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Trump’s Latest Weapon: NTA Letters Will Result in More Deportation of Immigrants BY DANA MATHURA

n recent immigration news that may have occurred directly under our noses, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) began implementing their New Policy Memorandum on Notices to Appear. The move is a direct effect of Executive Order 13768 which Trump signed just five days into being inaugurated as President. Immigration was clearly at the top of his and his cabinet’s to-do list during his first week in office. According to the USCIS website, this

Minister Shaw: Jamaica Poised for Growth ...see page 6

Executive Order proposed “immigration policies for enhancing public safety, and it articulated the priorities for the removal of aliens from the United

States.” USCIS now has the responsibility of abiding by the order’s ruling. Their website defines a Notice to Appear continued on page 10 Barbados PM Mottley Announces Tax Overhaul...see page 2

Can Captiva Manage Blood Sugar Levels? ... see page 13

How Can SIJS Help Immigrant Children Obtain a Green Card? BY CHEREEN JAMES

uite often, the welfare of immigrant minors is raised among news outlets. In recent news, we heard about an alarming number of children being separated from their parents at the U.S.-Mexican border and held in detention facilities. But what about children who overstayed their visa or were brought to the United States by other means? They too, can obtain permanent residency through a Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) proceeding. SIJ status is granted to children who are under the age of 21, but preferably under the age of 18, as the Trump Administration threatens a restriction on the age limit. In order to obtain a

Green Card through SIJ status, a Juvenile Court of their State of residence must deem those children as abandoned or neglected by their parents. A child can be deemed abandoned or neglected when at least one parent refrains from providing them with adequate food, shelter, education or emotional support, and other issues that can be brought to a Court to

prove abandonment—including the death of a parent. Once it is established that a child has been abandoned or neglected, the Court will order a guardianship or a related custody order so that their needs can be met. The guardian or custodian does not need to be a citizen of the United States; however, they must not have any criminal records neither should other members of their household. An Order from the Juvenile Courts will be used to petition USCIS for the child to be granted a Green Card. In 2017, Eber, from Guatemala, was granted SIJ relief and obtained his Green Card after his older brother was appointed to be his guardian. He left continued on page 12

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Are Wedding Bells About to Ring? ...see page 12

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T&T Minister Khan Speaks on Axed Workers ...see page 2

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Caribbean Star: Vincentian Designer Bridget Ward...see page 11

CARIBBEAN ROUNDUP

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

Barbados Overhauls Corporate Tax Regime

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

RIDGETOWN, Barbados: Barbados will harmonize its domestic and international corporation tax regimes, by December 31, 2018, slashing the tax burden for some local companies by up to 29 percent. Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced in the Barbados Parliament the ambitious target to overhaul a 40-year-old system that had provided a preferential low-tax regime for international business entities. This comes only a month after the corporation tax on domestic companies was raised from 25 to 30 percent in a bid to boost flagging state finances. Prime Minister Mottley explained that the convergence of the tax systems was to fulfill commitments made to the Organization for Economic Cooperation

Prime MInister Mottley

and Development (OECD) by the previous Freundel Stuart administration. She said a failure to remove the differential taxation policies for domestic and international companies registered in Barbados would make the island noncompliant with the OECD’s Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) rules and expose it to severe penalties for harmful tax practices. The overhaul of the tax system will see the repeal of the International Business

Companies Act, the Societies with Restricted Liability Act, and the Exempt Insurance Act. Companies previously categorized as international business entities will automatically become Regular Barbados Companies, removing decades-long restrictions that prevented them from selling their goods and services within the domestic market. Where insurance companies are concerned, an amended Insurance Act will provide for three classes of licenses, including Captives that will continue to only pay a license fee and remain zero-taxed. The Prime Minister also sent a signal to the domestic companies that would be relieved of much of their tax burdens that she expected to see more reinvestment from them in the local economy.l

St Vincent and the Grenadines Says Its Poised to Become Leading Producer of Medical Marijuana

INGSTOWN, St Vincent and the Grenadines: St Vincent and the Grenadines says it’s on the brink of becoming a globally leading producer of organically certified medicinal cannabis, rivalling any other producer in the entire Western Hemisphere. It says the expected passing of legislation this month, ensuring tightly regulated guidelines, positions the nation as a powerful Caribbean hub for global medicinal cannabis innovation. Minister of Agriculture, Industry, Fisheries, Forestry, Labor and Rural Transformation Saboto Caesar said the industry has the potential to positively transform rural livelihoods and communities while changing the lives of patients who suffer from medical conditions that are unresponsive to other treatments. “The production of cannabis for medicinal purposes provides an excellent opportunity for Small Island States to

further diversify possibilities for farmers to secure sustainable livelihoods,” he said. Minister Caesar said the government would have more to say with the passing of the legislation, but was now putting the world’s investors on notice of the top 30 benefits for investing in the country. These include: a tropical climate ideal for extra low-cost “outdoor” cannabis pro-

duction; over 50 years of experience in cannabis cultivation; more than 2,000 traditional cannabis farmers; availability of arable lands; unique strains of domestically produced cannabis available for scientific research and development; the likelihood of cannabis being VAT exempted since it is an agricultural commodity; an established national bio-pesticide, bio-fertilizer production platform to support organic cannabis production; accessibility to medicinal cannabis healthcare products and services; international air and seaport connections; and an exotic tourism location, with 32 islands and cays, and over a quarter million cruise ship passenger visits forecast for 2019. The government said those advantages have put St Vincent and the Grenadines on a solid platform to launch its medical cannabis program.l

Axed Petrotrin Workers Face Uncertain Retirement

ORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad & Tobago: With the final closure of Petrotrin, thousands of pensionable employees still face questions about the security of their retirement funds. The state-owned oil and gas company has over 5,000 employees and reports are that nearly 1,300 members of the Petrotrin Employees Pension Plan (PEPP) are expected to be pensionable from December 1, entitling them to lump-sum payments totaling TT $1 billion (US $ 148.5 million). However, Republic Bank Ltd, the trustees of the PEPP, and Minister of Energy and Energy Industries Franklin Khan have expressed very diverging views as to whether the pension fund can continue its payouts to retirees for more than two or three decades.

In a recent letter to Petrotrin Chairman Wilfred Espinet, Republic Bank raised a red flag that none of the five scenarios outlined by the Trinidad actuarial firm Bacon, Woodrow and de Souza to test the ongoing viability of the PEPP under a restructuring contemplated the impact of the huge lump sum payment that would be taken out from December 1. Moreover, the bank stated that in four out of the five scenarios the funds of the PEEP would be exhausted in 25 to 30 years. “The only scenario where the PEPP would have estimated to have enough funds to meet all benefits payments is predicted on the PEPP continuing to invest in equities. And these equities performing in line with expectations,” the letter stated.

MInister Khan

However, Minister Khan sought to assure the public during this Tuesday’s sitting of the Senate that it was not guaranteed that the pension fund would run out of money within three decades. “The PEPP has comfortably enough assets to cover benefit payments well into the 2040s according to the actuarial projections. Beyond that, there may be a deficit but it’s too early in the game to speak that type of language. As we speak, the workers are comfortable,” said Khan.l

VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE!

OPINION

Let the Immigrants In, Trump and Pence Must Go! BY TRAVIS MORALES

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. —Hosea 4:6 Publisher I.Q. INC. Managing Editor & Editor-in-Chief

Kim Wilson/Shutterstock.com

Pearl Phillip

n November 25, U.S. Border Patrol agents fired tear gas across the border into Tijuana, Mexico at a peaceful protest of 500 Central American refugees from the “migrant caravan,” who were demanding the U.S. speed up the asylum process, a right under U.S. and international law. The U.S shot tear gas at hundreds of babies, children, and parents, shot tear gas at starving human beings fleeing poverty, government repression, and gang violence, shot tear gas at desperate human beings who deserve aid and compassion. For weeks, 6,000 Central American migrants and refugees from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador have been held in a stadium turned refugee camp in Tijuana, Mexico. Many traveled 2,500 miles in caravans, many walking, fleeing violence, poverty, and repression produced by U.S. domination at home, to apply for asylum at the U.S. border. Why? A refugee with her two- and fiveyear-old children told a reporter from the Washington Post: “We’re fleeing death. They killed my aunt, and I can’t even tell you the rest right now, but I’m scared.” As one watches scenes of tear gas shot at people fleeing for their lives from the U.S. with helicopters flying overhead like so many U.S. invasions around the world, anyone with a heart has to think, “What kind of world is this? What kind of system would do this? What will it take to stop this kind of treatment of people?” In the words of Bob Avakian, leader of the Revolutionary Communist Party, “Revolution, Nothing Less!” The world does not have to be this way. We could bring a whole new and better world into being by millions of people making a revolution to overthrow and dismantle the capitalist/imperialist system that creates havoc and misery all over the world. To paraphrase, “Bob Avakian's Answer to People Who Complain About Immigrants Crossing Borders,” give up every parasitic benefit you get from everything that has caused these immigrants to do this in the first place. Then, come back and see if you want to complain. You can’t have it both ways. You want to have all the plunder and all the destruction and all the disruption and all

TEAM

Legal Advisor Brian Figeroux, Esq. Assistant Editor Marilyn Silverman Graphic & Website Designer Praim Samsoondar Anvaar Sabirov

the upheaval that your system causes, all the exploitation including of little children, all around the world which wreaks havoc in these countries and then you want to complain when people come here. No, you cannot have it both ways. (See the entire answer and the entire film, “Why We Need an Actual Revolution and How We Can Really Make Revolution” at https://bit.ly/2roznJd) Why is Trump demonizing and criminalizing our sisters and brothers, threatening to shoot immigrants at the border? Why did Trump threaten, "This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you!" The attacks on immigrants are the linchpin and battering ram to consolidate a fascist America. The Trump/Pence regime is moving rapidly to change how this U.S. capitalist/imperialist system of worldwide oppression and exploitation is governed and use open terror, violence, White supremacy, hatred of women, xenophobia, and naked dictatorship. And they must be stopped by millions taking to the streets in non-violent protest to drive them from power. For tens of millions with white supremacy in their veins, this country’s “identity” as a “white Christian nation” is viewed as under attack by the rising number of dark-skinned immigrants. The fascist Trump/Pence regime has launched a campaign of ethnic cleansing against the millions of immigrants in this country. “Make America Great Again” means “Make America White Again.”

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The Trump/Pence regime is creating an anti-immigrant hysteria in which no crime is unthinkable. The attacks on immigrants at the border and throughout the country must be stopped as part of the struggle to drive the Trump/Pence regime from power and the preparation for a revolution to bring a better world into being. Which side are you on? Let the immigrants in. Trump and Pence Must Go!l Travis Morales is a longtime revolutionary communist and is on the Steering Committee of RefuseFascism.org NYC. RefuseFascism.org has one unifying goal: This Nightmare Must End, The Trump/Pence Regime Must Go!

