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The Immigrant’s Journal Vol. 131

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Protecting God’s Children From Distant Lands

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January 14, 2021

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Getting the Vaccine to Undocumented Immigrants BY LINDA N.

he seemingly unrelenting emotional rollercoaster that became official following an announcement of a pandemic by the World Health Organization is gradually coming to an end. On December 14, 2020, New York City made history by recording the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine to the first people. One of them is a health worker in Queens, an act that symbolizes hope and optimism. A decisive attempt to bring the virus under control and heralds the genesis to the end of a ten-month onslaught by the ‘bereavement multiplier disease,’ contracted by

Congressional Democrats Announce One of the Most Progressive Immigration Reform Plans in History BY WALTER EWING

continued on page 8

Is Your Relationship Emotionally Abusive? ....17

“A Grateful Nation” Should Protect and Recognize Undocumented Workers BY AMERICA’S VOICE

his week [December 17] brings more evidence that the treatment of “essential workers” during the Trump era has been dangerous and dehumanizing, and that it’s time for America to show its gratitude to those who put their lives on the line for all of us by strengthening workplace protections and extending permanent status to those who are undocumented. During the spring, President Trump issued an executive order to force meat processing workers back to unsafe jobs without proper protections. A subse-

quent story found that Tyson Foods managers at an Iowa pork plant were actually betting on how many workers would end up contracting the coronavirus. Tyson, who has already faced scrutiny for its mistreatment of workers amid the COVID-19 pandemic, was the center of an outbreak where at least six employees died and 1,000 were infected. As Nicole Narea of Vox tweeted, managers were “literally playing games with people’s lives.” A new report from FWD.us is out this week and they find that more than 5 continued on page 2

Assessing Trump’s Immigration Crackdown ....20

Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez Photo: house.gov

rogressive Democrats in the House of Representatives are gearing up to demand a comprehensive overhaul of the U.S. immigration system when the Biden administration and a new Congress are in place early next year. This reform effort will go beyond reversing the Trump administration’s extreme anti-immigrant policies, with the stated goal of “creating a fair immigration process that upholds our values.” Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, announced this new campaign for immigration reform on December 11. According to Jayapal, she will introduce a resolution called the Roadmap to continued on page 5

IMMIGRANTS’ CONCERNS

Protect and Recognize Undocumented Workers/ from page 1 million of those designated as “essential workers” are undocumented workers — a remarkable percentage given that the total undocumented population is estimated to be 11 million. As Wall Street Journal columnist (and former Reagan speechwriter) Peggy Noonan wrote in the spring, “you have seen who’s delivering the food, stocking the shelves, running the hospital ward, holding your hand when you’re on the ventilator. It is the newest Americans, immigrants, and some are here illegally. They worked through an epidemic and kept America going.” Noonan says we should extend an offer of citizenship to these workers, “With a note printed on top: ‘With thanks from a grateful nation.’” According to Douglas Rivlin, Director of Communication for America’s Voice: Trump has not only mishandled the COVID-19 crisis from start to finish, he gambled with the lives of millions of essential, frontline workers — many who are immigrants and many undocumented. He applied his own twisted values to the pandemic, nowhere more clear than his decree to keep open big corporate meat production facilities at the expense of the health and lives of the workers who worked there — unprotected Being friendly to his buddies in business, that’s important to Trump. The people doing

Editorial credit: Sundry Photography / Shutterstock.com

the work, risking their lives and sacrificing themselves to keep the economy going are not important to him. While demanding that production lines for meat and poultry stay open, the immigrants, refugees and working class men and women who work the production lines were lives the President was willing to gamble. And in fact, Tyson executives and managers turned it into an actual wager and the Congress has so far failed to include most of these same immigrants in national relief efforts. America has a great deal of work ahead to recover from the Trump era and voting out the President and his regime was only the start. Over the course of four years – and especially during the pandemic – Americans have responded to Trump’s cruel dehumanization of immigrants by becoming significantly more pro-immigrant and aware of the key roles immigrants play in essential jobs to feed, care

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for, and protect America. This broad movement in public opinion away from Trump and Trumpism presents an opportunity to the incoming Biden-Harris administration. Our nation cannot continue to deem workers essential and deportable at the same time. We cannot continue with the status quo with a working, tax-paying underclass who is locked out of legal status, the protections of our labor laws and the ability to ever participate in our democracy through voting. Addressing these issues is a key element to moving the country forward after Trump has left or been dragged out of office. Maligning, devaluing, dehumanizing and exploiting immigrants for political gain are the original sins of Trumpism and any effort to heal the nation must make legalizing and incorporating immigrants into the fabric of America a top priority.

Several stories today offer reminders that immigrant workers have been fighting for our lives and livelihood while risking theirs: Julia Ainsley of NBC News highlights a new study from FWD.us finding that 69% of undocumented immigrant workers have jobs deemed “essential” to fighting COVID. According to the reporting, “Undocumented immigrants make up 11 percent of agriculture workers, 2 percent of healthcare workers and 6 percent of food services and production workers, the study estimated… The study also highlights that 70% of immigrants working in essential jobs have lived in the U.S. for more than 10 years and 60 percent speak English.” In a separate segment for NBC News, Julia Ainsley speaks to immigrant essential workers, like DACA recipient Jonathan Rodas and TPS holder Elizabeth Valencia, who faced the frontlines of the Covid-19 pandemic while risking deportation to save lives. Luis Feliz Leon at The American Prospect reports that contracted-undocumented workers hired by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to clean and disinfect New York City’s subways during the COVID-19 pandemic were repeatedly exploited and harassed while on the job. From not receiving appropriate cleaning equipment to outright threats with retaliation, these essential workers have risked it all.l

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TIME FOR ACTION

It’s Time to Fix the Immigration Court System BY ESHANI PANDYA IMMIGRATIONIMPACT.COM

he backbone of a functioning justice system is due process. Yet over 1.25 million immigrants are fighting for their right to survive in an immigration court system that is anything but fair. For years, immigration advocates have been calling on the government to fix the dysfunction in the immigration court system. But that system—which often dictates “life or death” for immigrants— has only gotten worse under the Trump administration. Biased decision-making, a severe lack of legal representation, and little to no accountability has created a system that is inefficient and unjust. The time to fix this is now. It is long overdue, but the Biden administration can and must make immigration courts a priority. Problems with The Immigration Courts Aren’t New While the immigration court system has gotten worse in recent years, it has been flawed for a long time. Congress passed severe restrictions during the “tough on crime” era between during the 1980s and 90s that created many of the problems that exist today. Laws passed during that time redefined immigrants as inherent “criminals,” creating new classes of “felonies” that only apply to immigrants and made deportation a mandatory punishment for even the most minor offenses. Immigrants navigating the court process do not receive the same protections that are available to defendants in the criminal justice system. They are not given the right to pre-trial discovery. People can even be deemed deportable for a crime that didn’t carry the penalty of deportation when committed. As a result, even judges themselves have described the immigration court system as “death penalty cases in a traffic court setting.” Unlike criminal courts, those going through the immigration court system do not have the right to government-provided attorneys. This leaves many vulnerable individuals facing court without any legal support, navigating a complex system that may not be in their native language and representing themselves without any knowledge of immigration law. Children as young as two or three have been ordered to make a case in front of the court on why they should not be deported. Even if these individuals can represent themselves adequately, the immigration court system is so backlogged that some may have to wait four to five years for their case to be heard. As of October 2020, there were nearly 1.3 million cases in the court backlog.

