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)
EU pact on immigration emphasizes enforcement Jul 8, 2008
In a further sign that the European Union is moving toward a tougher policy on immigration, its 27 member states agreed Monday to a French proposal on immigrants and refugees that puts a clear emphasis on policing. Under the pact - so far a political accord rather than a binding legal document - EU nations pledge to expel illegal immigrants from European soil, to strengthen border controls and to seek a joint asylum policy by 2012. (International Herald Tribune)
Nonprofit prepares immigrants for citizenship Jul 4, 2008
Immigrants and refugees who apply for naturalization, many of whom work minimum-wage jobs, must pay a hefty application fee. A year ago, the fee shot up from $400 to $675 per application. (New Haven Register, CT)
Analysis: U.S. poor are vulnerable to 'neglected' diseases Jun 24, 2008
Franco-Paredes says the remedy may be as simple as screening minorities, immigrants and refugees and making sure doctors can diagnose and treat these ailments. They include. (USA Today)
For these Brooklyn students, prom is a foreign concept Jun 24, 2008
But until recently, it was a foreign concept for many of the 73 seniors at the international school, which was founded four years ago and teaches English and other subjects to immigrants and refugees from more than 45 countries. And getting ready for prom was at times a stinging reminder that in many critical respects these students were still outsiders. (International Herald Tribune -- Arts)
N.H. foreign-born population growing fast Jun 13, 2008
"It is very helpful to have a grasp of these demographics as we seek funding strategies to support healthy two-way integration for immigrants and refugees and our receiving communities," said Deborah Schachter, senior program officer at the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. Six percent of the state's residents were born in other countries. (Concord Monitor)
Portland City Council approves $3.1 billion budget Jun 5, 2008
The budget still includes many of the mayor's priorities, including money to add long-needed sidewalks along Northeast Cully Boulevard, start a Human Relations Commission and hire someone to work with immigrants and refugees. "It's important that the community hear that this is a united council around this budget," Potter said. (OregonLive, OR -- News)
Power crisis yields thin silver lining for mining sector Jun 4, 2008
Anyone still not convinced of the benefits of competition need look no further than the response of two banks to the plight of immigrants and refugees in South Africa. Two weeks ago Standard Bank, Africa's biggest bank by assets, announced a donation of R3 million to help those who have suffered at the hands of marauding mobs. (Business Report, South Africa)
LETTERS: NCT, June 2, 2008 Jun 3, 2008
He is Program Director of the local American Friends Service Committee, an organization concerned about the human rights of all immigrants and refugees. The North County Times doesnt cite Mr. Rios ad nauseam, and their continued use of his comments is not evidence of an agenda-driven opinion by the newspaper. (North County Times)
Newsweek: S. Africa anti-immigrant violence rises May 31, 2008
With some estimates putting unemployment rates at close to 40 percent, some locals have become increasingly angry over perceptions that immigrants and refugees are stealing their opportunities. In recent years, this has spilled over into violence against foreigners: according to Yusuf Hassan, a senior spokesman for the (UNHCR), over the last two years 472 Somalis have been killed and 1,200 injured in what he sees as xenophobic attacks. (MSNBC -- International)
Mbeki condemns attacks on migrants and vows action May 26, 2008
The unrest has dented South Africa's reputation as one of the most welcoming to immigrants and refugees. Mozambique said more than 26,000 of its citizens had left. (AlertNet)
State aid to immigrants lags, UO study says May 23, 2008
The study reviews how immigrants and refugees have transformed Oregon's population in the past 20 years, as well as how immigrants are faring in adapting to the state, what challenges they face and how immigrants contribute to Oregon's economy. "Oregon's becoming more ethnically, racially diverse, and historically we've had some problems dealing with that," said co-author and University of Oregon professor Bob Bussel. (OregonLive, OR -- News)
Xenophobic rage explodes in South Africa May 21, 2008
But, he said, immigrants and refugees, such as those from neighbouring Zimbabwe's political and economic implosion, are drawn here for the same reasons. "This is why people are in South Africa," because it is free and peaceful and prospering, he said. (Globe and Mail -- International)
Quebecers urged to be more open toward immigrants May 21, 2008
In the meantime, Canada is a country built on immigrants and refugees, why stop now. 30 million people in a country our size is too small to sustain itself. (CTV.ca)
Who Decides Who Is Swiss? May 21, 2008
