Finding solutions: Forum discusses immigration system shortfalls Nov 21, 2008
The New Americans Agenda is a comprehensive statewide initiative to better integrate refugees and immigrants into Massachusetts economic and civic life. Among the local representatives on the appointed citizen panel were Ernie Hadley of the Barnstable County Human Rights Commission who said something needs to be done about the fear immigrants feel and the difficulty they have accessing assistance. (Yarmouth Register, MA)
Blood drive for state employees comes to Tewksbury Aug 6, 2008
Rehabilitation Commission; the Office for Refugees and Immigrants; the Soldiers Homes in Chelsea and Holyoke, and the Departments of: Public Health; Mental Health; Children and Families; Youth Services; Transitional Assistance; Veterans Services; and Mental Retardation. The American Red Cross has been a primary supplier of lifesaving blood products in the United States for more than 50 years. (Tewksbury Advocate, MA)
ASU lecturer honored for work with refugees Aug 3, 2008
At ASU, she is developing an elective course for the college's Department of Social Work titled "Working with Refugees and Immigrants," that will be offered to social-work students in the spring. "What I have learned through all this is that we, as human beings, can live in peace together, respect each other, and enjoy our cultural differences as well as our similarities," she said. (AZCentral -- News)
Exeter/Hampton/Rockingham area community calendar Aug 1, 2008
This camp pilot is called "Friendship: The Route to Peace." This will be a comprehensive, multicultural camp experience for American middle-school age boys from Exeter and Manchester and their classmates who are refugees and immigrants from many different cultures. Anyone interested in becoming involved in this rare opportunity and wishes to provide materials or would like more information about this weekend summer camp, may call Marilyn Fellows Kellogg at 642-4864. (Seacoast New Hampshire)
Vietnamese advocacy group aims to survive Jul 19, 2008
The association had been thriving with contracts from state and federal agencies to run services for Vietnamese refugees and immigrants from throughout the area. But three months ago, the board of directors learned of a budget gap after its executive director became ill, Tran said. (Boston Globe)
Beacon Hill Roll Call Jul 15, 2008
The order requires the Governor's Advisory Council on Refugees and Immigrants and the Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants to issue, within 10 months, their recommendations for a comprehensive immigrant integration agenda. Hike cigarette tax by $1 per pack (H 4899) Gov. Patrick signed into law a bill immediately raising the tax on cigarettes by $1 per pack, from $1. (Beverly Citizen, MA)
Initiative seeks to aid immigrants Jul 13, 2008
The meetings will be organized by the governor's Ad visory Council on Refugees and Immigrants; the Office for Refugees and Immigrants; and the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, the state's largest advocacy group ... Richard Chac n, executive director of the Office for Refugees and Immigrants, said he expected that illegal immigration issues would come up at the meetings ... "It's a necessity if we're going to come up with a meaningful plan for our refugees and immigrants... (Boston Globe)
Patrick: Immigrants part of every 'giant' economic step Jul 13, 2008
On Wednesday, Patrick issued an executive order instructing his Advisory Council on Refugees and Immigrants and the Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants to identify policies to integrate immigrants and refugees and create educational opportunities that lead to economic success, greater levels of citizenship and civic engagement. Patrick has taken a series of steps welcomed by immigrant advocates, including repealing former Gov. Mitt Romney s official encouragement of certain trained... (Belmont Citizen Herald, MA)
Nonprofit prepares immigrants for citizenship Jul 4, 2008
Leila is one of 10 people taking a class aimed at preparing refugees and immigrants for citizenship exams, and helping them through the naturalization process ... The class, funded by federal grant money, is also about culture and introducing refugees and immigrants to other members of the community ... Reader CommentsAdded: Friday July 04, 2008 at 06:07 AM ESTMr BillIf a person wishes to know about refugees and immigrants by meeting and working with them, IRIS has many opportunities for... (New Haven Register, CT)
Asia hostile to refugees Jun 20, 2008
The annual study, conducted by the US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), a non-governmental group, also showed the total number of refugees growing to 14 million at the end of 2007, the largest it has been since 2001. Driving the growth again were Iraqi refugees, with more than 550 000 fleeing their country. (iAfrica.com)