Those seeking asylum may have built a strong case for themselves, only to have their cases weaken as evidence goes stale, witnesses disappear, and country conditions change. Immigrants are the ones who are forced to bear the burden of government delay and increasing backlogs. This should not be the case. How the Immigration Court System Got Worse Under Trump The Trump administration’s war on asylum and immigration at large severely damaged many of the court’s remaining safeguards. The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), which oversees the immigration court system, became a bureaucratic agency made to churn out deportations. As part of its efforts to further an antiimmigrant agenda, the administration politicized immigration courts more than ever before. For example, in 2018, EOIR imposed “case completion” quotas that immigration judges must meet in order to keep their jobs. The head of the immigration judges’ union called this “assembly line” justice. Partly in response to the union’s critiques, the Trump administration managed to get the Federal Labor Relations Authority to decertify the judges’ union. To make matters worse, the immigration courts are under the executive branch of government, so the attorney general has significant power over the system. This has made the politicization worse. Under former Attorney General Bill Barr, multiple immigration judges with asylum denial rates over 90% were elevated to the Board of Immigration Appeals. Attorneys general under Trump also issued multiple decisions using their “certification” power which restricted due process, including eliminating administrative closure and imposing strict limits on asylum. How We Can Fix the Courts The Biden administration can create a more efficient and just system that allows immigrants a fair chance in court. It should begin by acknowledging that the sole purpose of our immigrant court system is not to deport people. It’s time to reform the entire court system. For this to happen, we first need to reverse the system of biased adjudication that plagues our immigration courts. This means creating independent Article I immigration courts. Establishing Article I Immigration Courts Article I immigration courts or “legislative courts” are federal courts that Congress must create. For example, the U.S. Court of Military Appeals and U.S. Tax Court are both Article I courts.

Making our immigration courts into Article I courts would allow for the immigration process to be protected from political interference. Notably, it would eliminate the attorney general’s singular power to issue binding decisions on all immigrants. Independent courts would not serve as a panacea for all the problems—but it would protect judges from the kind of politicization we’ve seen under Trump. Restoring Discretion to Immigration Judges We also must also restore discretion to immigration judges. They should once again be able to administratively close cases, as well as terminate cases without prejudice in the interests of justice. Additionally, the judges should never be forced to meet case completion quotas. They cannot be expected to uphold justice if they are scrambling to finish a certain number of cases within a year under threat of losing their job. Expanding Legal Representation Biden should work to end the crisis of representation in immigration courts. No person should ever have to face deportation without a lawyer. Biden should not only ask Congress to expand legal support for those who cannot afford it, but in the meantime work to expand legal orientation programs across the country. Providing all immigrants legal representation would also help eliminate mass immigration detention—which multiple studies have found make winning cases more difficult. Legislative Solutions The ultimate way to fix the courts will be through Congress. The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 needs to be revisited so that heavy immigration restrictions can be lifted. Through this, Congress can restore pathways to relief for immigrants, by suspending deportation and allowing immigration judges to give immigrants a chance to lawfully remain in the country. Congress would also be able to reestablish advocates’ ability to sue the immigration court system, helping holding the system accountable. And the only truly effective way to eliminate the court backlogs is by creating a path to citizenship for many of the noncitizens in the process of challenging their deportation. Taken together, these changes can help us end the inefficiency and lack of accountability that have plagued the courts for decades. Having a fair day in court is a foundational principle of our American democracy and must be extended to all regardless of citizenship.l

TEAM Publisher I.Q. INC. Legal Advisor Brian Figeroux, Esq. Managing Editor & Editor-in-Chief Pearl Phillip Assistant Editor Marilyn Silverman Graphic & Website Designers Praim Samsoondar Anvar Sabirov Email immjournal@aol.com

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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 Tel: 718-243-9431 Fax: 718-222-3153

This article is part of the Moving Forward on Immigration series that explores the future of immigration in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election. Eshani Pandya is a Cultural Exchange Associate at the American Immigration Council. Her work primarily focuses on supporting incoming exchange visitors, host organizations and lawyers through the process of sponsorship for the J-1 visa program and for the duration of their program.

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CIVIL RIGHTS

The United States Still Hasn’t Ratified the Disability Rights Treaty BY CIVILRIGHTS.ORG

n a Friday afternoon in July 2009, President Obama gave remarks in the East Room of the White House about the signing of an international human rights treaty to protect the rights of people with disabilities. “Disability rights aren’t just civil rights to be enforced here at home; they’re universal rights to be recognized and promoted around the world,” Obama said. “And that’s why I’m proud to announce that next week, the United States of America will join 140 other nations in signing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the first new human rights convention of the 21st century.” The treaty, known as CRPD, was inspired by U.S. leadership on disability rights and is modeled after the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, which protects individuals with disabilities against discrimination in areas such as employment, public accommodations, and transportation. “This extraordinary treaty calls on all nations to guarantee rights like those afforded under the ADA. It urges equal protection and equal benefits before the law for all citizens; reaffirms the inherent

dignity and worth and independence of all persons with disabilities worldwide,” Obama said. CRPD opened for signature in March 2007 — and as the Conference of State Parties to the CRPD meets this week, and as we celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities today, it’s a good reminder that the United States has more to do. Because despite Obama’s signature more than a decade ago, the treaty — ratified by 182 countries — still awaits U.S. Senate ratification. In December 2012, a Senate vote (61– 38) fell five votes short of the two-thirds

majority required to adopt an international treaty. In July 2014, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee advanced the treaty (12–6) — but the full Senate never took a vote. After four years of an administration that has attacked disability rights through its policies and appointees, and as we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the ADA this year, the United States must make its position on disability rights clear. Ratifying CRPD represents an opportunity to take bipartisan action and unite with the rest of the world in advancing the civil and human rights of

people with disabilities everywhere. And it’s an opportunity to continue our nation’s tradition of advancing important human rights protections, as we did with the Rehabilitation Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the ADA, and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 — all signed by Republican presidents. Disability rights are civil and human rights. Now, more than a decade after the United States signed the treaty, it’s time to finally make a global commitment to protecting disability rights by ratifying it.l

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IMMIGRATION MATTERS

Most Progressivee Immigration Reform Plans/ from page 1 Freedom as soon as the new Congress is seated. The resolution’s premise is: “It is the duty of the Federal Government to develop and implement a Roadmap to Freedom in order to overhaul the outdated immigration system in the United States that has gone without significant reform for decades, and to relieve the great human impact an unjust system bears on communities around the country.” The Roadmap goes far beyond the immigration reforms promised by President-elect Biden. But there is substantial overlap between the two. Both have pledged to create a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, end for-profit detention, invest in community-based alternatives to detention, and enhance protections for immigrant workers. However, the Roadmap goes much further by calling for the restoration of immigrants’ access to the social safety net. It calls for an overhaul of the immigration court system and the penalties it imposes. The Roadmap also seeks to offer redress to people who have suffered from the inequities of the immigration system in the past. Among the many components of the Roadmap are: •Creating a pathway to citizenship for the nation’s 10.5 million undocumented

immigrants. •Clearing the existing backlog of naturalization applications. •Prioritizing family unity by eliminating barriers to family reunification and creating a process “for eligible individuals who are deported, detained, or in sanctuary” to reunite with their families and return to the United States. •Establishing a system of “scalable civil consequences to immigration violations” so that detention and deportation are not the default punishment for almost every infraction of immigration law. •Eliminating for-profit immigration detention facilities. •Ending the use of state and local prisons and jails for immigration detention. •Promoting alternatives to detention and ending the detention of “vulnerable pop-

ulations” such as families and children. •Ensuring that “no person is removed, expelled, or denied admission [to the United States] without guaranteed and meaningful access to legal defense.” •Creating an “independent Immigration Court system” in which judges can exercise discretion. •Reinventing border policies by “reversing the flow of money into harmful border walls, barriers, and ‘virtual walls’” that militarize the border and violate civil rights and liberties. •Ending Border Patrol checkpoints in the interior of the country. •Ensuring that “all people who are recruited to meet verifiable labor market needs are able to change employers, bring and live with their families, and earn a roadmap to citizenship.”