Matthey says that the SVP neglects the fact that Switzerland needs immigrants to boost its labor force, and, in fact, the country has a long tradition of opening its borders to immigrants and refugees; at present, some 22% of the population is foreign-born, one of the highest rates in Europe. "Naturalizing these people is not a matter of simply doing them a favor," he says. (Time.com)
President Bush Visits Jerusalem May 15, 2008
They formed a unified army out of immigrants and refugees from many different countries. They planted the seeds of a modern economy in the sands of an ancient desert. (White House News Releases)
50 rally in N.H. to support immigration reform May 2, 2008
The New Hampshire Alliance for Immigrants and Refugees was the rally's prime sponsor. 2008 The Associated Press. (Concord Monitor)
Spoken Word Cafe: For the love of words May 2, 2008
At this past month's meeting, Spoken Word featured author Mary M. Flad, whose work has focused on immigrants and refugees and the search for home and community. After a featured guest has read, the caf. (MIllbrook Voice Ledger, NY)
Read more... Apr 15, 2008
"Immigrants and refugees are scared to come to Hawaii," said My Itzu. "It seems that Hawaii is paradise but is only for the rich and wealthy. If I have to give my honest opinion, there are many things that need improvement and changes.". (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Lab Acts As TB Clearinghouse For Nebraska Apr 8, 2008
"Certainly there are more immigrants and refugees coming into the state, and that would be a prime source of where some of these cultures are coming from," Iwen said. Iwen said TB is one of the most feared diseases in the world. (7 KETV Omaha)
International Institute gets funds Mar 27, 2008
The institute is a nonprofit agency that provides a variety of services to immigrants and refugees from its headquarters on South Grand. The $900,000 includes $200,000 lines of credit from both Southern Commercial and Pulaski and $250,000 equity equivalent, or EQ2, investments from both National City and Southwest Bank. (St. Louis Business Journal, MO)
A refugee's dilemma: "Biting the hands that feed you" Mar 22, 2008
Though these scenarios are different, it is a statement of fact than an opinion, to suggest that no country has room for recalcitrant refugees/ or immigrants who disregard laws and advise from a country hosting them, not even the United States, a country which is the highest financial contributor to the United Nations, and yet unmatched as regards its acceptance and equal treatment of immigrants and refugees. In the United States, genuine refugees are documented and given authorization to work,... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Experimenting is a hallmark of Paso wines Mar 19, 2008
Paso still attracts immigrants and refugees. The Perrin family of the renowned Ch. (Scranton Times, PA)
Ghana A Reflection of Hope....UAO Feb 14, 2008
The United African Organization (UAO) , an advocacy coalition of African national associations dedicated to social justice, civic participation and empowerment of African immigrants and refugees in Illinois sent this message, through its Executive Director, Alie Kabba, to the Ghana National Council and Ghanaians in the diaspora on the occasion of Ghana's 51st Independence Anniversary Celebrations. The Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago is a member of the United African Organization. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Forging hope from heartache Feb 11, 2008
Filmmaker Beth Murphy became aware of the project through her work as a board member of the International Institute of Boston, a service provider for new immigrants and refugees. And when Retik and Quigley traveled in May 2006 to see the Humanitarian Assistance for Widows of Afghanistan program in action, Murphy and two crew members, Kevin Belli and Sean Flynn, were in tow to document the trip. (Boston Globe)
New immigrants couldn't drive Feb 1, 2008
Our country has a rich history of welcoming immigrants and refugees who have helped make this nation what it is today. We need to keep the multilingual welcome mat at the front door. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Nominees sought for MOSAIC awards Jan 29, 2008
Jewish Family & Vocational Service is accepting nominations for its 2008 MOSAIC Awards, which honor new or first-generation immigrants and refugees who are making significant contributions in their professional fields and in the community. Nominations can be made by individuals or organizations. (Louisville Business First, KY)
A Time to Give Dec 13, 2007
Other CCTT programs include the Immigrant Support Program, which ensures that new immigrants and refugees find resources and help that they need to settle into the area successfully. The Family Empowerment service is made up of Community Connections and Parent Partnership, the latter of which provides case management for families at risk of being pulled apart by emotional and behavioral challenges in children. (Ithaca Times, NY)
