The Immigrant’s Journal Vol. 156
A Journey for a Better Life & Justice
FREE
Protecting God’s Children From Distant Lands 26 Court Street, Suite 701, Brooklyn, NY 11242
www.theimmigrantsjournal.com Tel: 718-243-9431
January 27, 2022
Email: immjournal @aol.com
More Boldness Needed on the Immigration Front not contemplation or lengthy discussions, in order to avoid a major catastrophe. In other words, doing nothing is not an option. There is already a group advocating for Senate Democratic leaders to bypass the Parliamentarian’s recommendation to exclude legalization language in the Build Back Better Act. But, we don’t even know if this bill will advance before the midterm elections. Now Biden says that the bill should be debated in pieces, while the Democratic Senator from West Virginia, Joe Manchin—the same one who, along with Kyrsten Sinema, Democrat from Arizona, put a wrench in the president’s agenda—says that his lower cost BBB
BY MARIBEL HASTINGS & DAVID TORRES, AMERICA’S VOICE
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he first year of the Biden presidency has passed and with it, all the analysis about why immigration reform remains undone once again. The key question is what can be accomplished. That is, what is the next step to achieve something in this electoral year, a panorama that becomes even more complicated for the rest of this presidency if the Democrats lose control of Congress. Owing to the existential threat that the prior administration represented for millions of undocumented immigrants and their families, it is all the more urgent to establish strategies for intelligent action,
President Biden Editorial credit: Oscar Ivan Lopez / Shutterstock.com
Reps. Clarke and Espaillat Lead Members Urging Secretary Blinken to Support Haiti ....8
continued on page 11
What Heart and Stroke Patients Need to Know about COVID-19 ...13
How to Get a Green Card: Green Card for Employment-Based Immigrants....6
Delays at USCIS Will Hamper Biden’s Actions to Help Foreign Workers and Students in STEM Fields BY LESLIE DELLON
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he Biden administration recently announced four actions intended to improve immigration “pathways” for noncitizens in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. However, these changes are constrained by the delays at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and congressional limits on immigrant visa numbers.
These actions include: •Early Career STEM Initiative (J-1 Exchange Visitors) •Expansion of “Designated STEM fields” for international academic students (F-1) •USCIS Policy Manual updates for the extraordinary ability nonimmigrant category (O-1) •USCIS Policy Manual updates for using the national interest waiver (EB2) President Biden views these actions as continued on page 10
Love on the Rocks, Ain’t No Big Surprise! ...17
Brian Figeroux, Esq.
Migrant Advocates Call for Reset with Honduras ....3
Get Your Financial Life In Order This Year ....15
IN THE NEWS
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Enacting Pro-Immigration Policies in New York State Could Strengthen Immigrant Communities, Boost the Overall Economy
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LBANY, NY: FWD.us released a new analysis highlighting the critical need for the state to enact policies that attract more immigrants while better supporting immigrants already living and contributing to the state’s workforce and economy. As the analysis outlines, in recent years, New York’s immigrant population has stagnated, with some signs of it possibly decreasing, which could jeopardize future growth opportunities, both socially and economically. Today, fewer immigrants are entering the state each year from outside the U.S., while about two times as many are leaving New York for other states than those entering from other states, citing lack of affordable housing and community development as major factors. Simultaneously, a greater number of New York’s immigrants have reached or are approaching retirement, further impacting the size of the state’s labor force. With immigrant incomes making up more than a quarter of the total income contribution for the state’s GDP in 2019, and a large portion making up
the essential workforce, it is clear this population is vital to the current and future health of the state’s economy. “This important analysis reveals challenges across the state that cannot be overlooked or understated, especially as we work to rebuild from the pandemic and recognize the critical contributions and role of immigrants in New York. Regions like New York City — known for generations as a safer, welcoming hub for immigrant communities and families — are seeing the foreign-born population plateau, with the state’s immigrant labor force likely decreasing by 100,000 in just four years,” stated Eddie A. Taveras, New York State Immigration Director, FWD.us. “Without meaningful policies that address inequalities and improve economic prosperity for the immigrant community, New York could miss an important opportunity to grow its economy similar to decades past when immigrants were encouraged to stay in the state. Further, our reputation as a diverse and forward-thinking state could be overshadowed by our inability to support and maintain a robust immigrant
A young Latino boy holds an American flag during an immigration march. Editorial credit: Matt Gush / Shutterstock.com
population. I call on state and federal leaders to correct the course and do everything in their power to make New York a major destination for immigrants once again.” The analysis also highlights regions that have focused on improving economic opportunity and mobility for immigrants, such as the Capitol Region and Buffalo, and are, as a result, attracting new immigrants and refugees. By sustaining and growing the overall immigrant population, these communities are