•Ensuring “immigrants’ access to health care and housing.” •Creating “a truth and reconciliation process to provide justice to those who have suffered under an inequitable and inhumane system for decades.” The Roadmap is cosponsored by Reps. Jesús “Chuy” García (IL), Veronica Escobar (TX), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY), Judy Chu (CA), and Yvette Clarke (NY). Both the Roadmap and the incoming Biden administration have committed to going further than the Obama administration in retooling the immigration system. However, the Roadmap is far more expansive than Biden’s proposals. It remains to be seen how much of the Roadmap the Biden administration will be willing and able to embrace.l

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IN THE NEWS

Your COVID-19 Vaccine Was Likely Made by an Immigrant BY WALTER EWING

he development of a COVID-19 vaccine is a global endeavor. The scientists and entrepreneurs creating the vaccine are of many nationalities and immigration statuses—as are the millions of people impacted by the pandemic who are anxiously awaiting a vaccine. The three pharmaceutical companies with vaccines near-ready for distribution—BioNTech, Pfizer, and Moderna— were all founded by immigrants. Consider the partnership between the German company BioNTech SE and the American company Pfizer Inc., which has now completed a working vaccine. BioNTech was founded by a husbandwife team of Turkish origin—Ugur Sahin and Ozlem Tureci—one of whom was brought to Germany from Turkey as a child, while the other was born in Germany to a Turkish father. The U.S.-based company Pfizer was founded by an immigrant from Germany, Charles Pfizer. Its current CEO is an immigrant from Greece, Albert Bourla. Another U.S. company with a promising COVID-19 vaccine in development is Moderna. The founders include immigrants from Canada and Lebanon, and

the CEO is from France. The Lebanese cofounder of Moderna is Noubar Afeyan, who received a Ph.D. in biochemical engineering from MIT while on a foreign student visa. He was able to stay and continue working in the United States on an H-1B visa—a visa for highskilled workers that President Trump has repeatedly attempted to ban from the country. He is now a U.S. citizen. The importance of immigrants in the development of the vaccine extends well beyond the senior leadership of these companies. Business Insider reports that: “Moderna received or renewed 27 highskilled immigrant visa applications in 2019, according to analysis of data from the U.S. Office of Foreign Labor Certification. In 2019, that number was 100 for Pfizer.”

According to data compiled by the New American Economy Research Fund, immigrants account for nearly 25% of all workers in pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing nationwide, as well as more than a quarter of all physicians. Vice President Mike Pence has said that: “Only in America could you see the kind of innovation that’s resulted in the development of a vaccine in record time.” That statement fails to acknowledge that the vaccine is being developed through international partnerships and with the critical participation of immigrants within the United States. The Trump administration has failed to acknowledge the role immigrant professionals play in developing a vaccine. In addition, the administration has yet to provide any financial relief to the many

immigrant families in the United States who have suffered the same economic devastation as everyone else during this pandemic. American families that include immigrants were largely left out of the $2 trillion economic stimulus package which was signed into law in March of 2020, shortly after the pandemic hit. This is despite the fact that undocumented immigrants paid over $30 billion in taxes in 2018. A bill passed by the House of Representatives in May 2020 would have made non-U.S. citizens eligible for COVID-19 economic relief, but it did not pass the Senate. Considering the role of immigrants as essential workers in the U.S. economy, including in frontline healthcare occupations—and the fact that everyone is equally impacted by the pandemic—their exclusion from relief is unconscionable. Immigrants are part of the solution to the COVID-19 pandemic. Foreign-born scientists and entrepreneurs are playing an integral role in the quest for a vaccine. And the economic impact of the pandemic cannot be effectively mitigated without taking all families into account. The United States and governments worldwide should recognize that.l

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NYC, masks and social distancing are working!

WHATâ€™S NEXT

IN THE COVID-19 FIGHT? NOW, WE ALL NEED TO GET TESTED OFTEN, even with no symptoms, to keep reducing the spread. TO FIND EASY AND SAFE TESTING AT NO COST TO YOU,

VISIT NYC.GOV/COVIDTEST OR CALL 212-COVID19

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IMMIGRANTS’ VOICES

Getting the Vaccine to the Undocumented/ continued from page 1 over 16 million people in America, according to USAFacts. A virus, managed hitherto, by aggressive treatment, testing, and quarantine. Since then, the country has distributed over 2.5 million doses to various facilities. The Politics of COVID-19 Vaccine Despite the apparent possibilities of returning normalcy that the vaccine represents, several challenges await this breakthrough. According to the USA Today report, beyond the logistic, social and medical challenges such as inadequate funds in states to purchase and hire enough PPE and trained personnel respectively for a safe and rapid disbursement. The Surgeon General Jerome Adams visited the George Washington University Hospital to witness the vaccine’s administration to a few health workers, raised a significant obstacle to the campaign to get vaccinated among one of the racial groups hardest hit by the pandemic – Black Americans. An obstacle emanates from a deep-seated lack of trust from historical events like the illfamed Tuskegee study, which left hundreds of Black men with syphilis untreated for over 40 years by the federal government. An additional challenge to the campaign is the non-inclusion of undocumented immigrants’ welfare, who make

up close to 3 percent of the national population in the vaccine’s emergency distribution. Despite incriminating evidence, they are among the most vulnerable and many people of color, the older people, and frontline health workers. Not to mention the fear of punitive immigration policies that expose them to the possibility of deportation, or the Public Charge rule that limits the chances of future citizenship for using public benefits such as accessing the vaccine dose. All of which poses a considerable threat to the adoption of the vaccine. Undocumented Immigrants and the Vaccination Dilemma For undocumented immigrants, the vaccine is a chance to live – assuring them of job security and a future generation. However, the over 10 million undocumented immigrants, mostly rendering

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frontline services in the country’s service industry and food production (as farm helpers, meat packers,) fear a backlash if they opt to receive the vaccine. According to experts, the vaccine will increase the level of herd immunity and reduce virus transmission. According to a USA Today newspaper report, the fear of possible discrimination by health officials and immigration policies can jeopardize the movement. A fact that if left unaddressed, years of isolation and demonizing rhetoric by the Trump administration will force the group to hide and not get vaccinated, thereby increasing the percentage of atrisk groups in the population. In addition to more than 38% of Americans report they won’t take the vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer, according to pew research polls. The refusal for vaccine adoption will threaten economic recovery efforts due to ill health, death, and continuing pandemic; a price too costly to pay to uphold demeaning immigration policies against unauthorized immigrant communities. Maximizing the Vaccination To counter the potential fallouts, it is essential that deliberate steps, including following various recommendations, such as the suggestion to the press, by Manuel Pastor, the leader of Equity Research Institute at the University of Southern California. Pastor advocates making the vaccine ‘fully available to undocumented Americans; otherwise, everyone is at risk.’ Correspondingly, the Executive Director of the Center for Migration Studies New York, Don Kerwin, shares that the lack of vaccination of a group because of their immigration status from a public health perspective would be inhumane counterproductive. In New York City, promoting the free public health initiative – NYC Test and Trace Corps effort is pertinent. On June 1, 2020, to fight COVID-19, this resource that tests, trace, and care for all New Yorkers regardless of their immigration status, is confidential and protected under the city’s health code. Under Mayor De Blasio’s administration, there is a commitment to securing and not linking the database to any law enforcement agency. Also, they protect people’s privacy by enforcing the rule of not asking intrusive questions about anyone’s immigration status during the testing process; neither will the public charge rule apply to any immigrant after receiving services. Encouraging diagnostic testing