Report Slams U.S. Over Iraq Refugee Crisis Jun 20, 2008
As before, most went to neighboring Syria, and some fanned out into other neighboring countries, the survey by the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants said. It said the United States accepted few, just over half the 3,000 it had promised to resettle by the end of September. (CBS News -- World)
OUT OF AFRICA: Flavors from across the Atlantic suddenly all over the U.S. Jun 11, 2008
Census figures show more than a million African-born refugees and immigrants were living in the U.S. in 2002, more than double the number from a decade earlier. It also helps that Americans are finding the flavor profile of many African cuisines -- hot, spicy and sweet -- approachable, in part because it's a trio found in other already popular cuisines, such as Hispanic. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Language art Jun 2, 2008
His students all came to Literacy Volunteers via the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants; Anamiolya's wife is the director of USCRI's Albany office. Anamiolya says his classes help him understand and learn the language better. (Albany Times Union)
A spin on growing May 22, 2008
Thatcher, an administrator for a community agency that works with refugees and immigrants, found out about SPIN farming on the Internet. He came to the workshop to help his clients start a community garden, feed themselves and possibly make a living. (The Citizen's Voice, PA)
URBAN FARMING IS TAKING ROOT May 21, 2008
Mr. Thatcher, an administrator for a community agency that works with refugees and immigrants, found out about SPIN farming on the Internet. He came to the workshop to help his clients start a community garden, feed themselves and possibly make a living. (Scranton Times, PA)
South Africans take out rage on immigrants May 21, 2008
At least 22 people are dead, hundreds injured and an estimated 4,000 have been left homeless, most of them refugees and immigrants from other African countries. "The sudden eruption of xenophobic savagery has forced South Africans into a moment of uncomfortable self-reckoning, as the newspapers and TV screens fill with images of ethnic-based brutality of a kind not seen since the darkest days of apartheid, and considered part of the past in this country, which fancies itself to be Africa's... (Globe and Mail -- International)
Storyteller weaves small details into large lessons about life May 16, 2008
"Our journey is not a peculiar story. Many have the story of refugees and immigrants. People who came to a new place trailing stories. In Cuba, we have so many kinds of stories - bedtime stories (stories for the cradle), over-the-table stories that we share at night, in the afternoon or at family reunions. My very favorite are the ones we tell about each other. Southerners call that 'telling stories on each other,' as if a heavy burden was placed on someone - and sometimes it's a crushing... (Dowagiac News, MI)
Promised land?Why EU migrants choose to move a second time to UK Mar 27, 2008
But every year refugees and immigrants who have gained citizenship elsewhere in the EU migrate for a second time - to Britain. Abdi Mohamed left a four-bedroom house in the Netherlands. (BBC News -- Europe)
New lives, new life Mar 21, 2008
At the Russell Road offices of the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, Neal Williams, a 45-year-old nurse who lives in Schenectady, is a volunteer helping to resettle new arrivals from around the globe. "I just picked up a family of seven from the Karen state in Myanmar from the airport yesterday," Williams said. (Albany Times Union)
Long road could end back where it started Feb 5, 2008
"It's really frustrating because these people came here to start new lives with the help of the U.S. government, they worked hard, made something of themselves and then the U.S. government says we want to send you back," said Molly Short, director of the Albany field office of the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants. "Tin is a shining star and he's in shock over this," said Seth Leech, an attorney with Whiteman, Osterman , who filed a motion to reopen Latt's case. (Albany Times Union)
Definition of equality debated Feb 4, 2008
For refugees and immigrants, equality is a reality they escaped to Quebec to gain, since it didn't exist in their countries. The challenge now, said Bouchard, is to forge "a common destiny" from those different ideas of equality. (Montreal Gazette)
New immigrants couldn't drive Feb 1, 2008
We would be preventing our newest legal residents from joining prior generations of refugees and immigrants who have successfully integrated into our community. And we'd be keeping them from the opportunity of interacting with English speakers in the workplace, which is the number one place that refugees learn English. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Courthouse denies entry to Sikh man wearing kirpan Jan 17, 2008
