The Immigrant’s Journal Vol. 133
Our leaders who stood for Unity & Justice
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Protecting God’s Children From Distant Lands
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March 11, 2021
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The Supreme Court Makes It Harder for Immigrants to Fight Deportation
568 Faith Leaders Call for Passage of US Citizenship Act
BY EMMA WINGER
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he U.S. Supreme Court published a new decision on March 4 that will make it harder—if not impossible—for many longtime immigrants to fight deportation. The case, Pereida v. Wilkson, abandons decades of Supreme Court precedent on the immigration consequences of criminal convictions. Undocumented immigrants and other noncitizens who are deportable may still be eligible for discretionary relief from
President & CEO Krish O'Mara Vignarajah Editorial credit: lirs.org
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Tax Time Guide: Select a Tax Return Preparer With Care ....4
What You Need to Know About the ITIN
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n ITIN, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, is a tax processing number only available for certain nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses, and dependents who cannot get a Social Security Number (SSN). It is a 9-digit number, beginning with the number "9", formatted like an SSN. What is the difference between a social security number and an ITIN? The main difference between an SSN and ITIN is that SSN is issued to US citizens and authorized non-citizens, while ITIN is issued to the resident with foreign status or undocumented immigrants. The latter cannot be issued an
ing the ITIN number does not change your immigration status, which means that you will not be able to get a permanent residence card. Also, the ITIN is NOT a Social Security number.
SSN, but if they are allowed to stay in the US, then they have to pay their taxes. What an ITIN number is NOT used for: It is essential to understand that obtain-
Who can apply for the ITIN number? A person who resides in the United States for a period of six months or more and is not eligible for a Social Security number. •An investor or entrepreneur from other countries who have money invested in a business in the United States. •Foreigners, not residents in the United continued on page 10
Diabetes is Focus for National Kidney Month....13
ashington D.C.: 568 faith leaders from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) today called for the timely passage of the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 in a letter sent to members of Congress. The letter, spearheaded by Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), the nation’s largest faith-based organization dedicated exclusively to serving immigrants, urges elected officials to make haste in legislating longoverdue reforms to U.S. immigration policy. “Guided by our faith values and biblical teachings, we believe that immigration policies must prioritize and honor the God-given dignity of each person, especially those who live on the margins of society,” reads the letter. “In view of a new opportunity to make fair and compassionate transformations to our nation’s broken immigration system, we call on Congress to come together around a long overdue solution that reflects our shared values as a nation.” The bill includes a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, automatic green card eligibility for Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status recipients and undocumented farmworkers, resources to address the immigration case backlog, an increase in family-based visas, reinstatement of the Central continued on page 3
IMMIGRANTS’ CONCERNS
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Harder for Immigrants to Fight Deportation/from page 1 deportation, including cancellation of removal. However, certain criminal convictions—even very minor convictions—will bar a noncitizen from cancellation. In Pereida, a majority of the Supreme Court held that if it is not clear from the available criminal records whether the conviction bars cancellation of removal, the noncitizen cannot apply for relief. In order words, if the records are unclear, the noncitizen does not even get a chance to make their case to the immigration judge. The consequences of this decision can be seen in the facts of the case. Clemente Avelino Pereida was an undocumented immigrant who had lived and raised a family in the United States for 25 years. He supported his wife and three children, one of whom was a U.S. citizen, by working in construction and cleaning. In 2010, he was fined $100 under Nebraska law after being arrested for using a fake Social Security card to get a job as a janitor. The official court records did not make clear whether his conviction barred him from seeking cancellation of removal. Based on this ambiguous record, the immigration judge did not allow Mr. Pereida to make his case for staying in the United States with his family. This decision is a dramatic departure
Editorial credit: Rena Schild / Shutterstock.com
from past Supreme Court decisions limiting when criminal convictions can lead to deportation. In past cases, the Supreme Court had made clear that an immigration judge must be “certain” that a particular conviction carries deportation consequences. Under longstanding precedent, courts use a legal method called the “categorical approach” to determine the immigration consequences of criminal convictions. Under this approach, courts only try to figure out what someone was convicted of, not what they actually did. The courts look at certain official court records to answer that question. Courts only impose deportation consequences if it is clear from the criminal statute and
these limited court records that a conviction matches a removal ground. Under the new approach in Pereida, a conviction will prevent a noncitizen from applying for cancellation of removal and other relief from removal, like asylum, if it is unclear whether a conviction is a match. And the answer is often unclear. State court criminal records, especially misdemeanor records, are notoriously incomplete and hard to understand. Older criminal records are often destroyed as a matter of course. Even where records exist, they are difficult to get—requiring time, money, and knowledge of state court rules and procedures. These are often insurmountable obsta-
cles for noncitizens facing deportation, many of whom do not have lawyers, do not speak English, and may be fighting their cases from detention. In addition, the Pereida decision makes it easier for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to prove that a noncitizen is deportable due to a criminal conviction. The Supreme Court expanded the types of records and other evidence that can be used to prove a conviction. The decision will have a particular impact on Black and brown immigrants, who are disproportionately targeted by the criminal legal system. As a result of the Supreme Court’s decision, countless other noncitizens—both undocumented immigrants and green card holders—will face the same fate as Mr. Pereida. The decision marks a cruel and unjustified change in the law.l
Emma Winger is a Staff Attorney with the American Immigration Council, where she works to protect the rights of noncitizens through affirmative litigation, amicus briefs, and practice advisories for immigration attorneys.
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TIME FOR ACTION
Why Has Immigration Become Such a Divisive Issue?