reviving their local economies. In order for the entire state to succeed, leaders must replicate these efforts on a broader scale by adopting policies to attract more immigrants, such as passing the New York for All and Empire State Licensing Acts. State lawmakers should also pass legislation to expand language access to state services, help provide legal counsel funding for immigration proceedings, and address access to affordable housing for all immigrants, regardless of their documentation status. l
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TIME FOR ACTION
Migrant Advocates Call for Reset with Honduras
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ashington, DC: A delegation of leaders of migrant-led organizations called for a reset in U.S.-Honduras relations, as President-elect Xiomara Castro is set to assume power in Honduras on January 27. The delegation represents a coalition of some 55 migrant-led organizations across the United States. The delegation is visiting Honduras this week, in order to meet with administration officials and civil society leaders, and call attention to the need to prioritize establishing a productive partnership with the Biden White House, in order to advance joint efforts to address the root causes of migration. As seen with the turmoil with Honduras’s Congress over the weekend, collaborating with Congress will be hugely challenging for the Castro administration, and will pose significant obstacles. Additionally, the Castro administration will face budgetary challenges, including a growing fiscal deficit. Still, there will be many viable reforms that the Castro administration can pursue via executive action and through foreign policy. “The Honduran diaspora in the U.S. has a message for the Xiomara Castro administration: we know firsthand the painful cost of being forced to migrate, because of intolerable conditions back home,” said Mirtha Colón, a Garifuna leader originally from Honduras, who currently serves as president of the Alianza Americas Board of Directors. “This new political era in Honduras is an opportunity for a reset, in order to center policies that create a more equitable Honduras where everyone can live with dignity and in peace.” “This new government introduces a ray of hope for Hondurans at home and abroad,” said Oscar Chacón, director of Alianza Americas. “Vice President Kamala Harris’s visit to Honduras this week is indicative of how the Biden White House sees new opportunities for productive engagement with President Castro’s administration. The relationship with the Biden administration should be leveraged in favor of a rigorous addressing of corruption, poverty and violence, and climate change impacts that are driving migration. By doing so, President Xiomara Castro’s administration can make headway in addressing migration’s root causes.”
TEAM Publisher I.Q. INC. Legal Advisor Brian Figeroux, Esq. Managing Editor & Editor-in-Chief Pearl Phillip Senior Writer Linda Nwoke
Mirtha Colón
Oscar Chacón
Graphic & Website Designers Praim Samsoondar Kendrick Williams Anvar Sabirov Email immjournal@aol.com Visit www.ijlef.org www.falaw.us www.cawnyc.com
José Daniel Hernández
“It’s time for Honduras to close the chapter on the appalling authoritarian and corrupt regime of the Juan Orlando Hernández years,” said Patricia Montes, executive director of Centro Presente. “For a new dawn in Honduras, the Castro administration must do everything within its power to work with international partners in re-establishing an international anti-corruption commission in Honduras.” “For too long, Indigenous, Afro-descendant, and Garifuna communities in Honduras have faced marginalization and exclusion in Honduras,” said José Daniel Hernández of CARECEN San Francisco. “The Castro administration must prioritize including and elevating these voices.” The delegation includes: Mirtha Colón Mirtha Colón is originally from Honduras and has lived in New York for almost 40 years. She currently serves as president of the Alianza Americas Board of Directors; she also heads Hondurans Against AIDS in New York. She also serves as president of the Black Central American Organization (Organización Negra Centroamericana, ONECA), which fights for human rights and social justice for Central Americans of African descent. Oscar Chacón Oscar Chacón is co-founder and executive director of Alianza Americas. He has
Patricia Montes
been an advocate for the economic, social, political, and cultural rights of all people for more than three decades, with an emphasis on migrants. Oscar has been a pioneer in promoting advocacy strategies conceived from a transnational perspective. Patricia Montes Patricia Montes is the executive director of Centro Presente, one of the longest standing immigrant-led, immigrant rights organizations in Massachusetts. Patricia earned her degree in journalism from the National Autonomous University in Honduras and is a recognized immigrant rights leader and a tireless advocate for just economic and social policies, including a just U.S. immigration policy. José Daniel Hernández José Hernández is the director of the Second Chance Youth Program for the Central American Resource Center of Northern California (CARECEN San Francisco). He was born in Los Angeles and was raised in the Bay Area by Honduran parents. José received his B.A. in Latin American Studies from UCLA in 2010, and received his Master’s of Public Health in Community Education from SFSU in 2019. While at SFSU, José dedicated his studies to critically analyzing the criminalization and incarceration of young people through a public health lens.l
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
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Know Your Rights with ICE If approached by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents, you have rights!