among undocumented immigrants is fundamental to combating COVID-19 and additional resources as found on NYC311. Hence, prioritizing massive and targeted outreach efforts to encourage the turnout among marginalized and most atrisk groups/communities—Black, Brown, Asian and low-income communities, using various media platforms and diverse language is essential. Emphasize must be on targeting unauthorized immigrants, who are unlikely to seek testing, get the needed treatment if infected, or seek vaccination due to their immigration status. The extra effort might reach and persuade the undocumented immigrant community if implemented through organized groups and leaders in the community. What’s more, Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, D-New York City, presented legislation — that the New York state should provide no-cost vaccinations to all New Yorkers. This includes both American citizens and non-citizens who will receive a free vaccine, undocumented New Yorkers, people with temporary legal status, and other categories whose fate appears undecided. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo also stands as an advocate for undocumented immigrants. In a CBS News report, the governor urged the federal government to implement a ‘fair and equal vaccination program through a letter addressed to the health secretary.’ Not one that is linked to gathering and sharing citizens’ details as this idea will deter undocumented communities from getting tested. Hopefully, at the federal level, there will be an enforcement of the Presidentelect-Joe Biden’s views on the subject, as reported by The Hill news agency, during a gathering hosted by the National Association of Black and Hispanic Journalists’. He told its members that, ‘if and when it occurs, undocumented immigrants should have access to a vaccine, testing, treatment, and hospitalizations if it relates to the virus.’ As he prepares to assume office in the New Year, a much-needed endorsement message and right rhetoric of this kind will contribute immensely to the full force and holistic effort in taking the vaccine and improving the economy. The practical implementation of a non-discriminatory vaccination roll-out, supported by a positive legislative backed messaging, and everyone working together towards achieving full control of the virus will serve as a planned move towards getting our lives back and the success of every aspect of society.l

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MONEY MATTERS

If You Have Federal Student Loans, Read This your federal loans were in default and your employer continues to garnish your wages, you’ll get a refund.

BY ARI LAZARUS, FTC

everal months ago, we told you that the U.S. Department of Education announced some flexibility to federal student loan borrowers. Understanding these options can help you make more informed decisions about paying your bills and prioritizing your debts. The benefits have been extended until January 31, 2021. So, just to recap, what does this mean for you if you have a federal student loan? 1.This program gives temporary payment relief to borrowers with qualifying federal student loans. But some federal student loans don’t qualify – for example, older Family Federal Education Loan (FFEL) program loans or Perkins Loans that are owned by the school you attended. Contact your federal loan servicer online or by phone to find out if your loans are eligible. 2. If your federal loans are covered, the U.S. Department of Education has automatically placed your loans into what’s called “administrative forbearance.” That

means you can stop making payments on those loans right away, up through January 31, 2021. If your payments automatically come out of your bank account, check if any payments have been processed since March 13, 2020. If they have, you may be able to get a refund as part of administrative forbearance. 3. If you want to keep making payments on your qualifying federal student loan through January 31st, the interest rate is now 0%. So any payments you make dur-

ing the forbearance period may help you pay off your debt faster. If you’re on an income-based repayment program and/or a forgiveness program, you should check out Federal Student Aid's Coronavirus page to see which option makes sense for you. 4. If your federal student loans are in default, the U.S. Department of Education has stopped making collection calls, and sending letters or billing statements through January 31, 2021. And if

This program only applies to federal student loans. Not sure what kinds of student loans you have? Here are two things you can do to find out: •Get a complete list of your private and federal student loans by pulling your credit report. (In fact, you can get your report for free every week.) Read through it and find your student loans, taking note of the companies that are your lenders or loan servicers. Compare it to the full list of federal loan servicers found here. •Confirm which of your loans are federal. Log into FSA or call the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) at 1-800-433-3243. One more thing: you don’t need to hire a company to help you get this student loan payment relief. The program is already in place and there’s nothing you need to do to enroll.l Ari Lazarus is a Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

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FAMILY MATTERS

Why Immigrants With Strong Ties to the US Should Be Allowed to Stay manent status. This would allow more TPS holders with U.S. citizen spouses, children, or parents to obtain permanent residency.

BY EMMA WINGER

he Biden administration will soon lead a vibrant nation of immigrants—a nation that includes millions of noncitizens with deep ties to the United States who are at risk of deportation. This important and diverse population includes immigrants who have lived in the United States for many years, have close family in this country, and make meaningful contributions to their communities, the workforce, and the economy. Until we have a legislative solution, the administration must use all available tools to provide stability and protection for long-residing immigrants and their families. Protect People with Temporary Protected Status Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a legal status available to people from certain designated countries suffering from natural disasters, armed conflict, or other extraordinary circumstances. People living in the United States at the time their country is designated for TPS may apply

for protection, which includes temporary permission to stay and work authorization. The Biden administration should issue new designations for those countries that the Trump administration sought to terminate—El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Sudan. While court orders have delayed the termination of TPS for these countries, TPS holders will be in legal limbo unless the new administration acts. Most TPS holders have lived in the United States for at least 20 years and

have been repeatedly vetted by immigration authorities. Approximately 273,000 U.S. citizen children have a parent with TPS and without additional protections, they risk separation. While it would take legislation to provide a path to permanent status for all TPS holders, the Biden administration could open more doors. Consistent with the law, the administration should treat a grant of TPS or travel on advance parole after receiving TPS as a cure for certain past immigration violations that would prevent TPS holders from gaining per-

Protect Dreamers Facing the same uncertainty are Dreamers—people who came to the U.S. at a young age who otherwise have no path to legal status because of harsh immigration laws. Despite recent court victories, the Trump administration’s relentless efforts to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) have highlighted the delicate nature of the initiative and the need for a permanent solution. The Biden administration should reinstate and expand DACA. In its current form, DACA has many strict eligibility requirements, including upper and lower age caps, and education and residence requirements. A person with even a minor criminal history is likely barred from DACA. The new administration can eliminate or relax these requirements so they don’t risk deportation to a country they no longer call home.

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continued on page 12

FAMILY MATTERS

Immigrants With Strong Ties/ from page 11 Dreamers who are eligible for DACA must not be deported. The Biden administration should administratively close all deportation proceedings for people who could, and should, be granted DACA. The administration should also work to help Dreamers and others who have viable defenses to removal or otherwise qualify for immigration status in pursuing and obtaining relief. Like TPS, there are no clear paths to permanent legal status for DACA recipients or their family members. Congress must change that. But the Biden administration could use a program called Parole-in-Place (PIP) to expand the options for DACA holders to apply for lawful permanent resident status through U.S. citizen family members. The Biden administration must fulfill its promise to protect Dreamers by using all administrative options and pushing Congress to finally create a legislative solution. Protect Lawful Permanent Residents Even lawful permanent residents (LPRs or “green card” holders) can be deported under “tough on crime” immigration laws. A wide range of criminal convictions, including minor convictions and convictions that occurred many years

ago, can result in deportation for LPRs. Black and brown immigrants are disproportionally likely to be caught in this jailto-deportation pipeline. The Biden administration should work to ensure that LPRs, having already faced consequences through the criminal legal system, are not also subjected to a second, even harsher, penalty. Deportation means separation from home, family, livelihood, and in many cases permanent exile. Until Congress provides across-theboard protection for LPRs, the Biden administration must set enforcement pri-

orities and exercise prosecutorial discretion to avoid placing LPRs in removal proceedings. Protect Undocumented Residents Our immigration system is outdated and overly punitive. As a result, many undocumented individuals have no available pathway to legal status—even people who have lived in the United States for many years or who have U.S. citizen family members. Again, it is up to Congress to create a long-term solution. But the Biden administration can immediately provide some

protection for long-term residents and other undocumented people with strong ties to the United States through its enforcement priorities. The new administration can and should choose not to deport the vast majority of these people. Until a robust legalization plan is enacted, the administration can use other tools to provide status or permission for people to remain in the United States. The government can expand PIP to allow more people to remain in the United States and apply for LPR status through U.S. citizen family members. The government can make it easier for eligible individuals to apply for cancellation of removal—a path to legal status that is currently only available in immigration court. The new administration can grant Deferred Enforced Departure (DED)—another, lesser-known temporary legal status. Our immigration system will never (and should never) deport the entire undocumented population. Allowing immigrants with strong ties to the United States to remain here avoids the separation of families, decreases exploitation of workers, and enables people to work hard to improve their own lives and communities. With so many tools available, the Biden administration has no excuse for leaving millions of long-term residents in limbo, under constant threat of deportation.l

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Make a resolution to learn more. Every New Year, you make a list of things you will do to stay healthy so you can feel your best. But, did you realize that feeling your best includes seeing your best too? January is Glaucoma Awareness Month â€“ the perfect time to spread the word about the disease. So, this year, add learning about glaucoma to your list! Your eyes will thank you for it. 1. Glaucoma can cause vision loss and blindness, which canâ€™t be reversed. Glaucoma causes fluid to build up in your eye, causing pressure that can damage the optic nerve, which transfers visual images to your brain. But, you can save your vision with early detection and treatment. 2. There are no early symptoms. Glaucoma often has no early warning signs. No pain. No discomfort. No blurry vision. Only advanced glaucoma will affect your vision. Donâ€™t wait for symptoms to visit your eye doctor!