TEAM Publisher I.Q. INC. Legal Advisor Brian Figeroux, Esq. Managing Editor & Editor-in-Chief Pearl Phillip
BY WENDY FELIZ
Assistant Editor Marilyn Silverman
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hy has immigration become such a heated issue for those on the right and the left? It’s because many Americans have—without realizing it—sacralized their values and beliefs associated with immigration. This explains in part why the debate has become uncompromising and moralized. What can we do about it? Answers can be found in a new report produced by the Center for Inclusion and Belonging at the American Immigration Council and Over Zero, “What Immigration Issues Do Americans Hold Sacred? A Psychological Journey into American Attitudes Towards Immigrants.” This report—and the behavioral survey upon which it is based—overcome the limitations of traditional polling by digging deeper into how respondents think about immigration issues, and why they feel the way that they do. In March 2020, the authors conducted a nationally representative survey to examine 14 key immigration issues. They asked respondents to choose between an open or restrictive stance on issues like asylum, sanctuary cities, DACA, and the border wall and asked them to reflect on how much their position mattered to them. The authors then asked how much money it would take for the respondent to give this value up. Stances that cannot be traded away for any amount of money are considered sacred values. The survey shows the greatest predic-
Faith Leaders/from page 1 American Minors program, expansion of family case management programs, and an increase of immigrant integration services, among other provisions. “President Biden’s immigration plan demonstrates that humane policy is smart policy,” said Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, president and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. “If passed, this legislation will modernize our immigration system, keep families together, expand economic opportunity,
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- May 1:Maria, from Los Angeles May Day Immigration Protest Rally Against Arizona's New Law on May 1, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. Editorial credit: Katrina Brown / Shutterstock.com
tors of attitudes toward immigrants is threat perception (are immigrants a social, economic, or safety threat to me) and social identity (does my social group tend hold open or restrictive views on immigration). Perceived threat and peer group norms can tell us more about how an individual will feel about immigration than any other factor. It’s also critical to understand that sacred values are processed in the brain differently than regular values. Efforts to argue or negotiate around them as if they are regular values are likely to backfire. Instead of arguing with someone who sacralizes immigration issues, the report recommends: “[We] engage each other by seeking to understand the opposition’s sacralized perspective—what are the core values they see in this issue? Then, they can ask, are there core values or aspects of their
perspective that both sides hold in common, and which can thus be affirmed? If yes, dialogue can start there—in a way that shows respect for the values underlying the sacralization.” In other words, we must seek to understand what belies a person’s stance on immigration. What are their fears, concerns or underlying motivations? Once you begin to understand those factors you can look to see if you share common concerns and values and can brainstorm together the best way to address those worries while still getting to productive solutions. Though there is no silver bullet solution to our division on immigration today, this report offers the beginnings of a deeper understanding of public thinking around immigration and how we might approach people who hold immigration issues as sacred.l
address the root causes of migration, and restore U.S. leadership as a refuge for those fleeing persecution.” The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is one of the largest Christian denominations in the U.S., with nearly 3.3 million members in more than 8,900 worshiping communities across 50 states and the Caribbean region. Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service is one of the most prominent refugee resettlement agencies, and has assisted over half a million migrants seeking safety and hope in the U.S. over the course of its 80year history.
“We ask God to guide our nation and grant the grace of a welcoming heart,” concludes the letter. “To that end, we ask you to work collaboratively, with haste, to promote this comprehensive legislation through Congress and provide lasting solutions that will strengthen our nation for generations to come.”l
Founded in 1939, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) is one of the largest immigration and refugee resettlement agencies in the United States.
Volunteering at THE IMMIGRANT'S JOURNAL LEGAL & EDUCATIONAL FUND, INC. Internship positions available throughout the year. The Immigrant's Journal Legal & Educational Fund, Inc. is an organization dedicated to the educational and economic empowerment of all immigrants and immigrant organizations here in the United States. We at the Journal recognize the enormous contribution of immigrants to this country economically, socially and politically. Since September 11, 2001, however, immigrants have increasingly been discriminated against and Congress has passed legislation curtailing the rights of immigrants here in the U.S., broadly claiming that immigrants are a threat to ''National Security.'' We at the Journal believe that these charges are unfounded, unsubstantiated and exaggerated. The Immigrant's Journal Volunteer Intern Program was introduced to give our volunteers the opportunity to work in an immigrant friendly environment while developing the necessary skills for college or law school. They assist our staff in resolving immigration and other legal concerns through personal interviews, radio, email and telephone contact. They also assist the public with citizenship applications and in researching whether or not children of naturalized U.S. citizens have derived citizenship from their parents. Some of our volunteers assist our legal staff by engaging in legal research and writing letters on other legal issues. Volunteer interns are also assigned various other jobs in our Youth Programs. Hours are flexible. Email your cover letter and resume or any questions to immjournal@aol.com
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MONEY MATTERS
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Tax Time Guide: Select a Tax Return Preparer With Care
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ASHINGTON: The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers to choose a tax return preparer with care. Even though the vast majority of tax return preparers provide honest, quality service, some cause great harm through fraud, identity theft and other scams every year. People value good tax return preparers for helping them through a complicated tax situation or for being available when they don't have time to prepare their own tax return. Paid tax return preparers completed more than half of the tax returns submitted to the IRS in tax-year 2018. It's very important to select the right tax professional. After all, people trust them with their most sensitive personal and financial information. No matter who prepares it, the accuracy of a tax return is ultimately the responsibility of the taxpayer. The IRS protects taxpayers by assessing significant civil penalties against dishonest return preparers and working with the Justice Department to end scams and prosecute the criminals behind them.
•Look for a preparer who is available year-round. In the event questions come up about a tax return, taxpayers may need to contact the preparer after the filing season is over.
What to look for The Choosing a Tax Professional page on IRS.gov has information about tax return preparer credentials and qualifications. The IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications can help identify many preparers by type of credential or qualification. By law, anyone who is paid to prepare or assists in preparing most federal tax returns must have a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number, or PTIN. Paid
preparers must sign and include their PTIN on the return. Not signing a return is a red flag that the paid preparer may be looking to make a quick profit by promising a big refund or charging fees based on the size of the refund. Well-intentioned taxpayers can be deceived by preparers who don't understand taxes or who mislead people into taking credits or deductions they aren't entitled to claim. Fraudulent preparers often do this to increase their fee. Here are more tips to consider:
•Inquire whether the tax return preparer has a professional credential (enrolled agent, certified public accountant or attorney), belongs to a professional organization or attends continuing education classes. Because tax law can be complex, competent tax return preparers remain up to date on tax topics. The IRS website has more information regarding national tax professional organizations. •Check the preparer's history. Check the Better Business Bureau website for information about the preparer. Look for disciplinary actions and the license status for credentialed preparers. For CPAs, check with the State Board of Accountancy. For attorneys, check with the State Bar Association. For Enrolled Agents, go to IRS.gov and search for "verify enrolled agent status."
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MONEY MATTERS
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Select a Tax Return Preparer with Care/from page 4 •Ask about service fees. Avoid preparers who base fees on a percentage of their client's refund or boast bigger refunds than their competition. Don't give tax documents, Social Security numbers or other information to a preparer if merely inquiring about their services and fees. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous preparers have used this information to improperly file returns without the taxpayer's permission. •Provide records and receipts. Good preparers ask to see these documents. They'll also ask questions to determine the client's total income, deductions, tax credits and other items. Do not hire a preparer who e-files a tax return using a pay stub instead of a Form W-2. This is against IRS e-file rules. •Understand representation rules. Attorneys, CPAs and enrolled agents can represent any client before the IRS in any situation. Annual Filing Season Program participants may represent taxpayers in limited situations if they prepared and signed the tax return. •Never sign a blank or incomplete return.