Contributors Lisa Brookes Kift, MFT Victoria Falk Dana Mathura C. Perez, All Recipes.com Chereen James Ginita Wall, CPA, CFP®, CDFA Candace Bahr Erin Telesford Thalia Auguste Daisy Campbell Journal Contributors Aaron Reichlin-Melnick Leslie Dellon Vijai Naraine Email info@myiqinc.com Telephone 718-771-0988 Website www.cawnyc.com

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DIASPORA CONCERNS

Healthcare for the Undocumented in NY BY DAISY CAMPBELL

he United States government currently estimates that there are over 11 million undocumented immigrants living in this country and unfortunately, none of these immigrants qualify for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. According to the Immigrant’s Guide to Accessing Health Care in New York, based on the current political climate, immigrants who are undocumented face a myriad of challenges. Many immigrants, especially those who are undocumented, are oftentimes forced to avoid seeking medical attention, which may be very detrimental to their health because they are fearful of being deported. The Mayor for New York City has indicated that the city has an obligation to ensure that New Yorkers access healthcare regardless of their ability or inability to pay as well as their immigration status. Immigrants, whether documented or undocumented, should be aware of the fact that: 1.Immigration status information collected by our healthcare facilities are never released without the patient’s authorization or without being required by law to do so. 2.They are entitled to have an interpreter made available for 200 languages, for 24 hours, 7 days each week. 3.The IDNYC is a municipal form of

identification that is available residents of New York, regardless of status. This form of identification can be used during the registration process. New York State that has a variety of private healthcare providers such as hospitals, health centers and clinics based on income regardless of immigration status. In these circumstances, undocumented immigrants are not treated indifferently. The Immigrants’ Guide to Accessing Healthcare in New York clearly outlines that whether or not you have insurance or even if you are undocumented, the hospitals, health centers and clinics will provide treatment. These services may not be free, but they are based on the ability of the patient to pay. Even though there is a sliding scale, healthcare is made accessible to everyone. The largest public healthcare system in the United States is the New York City

Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC). It provides services to inpatients and outpatients, as well as home-based services to a large population of New Yorkers in over 70 locations across the boroughs of the state. Some of these locations include hospitals, healthcare centers, acute-care centers, trauma centers and nursing homes. This corporation has a staff who exhibit fluency in languages which include Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, Creole, Albanian and Russian. HHC has a program which is called ‘Options’ that is made available to all patients, whether or not that individual is living or visiting New York City, Nassau County or Westchester County, insured or uninsured and even if they are undocumented. This program is made available to assist patients who need to apply for public benefits but if they are categorized as being unqualified for public assis-

tance, a system is put in place for them to pay based on affordability. All immigrants, documented and undocumented, need to be aware that all New York State Hospitals have a financial assistance program known as the Charity Program, which can provide help to lower the costs incurred during hospital stays, clinic visits as well as emergency care. This assistance is made available for people who are insured or uninsured as well as low- income individuals; immigration status has no bearing as to who receives this benefit. If you find yourself in this situation, it is advisable that you speak to a financial counselor or the billing department to obtain more information. In an interview with Dr. Tamara Moise co-founder of Urgent Care, she expressed concern about health issues surrounding healthcare for the undocumented living in New York. She further went on to explain that many of these individuals fail to get the proper healthcare that they need until their condition reaches an advance stage. She also urged these individuals to get the necessary checks needed as a preventative measure to minimize further deterioration of their health condition. Dr. Moise emphasized that once individuals enter into an emergency room, your status does not matter.l

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CIVIL RIGHTS

Civil Rights and Housing BY ERIN TELESFORD

n the Netflix Explained series, author Mehrsa Baradaran, says “Wealth is where past injustices breed present suffering. The racial wealth gap is “a measure of the white family and the African American family that is right smack-dab in the middle, the median. The median white household’s wealth – their savings plus assets minus their debts – is $171,000. The median black household’s wealth is $17,600, and that gap is still growing.” So why is this the case? Back when slaves were still a commodity in America, wealth was measured by how many slaves you owned. However, after Abraham Lincoln flipped the script, it was stated that “The way we can best take care of ourselves is to have land.” Land became the best investment for families, so Lincoln signed Special Field Order Number 15, which “set aside hundreds of thousands of acres of land, saying each family shall have a plot of not more than 40 acres of tillable ground.” However, this was overturned for black families, who had their land taken away. Residential security maps were created to indicate the riskiness of real estate investments. Redlining was based on sociological assumptions about racial and religious minorities, not formal cred-

Back when slaves were still a commodity in America, wealth was measured by how many slaves you owned. However, after Abraham Lincoln flipped the script, it was stated that “The way we can best take care of ourselves is to have land.”

it measures, and led to systematic disinvestment in poor, non-white neighborhoods. Both of these tactics were used in order to prevent minorities from living in the same neighborhoods as white people, and are still being used today. Residential inequality in America greatly contributed to the social and wealth inequality that African Americans still face today. Where you live–the city, suburb, or district that you live in–controls your access to good schools as well as your ability to sell your home and move to a better one. This is why it is so hard for minorities to move up in line and increase their wealth. Realtors actively prevent

minorities from buying houses in good areas because those were preserved for white families. Realtors were afraid the “investability” of these neighborhoods would decrease if even a single black person moved in, since all majority black neighborhoods were legally disinvested by corporations. This is why African Americans and other minorities were not able to attend fully funded schools, or able to sell their homes or break lease agreements. Money was a factor that controlled how they lived while race controlled where they were able to live. The Kerner Commission noted that “Segregation and poverty have created

in the racial ghetto a destructive environment totally unknown to most white Americans. What white Americans have never fully understood but what the Negro can never forget–is that white society is deeply implicated in the ghetto. White institutions created it, white institutions maintain it, and white society condones it.” Although segregation is illegal, realtors and landlords are still abiding by the past policies that allowed discrimination against minorities, especially African Americans, from buying homes and apartments. To this day, white Americans are able to attend good schools and increase their wealth, while African Americans and other minorities have to work twice as hard to get into good schools and still can’t increase their wealth because the rest of their families are still struggling in poor areas. This unfair judgment of race and residential inequality contributes to the unjust treatment of minorities and the increase of the racial wealth gap. In order to have true equality in America, we must change this.l To watch, search “Explained” on Netflix or go to Netflix.com/explained. Click the “My List” button to make sure you don’t miss an episode. You can sign up for a free trial for a month.

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ISLAND FOCUS: JAMAICA

Jamaica Positioned for Strong Growth and Development BY THALIA AUGUSTE

few months ago, Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Audley Shaw, was accompanied to New York by Jamaica Promotions Corporation’s (JAMPRO) President, Diane Edwards. Together the two delivered a dynamic presentation on why this is the right time for companies to invest in Jamaica. The island of Jamaica is no stranger to the spotlight, from being home to Usain Bolt and Bob Marley, to their dancehall music and dance style. But Minister Shaw wanted people to see this leading Caribbean island in a different light, stating that Jamaica is perfectly positioned for a strong period of growth and development. Shaw highlighted numerous opportunities for investment in agriculture, business process outsourcing (BPO), logistics, mining and tourism, urging investors not to miss out on this opportunity. A number of global brands such as Campari, CMA/CGM, New Fortress Energy, New Day Holding Company and BMW are just some success stories that have chosen Jamaica. The Minister emphasized that Jamaica is open for business and that there’s a huge market for investors and that every investor will be treated equally. When posed the question about investors bringing in their own teams, he stated, “this is not an

issue we have in Jamaica; to every one nonlocal there [are] eight or more locals working”; this way the knowledge is spread from locals to non-locals. Posed with many questions from attendees about climate, security and export challenges faced by Jamaica, Shaw informed potential investors that New York’s JAMPRO office was reopened and that President Edwards is willing to assist with concerns and queries potential investors and investors may have, and that furthermore, they are diligently working towards a successful market that will benefit everyone. The country currently sits at position number sixth in the world for ease of starting a business. The Minister also added that lots of Jamaicans are producing or designing exotic wines that are growing naturally on the island, breadfruit wine, ackee wine, cassava wine and sorrel wine to name a few. He’s fully aware that these wines will not compete with wines from Argentina, France or California,” so we want to market them as a unique type of wine,” as “cooking wines from Jamaica.” “It’s time for us to be creative and innovative; think outside the box,” he said when asked how he plans to fit agriculture into a tourism-driven world. “In the case of Jamaica we have vast acres of land; most of it is idle.” There will be more infrastructure. “Right now an irrigation program is hap-

pening in the Essex Valley in Manchester where many farmers will benefit upon [its] completion.” These are just the many things happening in Jamaica to ensure that farmers don’t depend on the uncertainties of the weather to be productive. The Minister knows there will be challenges but believes that the tourism industry has reached its level of maturity with phenomenal growth and what it needs now is agriculture. These two major industries can go hand in hand. Rather than tourists eating foods that are readily available in their own country, they can now experience an authenticity of Jamaica with foods and drinks grown right on the island, creating avenues that will benefit farmers and leaving the visitor with an authentic Jamaican experience. In this fast-paced world Jamaica believes that the country holds adequate space for investors, with the government putting in the time and work to ensure that infrastructure is improved like road networks, energy cost reduction vial liquefied natural gas (LNG), the port of Kingston upgrade, Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) privatization, cruise port upgrade in Ocho Rios and a new floating pier in Kingston. This all offers a smooth sail for trade and investment. Recently, Jamaica made its first shipment of medical marijuana extract oil to Canada.The shipment marks the first step in

Mnister Shaw

positioning Jamaica as the medical marijuana hub for the world. In making the announcement, Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Audley Shaw, “Jamaica is uniquely positioned to be a global player and we are committed to providing the leadership and resources required for opening the international markets including Canada and Europe for our licensed and regulated Jamaican companies.” The Minister, with the assistance of JAMPRO, offers investors a safe, diverse and equal opportunity for locals and foreigners; with strong growth and development Jamaica provides an opportunity that will benefit all.l

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FAMILY MATTERS

Should I Get a Divorce or Stay for the Kids? BY DAISY CAMPBELL

n a marital relationship both parties are expected to make unified decisions to ensure the survival of the union. For a marriage to be satisfying and beneficial to each party, survival, safety, love, esteem and actualization, must be present. Once these needs are no longer being met, the question arises as to whether or not a divorce should be considered. Time and situations alter peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s behavior over a period of time. Sometimes, within marriages, conflict and hurt can cause much irrevocable damage. This causes severe breakdowns and may lead to verbal or physical abuse and can even contribute significantly to a relationship where the love is dying or has already died. It can reach a point where there is no communication or even interest in the relationship by either one or both spouses. Once there is no means of conflict resolution and couples avoid conversations or simply refuse to engage in sexual contact, oftentimes this leads to high levels of disconnect. As couples go through the very thought of a divorce, one or both parties may be crippled by fear as one has to admit that

marriage and divorce are seen as two major life changes. There is fear as it relates to assets, children, where you will live, whether you will end up being alone and just the very thought of survival on your own. When children are involved in the marital relationship, careful consideration has to be taken because whatever actions are taken and how they are done can have both positive and negative implications. If serious considerations are being made about getting a divorce, for the sake of the children, adequate support systems have to be put in place. Professional help may be required

through the assistance of a mediator, psychologist or counselor, but measures have to be put in place so that children are not scarred for life. Whenever a child hears about divorce, their world is shattered by the very thought of parents separating. Sometimes they end up blaming themselves. There are so many issues that could arise including changes in overall behavior, emotional and physical health problems, and decline in academic performance. If on the other hand, however, you decide to stay in the relationship for the sake of the children, they should be

brought up in a home where love is evident. Anthony Robbins, a behaviorist, developed a theory where he highlighted that humans have six basic needs: certainty, variety, significance, love and connection, and growth and contribution. He emphasized that these needs form the basis of our decision-making mechanisms. To make the decision to stay within a marriage for the sake of children, is dependent on many factors, for example: the ability to provide a safe home; to ensure that financial opportunity is accessible; and the ability to provide a comfortable lifestyle and stability, rather than displacing them in a situation where they are uncomfortable. When relationships that we have invested our time and energy into have reached a breaking point, where we may feel overburdened and devastated by our emotional hurt, oftentimes we think of divorce. Divorce is not just a word from the dictionary to play with; it has serious implications as it changes your life as well all others involved. If you decide to stay in a relationship, especially for the sake of the children, ensure that the home is safe and conducive to their needs.l

