Caribbean American Weekly - Issue 81 by Caribbean American Weekly

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ISSUE 81 VOLUME 15

VOTE SEPT. 13

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Don't Lose Hope, Friend ...see page 6

Governor Andrew Cuomo

Public Advocate Tish James

City Council Rep. Jumanne Williams

OUR CHOICES: SEE PAGES 3 & 9

Healthcare, Dialysis and Being Undocumented: A Choice of Life & Death

Zellnor Myrie: Real Change, Real Democrat ...see page 8

BY DANA MATHURA

choice of life and death. A dialysis machine saves millions of lives. And, for many, the opportunity to get treatment is nonexistence. That lack of opportunity forces one to make the choice of life and dealth. Hardship, stress and heartache becomes an encompassing cocoon. Here is a heartbreaking reality.

The Beginning of the Bad The year is 2011. You are a migrant from St. Vincent and the Grenadines who visited the United States for a wedding. You went through the necessary procedure for obtaining a visa in your homeland, which you successfully obtained. Suddenly, you become ill

within two days of your stay here. You are rushed to the closest hospital where you receive life-altering news. A doctor relays to you that your kidneys are failing. You become numb as the final words leave the doctor’s mouth because you had not the slightest inkling of any major health issue going on in your own body—much less an issue with one of

your major organs. Within three days of hearing the news, you begin the life-long process of dialysis to save your body every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday for three and a half hours. Your diet has to undergo changes and you will no longer be able to drink more than 32 fluid ounces in a

continued on page 4

St Lucian Killed By Dallas Police in His Own Home... see page 7

Brooklyn DA Announces New Program to Erase Misdemeanor Marijuana Convictions

rooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced that his Office will offer those with a low-level conviction for marijuana possession the opportunity to erase that criminal record completely in the first initiative of its kind in New York State. Under this program, anyone convicted of low-level marijuana possession will be

DA Gonzales

Meet Miss Jamaica Universe 2018 ...see page 11

eligible to file a motion asking to vacate that conviction and dismiss the underlying charge. The District Attorney’s Office will consent to that motion. The program— which is one of the recommendations DA Gonzalez adopted as part of his Justice 2020 Initiative —will run in partnership with The Legal Aid continued on page 6

Colin Kaepernick: The New Face of Civil Rights ...see page 5

Aretha Franklin Died Without a Will. Why You Shouldn’t ...see page 10

Caribbean Consulates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grenada 685 Third Avenue, Suite 1101 New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-599-0301

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CARIBBEAN ROUNDUP

Five Caribbean Nationals Charged for Voting Illegally in 2016 US Elections

ASHINGTON, DC: Five Caribbean nationals are among 19 people indicted on charges of voting illegally in the November 8, 2016 elections in the United States. They are residents of Guyana, Grenada, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The US Justice Department confirmed that a federal grand jury in Wilmington, North Carolina returned an indictment charging Sarah Emilia Silverio-Polanco, 35, of the Dominican Republic; Elvis David Fullerton, 54, of Grenada; and Olive Agatha Martin, 71, of Guyana, with making false claims of United States citizenship in order to register to vote, and voting by an alien. If convicted, they face maximum penalties of six years’ imprisonment, a US$350,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following jail time. Dieudonne Soifils, 71, and Merius Jean,

54, both of Haiti, meantime, are charged with voting by an alien. A conviction would see them facing maximum penalties of 12 months imprisonment, a US$100,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any jail term. Another man from the Dominican Republic, 58-year-old Ramon Esteban Paez-Jerez, was separately charged and pleaded guilty to a two-count criminal information charging him with passport fraud and voting by an alien. According to the criminal information,

Paez-Jerez in 1988, was ordered deported from the US and failed to appear for his scheduled removal. He assumed a fraudulent identity and applied for amnesty, and in 1989, was granted lawful permanent status under the false identity and in 1999 was naturalized contrary to law as a United States citizen. On July 7, 2007, Paez-Jerez registered to vote in North Carolina under his fraudulent identity; on September 16, 2009, he made a false statement in an application for a US passport when he applied under the fraudulent identity and failed to disclose his real name. Then on November 8, 2016, he illegally voted in the election in Wake County, North Carolina, knowing he had illegally obtained United States citizenship. Paez-Jerez faces maximum penalties of 11 years’ imprisonment, a US$350,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.l

How Guyana Must Prepare to Cope With ‘Jeopardies and Perils’ of Oil Discovery

EORGETOWN, Guyana: Recent huge offshore oil discoveries are believed to have set Guyana– one of the poorest countries in South America–on a path to riches. But they have also highlighted the country’s development challenges and the potential impact of an oil boom. Oil giant ExxonMobil has, over the last three years, drilled eight gushing discovery wells offshore with the potential to generate nearly US$20 billion in oil revenue annually by the end of the next decade. “For Guyana where the current oil sector is located offshore, the direct environmental risks are primarily associated with oil spills, but will also include emissions from the operations, and from seismic activities that can affect marine species,” Dr David Singh, Executive Director of Conservation International

Dr David Singh

Guyana, told IPS. “The environmental risk increases with the number of oil wells in any one area.” Singh said increasing environmental risks require increasing capacity to understand and manage these risks. From a regulatory standpoint, he said this means building the institutional capacity in step with the development of the industry. “For civil society, the responsibility is

ours to learn about the industry, to contribute to the creation of good policies and laws related to the industry, and to ensure the highest levels of accountability from the industry and from the state towards the environment,” he said. “It also requires us to support companies and initiatives that are in the business of clean, renewable energy generation, and in supporting efforts to reduce our ecological footprint. Even as we focus on these efforts we are cognizant of the limited human and institutional capacity of the country which will have an impact on the design and application of good and responsible environmental and social safeguards.” Several commentators have observed that senior government officials here have little experience regulating a big oil industry or negotiating with international companies.l

Agreement to Give OECS Citizens Easier Access to Medical Care in French Islands

ASTRIES, St Lucia: The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission and the General Social Security Fund of Guadeloupe (CGSS) have signed an agreement that will allow citizens of the sub-region to get easier access to medical facilities in the French territories in the Eastern Caribbean. The three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), recently signed by Director General of the OECS Commission, Dr Didacus Jules, and General Director of CGSS, Henri Yacou, addresses the administrative, logistical and financial barriers that OECS member states face when accessing health services in the French Departments in the Eastern Caribbean.

It also facilitates the exchange of information and capacity building “in an effort to support the development of regional approaches to health services and the portability of health benefits backed by adequate health insurance,” a statement from the OECS said. “We are very aware of the exorbitant costs associated with extra-regional travel for medical care. The Commission has been actively seeking to create linkages with our French neighbors to expand access to specialized healthcare within the region and this agreement with the CGSS in Guadeloupe is a materialization of these efforts,” Dr Jules said. “We look forward to deepening areas of cooperation in the years ahead.” Yacou said he hoped the project would

Dr Jules (l) and Yacou

facilitate the free movement of citizens of the OECS to access health care in the best conditions possible. The CGSS team is presently working on a plan for a pilot project in the OECS with a French health insurance company; unique identification numbers for citizens of member states; and a financially and legally secure partnership with hospital establishments of Guadeloupe, Martinique and St Martin.l

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EDITORIAL

Tish James & Governor Andrew Cuomo: The Right Choices

BY CAW EDITORIAL BOARD

e proudly and strongly endorse Letitia A. "Tish" James to be the next Attorney General for the State of New York. A lawyer, an activist, and a politician in the Democratic Party, Ms. James is the Right Choice as Attorney General for Democrats. She is the current and fourth New York City Public Advocate and the first African-American woman to hold citywide office. Born on October 18, 1958, Brooklyn, NY, Ms. James earned her degrees from Lehman College, Columbia University and Howard University School of Law. She has been serving as the New York City Public Advocate since 2014. On Wednesday, May 23rd, 2018, Tish made history in Hempstead, N.Y, when State Democrats officially endorsed her for State Attorney General along with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who also supported Ms. James, for a third term. Governor Andrew Cuomo made the best decision in his political career by supporting Tish, a real progressive. We do not believe that Cynthia Nixon, Johnny Come Lately, WFP candidate, can help our community. Great actress, but this is not the movies, this is our lives. Ms. James, a true Brooklynite who previously served on the City Council, earned more than 85% of the vote. Ms. Teachout won 5.5% and Ms. Eve 9.3%. Ms. James repeatedly promised to “resist, sue and defend” and noted she is “walking softly in high heels but carrying a big law book.” Yes, and Tish ca<None> n hire all the lawyers the State needs to challenge KKK Russian Trump, defend Civil Rights, advocate for Consumer Issues and fight against Corruption Statewide. Workers of New York do not need “Liberal” publications to tell us that Ms. Teachout would serve us better than Ms. James who has the intelligence and practical experience of 20 years as an advocate for all New Yorkers. We denounce the liberal media outlets such as the New York Times that follow traditional ways of endorsing less qualified candidates at the expense of well qualified Black candidates. These outlets are in the business of systematically discrediting Black candidates and intellectuals such as Ms. James, while promoting their own. Ms. James’ record speaks for itself: •She’s a former public defender. She began her work as a criminal defense attorney where she represented countless number of young people in the criminal justice system because she believes that even when you're at your lowest, you deserve someone to protect your rights. •She represented a lot of young people, who unfortunately were caught up in the criminal justice system which was very important to her. And she served as an Assistant Attorney General. So, she’s already worked in the office as part of a