•Review the tax return before signing. Be sure to ask questions if something is not clear or appears inaccurate. Any refund should go directly to the taxpayer – not into the preparer's bank account. Reviewing the routing and bank account number on the completed return is always a good idea. •Report abusive tax preparers to the IRS. Use Form 14157, Complaint: Tax Return Preparer. If a return preparer is suspected of filing or changing the return without the client's consent, also file Form 14157-A, Return Preparer Fraud or Misconduct Affidavit. Forms are available on IRS.gov.
•IRS.gov/chooseataxpro has additional information to help taxpayers including tips on choosing a preparer, the differences in credentials and qualifications, as well as how to submit a complaint regarding an unscrupulous tax return preparer. Start early; ask for phone or virtual help It is advisable to start searching for a tax return preparer as soon possible. This allows for more time to do research and get recommendations. Remember, taxpayers must pay any taxes due by April 15, even if an extension is necessary.
Be sure to check with the tax return preparer to see if there are any restrictions or additions to the services they provide because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some may offer phone or virtual assistance options in addition to their usual inperson services. Customers may be asked, for example, to mail documents to them or scan and e-mail documents through a secure internet connection. Taxpayers can find answers to questions, forms and instructions and easy-touse tools online at IRS.gov. They can use these resources to get help when it's needed, at home, at work or on the go.l
Keep it clean! COVID-19 is still here. Keep washing your hands: • Anytime you touch a shared surface • If you cough, sneeze or blow your nose • When you prepare or eat food Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds can prevent the spread of germs. COVID-19 vaccines are now available to certain groups in New York City. To learn more about COVID-19 and vaccines, visit nyc.gov/health/coronavirus.
Health
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FAMILY MATTERS
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ICE’s Changes to Family Detention Are an Improvement but Don’t Go Far Enough BY KATY MURDZA
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.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced last week that it would make changes to two family detention centers in Texas that would result in families spending less time in detention. The agency states that the facilities will be turned into “reception centers,” where families receive COVID-19 tests, arrange travel to their destination, and are released within three days. The plan would be a significant improvement compared to what tens of thousands of families have experienced. Even so, there are doubts as to whether the plan will work as described. There are also serious concerns with holding families for any amount of time. Though “reception centers” sound more welcoming, these facilities are in fact detention centers. ICE opened the South Texas Family Residential Center (“Dilley”) in Dilley, Texas, and the Karnes County Residential Center (“Karnes”) in Karnes City, Texas in 2014. The facilities were the Obama administration’s response to an increase in Central American families
arriving at the U.S. southern border at that time. Over six years later, both detention centers remain open. For-profit corporations run both facilities. ICE has made no announcement about its third family detention center, Berks County Residential Center. An attorney, however, confirmed that all families had been released as of February 26. In recent years, most families detained in Dilley or Karnes have spent several weeks there, although some have been held for over a year. One of the main benefits of the new plan is that families would no longer have to go through their initial asylum screening interviews while detained. Advocates have long pointed out that these “credible fear” interviews for asylum lack due process, especially
when they take place in detention centers. However, the plan falls short of Biden’s campaign promise to end family detention completely. Advocates had hoped that the new administration would quickly close Dilley and Karnes. But Biden’s proposed immigration legislation and early executive actions have not addressed the issue. Biden did order the Department of Homeland Security to conduct a full review of its enforcement policies and recommend changes by April 30. Under the new “reception center” plan, families still won’t be able to leave the facilities at will. Experts have stated that children should not be detained for any amount of time. Detention centers can be traumatizing
to adults and children, especially those who are already fleeing horrific experiences in their home countries. Seeing a parent powerless at the command of facility staff can be especially harmful. Children frequently stop eating, behaviorally regress, or become despondent. ICE has also medically abused and neglected people in its custody. Many detained individuals need urgent medical care that is often denied or inadequate in detention. If ICE has failed to provide adequate medical care in the past, there is no reason to believe it will begin to do so now. There are also concerns regarding the likelihood that families will be released within three days. For years, families have experienced unnecessary delays in ICE’s release procedures. ICE also has strict requirements about travel logistics, requiring families to follow very specific booking procedures before it will release them. These complex and sometimes conflicting instructions, combined with families’ understandable fears of communicating with ICE, can lead to further delays. continued on page 7
FAMILY MATTERS
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Piecing Together Your Emotional Wellness Routine in 2021
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he year 2020 was a tough year for everyone, so it's more important than ever to develop positive physical, mental and emotional wellness routines as you tackle a new year and new challenges. As Americans continue to spend an increased amount of time in front of screens, these new routines can help reduce stress and anxiety by finding ways to stay grounded in your physical environment. One simple and effective way to incorporate more wellness and relaxation into your daily home life is through doing jigsaw puzzles. With COVID restrictions still in place this winter, puzzles can bring comfort and stress relief straight to your living room or dining room table. In fact, a recent Ipsos study conducted by renowned puzzle maker Ravensburger found that almost 60% of people sampled puzzles to relax, and 45% of people rely on puzzles for stress relief. If you're new to puzzling, now is the perfect time to check out this beloved pastime. Due to the sheer variety of puzzle images and piece counts — ranging from fewer than 100 to thousands of pieces — there's something for people of
all ages to enjoy. Your choice of puzzle theme can enhance your experience, bring a sense of fun and exploration as well as satisfaction and peace of mind with every piece you put together. Plus, working toward the same goal provides a feeling of togetherness with family members who puzzle with you. The family that puzzles together has fun together. A 300-piece puzzle takes approximately two to three hours to complete, so it's the perfect activity for enjoying cozy winter evenings indoors as a family. Puzzling not only gets your kids away from their screens and gadgets, it also creates a collaborative atmosphere
that can inspire lively conversation while you all puzzle together. In fact, according to a CBS report, jigsaw puzzles were originally designed to be an educational tool — they were first invented in the 1760s as a way to teach British children geography, then gained popularity in the United States during the Great Depression for both entertainment and employment purposes. Whether you are a long-time puzzler or just starting out, there is an endless variety of puzzles to enjoy on your own or with your family that are sure to become a part of your relaxation and stress-relief strategy this year.(BPT) l
Changes to Family Detention/from page 6 Both facilities are in rural areas far from bus stations or airports, making travel arrangements that much harder. The logistics raise doubts that ICE will release families after three days. If implemented correctly, ICE’s “reception centers” could be the beginning of a successful shift from a focus on detaining asylum seekers to a focus on receiving them with welcome and dignity. ICE should next transition this task to community-based organizations near the border, which are best suited for it, to create a truly welcoming reception process for people fleeing violence and persecution. The federal government should provide grants to these organizations as it has done for the Legal Orientation Program. Temporary lodging and other services should be offered to those who need it but not required of anyone who is ready to travel to their destination. Asylum seekers can then pursue their immigration case in our communities, where studies show they appear for court at high rates. ICE’s history of neglect and abuse will continue for as long as people are held in its custody, regardless of the language used to describe its facilities. The Biden administration should move quickly from their current plan of decreasing this harm to eliminating it completely.l
BIDEN ADMINISTRATION
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President Biden Ends Part of Trump’s Ban on Legal Immigration BY KATY MURDZA
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resident Biden has ended a 10month ban on immigrant visas— the COVID-19 immigrant visa ban. The Trump administration issued the ban in April 2020 in the name of “protecting” American jobs during the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The real purpose was not to provide any meaningful economic benefit, but to achieve the largescale reduction in legal immigration that President Trump had long wanted. The ban blocked family-based immigration to the United States. This included U.S. citizens bringing their parents and adult children to the United States, and lawful permanent residents bringing their spouses and children. The spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens and the families of active-duty troops were exempted from the ban. It also blocked people immigrating to the United States through their employer. Last year, a court ruling exempted employers that belong to several large professional organizations from the ban.