All refugees and immigrants came here to enjoy that peace. bend a little people. (CTV.ca)
What inclusiveness is all about Dec 26, 2007
Project FINE (Focusing on Integrating Newcomers through Education) works with refugees and immigrants in the wider Winona area as well as employers and service providers. They provide a wide range of services, including advocacy, language services, diversity training, and building cultural competency. (Winona Daily News, MN)
Avon's calling immigrants Nov 23, 2007
The big corporation and the International Institute, which focuses on the needs of refugees and immigrants, found common ground. "We just meshed together really easily," Rettig said. (Boston Globe)
New Program for Vermont Refugees Nov 14, 2007
And in order to accommodate the newcomers, the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation, or VSAC, is teaming up with area businesses to provide educational assistance to Vermont's refugees and immigrants. Tuesday afternoon, VSAC held a free workshop at it's resource center. (WCAX.com, VT)
SCRIPPS HOWARD NEWS SERVICE CONSOLIDATED BUDGET Oct 16, 2007
JAPAN-FOREIGN (York, Toronto Globe and Mail) --TOKYO: Despite its wealth and democracy, Japan has one of the world's most intolerant regimes for refugees and immigrants. And despite its labor shortages and declining population, the government still shows little interest in allowing more foreigners in. (Scripps Howard News Wire)
No veiled threat Sep 18, 2007
Canada opens its heart and its doors to refugees and immigrants, including Muslims, from all corners of the world. Freedom of religion is entrenched in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms that forms an integral part of the Canadian Constitution. (Globe and Mail)
State Police suspend officer in assault case Aug 31, 2007
Dr. JudyAnn Bigby, state secretary of Health and Human Services, yesterday announced the appointment of Richard Chac n as the new executive director of the Office of Refugees and Immigrants. The agency works with other state agencies and community-based organizations to promote the involvement of refugees and immigrants in social, civic, and economic life. (Boston Globe -- Local)
PQ wants full immigration control for Quebec Aug 15, 2007
But Ottawa keeps dealing with refugees and immigrants coming to reunite with family members. Marois argued it's fair to ask for that since Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government recognized Quebec as a nation. (National Post)
Ladies first: China opens to Korean refugees Jul 20, 2007
Ben Sanders of the US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants confirmed in a recent interview with Radio Free Asia that some local governments in China allow female North Korean refugees who are married to Chinese men to obtain an ID. He believes that China must have given some thought on how such a practice can be introduced within its own legal framework. "It's hard to say whether such a practice is completely legitimate or illegitimate. It's in between.". (Asia Times Online)
Avnery: An Israeli Love Story Jul 19, 2007
To open the border to a new flood of refugees and immigrants. He hastened to deny any part in the scheme. (Zmag.org)
Migration body urges more aid for displaced Iraqis Jul 17, 2007
The US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) last week criticised the delays as it published a report showing that the situation in Iraq had fuelled a rise in the global figures for people fleeing their homeland. Sweden has accepted more than 18,000 refugees since 2006, the highest number of any European country. (Guardian Unlimited -- World)
Through the eyes of the displaced Jul 13, 2007
On Wednesday, the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants reported a global increase of almost 2 million last year. The committee attributed the jump to violence in Iraq, where 790,000 people left last year - 449,000 refugees fled to Syria, 250,000 to Jordan and the United States accepted 202. (Newsday -- State)
World / Nation Briefs Jul 12, 2007
PANEL: ALMOST 14M REFUGEES WORLDWIDE. The number of refugees worldwide increased by almost 2 million last year, driving the total to nearly 14 million, the highest level since 2001, the Washington-based U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants reported yesterday. The rise was due in part to a continued exodus from Iraq, where 790,000 people left last year. (Newsday -- Nation)
Nearly 14 Million Refugees Worldwide Jul 12, 2007
(AP) The number of refugees worldwide increased by almost 2 million last year, driving the total to nearly 14 million, the highest level since 2001, the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants reported Wednesday ... The committee describes itself as a 96-year-old non-governmental organization that has served refugees and immigrants, defended the rights of refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced persons. (CBS News -- World)