T h e C O U R AG E to take on Trump

THUEMOCRATI , SE C PRIM PT. ARY 13 TH

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team in the civil rights era that investigated Stop and Frisk abuses of NYPD and came up with a number of recommendations. She fought against predatory lenders who preyed upon black and brown people. Tish also represented a young Rastafarian man who was working for a major company that basically told him to cut his hair. There are so many more instances where Tish has stood up on behalf of New Yorkers in general. Of significance is that Tish is not afraid of KKK Russian Trump. In an interview with Caribbean American Weekly, she said: “I would never be afraid to challenge Donald Trump particularly when our rights are under attack and there is so much at stake; our basic freedom and our democracy as well. They are of value. But it’s important to know, that we've been here before which is why we've got a track record of challenging the status quo and challenging the powers that be. We'll take legal action against the hateful policies particularly against immigrants and particularly immigrants of color because let's say it loud and clear. President Trump is racist and there's no way to sugarcoat it. He's a racist xenophobe, he's a sexist and he is not fit for the office of the President. In fact, he defiled the highest office in this nation. So therefore he should be removed either by voting or impeachment because he unfortunately has put our country at great risk.” New York State, New York City, the forgotten working-class people, Main Street and Wall Street deserve real progressive leadership that Leticia “Tish” James offers. She may not be the chosen one of the great “Liberal” Publications or the “Great WFP” or the Mayor’s wife – none of them can deter progress and prevent Ms. James from winning. Just like Florida and Massachusetts, we hope to make a statement here in New York. Florida made a great Governor’s candidate choice in Mayor Andrew Gillum; in Massachusetts, Boston City Councilor Ayanna Pressley broke racial barriers and stunned the status quo by

defeating the 10-term Democratic Rep. for Congress. We will do the same for the Attorney General of New York State. We urge Gov. Andrew Cuomo that, while he can take a free ride on Tish’s victory, he must show gratitude by paying attention to our workers and the undocumented, the ones who keep America great, every day. We are hopeful that the Governor will work to fund the NYS Dream Act, allow the undocumented to receive a driver’s license, give voting rights to Green Card holders in Municipal Elections and challenge the Trump Administration on its racist views of, and actions to, Blacks, Hispanics and the undocumented. Vote Tish James on Thursday, Sept 13, 2018!l

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Dialysis/continued from page 1

day—even when it is a blistering hot day and you want to quench yourself with water. Nothing will ever be the same.

One Woman’s Story Having now read the above, how would you feel? That is the exact story of one woman I spoke to. Let us call her Sarah Harris, in an effort to conceal her identity. Her story is not only compelling on an individual level, but speaks to the times we are living in as immigration, undocumented individuals and xenophobia are daily headlines. As she recounts the details of her poor health and even worse, the lack of access to proper healthcare in her home country—preventing her from living a wholesome life as a wife and mom—it speaks volumes to the progress we need to make in this world. On staying in America, Harris conveys that “it was a choice of life and death”. She had to decide promptly for the sake of her health seeing as her kidneys were failing. But it was not a painless task as her husband and three children are back home in their island nation. What the Caribbean country offers is an idyllic landscape but sadly, their healthcare system is lacking. Knowing this, Harris made the decision to stay in the United States since late 2011 until today to receive the dire healthcare she needed. Harris considered herself a relatively

DIASPORA CONCERNS

As Harris puts it, she had to make some “rough choices,” because

her country did not have the access to healthcare she so needed... healthy person. She only recalls having a health scare back home when she was running a race to amuse the children at her preschool’s activity day. Within a short time of that run, her body was on the floor. Doctors at a St. Vincent and Grenadines’ hospital inform her she has very high blood pressure, to which they assume she was on medication for. Hearing this news for the first time, Harris was not on any blood pressure medications but did have occasional headaches which the doctors saw as a viable symptom of high blood pressure. They prescribed her high blood pressure pills which she was taking for three years prior to coming to the United States. She saw her high blood pressure levels go down. Once in the United States, doctors here filled her in—allowing her to finally put together the pieces of her health story. What the doctors in St. Vincent and the Grenadines failed to do was identify the underlying cause of her high blood pressure. So while she was medicating it for three years under the assumption that she was getting healthier, her kidneys were decaying day by day. Luckily, she found herself in a state that is helpful to undocumented individuals. New York offers more health insurance options to immigrants than many other states do, according to NYC.gov. One

such program is Medicaid, which Harris was able to partake in through help found at her hospital. Providing her passport as initial identification and receiving care in the hospital, they set her up with a social worker. From there, her social worker asked for a few other documents such as a proof of address and she received Medicaid as well as other types of necessary assistance. She still has to make a co-pay each visit but she weighs her options and knows paying a small fee for extensive healthcare in the United States still beats not receiving any back home due to their absence of widespread dialysis centers or the unaffordable costs associated with the ones that have since opened during Harris’ time in New York. When available, Harris usually works several jobs that do not require her documents—just to have the cash on hand to pay for her co-payment, meals and rent. But of course anyone taking dialysis already knows that toiling your body after a session of having your blood purified for hours is not an easy feat. Harris recounts having to go to hospital right after her dialysis sessions because she would run a temperature or experience some other problem related to the dialysis treatment. At times, Harris says she has cramps that occur at the time of treatment or dur-

ing the night where they make her feel as if she is “naturally passing out,” and knocks the walls of her room for assistance from her roommate. Before receiving Medicaid, Harris tried reaching out to several programs, some even not-for-profit. She reached a roadblock in receiving any help from them when they would ask for her social security number. As an undocumented individual, this is the last thing you want to hear. Presently, Sarah is struggling with a decision—one she must make soon. Should she go back home to be with her family or stay here in the United States to receive care? That battle ultimately has an answer which Harris seems to have no second thought about. Her main challenge has always been being away from her family and for the last seven years, she has been tackling just that. She yearns for their support during her long days after dialysis as her energy levels drop and she has to rely instead on the friendship of her roommate. This is the same roommate who would step in and act as a caregiver when Sarah Harris became weak in her rented room.

Today and Tomorrow Back in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, they recently opened their first public dialysis center this year. Prices per treatment are set to approximately US $93 or 250 Eastern Caribbean dollars. Before that, a Canadian registered nurse opened a private dialysis center that has prices continued on page 12

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CIVIL RIGHTS

Colin Kaepernick Might be the Face of the New Civil Rights Movement

BY DANA MATHURA

olin Kaepernick just became the new face of Nike’s new “Just Do It” campaign. Kaepernick is probably most well known for being a quarterback on the San Francisco 49ers. In recent years, however, the quarterback started making headlines in a whole new fashion. With his refusal to stand up during the national anthem at his games—instead opting to take a knee—he became an activist. Kaepernick’s path to activism started in late August of 2016 as he refused to stand during a preseason game. As you might know, Kaepernick has been struggling to become hired by any NFL team since becoming a free agent in March of 2017. Just last year, President Trump seemingly directed insults to the NFL player saying that team owners should fire those who choose to kneel. Of course, Trump cites respect for the flag as motivating his responses, forgetting that the value of the flag is being tested each day a minority is treated lesser than in America. The star football player did it all in the name of giving oppressed American people a voice. Kaepernick was over how minorities were being treated in this

country. When taking a knee, he is also sending a message that police brutality has no place in happening. In an interview with ESPN, Kaepernick reveals “People are being given paid leave for killing people. That's not right. That's not right by anyone's standards.” It begs the question—why would a company like Nike hire him? The world is in a frenzy to find out the answer but also to either showcase their dissent and burn Nike products or cherish them with newfound veneration. With the announcement being made, images populated news feeds all around with some holding flames to their Nike collection and others cutting the famous “swoosh” symbol out of their Nike

clothes. This ordeal has sparked a movement to boycott Nike, Inc. On the television program Fox & Friends aired recently, Trump stated that he did not think Colin Kaepernick’s actions were “appropriate,” telling us that his state of mind toward the protests Kaepernick has conducted has not died out. Nike is making a very strategic move backing Colin Kaepernick. This deal is also favorable for him and the world as we know it because legislation will not happen until we are all seen as one. Nike owner Phil Knight and CEO Mark Parker might already be viewing the situation from this light in order to have stood with Kaepernick in these adversar-

ial times. With a company like Nike, valued at approximately $30 billion, Kaepernick could see that number reflect change in mass numbers across minority communities. After all, the Civil Rights movement was not only a minority-led change. Instead, politicians and Caucasians had to become a prominent figure in the fight for it to take off and become an operation of prevalence. For Kaepernick, the trail of activism does not stop at the knee. He has pledged to donate a million dollars, plus his 2016 jersey proceeds to associations helping underprivileged neighborhoods. He is now also fully funding a youth camp that aims to teach young people how to be empowered, attend college and communicate with law enforcement. This is just the beginning for Colin Kaepernick as more and more companies see the stance Nike, Inc. has taken, they may choose to follow suit creating the just environment he has been pushing for. l Dana Mathura our News and Feature Writer is a senior at Baruch College majoring in Communication Studies and minoring in Journalism, class of Spring 2019.