Congress Has an Opportunity to Be Equitable and Inclusive If They Improve the Dream and Promise Act National coalition of Latin American immigrant-led organizations want to see positive progress
President Joe Biden Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com
Trump’s proclamation also kept out winners of the diversity visa lottery, which allows 55,000 immigrants from underrepresented countries come to the United States each year. Thousands of people came close to losing their visas completely, before a judge stopped them from expiring. Biden still has not ended a similar ban on non-immigrant work visas, set to expire on March 31. The ban continues to block exchange and temporary worker visas, harming a wide range of sectors of the economy. Like the immigrant visa ban, there is no evidence that it helps American workers.
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Both bans used the same legal authority that Trump used to order the Muslim Ban, which Biden rescinded on Inauguration Day. Biden has proposed legislation that would limit presidential authority to issue future immigration bans. Although the ban applied to both family- and employment-based visas, familybased immigration was most affected. The bans only suspended the issuance of new immigrant visas to people outside of the U.S., not those who adjust their status from within the U.S. to obtain a green card. Department of Homeland Security data show that over 94% of noncitizens who obtained permanent residency through family ties did so from abroad, and therefore would be affected by the ban. 80% of those who applied for green cards through the employment-based categories did so from within the United States and so would not be affected. Furthermore, unused family-based visas become available on the employment-based side in the next fiscal year (FY). Because of this, there will be 261,000 immigrant visas available for immigrant workers in FY 2021—nearly double the annual allocation, and a historically high number. Although the end of the ban is a welcome relief to families waiting to be reunited, its delays will be felt for years. The ban significantly contributed to the backlog of family-based visas, which has now reached 437,000. The immigrant visa ban was never an effective option to help the struggling U.S. economy. The overall economic effects of immigration are positive. Many jobs remain unfilled if immigrants do not fill them. Americans are often unwilling to take certain low-wage jobs, and high-wage jobs require specific qualifications. This was one of many examples of the Trump administration using the COVID19 pandemic as an excuse to implement its anti-immigrant agenda. The Biden administration should continue working to mitigate the damage of these policies.l
Read more at www.311immigration.com
Representative Nydia Velasquez. Editorial credit: a katz / Shutterstock.com
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HICAGO: Alianza Americas and Presente.org call on Congress to be equitable and inclusive in their efforts to ensure protection for immigrant communities. The Dream and Promise Act as introduced by U.S. Reps. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Calif.), Nydia Velazquez (D-N.Y.), and Katherine Clark (D-N.Y.) provides permanent status to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) holders and others who entered the U.S. as minors, Temporary Status Protection (TPS) holders, and Deferred Enforcement Departure (DED) holders. Unfortunately, the bill incorporates exclusionary and harmful provisions. The following is a joint statement from Alianza Americas and Presente.org: “Alianza Americas’ network of more than 50 immigrant-led organizations welcomes legislation that provides permanent status to community members who have lived in the U.S. for decades and are already permanent residents of this country, but for their status. Unfortunately, the Dream and Promise Act brings in harmful, exclusionary provisions without recognition of the institutional racism that plagues the criminal system, as well as our current immigration policy and system. We believe Congress can and should do better,” said Oscar Chacón, executive director of Alianza Americas. “Presente.org and Alianza Americas are committed to permanent status, full human rights, and inclusion of immigrant communities across the United States. This bill is an important step linking TPS holders and those who entered the U.S. as children — as well as others who have temporary protections. The exclusionary provisions present in this bill, however, would result in continuing to leave many of our community members out,” said Matt Nelson, executive director of Presente.org.l
CIVIL RIGHTS
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87 Doctors Join Organizers and Advocates’ Call to Free People From ICE Custody and Close Irwin County Detention Center in Georgia BY THE SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER (SPLC)
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TLANTA: A national group of medical experts is calling on top immigration officials to immediately release the hundreds of people who remain detained in a South Georgia detention facility amid reports of new COVID-19 outbreaks at the facility. In a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, the advocacy group Doctors for Camp Closure warned of the grave risk of continuing to detain people at the Irwin County Detention Center (ICDC) in Ocilla, Ga. “People detained in ICDC fear for their lives as at least three different housing units have gone under lockdown in recent weeks due to apparent outbreaks of COVID-19,” reads the letter. “We strongly recommend that ICE immediately release the people detained at ICDC
NEW YORK, NY: FEBRUARY 15: Demonstrators call to "Free Them All" during an Abolish ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) protest for Javier Maradiaga on February 15, 2021 in New York City. Editorial credit: Ron Adar / Shutterstock.com
to prevent the spread of COVID-19 throughout the facility and protect the well-being of staff, community and those being held within the facility.” Citing interviews and letters from immigrants who remain detained at
ICDC, and instances of ICE’s own negligence, the group details the dangerous conditions inside the prison where the spread of COVID-19 continues. “It is a matter of ‘when,’ rather than ‘if’ our pod will be infected by the virus,”
said one of men detained at ICDC in a recent letter. According to the medical experts, the “filthy, unsanitary” conditions and tight quarters of ICDC exacerbate the threat of COVID-19. “Considering the immediate threat of the COVID-19 epidemic and the unique vulnerabilities of immigrants in ICE detention, it is impossible to ensure a ‘safe, secure and humane environment,’ as required by ICE’s own National Detention Standards,” write the doctors. The letter comes amid increasing momentum from advocates and organizers who are calling on the new administration to release people from ICE detention and shutter the prisons for good. On Sunday at 1:30pm EST, organizers with Somos South Georgia and other organizations held a rally outside ICDC. The letter from Doctors for Camp Closure follows the work of organizers, law clinics and lawyers, who have been continued on page 10
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CIVIL RIGHTS Free People from ICE Custody
/from page 9 tracking health risks in ICDC since 2020. Lawyers with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s (SPLC) Southeast Immigrant Freedom Initiative and law students from the University of Georgia School of Law's Community Health Law Partnership Clinic, Columbia Law School's Immigrants' Rights Clinic, Boston University School of Law's Immigrants' Rights & Human Trafficking Program, Harvard Law School's Immigration & Refugee Clinical Program, and Texas A&M University School of Law's Immigrant Rights Clinic, have been filing release requests for people still detained at ICDC, pursuant to Fraihat v. ICE. The new administration has no time to waste in releasing everyone from ICE custody, say advocates. In the past year, a health care provider at ICDC lost her life due to COVID. And there have been staggering COVID-19 outbreaks at other prisons, including nearby Stewart Detention Center, where at least four people have already lost their lives to COVID-19. “People on the inside have been raising the alarm of the deadly threat of COVID19 for nearly a year now, yet more than 13,000 migrants still remain trapped in congregate settings under ICE’s authority,” said Laura Rivera, director of SPLC’s Southeast Immigrant Freedom
Initiative. “ICE must take seriously the demands of migrants and take swift action to release migrants to their families and communities, where they can take the precautions necessary to safeguard their own health.”