3. In the United States, half the people who have glaucoma donâ€™t know they do. Nearly 3 million Americans have glaucoma. Half donâ€™t know it. Lack of awareness and the absence of symptoms are preventing people from detecting the disease early. You can change that! Find out if you have glaucoma. 4. Some people are at higher risk than others. African Americans over 40, adults over 60 â€“ especially Hispanics/Latinos, and people with a family history of glaucoma are at higher risk, making early detection especially important. Are you at higher risk? Talk to your family about glaucoma. 5. There is only one way to know if you have glaucoma. Getting a comprehensive dilated eye exam is the only way to find out if you have glaucoma. During the exam, an eye care professional places drops in your eyes to widen the pupils and looks for signs of the disease in the optic nerve. Now that youâ€™ve got the facts about glaucoma, make a resolution for healthier vision. Schedule a comprehensive dilated eye exam today! And encourage your friends and loved ones to do the same. To learn more about glaucoma, visit www.nei.nih.gov/glaucoma.

To learn more, visit www.nei.nih.gov/glaucoma The National Eye Institute (NEI) leads the federal governmentâ€™s research on the visual system and eye diseases. NEI supports basic and clinical science programs to develop sight-saving treatments and address the special needs of people with vision loss. For more information, visit www.nei.nih.gov.

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GENERATIONS

Seniors: Get Your Flu Shot – It’s Important!

etting vaccinated for the flu is more important than ever. Not only will a flu shot help keep you and your family healthy, it can help reduce the strain on the healthcare system and keep hospital beds and other medical resources available for people with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This is no ordinary flu season; it’s a flu season amid a pandemic. With two dangerous viruses going around at once, it’s time for people to protect their communities by getting the vaccine already available: the flu vaccine. And people with Medicare are at greater risk for serious complications from flu. A flu shot is an important preventive tool for individuals with asthma, diabetes, and heart and lung disease – chronic conditions that can increase the risk for serious flu-related health complications or even death. It’s the best protection from getting and spreading this flu virus, and it’s covered by Medicare at no cost. Medicare Part B covers one flu shot per flu season per beneficiary. You pay nothing for a flu shot if your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider accepts Medicare payment for giving the shot. A flu shot won’t protect you against COVID-19, but it has many other important benefits. Flu vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization, and death.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there’s no evidence that a flu vaccination increases your risk of getting sick from a coronavirus, like the one that causes COVID-19. Those at high risk for flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people 65 years and older, and people with certain chronic health conditions. Anyone who is six months old or older should get a yearly flu vaccine. The CDC recommends getting vaccinated in September or October, but a flu shot anytime during the flu season can help protect you. Flu season in North America rarely begins before early October and usually

lasts from December to March. In the past two years, the peak activity has occurred around mid-to-late February. Your body needs two weeks after a shot to develop a protective response to the influenza virus, so your best bet is to get vaccinated before the flu rate begins to climb. Workplaces and other settings that usually provide flu shots may not do so this season because of the challenges of maintaining social distancing. For more information on where you can get a flu vaccine, visit www.vaccinefinder.org. When going to get a flu shot, please practice everyday preventive actions and follow the CDC’s recommendations for running essential errands. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health department if they are following CDC’s vaccination pandemic guidance. Any vaccination location following CDC’s guidance should be a safe place for you to get a flu vaccine. If you have a child over six months old who qualifies for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), you may also qualify for a flu vaccination at no cost to you. What’s the difference between flu and COVID-19? Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they’re caused by different viruses.

COVID-19 is caused by infection with a new coronavirus (called SARS-CoV2) and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses. Because some symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone, and testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis. It is possible to have flu and COVID19 at the same time. Health experts are still studying how common this can be. While it’s not possible to say with certainty what will happen in the fall and winter, the CDC believes it’s likely that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both be spreading. The CDC has developed a test that will check for A- and B-type seasonal flu viruses and SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This test will be used by U.S. public health laboratories. Testing for these viruses at the same time will give public health officials important information about how flu and COVID19 are spreading and what preventive steps should be taken. So please protect yourself, your family, and your community by getting a flu shot. Visit the doctor, pharmacy, or other local providers to get a flu shot today.l (FamilyFeatures) Information provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

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HEALTH

How to Gift Happiness in 2021

here are no two ways about it: 2020 was a lot to take in. We forged ahead and made amazing things happen in the face of enormous uncertainty, but it wasn't an easy task. In 2021, everyone's looking to grow their happiness and share it with others. It's only natural, and fortunately research has given us some solid ideas of where to start. A 2008 study out of the Harvard Business School and the University of British Columbia has shown that the act of giving gifts makes people happy. Even happier than if we spent the money on ourselves. So, to make everyone more cheerful, here are some smile-inducing (and stress-reducing) gift ideas for 2021. Plants to calm and cheer If you've never heard of the term 'biophilia' that's OK, most people haven't. It's a theory that says humans naturally seek out and benefit from connections to nature. Research has backed up this theory, particularly with the study of houseplants. Houseplants can do everything from bettering our concentration to improving our well-being. A 2019 Japanese study showed that people with a small plant on their desk showed lower anxiety and stress levels after four weeks. "Plants are the perfect gift to help us

cut flowers. What's more, flowers provide an instant burst of color. Bright colors have been shown to have their own positive psychological effects, from releasing "feel-good hormones" to increasing a person's motivation. One especially positive color is yellow. It can have uplifting, illuminating and energizing effects. Perhaps that's why a yellow hue was chosen as one of Pantone's colors of the year for 2021, and why it is featured prominently in the 1800-Flowers.com flower of the year: sunflowers. Gifting a sunflower bouquet is an easy way to spread happiness. Not only do they boast bright, cheerful colors, they're also a large bloom that lasts more than a week after being cut.

relax and be happy," said Alfred Palomares, vice president of merchandising for leading gifting site 1-800Flowers.com. "For folks looking for a way to connect in 2021, you can't go wrong with the Prayer Plant, deemed our plant of the year. Its leaves fold together at night like praying hands, making it a wonderful reminder to be thankful and calm." The Red Maranta Prayer Plant also makes a great gift because it's easy to

care for. When gifting houseplants, you're hoping to give your loved one something that will last for months or years to come. Choosing a hardy species will help make that a reality, while a finicky plant might backfire and cause more stress for first-time "plant parents." Flowers to energize Another gift scientifically proven to drive happiness, according to a Rutgers University study, is a lovely bouquet of

The shared joy of gift-giving At the end of the day, there are a lot of ways to do gift-giving right. In 2021, look for presents that channel a strong sense of optimism and positivity. After all, those are feelings we all craved more of during 2020. Remember, whatever gifts you give, there's happiness to be had all around. The joy of giving is equal to the joy of receiving, which makes gifting a surefire way to grow happiness in 2021. (BPT)l

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LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

Is Your Relationship Emotionally Abusive? BY LINDSAY WILSON

hanks to the tireless efforts of activists and people speaking out about their own abuse, the topic of domestic violence has become an easier one to talk about. Slowly, most people seem to be adopting the view that physical violence in a relationship is never OK. But while it's easy to point to a black eye or a bruise as an obvious warning alarm to leave, abuse that leaves no visible marks is much, much trickier to understand. You may have heard the term "emotional abuse", and a quick internet search will turn up dozens of lists of "warning signs" you need to watch out for. These lists are great â€” they count the many ways you may be degraded, dominated, belittled, called names, disrespected, shamed or second guessed. Your emotional abuser may violate your boundaries, put you down or make ridiculous demands of you. But this article is not going to give you a list of behaviours that mean you are definitely being emotionally abused. Why? Because emotional abuse is subtle and evades definition. The trouble with lists is that the don't really show the full range and complexity of most people's

relationships, the many shades of grey in between OK and not OK. They are just too simplistic. Take, for example, criticism. Being constructively told by someone else that something you're doing needs work or could be better is not emotional abuse; however, an emotional abuser will use criticism as part of his/her control over somebody. How are we to know which criticism is helpful to us and which counts as abuse?