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IN THE COMMUNITY

A Hardball Look at the NYPD Confrontations with the Disabled and Mentally Ill BY VIJAI NARAINE

o speak about what the New York Police Department (NYPD) expects of their officers, the agency has put together a mission statement. According to the city’s official website, the department’s mission is “… to enhance the quality of life in New York City by working in partnership with the community to enforce the law, preserve peace, reduce fear, and maintain order.” Police officers are people of the law; however, there is a communication barrier between the police and the community. The NYPD is one of the many teams that stand on the front lines to keep the streets of New York City safe. Living in a 21stcentury society, the definition of “safe” has a fine line when it comes down to the interactions between law enforcement and members of the New York City community. The tension that has been created by the communication barrier can be confirmed by the body cameras worn by NYPD officials. One group that law enforcement has trouble with is the disability community. Many times as NYPD officials interact with a person who has a disability, they

don’t take the time to assess that the individual may not have the capability to understand what is being asked of them. As a result of law enforcement’s inability to effectively communicate with disabled individuals, the majority of the times injuries or death are the outcomes. One individual who has suffered the ultimate price for not adhering to police officers’ commands because of his disability was 22-year-old Adam Trammell. According to the American Civil Liberties Union,“In 2018 alone, police have shot and killed 64 people with mental health disabilities.” According to

“BBC News,” “It was shortly after 5:00 [on May 25, 2017] …when three West Milwaukee police officers broke into the home of 22-year-old Adam Trammell to find him naked…standing in his bathtub as water from the shower ran down his body.” A neighbor had called 911 to report that she had seen him naked in the corridor, talking about the devil. She thought Adam’s name was Brandon and told police this when they arrived at the building. The footage on the body cameras of the West Milwaukee officers showed what happened as they arrived at the home of

Mr. Trammell. Police called out to “Brandon,” obviously the wrong name. They got no answer, so officers broke down his front door. They found Mr. Trammell showering in the bathroom, pulled back his shower curtain, and told him to come out of the shower. Trammell, who had schizophrenia, was having some form of a breakdown. He did not respond immediately, so they fired their Tasers at him. Footage taken from the police body cameras shows that, as soon as he came to, police again began demanding that he exit the shower. When he sat there rocking, they fired their Taser at him again: long, painful electric shocks as he screamed and writhed in the bathtub. Over a 30-minute period, the police fired their Taser at him 15 times. Trammell died on his living room floor. All too often incidents like Mr. Trammell’s story occur because there is no incentive by law enforcement individuals to consider that they may be dealing with a person who may not have the mental capability to understand what is happening around them. Stacy Drescher, who formerly worked in the Department of Education as a guid-

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IN THE COMMUNITY Hardball Look at NYPD/ continued from previous page ance counselor for 12 years, reacted to the situation at hand. “My reaction to Adam Trammell’s case is that I find the account horrifying.” Indulging more into the account, Ms. Drescher believes that there must be protocols when using a Taser on an alleged suspect, and for it to cause death. Regarding Mr. Trammell’s death, “The Taser was a deadly weapon.” Deadly incidents should not occur as much as they do when it comes to talking about the interaction between law enforcement officials and individuals of the disability community of New York. Having the correct educational background when it comes to interacting with law enforcement officials is essential. According to Ms. Drescher, “Working as a school counselor, I believe, they should offer …workshops. Unfortunately, they would not offer credit-bearing classes.” The school counselor is concerned that with the Trammell case, there was no life-threatening action on the part of the schizophrenic individual. However, she also states, “I am sure there is active and ongoing training on how to approach and handle cases where there is a suspect who may have an emotional or psychiatric disturbance. I cannot imagine this is not happening.” Getting the perspective of some other people, Karishma Ramratan provided some of her opinions and what she has learned from sitting in a criminal justice classroom. “As a pretty diverse individual myself, I made it necessary to try and

understand other people’s cultures and situations. I don’t believe I am going into this industry with the mindset that I am a big macho man with an ‘S’ on my chest.…” On her part, as a woman, and not being big and macho, she emphasized that it is important to have intelligence. She believes that this leads to policing rather than policing with force. “What happened to Adam Trammell was an unnecessary tragedy.” Karishma Ramratan is a Criminal Justice graduate of John Jay College of Criminal Justice. “As a graduate of John Jay College of Criminal Justice, I am all too familiar with the difficulties between the mentally disabled and the NYPD. People who suffer from disabilities such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder most times come into hostile contact with the NYPD…” Ms. Ramratan believes there is a reason for this. She says, “Cops are required to take on many roles…and are not properly trained to handle. They are needed by the public to be enforcers of the law, medics, psychiatrists, communicators, body language detectors and many more professions all in one to be able to do their jobs proficiently.” It is crucial, as a law enforcement officer, that you remember you are dealing with people of all types of background. “Many times, however, many police officers are not equipped with these skills. Most officers are unable to effectively communicate with the mentally disabled, and they struggle to read body languages.” Ms. Ramratan says. As an upand-coming individual in the criminal justice realm, the John Jay graduate sees

that policing is more for helping people rather than making them a criminal. She hopes that with this awareness, she will accept and be able to implement proper training when needed. Taking into consideration that she has not done any formal training when it comes to dealing with disabled individuals, she says, “I am well aware of the problems between officers and the disabled community and I strongly believe that it has made a difference in me. I know that violence is not the answer.” Jamie Cardona, a New Media Technology student at LaGuardia Community College shared his thoughts on the matter. Referring to the Adam Trammell incident, Mr. Cardona said, “It is unacceptable behavior by the police. To see an individual who is not responding and naked; even if police were unaware he was an EDP (emotionally disturbed person), common sense would dictate that there was something wrong with the individual.” Mr. Cardona has the same thought process like Ms. Ramratan. The New Media Technology student believes that there is undoubted, bad judgment by the police officers involved in this incident. Better training is needed and perhaps some psychology class to teach law enforcement how to deal with special needs individuals. Mr. Cardona went so far to say, “There should be a class to teach students how to interact with the police. Sadly there have been too many incidents in the last few years that indicate it is a definite necessity… it is unfortunate that it is something we are having a conversation about in this time and

age.” He points out that this type of event or behavior, on the part of law enforcement individuals, has now become a common occurrence and has seemed to become standard, regarding harassing or mistreating individuals like in the Adam Trammell case. Mr. Cardona gave an example of another event with similar stature. In the 1980s, an elderly woman by the name Elenor Bumpers was living in New York with a form of mental problems. According to Mr. Cardona, “…She was being evicted from public housing and she came out with a steak knife, and there were several police officers in the apartment; not one of them could control her.” To his point of bringing up the story, Mr. Cardona reiterated that police officers need better classes and better training to prepare them to interact with the mentally ill, “…and help them understand how to be more humane.” According to the National Center on Criminal Justice & Disability, “50-80 % of an officer’s encounters are with a person with a disability.” Letting that sink in, the website also states, “A person with a disability is seven times more likely to be a victim of a crime.” In summary, law enforcement and the community, as a whole, need to do more to create safe spaces for individuals who have disabilities. Another issue that needs to be worked on is communication. Communication is an essential key to understanding how to help, not only disabled people but also just being able to effectively make everyone’s life easier and safer.l

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HOT TOPIC

10 Notary Public Training Course

Trump’s Latest Weapon/ continued from page 1 (NTA) as “a document that instructs an individual to appear before an immigration judge.” USCIS reported that it “may issue NTAs on denied status-impacting applications, including but not limited to, Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, and Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.” The massive number of mailings of NTA letters have been wreaking havoc on immigrants and USCIS will be rifting the immigrant community even more. USCIS just reported that it would be expanding its NTA issuance to those who have been denied on the following applications and petitions: Applications for T Nonimmigrant Status; Petitions for U Nonimmigrant Status; Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant; Petition for Qualifying Family Member of a U-1 Nonimmigrant,Special Residence or Adjustment of Status. An NTA is the first step taken by the American government to begin removal of an immigrant from the country. Once a deportation hearing begins, you will need representation. There are three main ways to avoid being deported: seeking political asylum, adjustment of status or cancellation of removal. NTA letters are typically mailed to those who have been denied status in the United

States, usually due to a red alert like engaging in criminal activity. They can also unearth who has emigrated to the United States and overstayed their welcome, thus deeming them illegal. USCIS will uncover this information during the investigation it enacts when you submit an application. As part of the Ask the Lawyer Radio Program (which airs on WVIP 93.5FM on Thursdays at 10pm and Sundays at 11pm) Brian Figeroux, Esq. offered several pieces of advice. First, he suggests that you invest in a top-notch attorney who specializes in immigration. Finding a lawyer who is an active member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association is definitely a plus. Do not be afraid to question any lawyer you meet during the initial consultation about their qualifications and previous successes in cases similar to yours, Mr. Figeroux goes on to add. If you seek the advice of a notary pub-

lic to assist you with immigration forms, this might land you in hot water. They just cost a few dollars to be eyewitnesses to your signed statements but they do not replace the advice a lawyer could offer you. Mr. Figeroux also suggests that in these unscrupulous times, those wishing to send frivolous applications to USCIS avoid doing so. Ultimately, USCIS will only know your address and send the Notice to Appear letter if you send in unnecessary applications. It is something to think long and hard about as the immigration policies in the United States become more stringent. Try utilizing these tips and equipping yourself with a qualified lawyer to avoid further complications. Fear may take over during times like these, but it is imperative to be mindful and driven with regards to your case because your very life is at stake.l

This 3‑hour New York Notary Public Training course is designed to educate individuals with the legal terminology, concepts and clauses contained in the framework of the New York State Notary booklet. Cost includes materials and information on: lSupplemental Study Guide lNotary Fact Sheet lPractical Exam lSample Forms lNotary Public Application and Oath of Office lNY State License Law Booklet lNY State Exam Schedule lExpert Training and Assistance

Fee: $50 covers course materials. Location: 26 Court Street, Suite 701 Downtown Brooklyn For registration and dates, visit www.nacc.nyc or call 718-722-9217.