•The national advocacy group Detention Watch Network declared ICDC among the “First Ten” of all immigration detention facilities that the Biden administration should prioritize for closure due to “overwhelming evidence of abuse and neglect.”
Background and Related Resources •Hundreds of people still remain inside ICDC, which contracts with ICE to detain migrants. ICDC is operated by the private prison company LaSalle Corrections, and the facility also operates as a county jail.
•SPLC and partners previously filed a habeas petition in April of 2020 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia to file for the release of medically vulnerable individuals in the facility. The petition included allegations about the individuals’ underlying health conditions, unmet medical needs, and experiences begging for medical treatment, as well as the jails’ failure to address the risk of mass transmission.l
•Fraihat v. ICE is a nationwide class action lawsuit filed by SPLC and partners. A federal judge ordered ICE to make custody determinations for individuals with COVID-19 risk factors and to implement widespread testing and mitigating safeguards. •ICDC came under the national spotlight last year when a nurse blew the whistle against Mahendra Amin, a gynecologist accused of subjecting women detained there to unconsented to invasive and medically unnecessary procedures. Federal litigation is challenging the medical abuse, including gynecological abuse, and retaliation that women have suffered at ICDC for years. SPLC last year assisted women in filing medical grievances with the Georgia Medical Composite Board.
Doctors for Camp Closure is a non-partisan organization of over 3,000 physicians and healthcare professionals from all specialties who oppose the inhumane detention of migrants and refugees who are attempting to enter the United States of America. Learn more at https://d4cc.nationbuilder.com/ and follow at @Doc4CampClosure The SPLC is a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people.
ITIN/from page 1 States who can request a tax benefit. What documents do I need to apply for the ITIN? To apply for the ITIN, the identity of the applicant and its foreign character must be proven. The documents are the following: Passport, identification card, driver’s license from the United States or from the country of origin, official birth certificate for minors under 18 years of age, visa, American or foreign military card, or foreign steering wheel card. How do I apply? To apply for the ITIN, you must use the W-7 form. If you are going to do it alone, we recommend that you follow these instructions to complete the form. There are several options to file the form. You can take it in person to an IRS office Services provided at these centers are by appointment only. You can make an appointment by calling 844-545-5640. Visit IRS.gov/W7ReviewDocuments for a list of Tax Assistance Centers (TACs) that have been designated to offer the document verification service for ITINs. TACs that do not provide document verification services for ITINs will mail original documents, Form W-7, and tax returns to the IRS processing center in Austin for processing. Submit it by mail Submit Form W-7, your United States federal income tax return (if applicable), or other required documents under an exception, and the documents listed under Requirements for Supporting Documents, above, to: Internal Revenue Service ITIN Operation P.O. Box 149342 Austin, TX 78714-9342 Submit it by private delivery service If you use a private delivery service to send your Form W-7 (SP), send Form W7 (SP), your United States federal tax return (if applicable), or other documents required under an exception, and the documents indicated under Requirements for Supporting Documents, above, to: Internal Revenue Service ITIN Operation Mail Stop 6090-AUSC 3651 S. Interregional, Hwy 35 Austin, TX 78741-0000 Through a processing agent You can also apply for an ITIN through one of two types of IRS-authorized processing agents. These are a: •Acceptance Agent (AA) •Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) •An Acceptance Agent (AA) How long does the process take? The process to receive a tax identification number takes about 7 weeks after submitting the request. l
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11
LEGISLATIVE NEWS
Applaud for Introduction of Immigration Reform Legislation with Inclusive Measures that Expand Access to Citizenship, Due Process, and Economic Opportunities
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ASHINGTON, D.C.: U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (DMass.), U.S. Representative Grace Meng (D-N.Y.), and the National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA), a leading national coalition of 41 immigrant and refugee rights organizations, including the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) and the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), applaud the inclusion of New Deal for New Americans Act provisions in President Joseph Biden’s U.S. Citizenship Act. The U.S. Citizenship Act, proposed by the Biden administration and introduced by U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D- N.J.) and Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (DCalif.) last month, creates a path to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants. The act also includes several provisions from the New Deal for New Americans Act, which Senator Markey and Congresswoman Meng re-introduced in Congress last week. Among the provisions are: •funding for community-based organizations that help eligible individuals apply for permanent residency and citizenship, and offer English-language learning and workforce development programs; •facilitating naturalization for the elderly and U.S. high school graduates; •creating the U.S. Citizenship and Integration Foundation to expand and identify best practices in naturalization assistance while developing a national promotion campaign to encourage the millions of eligible immigrants to naturalize; and •creating a pilot program to encourage state and local governments' efforts to integrate immigrants. The U.S. Citizenship Act also promotes the ideals within the New Deal for New Americans Act that all people facing deportation should have the right to an attorney, at government expense if they can’t afford it, by requiring the U.S. Attorney General to appoint lawyers for children, vulnerable individuals, and the parents of U.S. citizen children who are in immigration court. “Right now is the moment to make our vision for a just, dignified, and welcoming immigration system a reality,” Senator Markey said. “It is time to view our immigration policy through a lens of citizenship and provide resources and opportunity to all those who wish to make the United States home. It is encouraging to see the Biden administration adopt several measures from our New Deal for New Americans Act, and I am hopeful we can work together to
Editorial credit: Ryan Rodrick Beiler / Shutterstock.com