Who's got style? You be the judge Jul 10, 2007
Back story: The Cuba-born Lopez served as assistant attorney general in Massachusetts and as a state counsel for refugees and immigrants before being appointed the state's first Latina judge in Superior Court. She resigned in 2003, her 14-year tenure often marked in controversy for her outspokenness and sentences. (USA Today -- Life)
Refugees to start over in North Carolina Jul 9, 2007
U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, 334-0072. Lutheran Family Services, 832-2620. (News & Observer)
Refugee's plight an eye-opener Jun 20, 2007
Recently, Albany's office of the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants issued an urgent bulletin seeking volunteers to work with a wave of families coming from the Democratic Republic of Congo and other countries. The DRC's civil war prompted the hike, Citizenship Program Coordinator Bobbi Jo Dobush said. (Albany Times Union)
Gompers High saying farewell to final class Jun 17, 2007
Most Gompers High students are black or Latino, and the student population includes refugees and immigrants from Africa and Southeast Asia. Some spent most of their lives in refugee camps without formal schooling. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
North Carolina Organizations Expect Increase Of Refugees Jun 15, 2007
Officials from the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants and Lutheran Family Services in the Carolinas say that's a large increase. The groups found out about the increase from a U.S. State Department memo, which says agencies should expect a large number of Burmese and African refugees. (WTKR.com, VA)
U.S. Dept. of State Announces Plan to Resettle 30,000 Refugees Jun 14, 2007
RALEIGH, N.C., June 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) and Lutheran Family Services in the Carolinas (LFS Carolinas) announced today that they are preparing for higher than average refugee arrivals in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007 ... USCRI is a non-profit, nongovernmental organization that has served refugees and immigrants and defended the rights of refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons worldwide since 1911. (Yahoo News -- Politics)
TB Scare: The Public-Health Slip-Ups Jun 7, 2007
Infected people, especially refugees and immigrants, are crossing borders all the time. And, as the CDCs Gerberding points out, there are quarantine officers at only 20 U.S. airports, yet there are more than 470 points of entry into the country. (MSNBC -- Health)
Invitation - Press Conference - The SAQ becomes Salvation Army Québec! Jun 7, 2007
Three important issues that The Salvation Army wants to undertake: the situation of homelessness, the feminization of poverty and the increasing number of refugees and immigrants confronting extremely difficult situations upon their arrival to Qu;bec. We will address these issues and present what The Salvation Army proposes at a press conference that will be held on June 12 at 10:30 am, at 1655 Richardson, Montr;al. (Canada Newswire)
Tanzania Embroiled in Refugee Controversy May 10, 2007
Tanzanian authorities have denied accusations by a human rights agency that their expulsion of refugees and immigrants from neighbouring countries amounts to a violation of human rights. "It is true that repatriation of refugees from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC] and Rwanda has been carried out by the government for several months. But that was being done on a voluntary basis," Joseph Mungai, the Home Affairs Minister, said on Wednesday. (allAfrica.com)
What must be done to boost indigenous health? May 1, 2007
Yet we are prepared to spend billions on refugees and immigrants but are unable to deal with our conscience about aboriginies. Posted by: peru perumal at May 1, 2007 8:17 AM. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
English-only Mich. could trim deficit Apr 10, 2007
If passed, the bill would make it difficult for refugees and immigrants who enter the state to survive in an overwhelmingly English-dominated society, said Liz O'Brien, a member of grassroots anti-war organization Direct Action and the NorthStar Center in Lansing. "It's indicative of increasing the conservative climate in Michigan, which has recently gotten rid of affirmative action," O'Brien said. (The State News, MI)
Citizenship Test Takers In Tampa Lag U.S. Apr 4, 2007
They would get by, but it's not about that. " At the same time, the test is becoming harder, and more legal residents are trying to get their citizenship and do it more quickly. A Pew Hispanic Center report out this month showed that 63 percent of Floridians eligible to become naturalized citizens in 2005 did so, compared with 47 percent 10 years before. A recent scramble for citizenship status is triggered by a near doubling in fees slated for the summer - from $330 to $600 to apply for... (Tampa Bay Online, FL -- News)