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Vincentian Fashion Designer, Bridget Ward, Is Making Waves BY DANA MATHURA

rowing up in the Caribbean, for many, meant getting hands-on by cultivating your own food or even sewing your own clothes. Such is the case of Bridget Ward, a New York City-based fashion designer making waves in her community and beyond. Ward, originally from the island nation, St Vincent and the Grenadines, credits her Caribbean roots for her current mastery in clothing design. She is proud to represent her country. Ward recalls her mother and grandmother being the original women behind the needlework that inspired her. But, as Bridget puts it, she has always been “drawn to arts and crafts.” As a child herself, Bridget recalls making her very own dolls which she sold and came home with $100. Little did she know, that was the beginning of her true calling. After an invitation to the small boutique fashion week by a friend, Bridget found herself inspired like never before and telling her friend that this is what she wants to do. Throw-in the sewing machine her mother purchased for her, after noticing Bridget’s attraction toward creating different items, and her fashion line was in the fast track to stardom. Designing was embedded in her bloodline, but Bridget needed connections to have her business idea fly off. After a friend gave her the information for one of the many conferences held by the New American Chamber of Commerce (NACC), Bridget attended and then fur-

ther enrolled in the small business courses offered by the Chamber. As a member of the Chamber, she had the opportunity to meet another designer who ultimately became her mentor through the process. In what she calls a “domino effect,” Bridget remembers it all happening so quickly. Almost within a year’s span, Bridget went from being a NACC member, to being personally invited to participate in the New Day Associate’s 31st Annual National Designer of the Year competition by the Editor in Chief of Hype Hair magazine, John Blassingame. This event would be the start of many more to come as Bridget not only won the contest, but a spread in Hype Hair magazine as well as a trip to Paris. Her tri- Designs from umph came from the use of Ward’s unconventional materials, Instagram such as paper, which she tends to use because it brings out her “more creative side.” These materials have become a preference because they are easier to mend versus cloth which takes a while to sew. Initially working with individuals with disabilities for sixteen years and having never touched a sewing machine until

Designer Bridget Ward

she was an adult with three children of her own, Bridget describes her experience so far as “out of this world.” At the West Indian Day Parade, held on Labor Day in Brooklyn, she had the chance to showcase more of her striking work. This time, she created pieces for the carnival-goers out of bubble wrap

she spray painted gold. Stated like a true fashion designer, Bridget wants to let people know that basically anything can be converted into something for you to wear. It just depends on how you perceive it, she lets on. However, some more typical materials do make it into her fashion line, like cotton and spandex. All in all, she knows that her pieces will get you the positive attention you desire. When it comes to performing the business aspect, she states “Definitely, network. Definitely. Put yourself out there.” A very humble Bridget relays that not many people know her name yet, but she is working on becoming more popular in the fashion world. “Here I am and I’m trying to take it all in and see how far this journey is going to take me because I am very interested in what’s happening,” states Bridget. As for now, Bridget designs custom pieces for her friends and family but is in the process of building her empire, so keep a look out for her website, soon to come. If you are interested in acquiring more information about her brand or just to take a gander at her distinct get-ups, feel free to follow her on Instagram @bsgartisticcreations_ l

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LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

Are Wedding Bells About to Ring? Don’t Forget to Invest in Your Marriage BY LISA BROOKES KIFT, MFT

he amount of money spent on weddings is incredible, and why not? it's an unforgettable and, hopefully, life-lasting union between two people who love and are committed to each other. It's interesting then, how few people choose to invest in premarital education while planning their wedding budget. Relationships require work to remain vibrant and healthy. I suspect that the reason premarital counseling is overlooked by couples is that they are caught up in the honeymoon bliss of their romance that they don't stop to think of what obstacles may come appear down the line and how they will deal with them together. Life will throw you a curve ball at some point, premarital counseling will help you have as many tools in your marriage toolbox as possible to assist you in your relationship when this happens. As a couple’s therapist, I’ve seen my fair share of married couples hanging at the “end of their ropes,” emotionally disconnected and often times really angry at each other! I’ve wondered if things would have been different for them if they’d done premarital work. This was the inspiration for me to write The Premarital Counseling Workbook for Couples. If you’re unfamiliar with the elements of premarital education, here are just a few of the potential benefits of doing this kind of work: nLearn to communicate effectively. This is probably the single most important skill to have as a couple. Learning the importance of keeping the dialogue channels open and how to argue without doing damage are two elements of this. nDiscuss role expectations and marriage logistics. Have you talked about who will do what in the marriage and how things will run in the home? What about job, kids, no kids, where to live, how to handle finances, chores, parenting, religion, no religion etc?

nExplore family of origin wounds and lessons learned. We learn a lot about how to “be” in relationship from our parents. If the messages are positive and affirming that’s great but if there’s been trauma, violence, conflict, absent parents, etc – then one or both partners may be wounded from this and still carrying some of it into the marriage. Premarital counseling helps couples talk about this with empathy and support. nDevelop personal, marriage and family goals. Where do you see yourselves in five years? What do you each expect to be happening? Are you on the same page or could you benefit from more discussion? The great news is that there are a lot of ways to get the necessary marriage tools for your toolbox. There is a range in cost between all of them. If you’re interested in making a marriage investment in relationship strengthening, here are some options: nchurch nlicensed relationship therapist like a

Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) workshop nself-help book or workbook Whichever way resonates with you, the important thing is to just do it for the longevity and health of your marriage. It’s an investment that could potentially continue to pay dividends for years to come. l Lisa Brookes Kift, MFT, is a couples therapist, author of The Premarital Counseling Workbook for Couples and creator of The Love and Life Toolbox by Lisa Kift Therapy, with tools for emotional and relationship health by Lisa and other therapy/coaching professionals. Scan this code to schedule a FREE Initial Consultation

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his home because he was physically abused by his father and both parents abandoned him. He faced deportation when he came to the United States illegally. His application for guardianship, with the Court finding that his parents abandoned him, enabled him to receive Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, and thus he was able to obtain his Green Card. Not all cases are as extreme. Sometimes a Court will find neglect if a parent passed away and there is no one else to care for the child in the home country. Other times, the Court will determine that an abusive parent is neglectful and will place the child with an appropriate guardian. Brian Figeroux, Esq., the attorney who advocated for Eber’s SIJ petition, said, “too many children who are abandoned in the United States, don’t get proper advice either because the people they live with do not care, or they don’t get multiple consultations from seasoned AILA lawyers.” He also pointed out that social workers who work with immigrant children need to understand that SIJ proceedings are the solution to many of these children’s problems. He further said, “my concern is that those children are missing out on many opportunities to get a proper education and jobs, which can lead them to be frustrated, depressed and suicidal.” Mr. Figeroux extends a free consultation to anyone who needs advice on this matter. Many children, who were brought to the United States by family members or came on their own, should know that there is a way to find relief and obtain permanent residency. The SIJ status is one way whereby they can remain with loving relatives or be appointed new guardians who would care for them in the United States. They can find assistance with an immigration attorney who also has experience with family law matters, specifically with the Special Immigrant Juvenile petition. A legal consult will open the door for a future without the fear of deportation. Call the Law Office of Figeroux & Associates at 855768-8845 for a free consult.l

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HEALTH

Can Captavida Manage Blood Sugar Levels? BY CHEREEN JAMES

There’s something to say about experience: Starting a Business at 50+

iabetes is one of the top ten deadliest diseases in the United States. According to the Center for Disease Control, diabetes has killed roughly 80,058 people in 2017. That number may be significantly higher because diabetes often leads to other ailments, like kidney disease, and therefore causes of death may be attributed to other ailments and not directly to diabetes. People who are already battling diabetes find themselves at the mercy of insulin shots and prescription drugs with uncomfortable side effects. After consulting their doctor, some diabetic patients have sought to improve their treatment by using supplements, like Captavida. Rehenia Perry migrated to the United States from Panama in the 1970s and worked as a nurse for over 15 years. She is also a diabetic. In an interview, Ms. Perry said that she suffered from bleeding in the back of her eye and was taking medication prescribed by her doctor. After consulting with her doctor, she began using Captavida as a supplement. She exclaimed, “I no longer have bleeding in my eye and my doctor said that I have 20/20 vision!” She started using the

product four months ago. She also said that since using Captavida, her blood sugar levels dropped from over 200 mg/dL to 99 mg/dL for the first time since being a diabetic. Captavida is a supplement that aims to regulate glucose levels. Some of its active ingredients are Berberine Hydrochloride and Bitter Melon Extract. The ingredient, Berberine Hydrochloride is commonly used in China and is derived from herbs such as GoldenSeal and Chinese Goldthread as indicated in the Natural Medicine Journal. The peerreviewed manuscript, Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental has reported that multiple studies on the effects of berberine in treating diabetes have indicated that the compound helps reduce sugar in the blood. Bitter Melon Extract, also known as Karela or Bitter Gourd, is a fruit that is used often in South Asian

countries to treat diabetes. The Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease stated that a study demonstrated that bitter gourd helped slow down blood sugar level-dependent cataract formation. Other active ingredients include Cinnamon, Gingseng, Chromium Picolinate and Citrin K, a compound attributed to weight loss. Diabetic patients like Ms. Perry have expressed their confidence in Captavida as a supplement to their diabetes treatment. You are advised to speak with your doctor before taking any supplement, as they may react with some prescribed medication. The active ingredients in Captavida have been used for years and studies have demonstrated the ability of its ingredients to regulate blood sugar. You can visit lowermysugarnow.com or call 212-470-2730 to learn more about this product.l

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LIFESTYLE

Plan to Travel More in 2019 adds to the person’s lifestyle and helps improve work-life balance.

BY VICTORIA FALK

s we head towards the end of 2018, there are many people hoping for better days to come in the New Year. Each year millions of people compile their list of things they plan to accomplish for the New Year. Most common on people’s list of resolutions include: a desire to lose weight, save money, stop smoking, travel more, reduce stress, and spend more time with friends and family. Most people’s lists look similar each year because the resolutions are broken soon after they are made. However, studies show that of the most common resolutions that are made, the ones involving more travel are more likely to be accomplished. Here are a few tips on how you can accomplish your travel goals for 2019: 1.Focus on the benefits of travel. Travel makes people happier, healthier, and more productive, unlike the other previously mentioned resolutions where there is an activity that must be given up in order for there to be achievement. Travel

2.Imagine yourself there. Write down your travel goals and be specific. Don’t just say you want to travel more. Write down where you want to go, when, and what activities you’d like to do when you get there. Play out the fantasy of that awesome vacation in your head. If you can visualize yourself having fun in that location, you are more likely to make it there. 3.Do your research. Gather information about your dream vacation. Find out how much it costs to stay at a quality hotel/resort and prepare your budget. Find out what special activities and events will be taking place when you plan to visit. 4.Start a vacation fund. Save for this awesome vacation now so you’ll have money on hand when you see incredible travel deals. The best travel deals are time-limited so if you’re not financially prepared when the deals appear, then you

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will miss out. Save money on a continuous basis so you’ll be able to take advantage of those 2-for- the- price- of- 1 cruise deals and other great offers that are available this time of year. 5.Get an accountability partner. Tell at least one other person your travel plans so you’ll have someone who’ll remind you, “You said this is the year you would definitely take a great vacation. What happened?” Even better, find an accountability partner with similar travel goals so they will have a vested interest in getting you to travel.l Victoria Falk is a Travel Specialist and award-winning CEO of Passionate Travel, Inc

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CONVERSATIONS

Helping Creates Happiness and Health BY CANDACE BAHR & GINITA WALL

ive your abundant life a hearty boost this fall—find a giving opportunity! Shelve books for the library, work the community health fair, bake cupcakes for the nursing home’s monthly birthday party. Choose a way to give back that pleases you—and see how good doing good can make you feel. Amazing new research shows a direct link between acts of charitable giving and improved health and happiness. Studies have shown that the caring expressed in doing good for others leads people to have healthier, happier, and even longer lives. “Giving is the most potent force on the planet,” says Dr. Stephen Post, co-author of Why Good Things Happen to Good People. “It’s abundantly clear that people who live generous lives also live happier lives,” he says. “When you’re experiencing compassion, benevolence, and kindness, they push aside the negative emotions. One of the best ways to overcome stress is to do something to help someone else.”