make these long overdue and most-necessary changes to our immigration system.” “At the recent National Partnership for New American’s virtual town hall, Senator Markey and I laid out our vision on how this great country can build an immigration system that is inclusive and welcoming of immigrants and refugees,” said Representative Meng. “We recently re-introduced our New Deal for New Americans Act, and I am thrilled that ten provisions from our bill were included in the U.S. Citizenship Act, which seeks to provide many sweeping improvements to our immigration system. This includes funding for community-based and nonprofit organizations for English language learning classes to reach more immigrants and equip them with better language access; funding for qualifying organizations to educate and equip immigrants with occupational skills needed to secure or advance in employment; and Waiver of English Requirement for Senior New Americans to tear down a barrier for eligible older immigrants applying for naturalization. This development stands in sharp contrast to the previous administration’s vilification of immigrants. From the Muslim Ban to separating families at the border, we unequivocally reject that dystopian effort to reimagine our country. We offer a better vision of our shared future and send a signal to all who would seek refuge here that immigrants and refugees are welcomed. I look forward to helping to send the U.S. Citizenship Act to President Biden’s desk.” “We are encouraged that the Biden administration, Senator Menendez, and Congresswoman Sánchez included significant integration provisions into the U.S. Citizenship Act,” said Nicole Melaku, NPNA’s executive director. “In addition to creating a path to citizenship, we need that path to be accessible and inclusive, and we need it to be accompa-
nied by commonsense investments that expand economic opportunities.” "The New Deal for New Americans makes clear our country's commitment to families by creating the policies and programs that will allow each and every one
of us to thrive. Expanding access to citizenship, due process, and economic opportunities are critical elements of necessary immigration reform,” said Rovika Rajkishun, interim co-executive director of NYIC. “We need a road to citizenship for our communities to be accompanied by a fundamental shift in how the federal government treats immigrants and refugees and invests in their development and wellbeing in order for America to embark on the path to recovery.” “As we continue to struggle with the coronavirus pandemic and economic recession, is it now clearer than ever that we must be in this together in order to survive and thrive,” said Eva Millona, president and CEO of MIRA. “The New Deal for New Americans Act creates this framework for including all, and we look forward to making this proposal a reality.” l
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IN THE NEWS
12
With More Than 1 Million Uninsured, New York Needs Immediate Comprehensive Health-Care for All BY JESSICA GONZÁLEZ-ROJAS & THEO OSHIRO
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he pandemic has been raging throughout New York for nearly a year, killing tens of thousands of our neighbors and dramatically altering every New Yorker’s life. None of us have been untouched by this deadly virus. Throughout this year, the critical need for access to health care has become more clear than ever. So too have the gaping inequities across our state. And, while Governor Cuomo has claimed to make confronting the pandemic his number one priority, he has cut Medicaid and other vital health services. This includes reducing or eliminating certain public health programs, specifically, reducing the reimbursement rate for general public health work to 10% in the fiscal year 2022 budget. In the current year’s budget (fiscal 2021), this matching funding for New York City was cut from 36% to 20%, which resulted in a cut of $65 million to vital public programs and services in the city. These services include family health, communicable disease control, chronic disease prevention, community health assessment, emergency preparedness, and environmental health. Furthermore, there continues to be a Medicaid global cap that imposes automatic cuts when Medicaid spending hits a predetermined threshold. Last year, Medicaid had across-the-board cuts of 1.5%, and this year New York plans to
again implement cuts of 1%. Under Cuomo’s leadership, the state has not taken the needed measures to make affordable, high-quality health care coverage available to every New Yorker, regardless of immigration status. It’s time the State Legislature takes action to change that. Lourdes Narvaez is a 24-year-old immigrant from Ecuador. Early in the pandemic, like many other thousands of community members in Jackson Heights, Queens, Lourdes contracted COVID-19. At the time, she did not dare go to a hospital or a clinic to receive medical attention for fear of a more severe contagion. Even if she had wanted to, the hospitals were overcapacity. And, as someone who doesn’t qualify for health insurance because of her immigration status, she didn’t have a doctor to call to discuss her
health or how to treat the coronavirus. She was very afraid of the virus, but she was also afraid of seeking care and later being burdened with medical debt. Lourdes is one of 1.1 million New Yorkers who do not have health insurance, and one of 240,000 low-income people with income below 200% of the federal poverty level who specifically lack insurance because of their immigration status. New York can and must take action to ensure that every New Yorker, regardless of immigration status or anything else, has access to health insurance and the coverage we need. Members of both the New York State Assembly and Senate have gathered for a health-focused hearing and the solutions are clear. First, the New York Health Act (NYHA) would ensure comprehensive coverage
for every New Yorker. All New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status, would be covered for primary, preventive, and specialty care; hospitalizations; mental health; reproductive health; dental, vision; and more. They would also be able to choose their medical providers, instead of being restricted by insurance companies. The NYHA would pay for all covered services, ensuring individuals can access care without unaffordable copays, deductibles, or premiums. As we proceed toward passing the New York Health Act, New York should also take immediate action to ensure that immigrants like Lourdes have access to health care. We must in the upcoming budget due by April 1 allocate $13 million to create a temporary state-funded Essential Plan for all New Yorkers with income up to 200% of the federal poverty level, who have had COVID-19, and who are excluded from coverage because of their immigration status. New York should also dedicate a portion of new revenue to make all low-income undocumented New Yorkers eligible for a statefunded Essential Plan. Unfortunately, instead of exploring the big, bold solutions that we need to meet the scale of this crisis, Governor Cuomo has time and again resorted to budget cuts that tear at the safety net — by cutting Medicaid, withholding payments from municipalities and communitybased providers, and more. At this point, the administration has also confirmed that it knowingly withheld information on nursing home deaths, while several health department officials have left. And in the face of loud calls across the state to tax the wealthiest New Yorkers to prevent cuts to care and instead of focusing on meeting the scale of communities’ needs, the governor has spread lies: lowballing the amount that could be raised through progressive taxation, and fearmongering that billionaires will leave. It’s time to stop trying to protect the rich and powerful, and instead orient New York to meet the needs of lowincome and working-class New Yorkers, particularly those of color. Passing the New York Health Act — and, in the interim, creating a state-funded Essential Plan for all New Yorkers earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level — is the best way to demonstrate that commitment.l
Jessica González-Rojas is the State Assembly Member representing New York’s 34th District in Queens. Theo Oshiro is the Deputy Director, and incoming Co-Executive Director, of Make the Road New York. This Op-Ed originally appeared in the Gotham Gazette on March 03, 2021.