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IN THE COMMUNITY

Don't Lose Hope, Friend

BY BARACK OBAMA 44th PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

t's no secret that I'm a big believer in hope and change. But I'm also a big believer in reality. Hope that is not rooted in reality will never lead to the change we desire. If you don't like things you see, you can't just close your eyes and long for something better. You've got to open them, embrace reality, and channel that hope into action. America didn't become that shining city on the hill by wishing for it. We built it with clear eyes, righteous ambition, and unwavering determination. So I'm asking you to recall that unlikely story of America — a story that forever validates our hope — and help write its next chapter. I'm asking you to be neither blind to, nor dismayed by, reality — but motivated by it. There is no time to feel discouraged. Now is the time to get organizing with OFA for November's crucial midterms. Friend, those who believe in democracy and civil rights and a common humanity will always have the upper hand. That's not just something I want to believe; I believe it because history has proven it

Gathering outside Lenox Road Baptiste Church. Photo courtesy: DA’s Office

Marijuana Convictions/ continued from page 1 President Obama

true. But history has also proven that virtue alone is not enough. A better vision will only prevail if we work tirelessly on behalf of that vision. If we want a more representative, more just, more inclusive democracy, we need to keep fighting for it. If we want policies that lift up the most vulnerable instead of politicians who put them down, we need to keep organizing. If we want a more perfect union, we need to build it together, from the bottom up. Say you'll do the work to make this vision a reality.l

Society, Brooklyn Defender Services, Brooklyn Law School and the Center on the Administration of Criminal Law at NYU School of Law. The first opportunity for individuals to get legal consultation and fill in the motion will take place during an upcoming Begin Again event on September 21-22, 2018. Additional community-based sessions will be held periodically in the coming months. Those eligible will not have to appear in court when a judge decides to vacate their past convictions on a later date. This program follows DA Gonzalez’s decision to stop prosecuting all but the most egregious cases involving possession and smoking of small amounts of marijuana. District Attorney Gonzalez said, “As we move away from criminalizing low-

level possession and use of marijuana, we cannot forget those who carry a conviction for conduct that is no longer being prosecuted. That criminal record can seriously impede a person’s ability to get a job, education, housing and other important services. It is only fair to relieve these individuals of that burden and allow them to turn over a new leaf and move on with their lives. I encourage anyone who may be eligible for this important relief to take advantage of this opportunity.”l Scan this code to schedule a FREE Initial Consultation

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IN THE NEWS

Dallas Police Who Killed St Lucian Should Face Murder Charge

he New York-based Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID) harshly condemned the killing of 26 year-old St. Lucian national and Dallas, Texas resident, Botham Shem Jean. Jean was shot and killed around 10:00pm Thursday night, September 6, 2018 in his own home, by a female Dallas police officer. The officer told investigators that she returned home from her shift and entered the wrong apartment in her building. In a statement issued, CGID President, Rickford Burke, said the officer’s negligent, reckless conduct and depraved indifference to human life resulted in murder. He consequently called on Dallas District Attorney Faith Johnson to prosecute the officer accordingly and to the fullest extent of the law. Burke said “the culture of policing that has emerged in black communities all across America is one where cops shoot to kill first, then, ask questions after.” He asserted that “Police officers are killing black men while walking innocently on the streets, driving innocently in our cars and now while living innocently in our own home. This is too much for a people to bear. CGID therefore calls on the US Justice Department to review and revise

Burke posited that “politicians who sit by and do nothing about the epidemic of law enforcement murders of innocent black men are equally complicit in these killings and should be held to account.” Dallas Police Department issued a statement claiming that the officer called for help and told responding officers "she entered the victim's apartment believing that it was her own." The incident took place at South Side Flats, an upscale apartment complex located in downtown Dallas, a few blocks from Police headquarters. Botham: A young, promising life taken by the police.ing Dallas Police said the officer was in full uniform and "fired the protocols for armed engagement by her weapon striking the victim who was law enforcement in America.” transported to hospital where he was proBurke said “CGID intends to write our nounced dead. Burke blasted the Dallas US Senators and Members of Congress Police for not releasing details about from New York, to push for a national how the officer reached into Jean’s apartreview and reform of protocols on how ment and whether a breathalyzer was and when law enforcement officers administered, as would have been the engage in the use of force. This is long case with an ordinary citizen. He also overdue. How many more black men questioned how Jean’s name was must be killed before we take action?” released to the public when Police simul-

taneously confirmed that the next of kin notification was not made. Jean came to the US to study accounting at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. He also studied at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, in Castries, St. Lucia before migrating to the US. At the time of his death, he worked in Dallas as a risk assurance associate for accounting firm Price Waterhouse Coopers. CGID Has called on all Caribbean American organizations and nationals to condemn Jean’s killing and to support and express solidarity with his family. The following statement was released from the Embassy of Saint Lucia in Washington: “The Embassy of Saint Lucia is shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Mr Botham Shem Jean. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and former colleague, for Permanent Secretary, Ms Allison Jean, who was Botham’s mother. To have such a promising life taken so violently is devastating. While we await more details on this tragic event, we place our faith in the system and trust that a full and thorough investigation will be conducted.”l

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VOTE SEPT. 13

Zellnor Myrie: Real Change, Real Democrat

ellnor Myrie is a Brooklyn native, lawyer, and activist committed to giving back to the community that raised him. He derives inspiration for his public service from his mother, who moved from Costa Rica to Brooklyn 40 years ago on the promise of a mattress in a friend’s apartment and a job at a factory. His father has been a special education teacher for the past 17 years, and is a current member of The United Federation of Teachers (UFT). When his current State Senator broke away from the Democrats, Zellnor knew his district needed a representative who would fight for working families like his own. Zellnor is running as a real Democrat to protect and expand affordable housing, strengthen our public education system, defend immigrant rights, and advance criminal justice reform. Zellnor was raised in a rent-stabilized apartment in Prospect Lefferts Gardens by his mother, who never let the challenges of being a new immigrant hinder Zellnor’s education. Zellnor is a graduate of Brooklyn Technical High School, and he earned his B.A. in Communications and M.A. in Urban Studies from Fordham University. After graduating from Fordham, Zellnor worked as a Legislative Director in the New York City Council, where he helped draft and

pass the Tenants’ Bill of Rights. After leaving the City Council, Zellnor became chair of his Neighborhood Advisory Board, leading community organizing efforts to secure nearly $400,000 in federal funding for job training, after-school programming, and tenant protections. Zellnor then went to Cornell Law School, where he served as student body president, an editor on the Cornell Journal of Law and Public Policy, a constitutional law instructor in prison, and as a Pro Bono Scholar — a position that allowed him to take the New York Bar early and spend his last semester working full-time at Justice 360, a criminal justice reform organization. As an associate at a private Manhattan law firm, Zellnor has remained committed to public service, providing over 600 hours of pro bono service to immigrants seeking asylum, victims of police brutality and illegal stop-and-frisks, special education students not receiving services from the Department of Education, and victims of domestic violence. Zellnor has also continued to serve on his Neighborhood Advisory Board and the junior board for the Legal Aid Society, and he is president of his building’s tenants’ association Here is how Zellnor stands on three crit-

ical issues:

Affordable Housing Central Brooklyn is the epicenter of New York’s affordability crisis, with rising rents pushing families out of the communities they call home. Zellnor will fight to repeal the Urstadt Law, which caps rent-stabilization in NYC and allows Republicans outside of the city to determine housing policy for those in his district. He’s also committed to ending vacancy decontrol, which gives landlords an incentive to push out long-term residents, and to closing the preferential rent loophole, which allows for sudden and unexpected rent increases. Zellnor will also push for the use of neighborhood median income when determining affordability levels for new developments, rather than the current system that skews this calculation by lumping together all of New York City and including wealthy suburbs. Immigration Immigrants and their children deserve improved access to education, healthcare, and legal representation, no matter their status. As the son of immigrants, Zellnor’s passion for the protection of these rights is personal. He will demand immediate passage of the Liberty Act,

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS:

which will make New York a true sanctuary state, and of the DREAM Act, which will give undocumented immigrants access to financial assistance for public universities.