Hill, Holliday's Watchword: Discovery Mar 2, 2007
Each ad highlights one of three primary areas of service: helping the poor, assisting children and families and aiding refugees and immigrants ... Catholic Charities offers approximately 140 programs and services in 40 locations ranging from basic needs emergency services to childcare and parenting programs to services for refugees and immigrants. (AdWeek)
Do you want a national curriculum? Mar 1, 2007
This is why many refugees and immigrants want to come here to educate their children. Locals are having trouble reading about it. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
General Assembly Update Feb 21, 2007
Before the 2000 Act "the U.S. was still using slavery statutes from the 1800s to deal with forced labor," said Jean Bruggeman, director of the department of survivor services for Boat People S.O.S. Boat People S.O.S. is nonprofit organization based in Falls Church that works for the rights of Vietnamese refugees and immigrants. -- By Olivia Beatty. (The Burke Times, VA)
Utah targeting anti-Bosnian fears Feb 15, 2007
Ljubica Roth, president of the Utah Consortium of Multicultural Groups, which works with refugees and immigrants, said, "We are all stressed.". Roth said she received six reports Wednesday of Bosnians in Salt Lake City being accosted verbally -- mostly about how they got into the country, she said, or whether they intended to commit violence. (FOX59, IN)
Anti-Bosnian Backlash Feared in Utah Feb 15, 2007
Ljubica Roth, the president of the Utah Consortium of Multicultural Groups, an organization that works with refugees and immigrants, said, ;We are all stressed. . (Herald-Tribune)
Fugees one of many immigration stories AJC covers Feb 3, 2007
Stories about refugees and immigrants new to Atlanta are important because they help us get to know the people behind the public policy debate. This newspaper has told many of these stories, but there are thousands more. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Refugees Find Hostility and Hope on Soccer Field Jan 22, 2007
The United States Committee for Refugees and Immigrants in Washington estimates that there are now more than 12 million refugees worldwide and more than 20 million people displaced within their own nations; borders. In 2005, only 80,800 were accepted by other nations for resettlement, according to the United Nations. (Foster's Daily Democrat)
Fix glitches that lock out deserving refugees Jan 22, 2007
The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants in its 2006 World Refugee Survey estimates that numbers have grown to some 12 million. These numbers are not just statistics; refugees are flesh-and-blood people: men and women, boys and girls. (Orlando Sentinel -- Opinion)
Psychologist uses faith to aid refugees Jan 20, 2007
Psychologist Hugo Kamya works extensively with Sudanese and other African refugees and immigrants suffering trauma. (Jodi Hilton for the Boston Globe). (Boston Globe)
U.S. urged to accept Iraqi refugees Jan 3, 2007
"I don't know of anyone inside the administration who sees this as a priority area," said Lavinia Limon, president of the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, a nongovernmental refugee resettlement agency based in Washington. Many Iraqis who worked for Americans already have fled the capital or the country, and many plead for help or asylum daily. (San Francisco Chronicle)
As refugees flee Iraq, few gain sanctuary in U.S. Jan 2, 2007
n, president of the United States Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, a nongovernmental refugee resettlement agency based in Washington. "If you think you're winning, you think they're going to go back soon.". (International Herald Tribune)
Calls for U.S. to let more Iraqis in Jan 2, 2007
"I don't know of anyone inside the administration who sees this as a priority area," said Lavinia Limon, president of the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, a nongovernmental refugee resettlement agency based in Washington. "If you think you're winning, you think they're going to go back soon." The calls come as many of Iraq's majority Shiites begin to express mistrust of the United States and Shiite leaders seek more independence from U.S. influences, The Washington Post reported. (Washington Times, DC)
Few Iraqis Are Gaining U.S. Sanctuary Jan 2, 2007
I don;t know of anyone inside the administration who sees this as a priority area,; said Lavinia Lim n, president of the United States Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, a nongovernmental refugee resettlement agency based in Washington. If you think you;re winning, you think they;re going to go back soon. (The Ledger)
