be borrowing against the value of your home, it's especially important to do your research the second time around and ensure you're going with the right lender. Instead of going with your first choice or the familiar one, look at several different lenders and see if they have positive reviews. A second mortgage can be a big risk so you'll want to ensure you're working with a lender who will be working for you.

Prepare Yourself for Higher Costs Since a second mortgage qualifies as the second loan on your home, it means that it will be the second loan to be paid off if you default on the debt. As a result, the rates for a second mortgage are generally higher

than those for your first loan because the lender will be taking on a more substantial risk. While higher rates may not be that alarming if you've garnered low rates for your first mortgage, it's important to determine the financial benefits before deciding on this option.

Is a Second Mortgage Right for You? Borrowing money may be a common signpost of our culture, but it's important to consider if a second mortgage is the right financial choice for you. You can certainly improve the value of your home with renovations and perhaps pay off some of your

debt, but a second mortgage will only be beneficial if it improves your financial outlook in the end. Before diving in, make sure that you create a budget and calculate the potential savings so you can determine if it's a good move. There are several financial risks associated with getting a second mortgage so it's important to weigh your options before deciding that this mortgage product is the right choice for you. If you're currently considering available options on the market, you may way want to contact one of our local mortgage professionals for more information at 888-670-6791.n

Self-Employed?/

continued from page 1

A History Of Self-Employment Being self-employed means you'll have more to prove to your lender, but if you have a spotty self-employment history and long periods without bringing in any income, this will make it even harder. Instead of jumping into the mortgage market soon after becoming self-employed, try and have at least two years of successful self-employment behind you. By being able to prove this, the lender will see that you're a solid financial bet and an experienced professional who will be able to find work when it's required. The nature of being self-employed and the fluctuations in income that can come along with it, can make a mortgage lender nervous. However, by having a solid history of self-employment behind you and minimizing your debt load, you'll be able to prove to the lender that you're serious about home ownership. If you're currently perusing the market for a home, you may want to contact one of our mortgage professionals for more information at 888-670-6791.n

HOME OWNERSHIP

It's Getting Easier to Get a Mortgage. How You Can Take Advantage

t can be hard to stay on top of a changing real estate market from day-to-day, but it's a matter of fact that there are more available mortgage products out there than ever before for many kinds of homebuyers. If you're wondering how you can take advantage of easier lending opportunities and strike while the iron is hot, here are some things to consider:

Take Care of Your Credit While many regulations on mortgage applications may have been loosened in recent years, it is understood that having a better credit score will still enable you to qualify for a mortgage more readily. Instead of risking it, ensure that you've obtained a copy of your credit score and are aware of where you stand as a financial risk. By working on your credit and correcting any errors on your report, it will be that much more likely to have your mortgage application approved.

Saving for a Down Payment It's often said that 20% is the ideal amount to put down to avoid private mortgage insurance, but it's not the required amount to invest in a home. While it may save money overall to put more money down, for those

who want to get into the housing market, there are many opportunities for putting a lot less down and still being able to purchase. It's possible you may want to hold off until you can save up for your down payment, but possibilities exist for mortgages with as little as 3.5% down.

Dealing with Closing Costs Saving up for a down payment and deciding to invest in a monthly mortgage payment is a significant commitment, but adding mortgage closing costs to that can be a bridge too far for many potential homebuyers. Fortunately, many lenders nowadays are offering the opportunity for closing costs like

origination and attorney fees to be included in the total cost of the loan. While this will bump up the amount of your monthly payment, it can make a mortgage more feasible from the start. For many people, there's a lot of stress that goes along with applying for a mortgage, but with lower down payments required and closing costs included in the total price, getting approved has become a lot easier in recent years. If you're currently on the market for a new home, you may want to contact one of our mortgage professionals for more information at 888-6706791.n

Call Equity Smart Realty at 888-670-6791 for a FREE consultation.