What could be better than a continuous loop of giving and receiving that helps everyone? When you make a difference in people’s lives, it gives you energy and courage to forge ahead and see how much further you can go. That’s the power of charity—it returns to you far more than you can ever give. And even the smallest act of charity matters. Here are some ideas for finding your best giving opportunity: 1. Look Close to Home for Ways to Help Charity begins at home, and there are plenty of people and places in our daily lives to engage us. Volunteers are always needed at senior centers, churches, libraries, museums, and hospitals. If you have kids in school, you know the ongoing need for more adult assistance. Many struggling students begin to thrive with a little extra help from a caring adult. And the rewards are great! 2. Let Your Passion Guide You What issues or causes matter most to you? Education, health care, civic affairs, the arts—giving to a cause that you care deeply about gives you an opportunity to

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help in a way that provides great personal satisfaction. Pursuing your passionate interests engages your energy and enthusiasm—always a good feeling! 3. Look for Ways That Your Family Can Work Together Charitable activities that the family can share are a great way to teach children the joy of giving. Charity is best taught by example and kids love working with friends and family toward a common goal.l Reprinted with permission. Article edited. Candace Bahr & Ginita Wall, CPA, CEA,CDFA are founders of WIFE.org, a nonprofit that aims to teach females how to take financial control of their lives.

n her memoir, Becoming Michelle, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her—from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address. With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it— in her own words and on her own terms. Warm, wise, and revelatory, Becoming is the deeply personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance who has steadily defied expectations—and whose story inspires us to do the same.l Courtesy:Becomingmichelle.com

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The Immigrant’s Journal Our leaders who stood for Unity & Justice

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Proposed Public Charge Rule: What You Need to Know

USCIS’ Proposed H1-B Registration Rule Creates More Uncertainty for Employers

BY AARON REICHLIN-MELNICK

BY LESLIE DELLON

ecently, the Trump administration took steps to radically transform a little-known provision of immigration law that could have an outsized impact on legal immigration. In proposed regulations, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) indicated that it would redefine the legal term “public charge” to block green cards for low-income immigrants who receive non-cash public benefits such as Medicaid or food stamps. By redefining public charge, the administration is taking a punitive approach by more heavily scrutinizing immigrants’

continued on page 3

I Am Undocumented. When Should I Tell Him or Her? BY DAISY CAMPBELL

hen you meet someone and start the ‘getting to know you’ process, there are many issues that can hinder the formation of a wonderful relationship. Kim was an undocumented immigrant and had met Steven, a citizen of the United States. Both had met while at a public event one night. They both took a liking to each other and started dating. After a month into the relationship, Kim began to see qualities in Stephen that she really admired but there was an issue, she had kept her immigration status from him. She had now became fond of him

Photo credit: shutterstock.com

and now found herself in the predicament as to the right time to tell Steven about her status. We use trust to judge the relationship with each other and in the process, determine how much we are prepared to give. Being an undocumented immigrant and the stigma attached to such a situation can often times pose as a challenge espe-

cially when that individual enters the world of dating. Meeting people and forging meaningful and long-lasting relationships can certainly be a painful experience. To determine the opportune time or whether or not to declare your immigration status can be quite burdensome as the risk of making it known is far greater than keeping it a secret. As adults we know that relationships grow in stages. The more time that is spent to build the relationship, the more intimate and meaningful it becomes. At the beginning of the relationship, before the initiation of sexual contact, continued on page 2

The Caribbean LGBTQ Community Takes a Stand Against Sexual Violence BY VIJAI NARAINE

n the fight against domestic violence, “Breaking the Rejection Cycle, Building Unity,” were the words that served as a slogan for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) community. The Lefferts’ Branch of Queens Library played host to Marcus Kissoon and was the venue for the Unchained: Caribbean LGBTQ Monthly Support Group. Kissoon, a member of the

Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobago’s Coalition Against Domestic Violence, was a guest speaker at the event. Kissoon is currently enrolled in the master’s program at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago. He is also a research assistant and tutor for the Institute for Gender and Development Studies. For the longest time people struggled to gain and maintain power. Oftentimes, gender roles and stereotypes help to shape the route of the power struggle. As Kissoon

(L-R) Marcus W. Persaud, Marcus Kissoon, Darren J. Glenn, and Mohamed Q. Amin, post-October 1, 2018, Unchained: Caribbean LGBTQ Support Group

continued on page 2

ust months short of the normal starting date for the annual H-1B petition process, USCIS has proposed major changes. U.S. employers who rely on this visa category, which is for jobs that require a bachelor’s or higher degree in a “specific specialty” or equivalent at the entry-level, are now in limbo, unsure whether these changes will be implemented before the normal petition-submission date. Recently, USCIS issued a proposal to change the current system for H-1B “cap-subject” petitions. The proposal has two components: requiring employers to register online in advance to be eligible to submit an H-1B petition and reversing the order in which petitions are selected. Currently, USCIS selects petitions for the 20,000 “master’s exemption” first (for workers with a master’s or higher degree from U.S. colleges or universities that meet certain requirements). Any of these not selected are included when USCIS selects petitions for the 65,000 “cap.” (Selection is only the first step: USCIS has to accept a selected petition for filing, and then decide whether to approve.) USCIS has provided a 30-day comment period, ending January 2, 2019. It appears that USCIS wants to proceed with the change in the selection process for April 2019, even if—as is likely—the registration system is not ready. As proposed, USCIS would provide at least 30 days’ advance notice, through its website, of the registration start date. The registration period would run for at least 14 days, beginning at least 14 days before the first business day in April on which H-1B petitions could be filed. When registering, the employer would have to identify the foreign national it intends to hire. As a result, the employer would have less time to consider hiring foreign nationals who need an H-1B classification. When the initial registration period ends, if USCIS has more registrations than required for visa number allocation, the agency will hold a “lottery,” but keep the unselected registrations “on reserve” for that fiscal year. If there are less registrations than needed, then USCIS will open another registration period. continued on page 3

IMMIGRATION MATTERS LGBTQ ... Sexual Violence/continued from page 1 puts it, “I want to be an equality fighter… my work breaks down gender roles.” He saw that “People have challenges gaining respect within the LGBTQ community. People, especially young males, need to gain respect.” Mohamed Q. Amin, who is the founder of the Caribbean Equality Project (CEP, a non-profit Caribbean LGBTQ educational agency based in Queens) shared similar sentiments about members and identities of the LGBTQ community. As a matter -of fact, he created the project with the incentive of creating safe spaces for LGBTQ individuals, allowing them to have a place to share their experience, their ideas and be their true selves. Amin, who has hosted this type of event for three years now, chose to direct the evening’s program toward sexual violence. Both Amin and Kissoon targeted the issue. Kissoon brought up the fact that “Intimate partner violence can be caused by many reasons.…” He continued to say, “…In the Caribbean culture, it is not right to leave your partner. Sometimes it’s not easy to get out.” Leading off the notion of whether or not it may be easy to get out of a relationship impacted by “intimate partner violence,” Amin and Kissoon led a group conversation on what exactly sexual violence may look like for the Caribbean LGBTQ community in New York City. “Sex equals manhood, which is the reason why men get portrayed as the perpetrator,” Kissoon stated. As the founder of the

CEP, Amin indulged in the “perpetrator” aspect of Kissoon’s statement. According to Amin, he believes that “Mr. Kissoon was referencing how traditional and cultural standards of masculinity influence genderbased violence.” This idea of who is or isn’t a perpetrator; intertwines with what has to be said about intimate partner relations. Amin stated, “One of the reasons the unchained space exists is to create a safe intergenerational environment to break the rejection cycle for the Caribbean LGBTQ+ community in NYC.…” He continued by saying that this “…allows the marginalized population to share their stories, be heard, empower others, educate themselves, get support and inspire each other through collective healing from various traumas and challenges.” The CEP prides itself on being a tight-knit, enclosed space where individuals don’t have to be in fear of sharing some of the emotional scars that they have endured. Amin mentions that “Statistically and historically, men have been the ones to use violence and/or violent acts to reinforce their masculine role in society.” Now, with this being said, men aren’t always playing the “perpetrator” role. Whether it is in a relationship or in a societal role, “…members of the LGBTQ community may have other elements of power held over them; such as being outed, family abandonment, being undocumented, mental health issues, HIV status, housing dependency, and at times socioeconomic factors.” One may be asking, ‘What is the exact function of this group?” According to the founder of the group, Amin stated, “The

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2 first of its kind in New York City, Unchained is the Caribbean Equality Project’s peer culture-specific monthly support group, providing a safe space to affirm the unique experience and identities of LGBTQ… people of Caribbean descent and allies to combat discrimination and hate violence.” Darren J. Glenn, who is an ambassador for the CEP, shared some of his insights about the group. “Being a part of the group and a part of this community is, in fact, the goal.” Speaking about the CEP group, Glenn gave a brief overview of what he has witnessed as a member of the group. “CEP has changed lives in ways that I will never know. In Queens, CEP has supported individuals who previously thought they had no one.” The CEP group has been a back brace for individuals who have gone through unspeakable tragedies. Every individual chooses to navigate their lives in different ways; it is important to remember that no one is perfect. Amin said, “The purpose of Unchained is to create a healing space for intergenerational dialogue with topics aimed at educating to end stigma, build healthier relationships.…” The intent is to celebrate diversity, promote empowerment, and foster family acceptance. With the creation of the group, there is an emphasis put on the LGBTQ experience, while it highlights the unique cultural needs of Caribbean individuals for the past three years. Glenn pointed to the fact that this group has a broad outreach, in terms of touching lives. The CEP ambassador said, “In Toronto it validated people’s work that hadn’t been validated before. In Guyana it has provided inspiration for locals who can now imagine what it may be like to be themselves. In NYC it has given space for LGBTQ people of Caribbean descent to experience a Carnival-style march made for them (during pride) after feeling erased or unwelcome at similar events.” As a community it is safe to say that we all need to release or unchain the hostile grips we have on each other. Taking a firm stance against anti-LGBTQ, gender-based and intimate partner violence, the foundation of this group was cemented into the New York community. “Since the launch of the CEP in 2015, the organization has made significant strides toward the advancement and uplifting of LGBTQ Caribbean voices in NYC.” On a yearly basis, the “CEP does community outreach, community engagement, and partnerships to effectively challenge established systematic complexities on LGBTQ issues by providing opportunities for dialogue, education, and discussion.” For more information on the Caribbean Equality Project (CEP), visit www.CaribbeanEqualityProject.org. You can also reach out to info@CaribbeanEqualityProject.org.l

I’m Undocumented/ continued from page 1

being an undocumented immigrant, makes the situation more complicated. It would be best to use that introductory period to get to know the person. Ask questions, try to get to know him or her, learn about the things that they are passionate about and talk about current events. If you decide to tell him or her, the upside to this is that he or she would appreciate the fact that you are very honest and therefore trust would be cemented and the possibility exists for the relationship to grow. The downside could be that he or she might not be prepared to undergo the challenges of the situation and may opt to end the relationship as they may find it difficult to endure. The greatest fear however of any undocumented immigrant is revealing his or status and then that information is used against them afterwards. There is a fear that the partner might raise an alarm and notify the authorities which can lead to deportation. Sharon, an undocumented immigrant revealed her status to her boyfriend. At first he was okay with it after a few months into the relationship things changed. He became very verbally abusive and she tried to defend herself, he made threats to call Immigration to send her home. She was devastated by the threat. He didn’t make the call but the relationship was never the same. They eventually parted ways. At the start of a new relationship, sex is a means to share intimacy and be playful, while also building deeper levels of trust and care. It is a great way for new couples to connect and learn about each other’s passions and desires. Sexual intimacy and the connection that couples share can lead to both parties falling in love. When you are an undocumented immigrant and your partner is a citizen, your partner deserves to know the truth. At this stage, the issue of trust can be questioned which may either make or break your relationship. In making a decision about the right time to reveal your immigration status, is dependent on you the individual and your comfort level with your partner. There is no hard or fast rule, the final decision is yours to make.l

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REMEMBER: You have rights. We will defend you and fight for your rights. If you are depending on your spouse for immigration benefits, Get out of Green Card Slavery: that abusive relationship. Call the Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates right now for a FREE, NO OBLIGATION, CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION. Call now at 855-768-8845.