Education New York ranks 49th in the country on the equity of our education spending – which too often leaves low-income communities and students of color behind. The state owes NYC public schools $1.4 billion dollars, but has yet to comply with the court order mandating that funding. Zellnor, a proud product of public schools, will fight to hold the state accountable and demand full and fair funding. Vote Zellnor Myrie, Democrat for State Senate on Thursday, Sept 13, 2018.l Source: zellnorforstatesenate.com

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VOTE SEPT. 13

Jumaane Williams Lt. Governor Campaign

n a year when New York has perhaps a greater interest and enthusiasm in electoral politics than in many years prior-- from the Gubernatorial elections on down to the State Legislature-- there is one office which has been overlooked by many political observers. New York City Council Member Jumaane D. Williams (D-Brooklyn) is a candidate for Lieutenant Governor of New York State, running a progressive insurgent campaign to challenge the incumbent, Kathy Hochul, in the September 13th Democratic Primary. Williams has amassed tremendous grassroots support from progressive organizations and elected officials alike, and was most recently endorsed by The New York Times, The New York Amsterdam News, The Haitian Times, this publication, Caribbean American Weekly and many more. According to the latest Siena poll, his race is extremely competitive, and he has a stronghold in New York City as well as with communities of color and millenials across the state. An inordinately high percentage of New Yorkers remain undecided, largely because up to now the role, and its opportunities, have been overlooked. Council Member Williams has travelled across New York arguing for a complete re-defining of the role of Lieutenant Governor itself. He believes that the role should not simply be a rubber stamp for the Governor, but that it can be an independent check and the people’s champion in Albany. In New York City, the office of Public Advocate exists to raise the issues of New Yorkers who are struggling, to use their own voice as a megaphone, pushing policies vital to those who do not have a voice of their own. Jumaane’s vision for the Lieutenant Governor is similar— not to be the puppet of any Governor—but to serve as the People’s Lieutenant Governor. Williams has a long career of activist challenges and legislative accomplishments in the areas of social justice, fair

housing, immigrant rights, criminal justice and policing, workers’ rights, gun violence prevention, and more. In the New York City Council, he has served as lead sponsor of fifty bills that have become law, far outpacing the vast majority of the 51 member body. Signature achievements within that legislative portfolio include ending the abuses of stop, question, and frisk, creating an enforceable ban on bias-based policing, setting a minimum amount of construction worker safety training, prohibiting discrimination against veterans and victims of domestic violence, banning the box in employment applications, enacting tenant protection measures, and many more. He has been a passionate advocate for an end to gun violence, and an active proponent of policies that have brought crime in New York City to a sixty year low. His time in the corridors City Hall and his time in the streets of the people he serves have shaped his view of public service in a way centered around people and the struggles they face as individuals and as communities. His decade of cultivating a unique fusion of activism and legislative success stands out in a time where resistance and activism have become buzzwords rather than principles. Since announcing his exploration of a campaign in January, Williams has traveled across New York State, meeting with the people of Syracuse, Rochester, Albany, Buffalo, the Hudson Valley, Long Island, and more. He has found that, while the details vary by region, New Yorkers want the same things- fair and affordable housing, steady employment with just pay, equitable education, safe streets, and justice for all communities. A family in Buffalo and a family in Brooklyn have many of the same needs, and Jumaane Williams believes that the current administration, the very system constructed in Albany, is ill-equipped to serve the people and needs a progressive reformer in the Capitol to create transfor-

Williams believes that the role should not simply be a rubber stamp for the Governor, but that it can be an independent check and the people’s champion in Albany. His vision is to serve as the People’s Lieutenant Governor. mational change. His experiences over a decade in public office and another in public service, including a statewide housing nonprofit, have uniquely prepared him to reform and revitalize the position of Lieutenant Governor, the cul-

ture of Albany, and the state of New York. Vote Jumaane Williams, Democrat for Lt. Governor on Thursday, Sept 13, 2018.l

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FAMILY MATTERS

Estate Planning Should Start Today

BY DANA MATHURA

ou are growing older each day. As much of an unwanted reminder that may be, it too comes with the joys and woes you have experienced all throughout your existence. We all reach an age where we find ourselves inundated by the inevitable. Perhaps this has happened to you when the doctor provided some news about a condition or you looked down at your birthday cake only to see more candles than icing. As much as we shy away from talking about it, death is the one experience we all share in common. As society has it, it is essentially too taboo of a topic. However, in not talking about it, we lose out on much needed information during our lives. By this, I am of course referring to the planning of an estate or a will. You may think the act is only regarded for the wealthy who have plenty to go around and need the organization that planning offers. But the fact of the matter is, you too could benefit from the organization and planning of an estate or will. For one, it allows what you have—be it a little or a lot—to be allocated to the

people you would like. No amount is too small because what happens after your death is a tale to be told. Time and time again, we hear the horror stories of one member of a family passing without a will and their money bringing horrific family feuds to the dinner table. The simplest solution is to create a plan. An estate plan boils down to an arrangement outlining the future of your valuables and assets—think houses, cars, life insurance, pensions, stocks, even debt—after you are gone. Establishing one with a lawyer ensures there are no holes in your plan or desires. A will is not dissimilar, as it is a legal document ordering what items go to which loved one. An estate plan, though, takes the process further and incorporates some belongings a will does not cover. As painful as it may seem to contem-

plate your own death, you would be doing your family a great service. After your death, the division of property, funds, and other valuables could turn complicated and even aggressive in nature. Having your wishes visible in writing has the ability to hold up in court. Your family, friends and other loved ones you leave belongings to, will also be more likely to respect your wishes if you declare them beforehand. Pre-planning is always a good habit to get into. Luckily, if you do pre-plan your estate or will, it translates into direct savings for your loved one’s bank accounts. They will not need to take on the headache of paying a lawyer after your passing if you already did the bulk of the work while you were living. Money is also saved from having to pay probate costs when you draft a valid estate plan.

Without one, the state you resided in will have a say in how your possessions are disseminated. This option does not even guarantee it will go to your family. If you are a minority, you might already be at a higher risk of not seeing the need to have these affairs in order. You would be making a large mistake and contributing to the $2 billion that probate fees cost families left behind each year, states Black Enterprise Founder, Earl G. Graves, Sr. It only goes to show that much is to be done on that front. Graves goes on to mention that collectively, African-Americans hold about 2 million businesses in the United States. If these businesses are not rightfully handed down to the next of kin, then they are subject to your state’s decision in who will receive it. This is a route no one should aim for. There is a dire need to protect minority-owned assets. In doing so, it will help contribute to the future of minorities as they use the funds and property gained from estate planning to attend college and build businesses in the coming age. This creates an ever-sustainable economy if the cycle can continue on. Preserving your family’s wealth could never be a bad idea.l

FREE Seminar on Tuesday, Oct 23 @6pm Register at www.nacc.nyc

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nHEALTH

nENTERTAINMENT

nRELATIONSHIPS

nRECIPES

Emily Maddison Crowned as Miss Universe Jamaica 2018

amaican model Emily Maddison, 19, will represent Jamaica at the international Miss Universe pageant. She will succeed Davina Bennett, who held the titles of Miss Jamaica Universe 2017 and Miss Universe 2017 2nd Runner-up. The title brought her over $1 million in cash and prizes. Additionally, Maddison was the winner of the prizes for Best in Swimwear, Best in Evening Gown, Most Photogenic, and Most Active on Social Media. Maddison was born in Kingston and has just graduated from high school and is taking a year off from her studies. She enjoys reading Manga and eating spicy food. Maddison is interested in following a healthy lifestyle and does yoga. She also loves the outdoors, especially the beach, and often visits one of her favorite spots, Strawberry Fields Beach, with friends. Maddison was a crowd favorite from the beginning of the pageant and earned

nSPORTS

nHOROSCOPE

Kitchen Corner

Spicy Garlic Lime Chicken

BY C. PEREZ, ALLRECIPES.COM

"A delightful chicken dish with a little spicy kick. Serve with rice and your favorite vegetable."

Photo: Missâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;Jamaica Facebook

her place among the top three finalists during the question-and-answer portion of the event. She will now go on to represent her country in Bangkok, Thailand, at the 2018 Miss Universe pageant. The top three finalists included Khadijah Anderson, who came in second for the title, and Kayla Smith, who took third place.l Source:â&#x20AC;&#x2C6;jamaicans.com

Ingredients 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/8 teaspoon paprika 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/8 teaspoon onion powder 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves 2 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 teaspoons garlic powder 3 tablespoons lime juice

Directions In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, cayenne, paprika, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, onion powder, thyme and parsley. Sprinkle spice mixture generously on both sides of chicken breasts. Heat butter and olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Saute chicken until golden brown, about 6 minutes on each side. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons garlic powder and lime juice. Cook 5 minutes more, stirring frequently to coat evenly with sauce.l Prep Cook Ready

5 mins 20 mins 25 mins

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LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

Single and Ready to Date? How to Get Ready for a Relationship

BY JENNINE ESTES, MFT

f you find yourself in a pattern of unsuccessful relationships, then you may have a relationship dynamic pattern that is familiar to you, but not working. Sometimes this is unconscious and causes us to act out with behavior of which we are unaware. In order to get ready for a relationship, you need to address any self-destructive habits that are holding you back. Is it time for you to get ready for a relationship? Consider the following ways to make a positive, lasting impression on new people in the dating world: •Consider how the vibes you send out are being received by other people. If you are trying to get ready for a relationship but feel inadequate, unattractive, or have low self-esteem, other people will pick up on how you feel. It could cause them to lose interest in you because they sense the validation vacuum. Find ways to boost your confidence and work on your sense of self-worth. Productive methods include exercising, decreasing stress, pursuing counseling, maintaining a healthy diet, getting a haircut, buying clothes that flatter you, etc. Stand tall and think positively.

•Stop comparing yourself to others. If you always compare yourself to other people, it sets you up for constant failure, because no two people are alike: everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. You are a unique individual with desirable traits to compatible people. If you really want to get ready for a relationship, you will need to remember what it is that you have to offer. Maybe you are incredibly compassionate or committed; perhaps you are adventurous and easygoing. While not everyone will be a good match, knowing what it is about you that is most attractive can help you focus on making that more apparent instead of worrying about what it is others are doing.

new things. Take on new hobbies or travel to new environments such as church, dating sites, meet-up groups, etc. to meet new and interesting people. There’s an old mantra that says, “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” Mix up your life a little and get passionate about what interests you. Passionate people are attractive; they have a light in their eyes and purpose in their lives.