What can I do if ICE is at my door? •
You do not have to immediately open the door for ICE and you do not have to speak to ICE.
•
From behind the closed door, you may ask them who they are and to show their badge, ID or business card through the window or peephole or to pass it under the closed door.
•
You can ask if they have a judicial warrant:
If they say No, you do not have to let them in. You may say, “I do not want to speak with you.”
If they say Yes, you can ask them to slide it under the door. To know if it is a judicial warrant, look to see who signed the warrant.
A judicial warrant is a warrant from a court, signed by a judge. For example, judge signatures may have “Honorable/Hon.” “Judge” “Justice” or “Magistrate” in front of them.
•
In an emergency, such as a threat to public safety or a threat to someone’s life, ICE can come in without asking your permission. If this happens, you still do not have to speak to ICE.
•
If ICE is looking for someone, you do not need to speak. If you choose to speak, you can ask ICE to leave contact information. While you do not need to tell ICE where the person is located, providing false information puts you at risk.
What can I do if ICE is inside my home? •
If ICE enters your home without your permission, you can tell them clearly: “I do not consent to you being in my home. Please leave.” Saying this may not always stop them, but it may help any future legal case.
•
If ICE starts to search rooms or items in your home, you can tell them, “I do not consent to your search.” You can continue to repeat this if they continue to search without consent.
•
You can tell them if there are children or other vulnerable residents in your home.
What can I do if ICE stops me on the street or in public? •
Before you say anything, you can ask, “Am I free to go?”
If they say Yes: you can say,
“I don’t want to answer your questions”
If they say No: you can say,
“I want to remain silent.”
If ICE agents try to search your pockets or belongings, you can say, “I do not consent to a search.” If they search you anyway, you cannot physically stop them, but clearly saying it may be important in any future legal case.
This fact sheet gives only general information. It is not legal advice. Consult an attorney for legal advice.
Call 855-768-8845 for a FREEEnglish Immigration Consultation
CIVIL RIGHTS
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New York Leaders Applaud Mayor Adams’ Blueprint to End Gun Violence
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EW YORK: Elected officials and community leaders from across New York applauded Mayor Eric Adams “Blueprint to End Gun Violence” in New York City. Here’s what they said: New York Governor Kathy Hochul “Too many lives have been lost. Too many live in fear. We have a moral obligation to confront the gun violence epidemic, and that means working with leaders at all levels of government to keep New Yorkers safe,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. “Glad to have a public safety partner in [Mayor Adams].” U.S. Representative Gregory W. Meeks “We have lost too many of our sons and daughters to the epidemic of gun violence," said U.S. Representative Gregory W. Meeks. "Mayor Adams' plan to combat this public health crisis is a real jolt of leadership at a critical time, and I will be a partner in this pursuit of public safety.” NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams “We appreciate the mayor’s focus on the epidemic of violence our city faces and the need for multiple solutions, as the problem is complex and requires multifaceted approaches,” said New York City
Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. “An important way we can support the NYPD in its efforts to improve public safety is by expanding our commitment to complementary public safety work by other stakeholders in every city agency and community partner that can help prevent crime and violence — this plan starts to recognize that reality. We strongly welcome the mayor’s focus on strengthening community-based violence prevention programs, mental health care, and investments in youth employment — and we’re glad these are so central to the plan and conversation, providing a great starting point. The mayor’s advocacy for action on gun control in Washington and efforts to target gun trafficking is also critical.” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg “We have lost too many loved ones to gun violence, and these incidents have traumatized families and created fear throughout the city,” said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. “Combatting gun violence is a top priority for our office and I applaud Mayor Adams’ leadership, commitment, and focus on stopping gun violence. We will partner with him and all who will join us in the urgent tasks of getting drivers of