HEALTH MATTERS
13
Diabetes is Focus for National Kidney Month
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ew York, NY: In honor of National Kidney Month which starts today, the National Kidney Foundation's (NKF) national public awareness campaign, "Are You the 33%?” enters a new phase focusing on the connection between type 2 diabetes (T2D) and kidney disease, also known as chronic kidney disease (CKD). NKF urges everyone to find out if they’re the 1 in 3 at risk for developing kidney disease by taking a one-minute quiz at MinuteForYourKidneys.org. Diabetes is a leading risk factor for developing kidney disease. Over time, having high blood sugar from diabetes can cause damage inside your kidneys. But it doesn’t have to end up this way; because with careful control of glucose (sugar) levels, there is evidence that you can prevent kidney disease in people with diabetes. Award-winning actress, Debbie Allen joined the campaign as the T2D Campaign Celebrity Spokesperson in February, Black History Month, to help promote awareness of diabetes as a leading cause for developing chronic kidney disease. Allen has a family history of diabetes and was recently diagnosed with pre-diabetes. On March 11th, World Kidney Day, people with T2D will have a unique opportunity to attend a virtual fireside chat to hear Debbie Allen’s per-
sonal story first-hand. Allen will be joined by NKF’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Joseph Vassalotti and a patient advocate with T2D and chronic kidney disease. Participants will have the opportunity to ask the speakers their own questions via a chat function. See registration details. Note this event is not open to media. “Millions of adults in the U.S. are walking around with kidney disease and don’t even know it. And if you have type 2 diabetes you are at increased risk for developing kidney disease,” said Kevin Longino, CEO of National Kidney Foundation and a kidney transplant patient. “Having kidney disease also puts you at greater risk of developing lifethreatening complications from COVID19, so it’s really important that people go
to our one minute quiz and find out about their kidney health.” People of certain racial and ethnic groups are more likely to develop kidney disease than others. Blacks or African Americans are 13 percent of the U.S. population, but represent 35 percent of those with kidney failure. Hispanics or Latinos are 1.3 times as likely as nonHispanics/Latinos to develop kidney failure. A leading cause of kidney disease is diabetes which is more prevalent in these communities. Everyone needs to know about kidney disease, but especially if you have any one of these additional risk factors: high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and family history of kidney disease. “With 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. at risk for developing kidney disease, we must
urgently transform understanding risk into taking actions to protect kidney health,” said Joseph Vassalotti, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at the NKF. “We want to help millions of Americans who have type 2 diabetes – those at highest risk for developing kidney disease – by encouraging them to talk to their doctors to learn if testing and other treatments are right for them.” The “Are You the 33%?” campaign urges T2D patients and everyone with a risk factor to learn more by taking a simple, one-minute online quiz at MinuteForYourKidneys.org. The campaign microsite is available in both English and Spanish at MinuteForYourKidneys.org. Patients should also ask their doctors about two simple tests to diagnose kidney disease: a specific urine test, called uACR, and a calculated blood test, called eGFR. In addition, Healthy.io, the creator of smartphone urinalysis, is partnering with the NKF to offer its home urine albuminto-creatinine ratio (uACR) test kit, free of charge, to people with type 2 diabetes who are at increased risk for developing kidney disease. Take the one-minute quiz at MinuteForYourKidneys.org. Join the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #MinuteForYourKidneys. l
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At this consultation, we will discuss issues that include: Nursing home costs- the myth of the 昀ve year look back The advantages of Wills, Living Trusts & Probate How to maintain your privacy and protect your estate if you become disabled (Hint: Not all Powers of Attorney are valid) Why putting property in children’s names may be a mistake Protect one’s spouse when the other needs nursing home care Preserve your estate for your kids if your surviving spouse gets married How Probate works and more importantly, how to avoid probate How you can qualify and use Medi-Cal to pay for nursing home expenses Provide for special needs (disabled) children and grandchildren How you may be able to minimize federal and state taxes
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HOW TO GET A GREEN CARD
14
Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes with H-1B Electronic Registration
T
he H-1B program applies to employers seeking to hire nonimmigrant aliens as workers in specialty occupations or as fashion models of distinguished merit and ability. A specialty occupation is one that requires the application of a body of highly specialized knowledge and the attainment of at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. The intent of the H-1B provisions is to help employers who cannot otherwise obtain needed business skills and abilities from the U.S. workforce by authorizing the temporary employment of qualified individuals who are not otherwise authorized to work in the United States. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) during last year’s H-1B electronic registration period, the top two user errors were: ●Creating the wrong type of account; and ●Entering the same beneficiary more than once. Make Sure You Create the Right Type of Account There are three types of USCIS online accounts: 1. Applicant/petitioner/requestor account
only has one registration submitted for the beneficiary. To avoid multiple entries, use the tool we provide to download a .csv file and search for duplicate entries. Also, we recommend that attorneys and authorized individuals who work for the same company coordinate before submitting their registrations.
– Individuals use this type of account to prepare and file applications, petitions or other benefit requests. You cannot use this account type to prepare or submit H1B registrations. 2. Attorney/representative account – If you are an attorney or accredited representative submitting H-1B registrations on behalf of a prospective petitioner, select this option. You will also be able to submit Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative. 3. Registrant account – This is the account that a prospective petitioner must create in order participate in the H1B registration process, regardless of whether the prospective petitioner will be
using an attorney or accredited representative to submit the registration. Avoid Duplicate Entries A prospective petitioner may only have one registration submitted per beneficiary per fiscal year. Once the initial registration period has closed, if the prospective petitioner has more than one registration submitted for the same beneficiary, we will remove all registrations submitted for that beneficiary by that prospective petitioner from the selection process. This does not prevent other prospective petitioners or their representatives from submitting registrations for that same beneficiary, but they too need to ensure that each prospective petitioner
H-1B Beneficiary Image If you discover you or your representative submitted more than one registration for the same person and the initial registration period is still open (before noon Eastern on March 25, 2021), you can go into your account and delete the extra submission(s) until there is only one registration for the beneficiary. We do not refund the $10 fee if you delete a duplicate registration. If you discover that you or your representative submitted more than one registration for the same person and the initial registration period has closed (after noon Eastern on March 25, 2021), there is no way to correct this error. We will remove all registrations submitted for the beneficiary by, or on behalf of, that prospective petitioner from the selection process.l
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We Speak NYC Conversation Classes are now online! We Speak NYC (WSNYC), developed by the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, is an Emmy Award-winning English language learning program for intermediate level learners. WSNYC provides civic-focused instruction through videos, education materials, community conversation classes, an interactive website, and now, in response to COVID-19 and the need for social distancing, We Speak NYC is offering online conversation classes! Participants can register to be a part of an online community and safely meet people, learn about NYC services, and practice their English conversation skills with peers. Each class covers information on important topics such as workers' rights, healthcare, and workforce development. Want to participate? Visit nyc.gov/learnenglish to find a class at a time that works for you!