•Laugh and smile more often. In addition to being attractive and magnetic, laughter and smiling elevates your mood and keeps your body healthy. Take a deep breath right now and relax your facial muscles. Soften your eyes and smile. Take another breath. Let your shoulders drop and make sure your arms and legs are not crossed. This is an easy and practical way to come across as more approachable. When your face and posture are open, you are issuing an invitation to get to know you better.

•Don’t spend your entire holiday season with married or coupled families and friends. Make plans to socialize where singles are more likely to be. Host or go to a “friends-giving” or look for singles’ events. It may be uncomfortable initially, but the discomfort fades into camaraderie when you meet new people who are feeling the same way that you are. Even with those we love, it is possible to be lonely so finding your own thing can ultimately give you confidence and help you bond with someone special.

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•Put yourself out there by experiencing

•Get clear on what you are looking for in a partner. Maybe you are dipping your toes into the dating world after a significant relationship or perhaps you’ve been “in the game” for a while. Either way, it is only fair to yourself and those whom you may date for you to know what you want. I’m not talking about a list of cosmetic non-negotiable traits. Rather, think about whether you are dating casually and openly or if you are looking for something long-term and exclusive. What things are most important to you in a relationship? Are you all about fun and excitement or low-key bonding? Get ready for a relationship by considering what a healthy relationship means to you when it comes to conflict resolution, communication, and other aspects of the relationship. Just as importantly, be ready to communicate those things so that you and those you date are on the same page.

•Off-putting patterns can be so ingrained that they may need to be addressed with a professional. Relationship choices are based on habits that were created in our childhood and were repeatedly reinforced growing up. We often have patterns that cause heartache and frustration instead of the kind that lead to successful, happy relationships. Begin to understand where your relationship patterns come from, what they look like, and then choose to do something different. The support of a compassionate and experienced therapist can help you uncover issues and build healthier behaviors through counseling. To get ready for a relationship, you must look inward and become the best YOU. Only then can you attract and be a good partner for someone else. l Jennine Estes is a Marriage and Family Therapist in San Diego, CA. Certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples. Supervisor. She writes relationship and self growth advice for her column, Relationships in the Raw and is the creator of #BeingLOVEDIs campaign. MFC#47653.

26 Court Street, Suite 701, Brooklyn, NY 11201

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topped at 500 Eastern Caribbean dollars for treatment. In US dollars today, this is roughly $185—almost twice the amount the government clinic is charging. None of this includes the price of the additional medication Harris, and others like her, would need to buy to cater to their full health. So there you have it—a woman chooses to risk her health for the love of her family all because the United States’ immigration policies are unfair and disallow her from living a life complete with all the normalities she dreams of. When asked what her ideal life would look like, she explains that it would be staying in the United States to acquire the quality healthcare offered here but with one inclusion—her family to stay in the States with her. Now she must succumb to leaving the care team that aided her for the last several years here to spend her last remaining years with her family back home. She will have to start life over complete with a job to pay for the dialysis, which may not be as prime as it is here in the United States. The immigration laws set forth in our country are inhumane when you take into consideration a situation like Harris’ and countless others just like it. Yet, who do we point a finger to for changes to these unjust laws? The United States government, the St. Vincent and Grenadines’ government, or should pressure be applied worldwide to see the humane, moral, and just policies we want to see in society? We need laws that realize we are human beings first before we are citizens of any land and the betterment of our health should be a global effort. Harris is ultimately positive as she expresses that she is fortunate to receive treatment in America and instead of going a route of complaining, she is thankful for her situation and being alive. As Harris puts it, she had to make some “rough choices,” because her country did not have the access to healthcare she so needed. Harris says she knows how hard it is being an undocumented entity in this country. Her advice to fellow undocumented individuals in the same boat as her is to “keep focus and regardless to who is the president and who is not, I believe God is in control of everything.”l

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Dialysis/continued from page 4

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HEALTH

How Do People Develop Eating Disorders?

BY DEBORAH MORI

his is a very difficult question to answer and many researchers and scientists are still learning so much about these complicated disorders. BUT we do know it is rarely about the food or wanting to be thin. What? Yes, that’s right, there are many misconceptions about what causes an eating disorder in our society and they really are caused by a combination of factors including genetic, psychological, biochemical, cultural, and environmental. Eating disorders are complex and complicated and should be taken very seriously as they have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, according to the American Journal of Psychiatry. For example, one shocking statistic is that 20% of people suffering from anorexia will die prematurely from complications of their eating disorder, including suicide and heart problems! Yikes! So, what can we do about that? Let’s begin by stating what we do know right now. People with eating disorders tend to use food and the control of food to cope with overwhelming thoughts and feelings. For some individuals, dieting, bingeing, and purging may begin as a way to cope with painful emotions and to

feel in control of one’s life without realizing the damage they are creating to their physical and emotional health. People just don’t choose to have an eating disorder and you can’t tell if someone has one just by looking at them so we need to look at specific factors that contribute to them. Here are a few to be aware of: nGenetics – Eating disorders tend to run in families! There are also specific chromosomes that have been linked to anorexia and bulimia. nPsychological – Eating disorders are very common in individuals who struggle with clinical depression, anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disordesr. They also show up in people with low self-esteem, people who have difficulty regulating emotions, and perfectionists.

nBiochemistry – People with eating disorders tend to have abnormal levels of chemicals that regulate appetite, mood, stress and sleep. There can also be an increase in serotonin that keeps these individuals in a constant state of stress. nCulture – Over-emphasis on appearance, unrealistic beauty standards, and

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extreme focus on dieting and exercise are all cultural factors that can contribute to eating disorders.

nEnvironment – A person’s immediate environment can play a major role too. Having significant family or relationship problems, a history of physical or sexual abuse, a chaotic childhood, and bullying based on appearance all are contributors.

Eating disorders are complex and something to take very seriously. Once started, the disorder can create a self-perpetuating cycle of physical and mental destruction. Successful treatment of eating disorders requires professional help and a team approach for the best care. If you know someone struggling with an eating disorder, encourage him/her to seek treatment as soon as possible. Healing and recovery are achievable!l

Deborah Mori has provided therapy for adolescents & adult women struggling with eating disorders and co-occurring mental health issues in a residential facility and private practice.

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. Wednesday, Oct 24 from 6pm-9pm

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LIFESTYLE

The Wisdom of Horoscopes and Can They Really Predict the Future?

BY ERIN TELESFORD

isdom has been defined as is the key to unlocking the power and freedom of your own inner being and fulfilling the life you were born to live. Perhaps this is why for many, horoscopes seem to provide wisdom, some sought of insight into one’s inner being. For centuries, increasing numbers of people are entranced by the fascinating concept of horoscopes; recently, there has been an increase with millennials. However, there continues to be groups of naysayers who disregard the concept completely. These people condemn horoscopes because of their vague and illogical predictions, but the majority of millennials disregard this widely known notion. The debate around horoscopes and astrology is based mainly on the castigation of those who believe in the powers of astrology by those who disagree. Supporters of astrology tend to be stigmatized for being “cringey” because of their trust in the concept. They typically turn to horoscopes when looking for potential partners to see if their “signs” would match, which is seen as strange to anyone who chooses to see potentials partners as another person instead of a

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constellation. Horoscope, derived from the Greek word: hōroskopos meaning “time observer,” is an astrological chart that maps the position of the sun, moon, and planets at particular angles at a specific moment in time, such as a birth date. This chart is used by astrologers to interpret different meanings based on the position of the sun. At birth, the sun is placed within the twelve zodiac signs which astrologers use to classify their interpretations on the people who are born during the time the sun is in an area during a certain amount of time. These meanings are what you typically see in newspaper articles or magazines, and are what we commonly define as horoscopes. Although astrologers are typically the people who study the stars and interpret

them, with a little experience and calculations, anyone can write horoscopes. You might think they start writing their predictions by looking up at the stars at night and having some sort of revelation, but it’s a bit more complicated than that. By learning the symbolism and language of astrology, writers can use astrological charts to find irregularities or changes in the positions of the planets and stars for each sign and associate those changes with categories such as communication or emotion; categories that are chosen based on their relevance to what the general public would want to know about their future. Many horoscope columns are written by astrologers or people who have studied astrology or have worked with an astrologist to make their predictions. However, horoscopes are not regulated for accuracy which allows many unprofessional columns to exist, just one of the reasons why so many people oppose them. Horoscopes are typically written to be extremely vague so anyone can relate to the predictions. So why do many people continue to use them? Do they really believe horoscopes can predict the future? In my own opinion: No, horoscopes aren’t made to predict the future, nor do I believe they can. But I love read-

ing horoscopes because of how fascinating and accurate they are for my life. I don’t believe they work for anyone else but when I read my favorite monthly (and sometimes daily) horoscopes, I’m surprised at how much I can relate to the predictions. Even the results of my natal chart (a map of all the planets’ position around the sun on the exact day and time you were born) perfectly reflects my personality, as well as my goals in life. I read the results from time to time to remind myself of who I am and what my goals are, and that is why many people respect horoscopes to such a great extent. It’s a perfect tool for self-awareness, and even brings people hope when they read their prediction in the morning that they are going to have a great day. Confucius said: There are three methods to gaining wisdom. The first is reflection, which is the highest. The second is limitation, which is the easiest. The third is experience, which is the bitterest. Remember, the beginning of true wisdom is that of understanding: that of human beings as well as understanding your own. We can have all the knowledge in the world and do nothing or little with it. At the end of the day or should I say the beginning, wisdom is knowledge, rightly applied.l

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MONEY MATTERS

How to Manage Money — Together

your money goes by tracking last year’s expenses, and then decide where to trim.