Adults and teens honored for reaching out to others Nov 26, 2007
Dominic Avellani, who immigrated to Boston with his Italian family in the 1950s and started the East Boston Adult Education Center to teach English to more than 40,000 immigrants and refugees. Father Greg Boyle, commonly known as G-Dog, who founded Jobs for a Future, which offers job counseling for former East Los Angeles gang members. (USA Today -- News)
Denmark set for close election Nov 13, 2007
The DPP has criticised Muslim immigrants and refugees during the campaign for taking advantage of the country's welfare system and not respecting Danish traditions. However, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, the prime minister, also made it one of his election pledges in 2001 to cut immigration. (Aljazeera.Net)
Smashing the myths Oct 27, 2007
The Howard Government has treated some immigrants and refugees punitively and manipulatively. When the Federal Government decided to cut the quota of African refugees this year in favour of refugees from Asia, its reasoning was based on traditional humanitarian criteria and Labor agreed to the change. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Make torture inquiry public, victims say Oct 14, 2007
"This furious claim is a complete denial of even the meagre protection that immigrants and refugees have in this country from being deported for torture and death," Squires said on Friday. CSIS maintains Harkat, who came to Canada as a refugee from Algeria, is an Islamic extremist and member of Osama bin Laden's terrorist network. (CTV.ca)
Metro Ministry advocate for Fresno's poor will retire Oct 13, 2007
He is also proud of Metro's New Leaders for Better Health, which taught low-income people, immigrants and refugees to become community advocates. "It's very satisfying they have a voice and that that voice is being shared," Parry said. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Latino Labor Key to Preserving Dairy Culture? Oct 4, 2007
Neighboring Iowa has sought to deal with out-migration, in part, by establishing a formal initiative to attract new Iowans (foreign-born immigrants and refugees). Kaldjian reports that Wisconsin is increasingly dependent upon migrants to prop up its population and economy. (Agri-View, WI)
Rumour of open-door policy drawing claimants, lawyers say Sep 22, 2007
I heard that there was a rumour, that some unscrupulous immigration consultants were telling Mexicans that Canada has an open-door policy to immigrants and refugees, Mr. Niren said. Desperate people want to hear the most positive message possible to alleviate their circumstances. (Globe and Mail)
The rush is on for citizenship Sep 13, 2007
It also encourages native-born Americans to volunteer with organizations that help immigrants and refugees learn English or study to become citizens. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services also created a Web site, www. (AZCentral -- News)
Looking for our own kind of hero Sep 5, 2007
In recent weeks there have been four lively films about the struggles of immigrants and refugees - Romulus, My Father, Lucky Miles, The Home Song Stories and The Jammed. Late last year Happy Feet had a strong conservation message. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Fresno professor helps students buy the book Aug 16, 2007
Valencia's maternal grandparents were immigrants and refugees from the Mexican revolutions who settled in poor neighborhoods. Adults in the family often struggled to find and keep jobs, even the low-paying ones. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Sabah opposed to PR status for Filipino refugees Jul 17, 2007
We hope that from now on we will be consulted on whatever matters involving illegal immigrants and refugees, Musa told delegates at the Keningau Umno division meeting Tuesday. On June 26, Nazri, in written reply to a Tuaran MP Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau, had said that the Federal Government planned to issue PR status to the 10,000 to 15,000 refugees, who had fled the civil war in the Philippines in the late 1960s. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
TESTING THE TEST FOR CITIZENSHIP Jul 14, 2007
" It looked especially daunting to older students like Zi Hua Zhang, 71, who still struggles to express himself in English. Zhang is typical of many Chinatown immigrants who attend English and citizenship classes at City College. And that's precisely why the U.S. Citizenship and Information Services decided to try out the new test there. The agency began redesigning the test in 2001 and ran a pilot program in 10 cities last year, including Miami, San Antonio, Boston and Denver. Officials decided... (San Francisco Chronicle)
Austin's Political Asylum Project taps top fundraiser Jul 6, 2007
PAPA champions the rights of immigrants and refugees through low cost legal services and education. Rainbolt will be working with PAPA's board and staff to outline the organization's funding goals. (Austin Business Journal, TX)
Mainland reshapes face of Hong Kong Jul 1, 2007