This is why I think you need to know only one thing when it comes to protecting your mental health from an emotional abuser: trust yourself. Many articles about emotional abuse focus on what the supposed abuser does. But this merely encourages the already imbalanced dynamic between you. Rather, forget about the other person for a moment and concentrate on what you feel. People who are prone to entering into destructive relationships or who have been worn down over time by an abusive partner may lack self esteem. The problem is twofold: they have paired up with a partner who disrespects their personhood, but they also have trouble with defending that personhood. In other words, their sense of self is weakened and compromised. Since it's useless to try to control others' behaviour, your best bet is to focus on your own part in the dynamic. Now, nobody would suggest that people who are emotionally abused deserve it; instead, the best thing someone who suspects emotional abuse can do for themselves is to turn inward and learn to listen to themselves first. Often, people in these situations know, deep down, that something is very wrong. They feel it in their bodies, they

feel shame and doubt, they start to hate themselves, they are permanently stressed and depressed, but they ignore their own intuition telling them that something is wrong. Part of emotional abuse is having this very sense of self worth deconstructed. But no matter how long you may have endured an abusive situation, and no matter how unsure you are ("Maybe it's just me. Maybe I'm really the problem") you always have that seed of self worth inside you. Learning to draw on that will be your first step to getting out of the relationship and on your way to healing. If you are reading this, there is a strong chance you have experienced emotionally abusive behaviour from someone close to you. Is it emotional abuse? Nobody can tell you. But, if you take a moment to quietly ask yourself this, truly ask your deepest self if this relationship you are in is for your own best interests, you may already know the answer. You may have been told that you are useless, or crazy. Your partner may have even denied that he/she is abusing you. Trust yourself anyway. There is strength in you, and when you ask yourself if what you are experiencing is acceptable, trust what that strength tells you, no matter how small and quiet the voice may be at first.l

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CONVERSATIONS

Legalizing Marijuana, Once a Pipe Dream on Capitol Hill, Takes an Important Step Forward BY ROSALIE LICCARDO PACULA THE CONVERSATION

n early December, the House of Representatives passed the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act, or the MORE Act. The bill sought to decriminalize marijuana nationally by removing cannabis from the federal government’s Schedule I controlled substance list. That category indicates the drug has high potential for abuse and no therapeutic value. It also includes drugs like methamphetamine and heroin. The bill is a long way from passage. With a new Congress just seated, it would need to be reintroduced and pass again in the House. Even if that happens, it is unlikely to get through the Senate. Still, the initial success of the MORE Act is an important sign that sentiment in Washington is changing, guided by increasing public backing for cannabis reform. Two-thirds of Americans now support legalizing the drug.

As a health policy professor and president of the International Society for the Study of Drug Policy, I have followed the growing acceptance of cannabis policy reform for several decades and see both strengths and weaknesses of the most recent proposal. Correcting Past Wrongs Fifteen states and Washington, D.C. —

places were 33% of the U.S. population lives — have legalized recreational marijuana. An additional 21 states have legal medical marijuana markets. Disparities between federal and state marijuana laws in these various jurisdictions have – at a minimum — generated market hurdles and have done far more damage than that in some communities. Forty percent of U.S. drug arrests in 2018 were for marijuana offenses, despite state legalization laws. The vast majority of people arrested were African Americans. The MORE Act took several steps to try to correct the injustices caused by federal prohibition. It would have authorized a 5% tax on the sale of cannabis products to fund reinvestment in minority communities most harmed by the war on drugs. It also would have expunged some cannabis-related offenses — essentially removing these offenses from people’s criminal records – which is important for undoing some of the harm caused by what the ACLU has identified as racial disparity in enforcement. It could not, however, address the longer-term damage a criminal record causes Black families, such as the reduced family income and limited educational opportunities. What was left out While the MORE Act would have made cannabis a legal product for commercial sale nationally, just like apples or tomatoes, it did so without addressing consumer safety matters afforded to even these basic goods. Specifically, the MORE Act did not fund agencies that provide consumer protections of standard agricultural goods and medications. For example, regulation of cannabis cultivation by the Department of Agriculture would allow the government to enforce bans on illegal pesticides and test plants for consumption. Similarly, regulatory authority granted to the Food and Drug Administration would ensure proper testing, labeling and reporting of ingredients for cannabisinfused edibles and vaping liquids, with

consequences for noncompliance. The FDA is already trying to rein in companies that market products containing cannabis and cannabis-derived compounds in ways that violate the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. The MORE Act failed to dedicate revenue to support these regulatory activities to ensure consumer safety. This failure comes despite evidence that, when left unchecked, the industry promotes its products in ways that can generate negative health behaviors, like use of the drug by pregnant women to combat nausea. Development and marketing of products aimed at youth have also resulted in poisonings, acute psychosis and emergency room visits. If Congress is serious about legalizing marijuana, it might consider using funds from the new tax revenue to set up federal standards that improve product safety and reduce unintentional harm. The conservative-leaning Senate is more likely to support such a policy. As is, the MORE Act addresses past social injustices but misses an opportunity to regulate cannabis products for the benefit of all Americans.l Rosalie Liccardo Pacula is a Professor of Health Policy & Management, USC Sol Price School of Public Policy & Senior Fellow, Leonard D Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics, University of Southern California

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Severed Families, Raided Workplaces and a Climate of Fear: Assessing Trump’s Immigration Crackdown BY MIRANDA CADY HALLETT THE CONVERSATION

onald Trump was on the defensive about his immigration policies in the final presidential debate, with a question about 545 migrant children taken by the U.S. government who may never be reunited with their parents. Immigration authorities say they cannot find the children’s families, many of whom have been deported to Central America. Taking children away from their families at the border was part of a broader strategy aimed at discouraging immigrants from coming. The cruelty of the family-separation policy traumatized migrant children and spurred nationwide protests. A federal judge ordered the government to reunite the separated families on June 26, 2018. Four years ago, candidate Trump was on the offensive about enforcement, portraying immigration as a threat to American security. Trump laid out his platform in an Aug. 31, 2016, campaign speech. This overview examines President Trump’s record on three big promises made in that speech. #1: The ban “[I]mmigration will be suspended [from] places like Syria and Libya.” In a 2017 executive proclamation, the Trump administration indefinitely barred immigrants from Iran, Syria, North Korea, Chad, Libya, Yemen and Somalia from entering the U.S. The rule, a revised version of the “Muslim ban” previously struck down as discriminatory, was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. Though the specific countries included in the ban have changed since then, the ban has dramatically limited immigration from several Muslim-majority countries. Immigrant visas to people from wartorn Yemen dropped from over 1,000 per month in 2016 to less than 100 per month in 2018. Student and tourist visas from the banned countries also plummeted.