crime off our streets, cutting off the flow of illegal guns to our city, and building up community-based supports for people who are struggling.” Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York “I’m pleased to read of Mayor Adams' efforts to remove illegal guns from our streets and offer more protection to the heroic men and women of the NYPD,” said Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York. “Our political leaders have our prayerful support as they work to protect the safety and dignity of every person’s life.” Stephanie McGraw, Founder, We All Really Matter (W.A.R.M.) “Domestic violence and gun violence are tragically linked far too often, as we just saw with the senseless shooting of two police officers in Harlem,” said Stephanie McGraw, founder, We All Really Matter (W.A.R.M.). “We stand with Mayor Adams as he takes on this public health crisis with his ‘Blueprint to End Gun Violence.’” Jackie Rowe-Adams, Co-founder, Harlem Mothers S.A.V.E. “On behalf of mothers and families
The Blueprint to End Gun Violence
1
Download the Blueprint at www.ijlef.org
across this city who have lost loved ones to senseless gun violence, I thank Mayor Adams for his bold leadership in our city’s hour of need,” said Jackie RoweAdams, co-founder, Harlem Mothers S.A.V.E. “As our mayor says, ‘he’s not new to this, he’s true to this.’ Mayor Adams has been in our streets with us for years, shoulder-to-shoulder with activists and violence interrupters demanding an end to the violence. Now, in his first days as mayor, he is prioritizing this issue with a plan that is comprehensive and common-sense.” l
HOW TO GET A GREEN CARD
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Green Card for Employment-Based Immigrants
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here are an exceptionally high number of employment-based visas available this fiscal year (October 2021 through September 2022). In partnership with the U.S. Department of State, we are committed to attempting to use all these visa numbers. There are many more visas available in the first (priority workers) and second (workers with advanced degrees or of exceptional ability) employment-based categories than pending adjustment of status applications pending with USCIS. If you are eligible, please consider applying in the first or second employment-based preference categories. If you have a pending adjustment of status application based in the third employment-based preference category but also have a pending or approved petition and an available visa in the second employment-based preference category, we strongly encourage you to request that USCIS “transfer the underlying basis” of your pending application to the second employment-based preference category. U.S. immigration law provides aliens with a variety of ways to become lawful permanent residents (get a Green Card) through employment in the United States. These employment-based (EB)
“preference immigrant” categories include: •First preference (EB-1) – priority workers -Aliens with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics; -Outstanding professors and researchers; or -Certain multinational managers and executives. •Second preference (EB-2) – aliens who are members of the professions holding advanced degrees or who have exceptional ability (including requests for national interest waivers). •Third preference (EB-3) – skilled workers, professionals, or other workers. Eligibility for Adjustment of Status If you are currently in the United States, in order to be eligible for a Green Card as an EB-1, EB-2, or EB-3 immigrant, you must meet the following requirements: •You properly file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status; •You were inspected and admitted or inspected and paroled into the United States; •You are physically present in the United
States at the time you file your Form I485; •You are eligible to receive an immigrant visa; •An immigrant visa is immediately available to you at the time you file your Form I-485 and at the time USCIS makes a final decision on your application. (For information on visa availability, see Visa Availability and Priority Dates, Adjustment of Status Filing Charts, and the Department of State website to view the Visa Bulletin); •The job offered to you in the Form I140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker still exists with the employer that filed the Form I-140 on your behalf, and you plan to accept the job once USCIS approves your Form I-485. If you filed Form I-140 as a self-petitioner, you must plan to work in the same or similar occupational field as specified in your Form I-140; •None of the applicable bars to adjustment of status apply to you; •You are admissible to the United States for lawful permanent residence or eligible for a waiver of inadmissibility or other form of relief; and •You merit the favorable exercise of USCIS’ discretion.