Waves of mainland Chinese immigrants and refugees have come to Hong Kong to escape poverty, war and communism. Since Hong Kong has one of the world's lowest birth rates, the mainland immigrants are crucial to replenishing the territory's workforce. (CNN -- World)
The struggle to habla Ingles: Learning to speak English is daunting task for many Jun 25, 2007
"The teacher says, 'Please, don't sleep."' But despite his exhaustion, the Uruguay native attends classes at Horizonte Instruction and Training Center three evenings each week, eager to "understand more and more." Like Runco, most immigrants and refugees want and try to learn English, according to a report by the United Way of Salt Lake, but they often fail because of barriers such as time constraints. The new report, "Building on Common Ground: A Framework for Immigrant Integration," finds that... (Deseret News)
Arab American Leader Breaks the Silence About HIV/AIDS in His Community Jun 22, 2007
Ramazzotti has spent the past five years providing HIV/AIDS education and testing outreach primarily to Arab American immigrants and refugees from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds in the greater Detroit area. Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Ramazzotti moved to Michigan in 1990 at the age of 20. (Yahoo News -- Politics)
Complete Story Jun 21, 2007
This country has always welcomed immigrants and refugees from all over the world. But when was the last time a scientist, mathematician, physicist, or skilled worker of any kind crossed the border illegally into this country. (Bradstown Kentucky Standard, KY)
LDS Center offers aid Jun 15, 2007
It employs more than 120 immigrants and refugees from 21 countries around the world. Tutors work with them for several hours a day, teaching them the English language and skills that will improve their chances of success in the United States. (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
Nurses use their eyes to fight disease Jun 1, 2007
Rocky Mountain News - Denver and Colorado's reliable source for breaking news, sports and entertainment: Local. JavaScript based drop down DHTML menu generated by NavStudio. (Rocky Mountain News)
Grants to reinforce population integration May 31, 2007
2 million effort to provide mental health and cultural adjustment services for immigrants and refugees. The trust moved the initiative to a local angle in 2004, providing grants for such projects as immigrant resource centers, English as a second language classes, health care and mentoring programs to 10 Colorado communities. (Montrose Daily Press, CO)
Rewind and advance May 30, 2007
" At first there was jubilation, even among the South Vietnamese, that the war was over, he said. But the willingness to cooperate with the North Vietnamese "to make a new future" soon waned and turned to distress after the Communist regime began sending people to reeducation camps, Mr. Le said. He said he sees parallels to this period in Vietnam's history and the period in Iraq's immediately after the U.S. toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003, and there was a brief period of good will on the part of... (Cranbury Press, NJ)
Japanese students quarantined in Banff May 29, 2007
A health study released earlier this year concluded that up to half of all new immigrants and refugees to Canada who haven't undergone vaccination regimes are susceptible to infectious diseases such as measles. Search the News Search. (Globe and Mail)
Sheriff explains immigration sweep May 21, 2007
A state civil rights coalition for immigrants and refugees is concerned the increase of local immigrant arrests stigmatizes the individuals struggling to survive. There is always a concern that people will make broad generalizations about immigration issues without considering the situations of individual families, said Jessica Baba, spokeswoman for the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition. (Columbia Daily Herald, TN)
Religious leaders offer sanctuary to illegal immigrants May 10, 2007
The New Sanctuary Movement is a national campaign inspired by a religious sanctuary effort in the 1980s in which religious groups gave shelter to illegal immigrants and refugees from Central America. As part of the campaign to influence the immigration reform debate in Congress, other congregations held similar ceremonies in Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago and New York. (North County Times)
Demonstrators seek reform May 2, 2007
Speaking at the rally, Fresno Council Member Blong Xiong called current immigration legislation "flawed policy.""I want you to know what happens to you happens to us. This country is built by immigrants and refugees. ... I'm here to support our community of color," said Xiong, who is Hmong. The Fresno march drew no counter demonstrators. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Border arrests drop 30 percent (Jerry Seper) Apr 8, 2007