The Trump administration reduced refugee admissions allowed into the U.S. by capping the number who may be resettled in the country at 15,000 in 2020, down from 85,000 in 2016. This also disproportionately affected those from Muslim-majority regions. #2: Extreme enforcement “All immigration laws will be enforced.” This promise was, perhaps, doomed from the start. The federal government lacks capacity and popular support to fully enforce U.S. immigration laws, which one federal court called “a maze of hyper-technical statutes and regulations.” Doing so would also require surveillance and militarization that most Americans would find unacceptable. Under Trump, a system prioritizing the removal of people found guilty of a crime was replaced with instructions to deport “all removable aliens,” including those who had been allowed to stay in the U.S. by discretion of an immigration judge. To this end, the administration pledged to hire an additional 10,000 enforcement agents. Hiring has fallen short – both Border Patrol and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement have fewer agents now than they did in 2016. Two numbers that have grown under Trump are the number of child migrants held in state custody and the daily total of immigrants imprisoned in prisonlike detention centers. The U.S. detains more migrants than any other country, a trend that has been growing since the Clinton administration. The daily average hit a historic peak of over 50,000 in October 2019. That population has since declined during the pandemic. #3: The wall “We will build a great wall … and Mexico will pay.” Despite an executive order signed just days into his term calling for securitizing the border, Trump has fortified less new mileage along the U.S.-Mexico border than his two predecessors. George W. Bush added about 450 miles

along all four southern border states – California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas – under a bipartisan 2006 congressional agreement called the Secure Fence Act. Around 100 more miles of the border were fenced under Barack Obama. As of August 2020 Trump had covered just 5 previously unfenced miles along the U.S.-Mexico border. Double barriers or replacement fencing have also been constructed on several hundred miles since 2016. The government does not fully disclose the length or location of border walls on its website, making these figures difficult to pin down. But Trump’s 5 new miles bring the total length of fenced U.S.Mexico border to around 660 miles. The Mexican government has refused to bankroll any of this project. So has Congress, which in 2018 rejected Trump’s request of US$18 billion to build 864 miles of border wall. Trump’s subsequent diversion of funds from the defense budget for a border wall by declaring a “state of emergency” was ruled improper by a federal appeals court earlier this month.

guidelines recommend against. When immigrants go for a routine ICE checkin, they may be apprehended and deported. “Zero tolerance” rules expose even legal permanent residents to removal by making a long list of actions into deportable offenses, including using welfare services, admitting to addiction problems or failing to inform the government quickly of a change of address. By the numbers, President Barack Obama still removed more people each year, partly because unauthorized border crossing by Mexican nationals across the southern border was higher during the Obama years. But Trump’s immigration enforcement is more random and punitive, vastly increasing criminal prosecutions for immigration-related offenses and removing people who have been in the U.S. longer. Trump has also tried repeatedly to end the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA. The Trump administration has also dramatically restricted the federal system allowing migrants to apply for asylum under international and domestic law and has treated asylum seekers as if they were criminals. The administration finally shut it down entirely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many such actions have been challenged as unconstitutional, among them family separation and sending asylum seekers to Mexico to wait while their claims are processed, and the cases will be heard by the Supreme Court next year.

Crackdown through criminalization Largely stymied by the courts and Congress in implementing some of his promised anti-immigration policies, Trump and his administration advanced a strategy of harsh law enforcement and regulatory changes to crack down on immigrants. ICE regularly conducts dramatic SWATstyle raids in migrant-heavy workplaces like poultry plants and occasionally detains people near “sensitive locations” like churches, something ICE’s own

The balance All told, Trump has made over 400 changes to immigration policy, largely fulfilling his 2016 promises and creating a climate of fear even among immigrants who are legal residents and citizens. However, because these changes happened almost entirely through executive ordersr – not legislative action – they can be undone by a future president, even without congressional support. But the human cost to migrant parents and children cannot so easily be reversed.l

Trump. Editorial credit: Windover Way Photography / Shutterstock.com

HOME OWNERSHIP

Find An Affordable Home BY MARY CAMPBELL EQUITY SMART REALTY INC

he American Dream is twofold: that of owning a home and starting a business. For immigrants, homeownership is a natural path in their newly-adopted country. One of the first steps in home buying is determining a price point that works for your budget. It’s easy to be swept away with incredible features and spacious square footage. However, if you cannot afford the home long term, you may find yourself in a stressful foreclosure situation. Do you know how to find affordable and desirable housing in your area? A great resource in your hunt for a home is a qualified real estate agent who has your best interests in mind. Together, you should go over your wants and needs in a new residence, but be firm on which amenities matter most. Don’t be afraid to take your time to find the property of your dreams while staying in your budget. Suffering through buyer’s regret on such a large investment shouldn’t be an option. Before you jump into the process of visiting potential properties, consider these strategies to ensure your sights are set on feasible options.

Property taxes: When deciding on a monthly payment you can afford, make sure to include an estimate of the annual property taxes. You can typically find an estimate in the listing. Research Different Neighborhoods If possible, extend your search to surrounding neighborhoods or counties. It’s possible to find better pricing and tax obligations when searching other areas nearby. Of course, you should make sure the new location is still convenient for a work or school commute.

When you bring in an expert to help you house hunt, establish the radius you are willing to travel. With their knowledge and connections, your dream home may be waiting for you in a community you hadn’t considered.

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Free Consultation Need assistance? We will be happy to meet with you and share our guidance. Schedule an appointment today. call us at 855-768-8845.l

Do Your Own Research Before seeking a professional to help find a home, research locations to create a list of must-haves. An easy way to see numerous properties in a short time is searching online. Sellers are motivated to paint their homes in the best light and entice buyers to make an inquiry. Typically, you will see vivid pictures of the entire property or have access to a virtual tour. With a few potential structures in mind, drive by in the daylight to see them in person. Keep in mind, if the exterior looks wildly different from the online images, expect the interior to appear the same. Sometimes pictures can be taken at angles to persuade a different perspective. For instance, the home may not be as far from neighbors as it appears, or the interior layout can be misrepresented. Consider Additional Expenses In addition to the initial cost of a home, a factor that buyers often overlook is the additional expenses which come with ownership. When you’re searching for a property in your budget, consider these other fees. Maintenance: A sprawling landscape may require expensive equipment to maintain or fees from a lawn care company to keep it looking sharp. Insurance: If you’re a first-time buyer, you may be surprised at what it takes to insure a property. Shop around for the best price from a few different companies.

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JOBS & RECESSION

Why You Should Become a Real Estate Agent Now Texas real estate schools have seen 11,900 students graduate in 2020 alone! Nationwide, Kaplan offers a wide variety of courses that make it easy for you to study with their flexible schedules. If you are collecting unemployment from your previous job and have enough to sustain yourself while you’re training, now is the perfect time.

BY AGENT ADVICE KAPLAN REAL ESTATE EDUCATION

eal estate is just about the safest investment you can make. It’s imperishable and almost always increases in value. Because real estate is such a valuable asset, many people use it as a vehicle to build wealth. Some do this by investing in properties, while others sell properties as an agent. With new developments in technology and in the world at large, now is a great time to start a career as a real estate agent. Read on to find out why. Real Estate Business May Be Changing for the Better Not many of us can think of 2020 without thinking about the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic took the year by storm. It affected every aspect of our lives, and real estate is no exception. You might assume that the coronavirus had an adverse effect on the real estate market, and to some extent, this is true. However, the effects weren’t as devastating in real estate as some would think. Many people lost their jobs, putting them in no position to buy new homes.