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IMMIGRATION MATTERS Proposed Public Charge Rule/continued from page 1 financial status before allowing them to enter or permanently reside in the United States. This will have a disproportionate impact on low-income immigrants, young adults, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and non-English speakers. The changes could also create significant additional hurdles for individuals here on student visas, H-1B visas, or other non-immigrant visas. If the proposed regulations go into effect, they could lead to the largest drop in legal immigration in generations. Under current law, immigrants can be blocked from obtaining a green card on public charge grounds if they have received or are likely to receive public benefits in the form of cash assistance, such as Supplemental Security Income or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. The government must believe the immigrant is “primarily dependent” on these benefits to be declared a public charge. In the proposed regulations, a “public charge” will be defined as an immigrant who receives any public benefits at all, even if they are not primarily dependent on benefits. These non-cash benefits will now include: •Benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. •Section 8 housing assistance or rental assistance.

Immigrant rights advocates fear that it will discourage all non-citizens from using public benefits, even ones they are lawfully entitled to. •Medicaid benefits (except for emergency Medicaid or certain school or disability-based benefits for children). •Premium and cost-sharing subsidies under Medicare Part D. •Subsidized housing under Housing Act of 1937. Immigrants can currently avoid being deemed a public charge if their sponsor— often a family member with U.S. citizenship or a green card—submits an “affidavit of support” agreeing to financially support them. The proposed regulations would no longer automatically prevent an immigrant with such a sponsor from being declared a public charge. The newly posted regulations do allow for some limited, temporary benefit usage. The government will only label an immigrant a public charge if they use an amount of benefits that goes above a specific threshold. However, the threshold level of benefits is quite low. In addition, the proposed rule will not penalize immigrants for benefits taken before a final regulation goes into effect, and even then only benefits taken 60 days after a final rule is published will count against the immigrant. DHS admits that many U.S. citizens will be affected by the rule because immigrant families will no longer take advan-

tage of benefits. The agency’s list of negative effects includes “worse health outcomes … especially for pregnant or breastfeeding women, infants, or children,” as well as “increased use of emergency rooms,” “increased prevalence of communicable diseases,” “increased rates of poverty and housing instability; and reduced productivity and educational attainment.” In fact, even before the regulations have gone into effect, health providers report that fear among immigrant parents has already caused many to forego nutritional benefits for their U.S.born children. Importantly, the public charge rules do not apply to asylum seekers, refugees, children receiving Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, individuals who are the beneficiaries of visas for crime victims or victims of domestic violence, and multiple other special visa categories that Congress has exempted from the public charge determination. Although DHS has posted online a draft of the proposed regulation for the public to view, it has not yet formally published the rule in the Federal Register. Once that happens, the public will have 60 days to provide comments. The agency will then be required to review those comments and will only issue a final rule after that process is complete.l

USCIS’ Proposed H1-B Registration Rule continued from page 1

For any registrations selected, USCIS will notify employers and provide at least 60 days within which to file. USCIS anticipates that it will stagger the filings to help the agency manage its workflow. The proposal increases uncertainty because employers will need to proceed as if they will be required to register but also will need to prepare their H-1B petitions since registration is unlikely—and they will not know if their petitions are less likely to be selected than before if the petition does not fall within the “master’s exemption.” The registration process also injects even greater uncertainty than currently exists as to when USCIS may make a decision on a petition—because USCIS will control how long the registration period lasts and the time period during which a selected registrant may file an H-1B petition.l

A Court Just Stopped Police Across New York from Doing ICE’s Arrests Read about it at www.cawnyc.com

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No.12

Recently Inherited a Home That You Don't Need?

as a loved one or family member recently passed on and left you with their home? Inheriting a house can be a delightful gift, but it can also present a significant number of challenges that you must navigate. Let's explore how to deal with an inherited house and, should you decide to, how to sell it without incurring too much stress. Are Emotions Involved? The death of a family member or other loved one can be a trying time emotionally. Depending on how the deceased left the property, you may also have to deal with cleaning out personal belongings and reviving old memories. A battle over a will or the proceeds of an estate can compound the situation, making things worse. If you are emotionally involved, it is best to work with a real estate agent who can do much of the heavy lifting. That way you can focus on supporting

executor of the will, or is someone else? Is the property included in a trust, or is it freestanding and gifted directly to you? Has the probate period passed, or can a family member or relative still challenge the will? If you haven't already, it is best to speak with a real estate professional or experienced lawyer to get their advice. your family and keeping your stress levels down. Understand Your Legal Obligations Although real estate inheritance is common, there are still some legal issues that must be considered. As such, you will need to understand what your legal obligations are in the will or estate process. Are you the

Consider the Tax Implications As with any financial windfall, there are going to be tax implications that need to be considered when selling an inherited home. For example, it's unlikely that you will qualify for the home sales tax exclusion unless you have been living in that house as your primary residence. Once you sell the home, you will also need to report the pro-

Ten Tax Tips for Individuals Selling a Home this Year

n most cases, gains from sales are taxable. But did you know that if you sell your home, you may not have to pay taxes? Here are ten facts to keep in mind if you sell your home this year: 1. Exclusion of Gain. You may be able to exclude part or all of the gain from the sale of your home. This rule may apply if you meet the eligibility test. Parts of the test involve your ownership and use of the home. You must have owned and used it as your main home for at least two out of the five years before the date of sale. 2. Exceptions May Apply. There are exceptions to the ownership, use, and other rules. One exception applies to persons with a disability. Another applies to certain members of the military. That rule includes certain government and Peace Corps workers. For more information about these exceptions, please call our office at 888-670-6791.

3. Exclusion Limit. The most gain you can exclude from taxes is $250,000. This limit is $500,000 for joint returns. The Net Investment Income Tax will not apply to the excluded gain. 4. You May Not Need to Report the Sale. If the gain is not taxable, you may not need to report the sale to the IRS on your tax return. 5. When You Must Report the Sale. You must report the sale on your tax return if you can't exclude all or part of the gain. You must report the sale if you choose not to claim the exclusion. That's also true if you get Form 1099-S, Proceeds from Real Estate Transactions. If you report the sale, you may need to pay the Net Investment Income Tax. Please call our office at 888670-6791 for assistance on this topic.

Smart homeowners and first-time homebuyers read this paper! ceeds of the sale to the IRS. There are also a variety of different taxes that need to be factored in, such as estate taxes, inheritance taxes and more. Consult an Experienced Real Estate Agent Selling a home that you have inherited in a Will or as part of an estate, can be an emotionally-draining process. Before you make any moves, it is best to speak with a real estate professional who has experience dealing with inherited homes. Contact our office at your convenience and we will be happy to meet with you and share our guidance. Schedule an appointment today. Call 888-670-6791. n

INSIDE: Real Estate Remains a Strong Wealth Investment........................2 Fight Slum Landlords with a Tenantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association.....................3 Mistakes Seasoned Home Buyers Make.............................................4

6. Exclusion Frequency Limit. Generally, you may exclude the gain from the sale of your main home only once every two years. Some exceptions may apply to this rule. 7. Only a Main Home Qualifies. If you own more than one home, you may only exclude the gain on the sale of your main home. Your main home usually is the home that you live in continued on page 3

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EQUITY SMART REALTY

Real Estate Remains a Strong Wealth Management Investment

young long-haul trucker driver once took an elder’s advice and invested all of his money into real estate. Even though he was seldom at home to enjoy the fruits of his labor, he hired a property management company to handle the properties. The advice that stuck with the driver was simple: “They’re not making any more of it, land that is.” In terms of growing personal wealth, the real estate market may fluctuate, interest rates change, and the GDP can bounce like a ball. But, land is permanent. That may seem like a simplistic view of wealth management. Maybe it is. But that trucker retired early with multiple investment properties and is now a reasonably wealthy man. His portrait in wealth management success highlights the notion that real estate remains a strong financial driver. The next logical question is whether or not now is the time to build a powerful real estate portfolio. Current Market Conditions Real estate investment does not necessarily follow the popular stock market thinking about buying low and selling high. In fact, investors such as the trucker had no plans to sell at all. That being said, the current real

estate trends are widely considered a “seller’s market.” Are they really? With millennials and soon Generation Z buying up homes, inventory remains lower than demand. That naturally has resulted in an uptick in listing prices. Couple the supply and demand issue with Federal raising rates and one might think this is a bad time to buy. Nothing could be further from the truth. Buying rental properties are long-term investments. Buyers would be wise to do the math on how much the monthly mortgage, insurance, taxes and overhead, measure against the potential revenue. Some property owners do their math based on 10 months rather than 12 to account for unexpected expenses. If the math works, it could be a valuable asset.

Real Estate Less Risky than Stocks Return on investment in real estate has the potential to far outpace stock buys. Consider that when you purchase a stock, things outside your control impact value and dividends. Think for a moment about how Elon Musk turned Tesla stocks into a roller coaster ride due to a few odd tweets and media interviews. Owning property insulates investors from many external forces. Over time, rental revenue pays down the note. This allows owners the ability to siphon off money or leverage equity for additional real estate buys. With measured determination, your

wealth management portfolio could include multiple properties that are paid off at retirement age. It worked for a truck driver who took some simple advice from an elder. There’s little doubt that real estate remains a strong asset for increasing personal wealth. If you are considering a purchase, speak with a real estate professional. We are happy to help and share our insight and experience to help you with the real estate investing process. Schedule an appointment today. Call 888-670-6791. n

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Fight Slum Landlords with a Tenants’ Association BY CHEREEN JAMES

lum landlords hinder tenants’ rights to the quiet enjoyment of their premises. How? With no proper maintenance to the dwelling, slum landlords collect tenants’ hard-earned dollars in exchange for unlivable conditions. So, what can you do? You can associate! Landlordtenant law provides for Tenants’ Associations to bring lawsuits known as Article 7A proceedings. Tenants can also consult with a landlord-tenant attorney to further understand the process and to know their rights. The best way to bring the slum-like conditions to the attention of your landlord is by forming a Tenants’ Association. Why it works? The landlord feels the pressure when a large portion of his rental income threatens action. With an association, tenants can demand repairs and may be entitled to an abatement or a decrease in rent, when there is a decrease in services. Not only can a Tenants’ Association demand repairs and maintenance, they can prevent harassment and illegal evictions and encourage cooperation among the occupants of a building. If a lawsuit is brought, tenants can ask the court to appoint an administrator to manage the property in place of the owner. Accord-

ing to the New York City Housing Court, at least one-third of the tenants of a building can bring an Article 7A proceeding when for at least 5 days, dangerous conditions exist, such as rodent infestation and the lack of heat or hot water. Although it is not mandatory, it is necessary to elect a governing body and to create and abide by the by-laws for the Tenants’ Association. This way, a select few can meet with a landlord-tenant attorney, appear at Court hearings, and sign on behalf of the Tenants’ Association. Tenants’ Associations, with the help of a landlord-tenant attorney can take advantage of the Tenant Interim Lease program (TIL), which offers low-income Tenants, Associations the opportunity to purchase their apartments as cooperatives. According to NYC HPD, through this program, tenants living in City-owned buildings can purchase their apartments for an affordable

price. Tenants will have to abide by the laws of forming a cooperative, by the requirements of the program, and they will have to be organized for the program to work well. Tenants’ Associations can also be involved in Article 78 proceedings. When appealing an administrative decision, such as removal from the TIL program, Tenant Associations, with the help of a landlord-tenant Attorney can seek a favorable outcome. For tenants in city-owned buildings, funding is available for Tenant Associations through the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Tenant Participation Activity program. According to NYCHA, funding is geared toward the benefit of NYCHA residents, for activities like skills training, Family Days, and to get office supplies for the Tenants’ Association. Funding for the Tenants Association can come from member dues, individual donors, fundraisers or non-profit organizations. Consult a landlord-tenant attorney for more information about forming a Tenants’ Association or whether you need further advice for the benefit of your community. . We are happy to help you start the process of setting up a Tenants’ Association. Schedule an appointment today by calling 855768-8845. n