Frank Sharry, executive director of the National Immigration Forum, has said the problem of illegal entry into the U.S. does not start at the border and "it's not going to end at the border." Mr. Sharry, whose organization builds support for public policies that welcome immigrants and refugees, said the drop in apprehensions may be the result of "smugglers and migrants trying to figure out where the border is most vulnerable," adding that the government first has to deal with the 12 million to... (Washington Times)
Lendman: War on Immigrants Apr 2, 2007
Proudly and boldly they proclaim "We are all human! No one is illegal! Its call to action stands for: -- No anti-immigration legislation or criminalization of immigrant communities. -- No militarization of the border with fences or other barriers. -- No more immigration detentions, deportations or funding for immigrant detention centers. -- No oppressive guest worker two-tiered program allowing employers the right to pay visa workers lower wages, provide no labor protections,... (Zmag.org)
'God has no borders'; people of faith reach across the divide Mar 19, 2007
The joint Episcopal and Presbyterian show of support for Hispanic immigrants and refugees was meant as a protest against the wall-mentality of the United States legislators. This is a good thing. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Getting rid of problem people Feb 28, 2007
Amnesty has drawn attention to Greek behavior before, with a damning report in 2005 stating that Greece had a discriminatory policy against asylum seekers, immigrants and refugees. "Asylum procedures are not properly carried out in Greece," Kilic said. (Asia Times Online)
Third death stuns Indo-Canadian community Feb 9, 2007
Eventually, MOSAIC, a multicultural non-profit organization dedicated to addressing issues that affect immigrants and refugees, wants to offer the course to all communities. When you look at it from the lens of violence against women, the violence that South Asian women are facing at the hands of South Asian men in a relationship is really no different than what we see in other communities. (Globe and Mail)
Social safety net spans greatest need Feb 3, 2007
IMMIGRANTS AND REFUGEES. General Immigration Services help immigrants learn English and apply for naturalization and citizenship. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Jesuit week closes gap with students Jan 31, 2007
Jesuit Week continued as Rev. Jim Duffy S.J. spoke on Tuesday, Jan. 23, to a crowd in McGuire Hall regarding his experience working with immigrants and refugees. Duffy reflected on his experiences, and the importance of balancing his training in the fields of social justice and science. (The Loyola Greyhound, MD)
Viterbo hosting symposium on immigration, refugee issues Jan 28, 2007
Immigrants and Refugees: The Global Movement at Our Door Humanities Symposium, starts Monday, Feb. 5, and includes speakers, panel discussions and movies ... It s about La Crosse and Arcadia, Stoddard and Viroqua, he said, referring to area communities that have immigrants and refugees populations, such as Hmong, Sudanese and Hispanics. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Immigrants and integration -- is the city ready to listen? Jan 16, 2007
"There is no textbook to help us out here," said Keiko Nakamura, chief operating officer for the housing company, many of whose 164,000 tenants are immigrants and refugees. She said the pilot project could lead to changes in how the TCHC and other agencies offer services to their immigrant clients. (Globe and Mail -- National)
Celebrity alone won't get you far Jan 12, 2007
A famous friend of mine once told me she had as much right to be taken seriously on the subject of Australia's policy on illegal immigrants and refugees as the Prime Minister because she paid 10 times as much tax as John Howard and she paid all that was due without any qualms or complaints. Her point was that she was a rich celebrity who put a lot of money back into the hands of John Howard's Government and, like any other Australian, she should have a say how that money was spent. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
New Immigrants May Need Basic Vaccinations Jan 12, 2007
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Many new immigrants and refugees to the United States and Canada are susceptible to measles, mumps and rubella ... Dr. Christina Greenaway of Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, and colleagues conducted a study of 1,480 adult immigrants and refugees between October 2002 and December 2004 to assess their immunity to measles, mumps and rubella. (MEDLINEplus)
Immigrants often need vaccinations, tests show Jan 5, 2007
Between one-quarter and one-half of new immigrants and refugees are susceptible to measles, mumps and rubella infectious diseases that have been virtually eliminated in Canada through childhood vaccination, a new study reveals ... To conduct the study, Dr. Greenaway and her team tested 1,480 immigrants and refugees who arrived in Montreal between October, 2002, and December, 2004 ... Overall, 36 per cent of immigrants and refugees in the study were susceptible to one or more of the infectious... (Globe and Mail)