https://wespeaknyc.cityofnewyork.us/wsnyc-online-classes/
JOBS & RECESSION
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How to Learn More About New Virtual Internship Programs
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t's not news that the COVID-19 pandemic has put a damper on learning opportunities for high school and college students. Unfortunately, that's been especially true for underrepresented students, who often face roadblocks in accessing professional opportunities. One glaring issue is that the in-person internships so crucial to on-the-job experience have been largely unavailable in this time of remote learning. As a result, students are missing out on the chance to participate in real-world work settings, gaining practical new skills, networking with other professionals and growing further in their careers. That's a big deal, given the importance of that experience to both employers, who are seeking to hire future leaders, and job applicants. Prior to the pandemic, a 2019 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that 58% of graduating college seniors who received full-time job offers had completed internships - and notably, they received 16% more job offers than those not privy to internships. The good news? Nonprofit organization The Center for Excellence in Life (TCEL) has stepped up to launch the
first-ever paid virtual internship program geared specifically toward underrepresented students and uniquely focused on nurturing students beyond job skills in a specific field. This program already has served more than 80 Black, Latinx and Asian students in the U.S. in 2020. And with help from new supporters, its founders hope to provide many more with valuable work experiences throughout 2021 and beyond. "Today's students are our future workforce and leaders, but even with hope on the horizon for COVID-19, the negative consequences for underrepresented students can be long-lasting," notes TCEL
founder Mary Stutts. "At TCEL, we seek to help students understand what is possible and achieve their goals, by providing access, connections, exposure, and development of the 'whole person.'" Here's what you should know about the program, whether you're a prospective intern, a company wishing to participate, or a donor interested in providing financial support for underrepresented students: Internships are available in multiple fields. TCEL arranges remote learning opportunities in disciplines ranging from STEM fields to communications, finance, life sciences, fashion, digital
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entertainment and more. The internships are structured so company mentors regularly work online with participants to help them experience practical, real-life settings and situations, as they develop the multifaceted skillsets and perspectives the future workforce needs. And the program is intended to be accessible to all — for example, in 2020, 13% of the TCEL interns without access to a computer completed the program using only their phones. Supporting the "whole person" is key. For TCEL interns, education goes beyond specific career tracks, with every intern participating in the "Whole Person" track. Access to this unique training teaches interns how to define a personal brand, build a career while balancing multiple interests, better understand personal finances and care for their mental health. "The TCEL interns I spoke with wanted to better understand financial topics," notes John Clay, a vice president at Morgan Stanley and TCEL mentor. "As a result, I joined forces with TCEL to continue providing financial mentoring sessions for all cohorts, to build foundations for future interns' personal and professional successes." Mental health struggles are at a dangerous high for young people. More than 90% of TCEL's 2020 interns wrote in their application essays of experiences with anxiety and depression, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, racial and social unrest, and a lack of opportunity. That's why Kaiser Permanente became a TCEL sponsor. Its mental health professionals will provide mental health-focused mentoring sessions — so that participants are more equipped to help themselves and others. Would-be interns should apply now. Because the goal is to impact students early in their education, interns can apply as high school juniors and seniors or college freshmen and sophomores. In 2021, internships will be available in the spring, summer and fall. Throughout the program, students receive stipends to help cover expenses as they work, since unpaid internships present a barrier for some students. "My goal is to serve as an ambassador for the United Nations, and I know that there's a great need for more women and people of color in ambassadorship roles," notes TCEL intern Kaylyn Goode, a George Washington University sophomore studying international affairs. "The TCEL internship provided me with important connections and knowledge as I work to achieve great things." TCEL's overall mission is to mentor, inspire and empower youth and adult professionals in the pursuit of excellence. Potential participants in the TCEL Virtual Internship Program are encouraged to apply at TheExcellentLifeCenter.org. (BPT)l
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18
WELCOME TO AMERICA
Trump’s Citizenship Test Scrapped by USCIS Over Politicization and Complexity Concerns BY MELISSA CRUZ
U
SCIS has scrapped a 2020 version of the U.S. citizenship test implemented during the final months of the Trump administration. The test applied to naturalization applications filed after December 1, 2020. Its replacement—the 2008 version of the test— began appearing again in naturalization interviews on March 1, 2021. The Trump-era version added 28 new questions that immigration advocates and attorneys criticized for being overly complicated and confusing, especially for people who do not speak English as their first language. It was seen as another attempt by the former administration to keep immigrants from obtaining U.S. citizenship. In announcing the decision to resume the 2008 test, USCIS said: “We determined the 2020 civics test development process, content, testing procedures, and implementation schedule may inadvertently create potential
barriers to the naturalization process.” Applicants for naturalization will again need to study 100 potential questions about U.S. history and government functions. USCIS officials ask 10 of those questions during a person’s naturalization interview. People must answer at least six correctly throughout the interview; the Trump version required correct answers on 12 out of 20 potential questions. The Trump administration’s test was also criticized for its inaccuracies and politicization. For example, the test asked “Who does a U.S. senator represent?” The answer in the Trump version of the test was limited to “citizens of their state.” The 2008 version had correctly identified the group to be “all of the people of their state,” which includes undocumented people and noncitizens living in senators’ states. Any immigrant who “erroneously” believed their state’s U.S. senator repre-
sented them and their interests prior to naturalization would have been wrong— according to the test launched under the Trump administration. Advocates were also concerned about how the test was developed. For the pre-
vious version, the government consulted with more than 150 organizations, including educators, historians, and English as a second language experts over a seven-year period before launching the test. Volunteers also took the test to ensure it was challenging but passable. The Trump administration was not as transparent or thorough during the development of its citizenship test. According to the Migrant Policy Institute: “[Trump administration officials] explained that they had received input from ‘experts in the field of adult education’ and that they tested it with an undisclosed number of volunteers during the summer of 2020.” The Biden administration’s decision to revert back to the 2008 citizenship test is a definite step in the right direction. To be a nation that embraces people who want to invest their futures here, U.S. citizenship should remain inviting and accessible—not restricted by political gatekeeping.l
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This Citizenship Program does not apply to anyone who has ever been arrested since getting their Green Card.
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