But as demand went down, prices and insurance rates also decreased. As a result, individuals became tempted to buy. In fact, more than 1 in 5 Americans moved, or know someone who has moved during the pandemic. This trend became even more prevalent when the world started to reopen and people began returning to work. The economy is not fully recovered yet, but it is expected that the housing market will continue to improve as more people start

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working again. This could make for a real estate boom once the pandemic is over. Virtual Opportunities are Bigger Than Ever The COVID-19 pandemic opened doors for buying and selling homes virtually. During summer 2020, virtual home tours boomed. Even though certain areas have allowed for open houses to resume at limited capacity, virtual home tours still remain very popular. Experts in the industry say the trend is here to stay. With people avoiding face-to-face contact, many transactions are being conducted almost entirely via video conferences, texts, and emails. As a result, agents are able to make a living without leaving the comfort of their own home. The virus has changed the face of real estate by improving processes for showing homes and closing deals without the need to commute. The new developments have made for more convenient buying and selling procedures that will be beneficial for years to come. Less Competition for Real Estate Agents As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many real estate agents quit the real estate business or decided to sit on the sidelines. They were uncertain about the future and didn’t want to invest money in advertising for fear of a crash months or a year down the road. As a result, those who have stepped away are providing more opportunity to real estate agents who are sticking with it. If you are just starting out in the business, you have less to lose. You can focus on building instead of holding back. It’s Time for a Career Change Many people have lost their jobs due to the pandemic. They may be looking to get into a new career field. Real estate is an industry anyone can get into. All you need is the dedication to learn, pass your classes, and work hard. Across the country, people are taking advantage of newly found downtime during the pandemic, and investing the time in starting a new career. For example,

Online Courses Make it Easy Today, many companies offer real estate classes online. This makes it easy for prospective real estate agents to get their licenses. Different states have different requirements for prelicensing education, but it’s based on hours of time. The amount required is broken down into classes that run for a set amount of time. If your requirements include a four hour course and you are taking in-person classes, you will need to stay for the full duration. On the other hand, if you are taking the classes online and are a fast learner, you may be able to get through the classes sooner, cutting back on your overall time. The time needed will further be reduced, considering you won’t have to commute to a class. Online classes also tend to be less expensive than in-person courses, and eliminating commuting expenses will help to this end as well. It’s a Great Career Here are some reasons why real estate is a great career, no matter what year it may be: People always need a home: No matter how the economy fares, people always need a roof over their heads. They always need a place to live and a place to work. Therefore, there is always a demand for real estate and a need for real estate agents. Flexible scheduling: When you work in real estate, you have to be open to accommodating your client’s schedule, but ultimately, you can set a schedule that works for you. You’re your own boss: As a real estate agent, you have no one to answer to but yourself. You also never have to worry about getting fired. You can make a lot of money: With houses costing anywhere from tens of thousands to millions of dollars, there are plenty of opportunities to make money. And the harder you work, the more you stand to make. If you are looking for a new line of work, becoming a realtor is a great choice. It’s easy to get started, the potential is amazing, and the pandemic and updated technology have opened more doors than you might realize. Will you be taking the plunge?l

HOUSING

More Rent Relief and a New Eviction Moratorium on the Way for New York Tenants BY ALLISON DIKANOVIC, THE CITY

he coming end of the year [2020] brings some promising news for tenants economically slammed by the pandemic: another shot at rent relief for tens of thousands and a deal to push the residential eviction moratorium through May 1. Here’s the latest: A new eviction moratorium bill passes The state Assembly and Senate reconvened Monday for a rare special session before the end of the year to pass a new residential eviction moratorium bill. Before lawmakers voted, Gov. Andrew Cuomo told reporters: “As soon as that bill is passed, I’ll sign it.” The new law has the potential to protect tenants from eviction through May 1, 2021 if they fill out a form saying they’ve been impacted by the pandemic. The moratorium would suspend eviction proceedings for the next 60 days to give tenants a chance to fill out that form. The measure, passed with current pandemic-spurred eviction bans set to expire at the end of the year, also offers some protections for homeowners and small landlords who own less than 10 apartments. Meanwhile, there’s a new rent relief program Last week, both the state and federal government announced more aid is on the way for renters. But it’s still somewhat unclear who will qualify to get the money — and when. You might remember that New York’s rent relief program was only able to give out $40 million of the $100 million it had from the federal government because, as tenants and their advocates noted, eligibility requirements were too narrow. Only 16% of the more than 94,000 renters who applied were approved. Lawmakers, advocates, renters and landlords were all worried that the unspent $60 million would have to go back to Washington instead of to tenants in need. So, the governor said he was going to do something about that $60 million... Earlier this month, Cuomo said he would sign an executive order expanding the eligibility criteria for the rent relief program so more of the 1.2 million New Yorkers who are at risk of eviction could qualify for the money. On Dec. 18, Cuomo issued an executive order addressing COVID-19 relief laws. That followed an announcement from the Division of Housing and Community Renewal, the agency charged with distributing the state’s rent relief funds, making more tenants eligible for the program and reopening its application window from Dec. 18 through Feb. 1. This is seemingly good news for renters looking for relief... Ideally, it means that more New Yorkers will qualify for the rent relief program

and will receive a payment to cover a portion of their rent costs for the first months of the pandemic. The relief program does not cover full back rent owed. It can supplement part of a household’s income for the months of April to July 2020 to keep a tenant’s rent burden the same. So if you were paying 30% of your income toward rent before the pandemic, but you lost a lot of that income, the state will pay the difference to ensure you did not have to pay more than 30% of your reduced income toward rent for April through July 2020. (Yes, it’s complicated.) If you were previously denied, read this: The requirements to qualify changed slightly, so some people who were originally denied may now be approved. According to a DHCR spokesperson, the agency will be re-evaluating every that application was denied or is in the appeal process to see whether those households now qualify for relief. All told, DHCR officials are reconsidering some 79,000 applications. This means: If you were denied, you shouldn’t have to reapply.

Did you receive that extra $600 per week from unemployment? You might miss out on the rent relief... A major concern housing advocates, tenant organizers and legal service providers had with the original rent relief program was that the timing of the application period coincided with the last weeks of additional federal unemployment assistance from the CARES Act. In other words: that extra $600 a week. Critics said that with this additional benefit, it would appear on the application that the candidate didn’t lose income — even though that benefit would have disappeared the following week. Well, the new rules for the program don’t change anything about that. We don’t know exactly how many New Yorkers fall into this category. Why navigating rent relief is also complicated for those who are undocumented Tenants without legal status who don’t live with anyone in their household with any kind of legal status — like children who are U.S. citizens or those with green cards — still don’t qualify for the program. Advocates say that excludes some of the most vulnerable New Yorkers who already don’t qualify for most other

forms of aid. Studies estimate that nearly 200,000 undocumented workers in the city have lost income during the pandemic. A few other things changed... Tenants who are unable to or uncomfortable with applying online can do so over the phone, according to a DHCR spokesperson. Before if you couldn’t apply online, you had to send in a paper form through the mail. You can call 1833-499-0318. You can also call this same number for translation services or if you have any other questions about your application. DHCR will update renters who applied online about the status of their application via email, including folks who were denied previously. Lastly, this time around, the payments will be made on a rolling basis as soon as DHCR receives and verifies all of the needed documentation from tenants and landlords, instead of waiting until after the application period closes. l This story was published on December 28, 2020 by THE CITY.

Should you apply? Read this: If you wanted to apply but missed the original three-week application window over the summer, you now have until Feb. 1. You can call 1-833-499-0318. If you didn’t know this program existed, weren’t sure you qualified or determined you didn’t and skipped applying, here’s what you should know: The new rules no longer require tenants to have been “rent burdened” before the pandemic. In the original version of the rent relief program, you had to show you were paying more than 30% of your income toward your rent before March 1 to qualify for the relief. If you were “rent burdened” between April 1 and July 31, 2020, you could qualify. The rest of the original requirements remain in place, and all of the documentation that was needed to apply the first time is still required, according to a DHCR spokesperson. The full requirements are: •You must be a renter with a primary residence in New York State. •You must have lost income between April 1 and July 31, 2020. •Before March 7, your household income must have been at or below 80% of the Area Median Income •You must have been rent burdened between April 1 and July 31, 2020. Edward Josephson, director of litigation for Legal Services NYC, said: “It’s worth it to apply. This debt is a real burden, and getting four months of partial rent is more than nothing.”

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