Tax Tips continued from page 1

most of the time. 8. First-time Homebuyer Credit. If you claimed the first-time homebuyer credit when you bought the home, special rules apply to the sale. For more on those rules, please call our office at 888-670-6791. 9. Home Sold at a Loss. If you sell your main home at a loss, you can't deduct the loss on your tax return. 10. Report Your Address Change. After you sell your home and move, update your address with the IRS. To do this, file Form 8822, Change of Address. You can find the address to send it to in the form's instructions on page two. If you purchase health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace, you should also notify the Marketplace when you move out of the area covered by your current Marketplace plan. Questions? Help is just a phone call away. Call us at 888-670-6791. n

HOME OWNERSHIP

Mistakes Seasoned Home Buyers Often Make

budget or has other issues, it’s not the right one.

t’s not uncommon today to move several times during adulthood, whether across town or across the country. Seasoned home buyers have been through the real estate process, often more than once. However, even if the home purchase has become routine, there are mistakes that can be avoided. Stuck in the Past The real estate market doesn’t stand still. It cycles and shifts, which is why it’s often recommended to rely on a real estate professional for an understanding of the current market. It is unlikely that home buyers with property purchased ten years ago, will have the same experience buying today. Don’t get stuck in the past, thinking the process will play out the same. It may, but it’s important to be ready for changes. Skipping Homework Whether upgrading to a larger home to accommodate a growing family or downsizing as the nest empties, it’s essential to do your homework before placing the current home on the market and committing to a new one. Certain homework needs to be done before beginning the buying process, especially if the purchase is reliant on the sale of the current home. •Determine if you’re buying with cash or

need to sell your current home. •If need to sell your current home first, will the seller of new home offer contingency? •Is a flexible timeline needed for closing on your current home or are you buying new? Working out these types of critical details, even for seasoned home buyers, can be daunting, which is why it can be helpful to have a trusted real estate agent. Allowing Emotions to Lead Maybe the current house wasn’t the “forever” home. Seasoned home buyers, just like first-timers, can find themselves lost in emotions when searching for the perfect house. It’s a pitfall every home buyer should work to avoid. The home may have some of the exact features desired or be in the ideal location, but if it doesn’t fit the

Overextending Resources Home buying is an exciting experience and it can be easy to become caught up in the process. However, overextending resources can make life after the purchase difficult. To help protect against overextension of resources later, always factor in the following when buying a home:budget, time and DIY abilities. Overextending on budget can directly affect the ability to make any needed repairs and if schedules are hectic, there might not be enough time for projects. In addition, it’s important to honestly take stock of DIY ability, and it’s okay to acknowledge that some jobs/repairs will require professionals or some level of assistance. The key for seasoned home buyers, as well as first-timers, is to never be afraid to ask questions, make lists, and rely on professional help from a real estate agent. If you're currently in the process of looking for a new home, you may want to contact one of our experienced real estate professionals for more information. Schedule an appointment today. Call 888-6706791. n

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

DO YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE IRS? You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to go it alone. There's hope:

The Professional Tax Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates Call 855-6taxguy OR 855-682-9489

5 Ways to Minimize Your Tax Liability

f you want to save money on your tax bill next year, consider using one or more of these tax-saving strategies that reduce your income, lower your tax bracket, and minimize your tax bill. 1. Max out your 401(k) or Contribute to an IRA You've heard it before, but it's worth repeating because it's one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways of saving money for your retirement. Many employers offer plans where you can elect to defer a portion of your salary and contribute it to a tax-deferred retirement account. For most companies, these are referred to as 401(k) plans. For many other employers, such as universities, a similar plan called a 403(b) is available. Check with your employer about the availability of such a plan and contribute as much as possible to defer income and accumulate retirement assets. If you have income from wages or selfemployment income, you can build taxsheltered investments by contributing to a traditional (pre-tax contributions) or a Roth IRA (after-tax contributions). You may also be able to contribute to a spousal IRA even when your spouse has little or no earned income.

3. Bunch your Itemized Deductions Certain itemized deductions, such as medical or employment-related expenses, are only deductible if they exceed a certain amount. It may be advantageous to delay payments in one year and prepay them in the next year to bunch the expenses in one year. This way you stand a better chance of getting a deduction.

2. Take Advantage of Employer Benefit Plans Medical and dental expenses are generally only deductibles to the extent they exceed 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income (AGI) in 2018 (rising to 10% in 2019). For many individuals, particularly those with high income, this could eliminate the possibility for a deduction. However, you can effectively get a deduction for these items if your employer offers a Flexible Spending Account or FSA (sometimes called a cafeteria plan). These plans permit you to redirect a portion of your salary to pay these types of expenses with pre-tax dollars. Another such arrangement is a Health Savings Account (HSA). Ask your employer if they provide either of these plans.

4. Use the Gift-Tax Exclusion to Shift Income In 2018, you can give away $15,000 ($30,000 if joined by a spouse) per donee, per year without paying federal gift tax. And, you can give $15,000 to as many donees as you like. The income on these transfers will then be taxed at the donee's tax rate, which is in many cases lower. tax. 5. Consider Tax-Exempt Municipal Bonds Interest on state or local municipal bonds is generally exempt from federal income tax and from tax by the issuing state or locality. For that reason, interest paid on such bonds is somewhat less than that paid on commercial bonds of comparable quality. However, for individuals in higher brackets, the interest from municipal bonds will often be

8 Tax Breaks for Parents

f you have children, you may be able to reduce your tax bill using these tax credits and deductions.

1.Child Tax Credit: You may be able to take this credit on your tax return for each of your children under age 17. Qualifying dependents must have a valid Social Security Number. This credit is refundable, which means you may a refund even if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t owe any tax. 2.Credit for Other Dependents: This is a new tax credit under tax reform and is available for dependents for whom taxpayers cannot claim the Child Tax Credit. These dependents may include dependent children who are age 17 or older at the end of 2018 or parents or other qualifying relatives supported by the taxpayer. This credit is nonrefundable. 3.Child and Dependent Care Credit: You may be able to claim this credit if you pay someone to care for your child under age 13 while you work or look for work. To claim this credit you will need to accurately track your child care expenses. 4.Earned Income Tax Credit: The EITC is a benefit for certain people who work and have earned income from wages, self-

employment, or farming. EITC reduces the amount of tax you owe and may also give you a refund. 5.Adoption Credit: You may be able to take a tax credit for qualifying expenses paid to adopt a child. 6.Coverdell Education Savings Account: This savings account is used to pay qualified expenses at an eligible educational institution, which starting in 2018, includes primary and secondary schools as well as colleges and vocational schools. Contributions are not deductible; however, qualified distributions generally are tax-free. 7.Higher Education Tax Credits: Education tax credits can help offset the costs of education. The American Opportunity and the Lifetime Learning Credits are education tax credits that reduce your federal income

greater than from higher paying commercial bonds after reduction for taxes. Gain on sale of municipal bonds is taxable, and loss is deductible. Tax-exempt interest is sometimes an element in the computation of other tax items. Interest on loans to buy or carry taxexempts is non-deductible. Documentation - Keep Good Records Unfortunately, many taxpayers forgo worthwhile tax credits and deductions because they have neglected to keep proper receipts or records. Keeping adequate records is required by the IRS for employee business expenses, deductible travel and entertainment expenses, and charitable gifts and travel, and more. But don't do it just because the IRS says so. Neglecting to track these deductions can lead to overlooking them as well. You also need to maintain records regarding your income. If you receive a large tax-free amount, such as a gift or inheritance, make certain to document the item so that the IRS does not later claim that you had unreported income. If you're ready to save money on your taxes this year but aren't sure which tax-saving strategies apply to your financial situal us at tion, don't hesitate to call us at 855682-9489.n

INSIDE: Year in Review: Tax Changes for Individuals.....................................................2 Recap of Business Tax Provisions................3 Retirement Contribution Limits Announced for 2019......................................4 Tax Transcript Email Scam Alert..................4

tax dollar for dollar, unlike a deduction, which reduces your taxable income. 8.Student Loan Interest: You may be able to deduct interest you pay on a qualified student loan. The deduction is claimed as an adjustment to income, so you do not need to itemize your deductions.

SPECIAL OFFER: As you can see, having children can impact your tax situation in multiple ways. Make sure that you're taking advantage of credits and deductions you're entitled to by speaking to a tax professional today. Call us at 855-6829489.n

Switch preparers and get 15% OFF PLUS Free Legal Consultations for one year. Bring your receipt. Call 855-682-8489.

INDIVIDUAL TAXES

Year in Review: Tax Changes for Individuals

nyone who has income during the year needs to pay income taxes as they receive the money. Here is some information about tax changes for individuals:

Individuals—Tax Credits Adoption Credit In 2018 a nonrefundable (i.e., only those with tax liability will benefit) credit of up to $13,810 is available for qualified adoption expenses for each eligible child.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) eliminated or modified numerous tax provisions starting in 2018. Here's what individuals and families need to know as they get ready for tax season. Personal Exemptions Personal exemptions are eliminated for tax years 2018 through 2025. Standard Deductions The standard deduction for married couples filing a joint return in 2018 is $24,000. For singles and married individuals filing separately, it is $12,000, and for heads of household, the deduction is $18,000. The additional standard deduction for blind people and senior citizens in 2018 is $1,300 for married individuals and $1,600 for singles and heads of household. Income Tax Rates In 2018 the top tax rate of 37 percent affects individuals whose income exceeds $500,000 ($600,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return). Marginal tax rates for 2018 are as follows: 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37%. While the tax rate structure remains similar to prior years (i.e., with seven tax brackets), the tax-bracket thresholds increased significantly for each filing status under tax reform. Estate and Gift Taxes In 2018 there is an exemption of $11.18

million per individual for estate, gift, and generation-skipping taxes, with a top tax rate of 40 percent. The annual exclusion for gifts is $15,000. Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) For 2018, exemption amounts increased to $70,300 for single and head of household filers, $109,400 for married people filing jointly and for qualifying widows or widowers, and $54,700 for married taxpayers filing separately. Pease and PEP (Personal Exemption Phaseout) Both Pease (limitations on itemized deductions) and PEP (personal exemption phaseout) have been eliminated under TCJA. Flexible Spending Account (FSA) A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is limited to $2,650 per year in 2018 (up from $2,600 in 2017) and applies only to salary reduction contributions under a health FSA. The term "taxable year" as it applies to FSAs refers to the plan year of the cafeteria plan, which is typically the period during which salary reduction elections are made.