BY CANDACE BAHR & GINITA WALL

n our lives, we are pulled in many directions. We both desire and fear the power of money, and most of us have problems harnessing the positive power of money through regular saving and investing. But that doesn’t have to hold you back. Here are five things you and your partner can do to foster good money management habits and get your savings on track. 1. Decide together what you want. Many people live from day to day. Unfortunately, they also spend from day to day and build no financial nest egg to see them through. To make progress in saving for the future, approach the future one step at a time. Begin by establishing some short-term financial goals: a vacation next summer, or a new car the year after that. A desirable short-term goal can be the carrot-on-a-stick encouragement you need to start a savings plan and take additional steps toward financial security.

2. Build for your future together. As children, we learned about Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty, who were saved from peril by their charming

princes and lived happily ever after. As adults, we all entertain the fantasy of financial rescue at some point in our lives. That’s why lotteries are so compelling, despite the odds. Although the fantasy of financial rescue is entertaining, it can become a barrier to accomplishment. Take serious steps toward providing for your own financial future, beginning right now to create goals based on your current income and financial situation. If your fantasy comes true, so much the better, but if it doesn’t, the two of you will have done what was needed to take care of yourselves financially.

3. Make a financial commitment to each other and your marriage. Many people tell themselves that they will begin to save when their income

rises, but few ever do. Unless you put yourself first, when you make more, your expenses will inevitably rise to meet your income and nothing will be left for you. Persuade yourself that you deserve to keep a portion of your income for you and your future. Once you truly believe that, make a commitment to set aside 5 or 10 percent of all the money you receive in a special account that’s just for you. Just as some people tithe to church or charity, so should you tithe to yourself. You’re worth it.

4. Learn about your finances together. Most people learn little at home or in school about money, investment, and personal finance, and those people rarely seek formal training in finance as adults. Begin by learning about your personal income and expenses. Find out where

5. Start right now. Procrastinators put off saving, or go on spending binges as soon as they accumulate much of a nest egg. To overcome financial procrastination, begin by setting some minor goals, such as reading one article or newspaper column a week on financial maters, then add more substantial goals, such as devoting three hours to preparing a budget and an hour or two a month to monitoring spending. Work together to develop financial knowledge and confidence, and soon you will find yourself gliding painlessly into the world of finance, and you will be ready to begin your savings plan. As you work to build a financial future together, it is important that you each understand your deep-rooted attitudes toward money, and the attitudes of your partner.dem: the greater the risk, the greater the potential reward.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.

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Residential Multiple-Dwelling Properties: Gold Mines or Coal Pits?

BY CHEREEN JAMES

ultiple dwelling buildings are highly sought-after because of their high return on investment. No, they are not coal pits. Here’s why. With multiple apartments and with the increasing market rates, multiple dwellings offer their owners a higher rental income than income from one and two-family properties—all in one location. A responsible multiple dwelling owner, who seeks the highest net operating income from their multiple dwelling would know landlord and tenant rights, multiple dwelling law, and would know the tax benefits they can receive from their property. Through proper management of their property, a multiple dwelling owner can reap the economic benefits of their high market-value rental units. Proper management involves correcting violations issued by the Department of Buildings (DOB) or the Department of Housing

Preservation and Development (DHPD). Each violation, if not corrected, results in a fine, which increases daily. This can cause a hiccup in the possible sale of the property. A landlord should know that tenants can be afforded a rent abatement, or a rent reduction if violations are not corrected. To remove violations, an owner needs to connect with an experienced contractor, repair the premises, and pay the fines that accumulated. An owner should also follow the pro-

cedures, as specified on the DHPD and DOB websites, to clear violations. They can consult a landlord-tenant attorney for assistance on these matters and to stop the DHPD from starting a civil lawsuit against them. To ensure that they retrieve the expected income from the property, owners should ensure that tenants’ rent are properly documented on the rent roll. Owners can even look into automated software to quickly accomplish this. This allows the owner to keep track of payments, exact dates of missed payments, and the amount that is due. Such rent ledger can be useful when recovering arrears in Court. In Court, landlords of multiple dwellings need to understand that their property may be rent stabilized. This often applies to buildings with six units or more. Landlords should consult with a landlord-tenant attorney for further help with this determination, even before they purchase their property. If a unit is rent stabilized, there are specific rules and regulations concerning the

Refinancing? Boost Your Home's Assessed Value First

n an effort to boost the value of their property, many homeowners invest in renovations that will help them sell at a higher price. However, with all of the renovation options, it can be hard to know what kind of fix-ups are really worth investing time and money into. If you're looking at all of your options for home improvements, here are some surefire fixes that won't stress the bank and will probably bump up the offering price.

Add in Stainless Steel The look and functionality of the kitchen is one of the deciding factors for many homebuyers, and this means that if you have old appliances or an outdated look, you should definitely spend some money on a little upgrading. Since kitchen renovations can be a significant expense when it comes to knocking out walls and adding an island, you may want to stick with smaller stuff like a stainless steel appliance replacement or even renovating your cupboards for a more up-to-date look.

Increase Energy Efficiency With the push towards reducing overall housing costs and being environmentally sustainable, making your home more energy efficient can be a huge selling feature for the kind of buyers who will be able to save money as a result of renos. While there are many financially taxing overhauls that can seriously bust the bank, try simple fixes like adding extra insulation where drafts exist, and installing LED lights for lowered energy costs and longer light bulb expectancy.

Prep for Paint It may require a little bit of work to get the job done, but repainting your home can be one of the best, and most economical, means for upping the value of your home. While painting can still be an economical option even with professional painters, a shiny new coat can take years off the look of your house and instantly improve its appearance. You just need to make sure you choose a neutral color and a high-quality

paint for maximum effect. While taking on home renovations will require a bit of spending, it can be a great idea if you're refinancing your home and are looking to boost its value. The only thing to keep in mind is making sure you choose the kind of fixes that will be inexpensive and popular on the market. If you're currently looking into your options for refinancing, you may want to contact one of our mortgage professionals for more information at 888-670-6791. n

Smart homeowners and first-time homebuyers read this paper!

No.12

grounds for eviction. Eviction of a rent stabilized tenant is not usually awarded for the non-payment of rent, but chronic non-payment of rent may be grounds for eviction. A landlord will need to prove this, of course. Don’t just sit back and wait for tenants to pay. Your property is your investment, and you need to make the most of it. To further reap the benefits of their multiple dwelling, a landlord can take advantage of the tax benefits available. If a multiple dwelling has been renovated, the owners can take advantage of the J-51 tax abatement. If a building owner or developer receives such incentive, then the building becomes rent stabilized until the J-51 expires. Another tax benefit available

continued on page 3

INSIDE:

Top Real Estate Predictions You Should Know ................................2

Does Technology Give Landlords the Upper Hand?...........................3

Spouse with Bad Credit?...........................................4

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Top Real Estate Predictions You Should Know

hether you are a homeowner looking to get the maximum return on investment, a buyer interested in fair market value or an industry insider grappling with the moving parts of the real estate industry, these are some trends and predictions you should know about.

Lower Home Supply Causing Significant Value Growth Indicators point to a U.S. economy that has settled into a nice growth period. Unemployment rates have touched some record lows, wages appear to be on the rise and millennials are entering high earning and home-buying years. Couple these factors with the fact that last year’s tax reform laws will likely put more money back in everyday Americans’ pockets and homes could be a hot commodity, so to speak. Home supply — on the other hand — does not appear ready to meet the rising demand of buyers. Experts are predicting that rising demand will collide with the housing shortfall and prices will ramp up in 2019.

Home Values Could Rise Another 5 Percent by Year’s End Some real estate insiders are pointing to National Association of Realtors information that the number of available homes for sale has dropped for 35 consecutive months. The volume of sales is down because there simply are not enough homes being put on the market. Coupled with the uptick in the economy, sellers are in the driver’s seat right now and they are demanding top dollar for their homes. That being said, it may be in the best interest of first-time homebuyers to get into the market sooner rather than later. The improved wages from the surging economy may not be able to keep pace with a potential

5-percent increase in property values by the end of 2019. It looks like a buy now or pay later real estate market . It's Not a Housing Bubble and Won't Burst The housing market has been on a tear over the last three years. Property values have appreciated fairly consistently for 35 straight months. Such data mirrors that of the housing market right before the crash. One of the driving forces behind property values climbing back then was subprime mortgage lending. The practice was a ticking time bomb and the end was inevitable. While some experts are calling for another housing bubble to burst due to an unforeseen

flaw in the system, tough legislation and oversight are in place. It’s only human nature to be cautious when conditions appear similar to those leading up to a bad outcome. This time around, rising home prices appear to be based on solid economic factors. Either contractors are going to start massive homeconstruction builds all over the country or the shortage will continue to drive prices up. While experts say we are not in a so-called housing bubble, the market may level off down the road to get in tune with consumer affordability. 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

Does Technology Give Landlords the Upper Hand?