Long-Term Capital Gains In 2018 tax rates on capital gains and dividends remain the same as 2017 rates (0%, 15%, and a top rate of 20%); however, threshold amounts are different in that they don't correspond to the tax bracket structure as they did in the past. For example, taxpayers whose income is below $38,600 for single filers and $77,200 for married filing jointly pay 0% capital gains tax. For individuals whose income is at or above $425,800 ($479,000 married filing jointly), the rate for both capital gains and dividends is capped at 20 percent. Miscellaneous Deductions Miscellaneous deductions exceeding 2% of AGI (adjusted gross income) are eliminated for tax years 2018 through 2025. As such, you can no longer deduct on Schedule A expenses related to tax preparation, moving (except for members of the Armed Forces on active duty who move because of a military order), job hunting, or unreimbursed employee expenses such as tools, supplies, required uniforms, travel, and mileage. Business owners are not affected and can still deduct business-related expenses on Schedule C.

Child and Dependent Care Credit The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit was permanently extended for taxable years starting in 2013 and remained under tax reform. As such, if you pay someone to take care of your dependent (defined as being under the age of 13 at the end of the tax year or incapable of self-care) in order to work or look for work, you may qualify for a credit of up to $1,050 or 35 percent of $3,000 of eligible expenses. For two or more qualifying dependents, you can claim up to 35 percent of $6,000 (or $2,100) of eligible expenses. For higher income earners the credit percentage is reduced, but not below 20 percent, regardless of the amount of adjusted gross income. Child Tax Credit and Credit for Other Dependents For tax years 2018 through 2025, the Child Tax Credit increases to $2,000 per child, up from $1,000 in 2017, thanks to the passage of the TCJA. The refundable portion of the credit increases from $1,000 to $1,400 - 15 percent of earned income above $2,500, up to a maximum of $1,400 — so that even if taxpayers do not owe any tax, they can still claim the credit. Please note, however, that the refundable portion of the credit (also known as the additional child tax credit) applies only when the taxpayer isn't able to fully use the $2,000 nonrefundable credit to offset their tax liability. Under TCJA, a new tax credit - Credit for Other Dependents — is also available for dependents who do not qualify for the Child Tax Credit. The $500 credit is nonrefundable and covers children older than age 17 as well as parents or other qualifying relatives supported by a taxpayer. Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) For tax year 2018, the maximum earned income tax credit (EITC) for low and moderate-income workers and working families increased to $6,431 (up from $6,318 in 2017). The maximum income limit for the EITC increased to $54,884 (up from $53,930 in 2017) for married filing jointly. The credit varies by family size, filing status, and other factors, with the maximum credit going to joint filers with three or more qualifying children. Individuals—Education Expenses Coverdell Education Savings Account You can contribute up to $2,000 a year to Coverdell savings accounts in 2018. These accounts can be used to offset the cost of elementary and secondary education, as well as post-secondary education. American Opportunity Tax Credit For 2018, the maximum American Opportunity Tax Credit that can be used to offset certain higher education expenses is $2,500 per student, although it is phased out begincontinued on page 3

BUSINESS TAXES

Recap of Business Tax Provisions for 2018

Individual Taxes continued from page 2

re you a business owner? Are you concerned about the tax changes? Here's what you need to know about tax changes for 2018. Standard Mileage Rates The standard mileage rate in 2018 is 54.5 cents per business mile driven. Health Care Tax Credit for Small Businesses Small business employers who pay at least half the premiums for single health insurance coverage for their employees may be eligible for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit as long as they employ fewer than the equivalent of 25 full-time workers and average annual wages do not exceed $50,000 (adjusted annually for inflation). In 2018 this amount is $53,200. In 2018 (as in 2014-2017), the tax credit is worth up to 50 percent of your contribution toward employees' premium costs (up to 35 percent for tax-exempt employers. For tax years 2010 through 2013, the maximum credit was 35 percent for small business employers and 25 percent for small tax-exempt employers such as charities. Section 179 Expensing and Depreciation Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, the Section 179 expense deduction increases to a maximum deduction of $1 million of the first $2,500,000 of qualifying equipment placed in service during the current tax year. The deduction was indexed to

ning at $160,000 adjusted gross income for joint filers and $80,000 for other filers.

inflation after 2018 and enhanced to include improvements to nonresidential qualified real property such as roofs, fire protection, and alarm systems and security systems, and heating, ventilation, and airconditioning systems. Businesses are allowed to immediately deduct 100% of the cost of eligible property placed in service after September 27, 2017, and before January 1, 2023, after which it will be phased downward over a four-year period: 80% in 2023, 60% in 2024, 40% in 2025, and 20% in 2026. The standard business depreciation amount is 25 cents per mile (same as 2017). Please call us at 855-682-9489 if you have any questions about Section 179 expensing and the bonus depreciation. Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) Extended through 2019, the Work Oppor-

tunity Tax Credit remained under tax reform and can be used by employers who hire longterm unemployed individuals (unemployed for 27 weeks or more). It is generally equal to 40 percent of the first $6,000 of wages paid to a new hire. Please call if you have any questions about the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. SIMPLE IRA Plan Contributions Contribution limits for SIMPLE IRA plans increased to $12,500 for persons under age 50 and $15,500 for persons age 50 or older in 2018. The maximum compensation used to determine contributions is $275,000. Please contact the Tax Practice of the Law Firm of Figeroux &â&#x20AC;&#x2C6;Associates if you would like more information about these and other tax deductions and credits to which you are entitled.Call us at 855-682-9489. n

Lifetime Learning Credit A credit of up to $2,000 is available for an unlimited number of years for certain costs of post-secondary or graduate courses or courses to acquire or improve your job skills. For 2018, the modified adjusted gross income threshold at which the Lifetime Learning Credit begins to phase out is $112,000 for joint filers and $56,000 for singles and heads of household. Employer-Provided Educational Assistance As an employee in 2018, you can exclude up to $5,250 of qualifying postsecondary and graduate education expenses that are reimbursed by your employer. Student Loan Interest In 2018 you can deduct up to $2,500 in student-loan interest as long as your modified adjusted gross income is less than $65,000 (single) or $135,000 (married filing jointly). The deduction is phased out at higher income levels. Individuals - Retirement Contribution Limits For 2018, the elective deferral (contribution) limit for employees who participate in 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal government's Thrift Savings Plan is $18,500 ($18,000 in 2017). For persons age 50 or older in 2018, the limit is $24,500 ($6,000 catch-up contribution). Retirement Savings Contributions Credit (Saver's Credit) In 2018, the adjusted gross income limit for the saver's credit for low and moderate-income workers is $63,000 for married couples filing jointly, $47,250 for heads of household, and $31,500 for married individuals filing separately and for singles. The maximum credit amount is $2,000 ($4,000 if married filing jointly). Also of note is that starting in 2018, the Saver's Credit can be taken for your contributions to an ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) account if you're the designated beneficiary. However, keep in mind that your eligible contributions may be reduced by any recent distributions you received from your ABLE account. If you have any questions about these and other tax provisions that could affect your tax situation, don't hesitate to call us at 855-682-9489.n

NEWS

Retirement Contributions Limits Announced for 2019

ollar limitations for pension plans and other retirement-related items for 2019 are as follows:

In general, income ranges for determining eligibility to make deductible contributions to traditional Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs), to contribute to Roth IRAs, and to claim the saver's credit all increased for 2019. The contribution limit for employees who participate in 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal government's Thrift Savings Plan also increases from $18,500 to $19,000. Contribution limits for SIMPLE retirement accounts for self-employed persons increase in 2019 as well - from $12,500 to $13,000. Traditional IRAs The limit on annual contributions to an IRA increases from $5,500 to $6,000. The additional catch-up contribution limit for individuals aged 50 and over is not subject to an annual cost-of-living adjustment and remains $1,000. Taxpayers can deduct contributions to a traditional IRA if they meet certain conditions; however, if during the year either the taxpayer or their spouse was covered by a retirement plan at work, the deduction may be reduced, or phased out, until it is eliminated, depending on filing status and income. If a retirement plan at work covers neither the taxpayer nor their spouse, the phase-out amounts of the deduction do not apply. Here are the phase-out ranges for 2019: For single taxpayers covered by a workplace retirement plan, the phase-out range is $64,000 to $74,000, up from $63,000 to $73,000.

For married couples filing jointly, where a workplace retirement plan covers the spouse making the IRA contribution, the phase-out range is $103,000 to $123,000, up from $101,000 to $121,000. For an IRA contributor who is not covered by a workplace retirement plan and is married to someone who is covered, the deduction is phased out if the couple's income is between $193,000 and $203,000, up from $189,000 and $199,000. For a married individual filing a separate return who is covered by a workplace retirement plan, the phase-out range is not subject to an annual cost-of-living adjustment and remains $0 to $10,000.

Roth IRAs The income phase-out range for taxpayers making contributions to a Roth IRA is $122,000 to $137,000 for singles and heads of household, up from $120,000 to $135,000. For married couples filing jointly, the income phase-out range is $193,000 to $203,000, up from $189,000 to $199,000. The phase-out range for a married individual filing a separate return who makes contributions to a Roth IRA is not

subject to an annual cost-of-living adjustment and remains $0 to $10,000. Saver's Credit The income limit for the Saver's Credit (also known as the Retirement Savings Contributions Credit) for low- and moderate-income workers is $64,000 for married couples filing jointly, up from $63,000; $48,000 for heads of household, up from $47,250; and $32,000 for singles and married individuals filing separately, up from $31,500. Limitations that remain unchanged from 2018 The catch-up contribution limit for employees aged 50 and over who participate in 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans and the federal government's Thrift Savings Plan remains unchanged at $6,000. Don't hesitate to contact our office at 855682-9489 if you have any questions about retirement plan contributions.n

Tax Transcript Email Scam Alert

axpayers should be aware of a new round of fraudulent emails that impersonate the IRS and use tax transcripts as bait to entice users to open documents containing malware. The scam is especially problematic for businesses whose employees might open the emails infected with malware as it can spread throughout the network and may take months to remove. This well-known malware, which is called Emotet, typ[ically tricks people into opening infected documents by posing as specific banks and financial institutions. However, in the past few weeks, the scam has masqueraded as the IRS, pretending to be from "IRS Online." Many of these malicious Emotet emails were recently forwarded to phishing@irs.gov. The scam email carries an attachment labeled "Tax Account Transcript" or something similar, and the subject line uses some variation of the phrase "tax transcript." The exact wording often changes with each version of the malware. Taxpayers should remember that the IRS does not send unsolicited emails to the public, nor would it email a sensitive document such as a tax transcript (a summary of a tax return). Taxpayers receiving a suspicious email are urged not to open the email or the attachment. If using a personal computer, delete or forward the scam email to phishing@irs.gov. If you see these types of emails when using an employer's computer, notify your company's internet technology (IT) department immediately. In July, the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) issued a warning in July about earlier versions of the Emotet, which it has called one of the most costly and destructive malware affecting the private and public sectors. Is it Really the IRS Calling? The IRS wants you to understand how and when we contact taxpayers and help you determine whether a contact you may have received is truly from an IRS employee. The IRS initiates most contacts through regular mail delivered by the United States Postal Service. However, there are special circumstances in which the IRS will call or come to a home or business, such as when a taxpayer has an overdue tax bill, to secure a delinquent tax return or a delinquent employment tax payment, or to tour a business as part of an audit or during criminal investigations.n