BY CHEREEN JAMES

e live in a future that our parents could not dream of— strangers regularly entering our homes through home sharing apps, cellphones and key fobs replacing the need for the century-old key, and cameras monitoring the once most private area of our lives. As the use of key fobs and other electronic keys increases, the law aims to balance the interest of both landlords and tenants, while embracing the convenience of technology. Key fobs are electronic devices, that, when held in the vicinity of the home, the door unlocks, much like the key fobs on car keys. Other electronic locks include Bluetooth locks, where one’s cellphone acts like the key fob. It can create an access code for guests, change the key code, and remotely lock doors. Key fobs are quickly becoming an arsenal of landlords of rent-stabilized apartments. An electronic key is associated with each tenant, and it logs the entry of occupants. Since the key fob is difficult to duplicate, tenants are now faced with declaring all occupants, or at least anyone who needs a key. This is helpful to land-

lords, as they will have an idea of who occupies the space, so that their name can be included in any potential housing lawsuit. If an occupant is not included in a lawsuit, it is difficult to evict them. One method of evicting a tenant is by proving that their apartment is not their primary residence. With the key fob's documentation of a tenants’ entry, along with the camera feature, landlords can show whether or not a tenant is using the apartment as a primary residence, or they can show illegal hotel practices. To prevent either party from gaining an upper hand, rent administrators have written decisions that aim to preserve the existing dynamic of the relationship between landlord and tenants. While tenants have argued that identification requirement is

unfair, as the traditional key was simply given without need for the identification of the recipient, rent administrators said that photographic identification provides security measures and does not violate the rentstabilization code. Landlords, however, cannot store identification numbers. While landlords cannot increase the rent for the use of electronic keys, as it is simply a replacement of a service, tenants may be permitted a reduction in rent, on a caseby-case basis if the change disrupts the tenants’ use of the space. For instance, a decrease may be provided when the landlord limits the keys provided to adult tenants, or when the landlord records tenants’ identification data, like social security numbers, or if the electronic system encumbers a religious practice. While the implementation of an electronic lock system provides information to a landlord of the tenants’ use of the premises, rent administrators aim to prevent landlords from storing sensitive identifying information. Landlords can use the stored information, such as photographs, in Court, as it can help in primary residence matters and in proving illegal hotel practices and tenants can get a reduction in their rent if landlords reduce the services provided, upon change of the key system.n

Gold Mines or Coal Pits? continued from page 1

to multiple dwelling owners is 420-c, where the owner, which may be an LLC or Corporation with 501-c-3 status, develops units to be solely for affordable housing. Other tax benefits are geared toward affordable housing and social services. If an owner of a multiple dwelling building does not want to take the time to upkeep their property, they may hire a property manager. Property managers are devoted to ensuring that your investment does not go to ruin. They take care of violations, keep track of the rent roll and ensure that your property is in good standing. After all, a property in disarray can lose value when it is time to sell. So, multiple dwellings are not coal pits, but its owner needs to put in the work that is necessary for high profits, take advantage of the tax benefits and keep track of rental income to get the most gold out of their gold mine. They should consult a landlord-tenant attorney to advise them on rent stabilization matters which can affect how they handle tenant issues and can affect their net income. We are happy to help and share our insight and experience to help you with the buying process. Schedule an appointment today with one of our real estate professionals. Call 888-670-6791. n

HOME OWNERSHIP

Spouse with Bad Credit? 3 Reasons to Consider a Co-signer

btaining a mortgage can be quite a complicated process even without the financial hurdles, but if your spouse's credit has experienced a number of difficulties, acquiring a mortgage can be even more of a burden. If you're concerned about what bad credit will mean for your mortgage and are weighing your options, here are some reasons why it might be important to use a cosigner for your application.

Increasing the Likelihood of Approval From getting an education to purchasing your first vehicle, it's a common occurrence for people to take a loan out at some point in their lives. However, getting a loan can be very difficult if you happen to be married to someone with a poor credit history. While having someone you know cosign your application is not without its risks, it can be a means of securing mortgage financing so that you can move towards a less burdensome financial situation.

Improving a Bad Credit History It adds stress to the process if you have a partner with a poor credit history, but the benefit of a co-signer is that it can be one

of the few opportunities you'll have to really improve a problematic rating. With a co-signer to vouch for you, you will be able to pay down your mortgage consistently and slowly build your spouse's credit in a way that will give both of you a lot more financial opportunities in the future!

Building Up Trust It goes without saying that having a cosigner can be a significant financial risk for the person who chooses to sign for you, but â&#x20AC;&#x201C; if approached responsibly â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this can be a means of building trust with your family members or friends. While co-signing may be a necessity for your situation, it's important to be aware that it's a huge commitment for the person who agrees to it

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and their support should be seen for the good faith it is. Bad credit may put a black mark on your mortgage, but having a co-signer can have a significant impact on improving your overall financial health. As co-signing is a considerable responsibility for the person who offers it, it's important to ensure that purchasing a home is the right financial choice for you before asking someone to vouch for your application. If you're currently in the process of looking for a new home, you may want to contact one of our experienced mortgage professionals for more information. Schedule an appointment today. Call 888-6706791. n

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DHS to Restart Deportation Cases for Thousands

BY AARON REICHLIN-MELNICK

ecently released internal communications at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reveal a plan to restart the deportation cases of hundreds of thousands of people whose cases are currently administratively closed. This initiative has the potential to swell the immigration court backlog (currently at 730,000 cases) to over one million cases. Administrative closure is a docketmanagement tool which allows immigration judges to temporarily take a case off of their docket. Immigration judges typi-

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continued on page 2

Pregnancy and Domestic Violence

BY TATYANA BELLAMY-WALKER

hile bringing a baby into the world can be a mother's pride and joy, for some households it also means an increase in violence at home. More than 300,000 pregnant women face domestic violence each year, reports the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. According to the coalition, women with unintended pregnancies are two to four times more likely to experience violence than women with planned pregnancies. Pregnancy often triggers domestic violence because of jealousy, the focus shifts from the abusive partner to the pregnancy. An additional child also brings extra financial stress, which can

push a partner to abuse a pregnant person. Lastly, the spouse might be angry that their partner’s body is changing in ways that do not benefit them. In an Op-Ed published on Bustle, Eden Strong, a mother of two and blogger of the critically acclaimed blog, It is Not my Shame to Bear recalled surviving pregnancy while living with her abusive exhusband.

“He raped me on our wedding night, and the abuses I suffered at his hands were a constant and daily occurrence in our marriage,” penned Strong in an essay on the site. “I’ll never forget seeing two pink lines on the pregnancy test; not because I was overcome with joy, but because I was overcome with terror.” She added, “I will also never forget sliding down the bathroom wall until I was all but slumped on the floor, knees pulled up tight against my chest, lungs screaming for air, and my heart pounding with fear. Fear for myself, fear for my unborn child, and fear for the road ahead of me; the road ahead for both of us.” continued on page 2

Judge Orders A Full Restart of DACA, but Its Future Remains Uncertain

BY JOSHUA BREISBLATT

Vol. 101

federal judge on recently ordered the Trump administration to restart the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative by August 23. This ruling in the D.C. District Court comes just days ahead of another hearing before a hardline conservative federal judge in Texas, where seven states have challenged the constitutionality of DACA. When President Trump announced the

end of DACA in September 2017, the administration said it would phase out the initiative with no one being able to renew their DACA after March 5, 2018. As a response to this decision, multiple lawsuits were filed challenging the termination. On April 24, John D. Bates, the judge who ruled on Friday against the administration’s decision to end DACA, became the third federal judge to order the administration to continue to accept DACA renewal applications.

Photo credit: Sheila Fitzgerald/shutterstock.com

continued on page 3

Students and Exchange Visitors at Risk of Being Barred from U.S. Under New USCIS Policy

BY LESLIE DELLON

.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a revised, final policy memorandum on August 9, 2018 that radically changes how the agency will determine when a foreign student or exchange visitor is “unlawfully present” in the United States. “Unlawful presence” is a legal term used to describe any time spent in the United States after a foreign national’s period of authorized stay has ended. Most foreign nationals who are inspected and admitted in nonimmigrant status are authorized to remain in the United States until a specific date. However, academic program students and exchange visitors frequently are authorized to remain in the United States for what is known as “duration of status” because a date certain cannot account for the many variables that affect their length of stay, such as when they will complete a program or project. Under USCIS’ new policy, effective August 9, the day after an event that the agency considers a status violation, in most cases, will be the starting date for calculating unlawful presence for students and exchange visitors. Many will accumulate unlawful presence sooner than under the prior policy. Often, they will not know that they have fallen out of status and will not know that they are accumulating unlawful presence. The change is significant because generally a nonimmigrant who leaves the United States after being unlawfully present for more than 180 days but less than 1 year is barred from returning for three years; after one year or more of unlawful presence, the bar is ten years. USCIS’ policy change also affects the spouses and 18-or-older children whose status was based on the student or exchange visitor’s status, since they will accrue unlawful presence based on an event later found to be a status violation by the student or exchange visitor. This unwarranted, punitive policy will only serve to drive students, and physicians, trainees, interns and other exchange visitors, toward opportunities in other countries. Foreign nationals are already growing increasingly wary of pursuing higher education in the United States, as evidenced by declining enrollment. This policy will only deepen their anxiety.l

IMMIGRATION MATTERS

DACA... Uncertian Future/continued from page 1

However, Bates went a step further and said he would order a full restart of DACA. This would require the government to accept new applications in addition to renewals, unless it provided a more adequate rationale for ending DACA. In his April decision, he had given the Department of Homeland Security 90 days to provide a more adequate reason for terminating the initiative. During that window of time, the administration provided no additional explanation besides a June memo which the judge said “offers nothing even remotely approaching a considered legal assessment” that the court could review. As a result, Bates ordered the administration to fully restart DACA. The administration will have 20 days to appeal his order before it goes into effect on August 23. On Monday, Attorney General Jeff Sessions implied the administration will appeal this decision. However, there is another hearing on that potentially muddies DACA’s fate. On August 8—roughly two weeks before DACA is due to restart—U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen will conduct a hearing on seven states’ attempt to halt DACA entirely. Led by Texas, these states argue that DACA is unconstitutional and have sought to place the initiative on hold. Judge Hanen is the same judge who put a stop to the implementation of President Obama’s efforts to expand deferred action initiatives for additional immigrant youth and their

parents in 2015. If Judge Hanen strikes down DACA, his decision would create conflicting rulings from four different federal courts, with three ordering for DACA to continue and one attempting to end it altogether. What would happen next in this scenario is unclear. According to Stephen Legomsky, professor emeritus at Washington University School of Law and former chief counsel at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), this may present a unique situation: “I’m not aware of any legal precedent controlling what happens next. I know of no prior situation in which there have been conflicting injunctions against the government, with one court ordering the government to do precisely what previous courts have prohibited it from doing.” This could mean weeks or months where rulings are stayed until courts of appeals or the U.S. Supreme Court can weigh in. As a result of this uncertainty, immigrant rights’ organizations are encouraging DACA recipients to file their applications as soon as possible before any additional court action. USCIS is currently accepting applications for individuals regardless of when the individual’s DACA expires. While the situation continues to play out in the courts, the fate of DACA and the status of nearly 700,000 DACA beneficiaries will likely be murky and confusing. What remains clear, however, is the need for a permanent solution once and for all so that young immigrants can live with greater certainty and stability.l

2 Pregnancy and Domestic Violence/continued from page 1

While Strong attempted to leave the relationship, she also felt “trapped” by a lack of resources. “Despite what people might think, leaving a domestic abuse situation isn’t as simple as moving into a shelter," she wrote. "Without any money of your own, a college education, a career, family support, or a legal divorce — and without the self-esteem to believe in yourself — it's anything but easy to leave. And so, I stayed." She is not alone. According to the National Domestic Violence hotline, financial struggles often keep victims of intimate partner violence in abusive relationships. Reproductive coercion also plays a role in domestic abuse. Strong says, the pregnancies were also due to the sabotaging of birth control. This includes when a partner hides or throws away birth control pills, poking holes in condoms or even removing birth control methods like the ring or IUD. According to Strong’s blog, her ex-husband has since disappeared. She is now a single parent and runs non-profit helping women affected by domestic violence. When a pregnant woman faces abuse it introduces trauma to the child. This increases the risk of hemorrhaging, a uterine rupture, pre-term birth, complications during labor or miscarriage later in the pregnancy, according to the Domestic Violence Hotline. Pregnant women who are facing intimate partner violence also endure behavioral risks factors such as smoking, drug use, and alcohol, which may be used as a tool to cope with the trauma. If a pregnant person is in an abusive relationship the best way to seek help is through their doctor. Prenatal Care visits might be the only option for obtaining resources such as a domestic violence screening and medical services for recovery. If you or someone you know is the victim of domestic abuse, you can call or chat with the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 orTheHotline.org. Calls are accepted 24/7 and online chat is available from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. CT. If you are an immigrant, in an abusive relationship and depending on your spouse for immigration benefits, please call the Law Firm of Figeroux & Assoicatesat 718-222-3155 for a FREE legal consultation.l Scan this code to schedule a FREE Initial Consultation

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DHS to Restart Deportation/continued from page 1

cally grant administrative closure to allow an immigrant to seek relief outside of immigration court or because ICE exercised prosecutorial discretion and decided not to move forward with a case. Once ICE or an immigrant in removal proceedings chooses to move forward with the case, they can ask the judge to “recalendar” the case by placing it back on the docket. When Attorney General Jeff Sessions overturned decades of precedent in May 2018 by stripping immigration judges and the Board of Immigration Appeals of their general authority to administratively close cases, he left ICE with the decision to recalendar over 355,000 cases currently administratively closed. The newlyreleased instructions to ICE prosecutors reveal that ICE intends to recalendar virtually all of those cases. ICE prosecutors are instructed to prioritize recalendaring cases where the immigrant is detained, followed by all cases where the immigrant has a criminal record. Next, the agency will prioritize cases where ICE’s most recent motion to recalendar was denied, followed by those that administratively closed over ICE’s objections. Finally, it directs local offices to recalendar the remaining cases through a “case-by-case determination … considering available resources and the existing backlog in the local docket.” This last instruction has the potential to seriously limit the effect of ICE’s new policy. Because the agency’s resources are already strained by prosecuting new cases brought under the Trump administration, local ICE offices may not have the resources to recalendar many of the cases included in that last group. However, by indicating that the agency views virtually all 355,000 cases as legitimate targets for future enforcement, any immigrant whose case is currently administratively closed now faces an uncertain future. If fully implemented, ICE’s new guidance would have a significant effect on the tens of thousands of people who had their cases administratively closed from 2012 to 2016. Most cases administratively closed had benefited from a favorable exercise of prosecutorial discretion after the Obama administration determined that they were not an enforcement priority. Now, with the elimination of immigration enforcement priorities under the current administration, ICE may haul them back to immigration court again. ICE’s plan shows that the agency is eager to seek deportation of all who cross their path, regardless of whether they should be a priority for immigration enforcement or whether the agency will overwhelm the immigration court system in the process. In fact, an independent report commissioned by the immigration courts in 2017 recommended that more cases be administratively closed as an effective tool to reduce the backlog. The administration must make smarter use of its limited resources to ensure that enforcement does not needlessly harm countless people who pose no risk to public safety.l

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IMMIGRATION MATTERS

How Long Does It Take USCIS to Issue a Green Card?

BY TORY JOHNSON

ow long does it take to process an application for permanent residence in the United States, or a “Green Card?” You might be surprised by how difficult it is to find a reliable answer to this common question. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)—the agency that adjudicates applications for permanent residence and other immigration benefits—provides a range as a way to estimate the time needed to process an immigration application. The agency introduced a pilot program in March that changed how USCIS estimates these time ranges for four of its most popular types of application. The change follows longstanding criticism about inaccurate processing times from federal oversight offices, elected officials, and stakeholders. Applicants and immigration practitioners have reported that USCIS’ posted processing times do not reflect the actual time it takes a case to reach completion. Previously, USCIS published processing times for all types of applications and petitions as a single figure in months, a specific date, and even in relation to a goal processing time.

The agency now uses an automated methodology in an attempt to more accurately estimate how long it will take to process certain common immigration benefit filings. According to USCIS, an application for permanent residence (Form I-485) will take anywhere from 7 months to 33 months to process. The time range fluctuates depending on the office location, basis for the filing, and other factors. The pilot program only applies to the following four immigration forms: •N-400, Application for Naturalization •I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card •I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status •I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions

on Residence Although the calculation method being piloted may improve accuracy in some ways, concerns remain. The pilot program includes only four of the many feebased immigration forms USCIS adjudicates. Additionally, the ranges are still estimates, have broad variation, and do not reflect the complexity of many cases. For example, “in the case of a foreign national applying for an employmentbased green card, an employer must file an I-140 Immigration Petition for Alien Worker and the worker must also submit a Form I-485 to adjust status to permanent residence, when a visa number is immediately available.” USCIS will process these forms sequentially—meaning the time it takes to adjudicate each

form and related steps must be added together to get an approximate estimate of processing time. USCIS processing time methodology does not account for such complexity. USCIS provides time ranges as processing time estimates for other immigration filings as well, however there is significantly less transparency about the agency’s calculation method. Accessing this information is particular ly important given the longstanding backlog of filings at USCIS. An application or petition that allows a person to work or travel internationally may be pending for several months to many years, leaving applicants—or employers petitioning for potential or current employees—in limbo for indeterminant times. Accurate processing time estimates can significantly affect the lives of applicants, employers, and the local communities they support. USCIS should prioritize transparency in its methods while improving the accuracy of processing times. Doing so not only supports the agency’s mission but would support economic and social stability in the United States—a benefit for everyone.l

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