Inspected and Admitted or Inspected and Paroled Generally, to be eligible to adjust status, you must be present in the United States after being “inspected and admitted” or “inspected and paroled” by an immigration officer. There are some limited exceptions to this eligibility requirement. Eligibility to Receive an Immigrant Visa You are eligible to receive an immigrant visa, if you are the beneficiary of: •An approved Form I-140 filed on your behalf; •A pending Form I-140 (that is ultimately approved); or •A Form I-485 filed together with the Form I-140 (and the Form I-140 is ultimately approved).l — USCIS
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FAMILY MATTERS
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Making Marriage Work BY JANET HOWARD 311DIVORCE.COM
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arriage can be one of the most rewarding aspects of life. It can also be one of the most frustrating relationships you ever experience. How do some couples manage to stay together for a lifetime of happiness, while others suffer the pain of divorce? The answer is simple: expectations. Expectations often lead to disappointment in marriage. When you expect your spouse to do something and they don't, you may get angry; you may feel hurt-even violated. All of that pain came from your own expectations. The good news is that you can control your expectations for a happier marriage. In order to do this, you must examine your view of marriage more closely. Do you believe that marriage is an equal partnership in every way? Isn't the ideal marriage a 50/50 split of responsibilities and duties? Actually, the answer is "no." Your duties and responsibilities never change. You are responsible for 100% of everything you can control in your marriage. That which you cannot control (i.e. the actions of your spouse) are not your responsibility. It may sound scary, even dangerous, at first but letting go of unhealthy expectations will ultimately
grant you the highest level of marital satisfaction. For example, say your wife never pulls the car in the garage at night. No matter how many times you ask, beg, or plead, it never happens. Now, stop for a moment and evaluate the underlying expectation of this scenario. Even though experience has taught you that your wife doesn't ever pull the car in the garage at night, somewhere deep down you're still holding onto the expectation that she will. This expectation leads to resentment and bitterness, which often leads to divorce. Now, imagine for a moment that you took that expectation and threw it away. Don't replace it with any other expectation. For example, don't replace the expectation that your wife will pull the car in the garage at night with the expectation that she won't. Simply throw away every expectation. Now, if your wife doesn't pull the car in the garage, it may still bother you but it should bother you to a much lesser extent because you now realize that you can't control her behavior. You know what you need to do if you really want the car pulled in the garage every night? You need to do it. You need to take responsibility for your own desires. It is not your spouse's job to fulfill your every desire. Your mate is not
responsible for your happiness or satisfaction in life. Ultimately, you are responsible for those things. Now, this is not to say that you shouldn't share your desires with your spouse. You absolutely should! No, the point is that you must stop laying expectations on your spouse altogether. This way, when your spouse meets any of your desires, it is a blessing to you, not the fulfillment of an obligation (an unhealthy expectation). When your spouse does something that you like, it is a blessing. On the contrary, when they do something you dislike (or fail to do something you like) it won't bother you very much (if at all) because it was never expected in the first place! If you're still wondering whether or not this really works, give it a try. You may
want to start by simply writing down every expectation you've been placing on your spouse as soon as you think of it. These things may be large or small; it doesn't matter. Write them all down. Next, begin to throw them away in your mind. Let them go. Release these expectations. Finally, test your success in removing the expectation by watching your reaction (outward or inward) whenever your spouse fails to meet that expectation. Continue practicing this discipline for at least one week and note the changes in your personal marital satisfaction. After several months, you may be looking at an entirely different marriage--a happier marriage, a marriage that works.l
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IMMIGRANTS’ CONCERNS
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Reps. Clarke and Espaillat Lead Members Urging Secretary Blinken to Support Haiti's Safety, Security and Development
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A S H I N G T O N : Representatives Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) led a letter signed by seven members of Congress urging U.S. Department of State Secretary Antony Blinken to take additional steps to mobilize international support for the Haitian people as they work to rebuild from years of natural disasters, economic hardship, and political turmoil. The letter comes in response to widespread civil unrest that continues to rise in Haiti due to the life-threatening shortages of fuel, food, medicine, and insecurity. “[W]e ask for a whole-of-government effort to ensure Haiti receives the necessary aid to achieve lasting security, health care, and economic mobility through coordinated strategy and funding,” said the members. “As you know, the July 7th assassination of the country’s president, Jovenel Moïse, has thrown the Caribbean Island nation of 11 million into disarray. Well before this tragic incident, Haiti’s situation was volatile as the island grappled with political protests, gang vio-
Rep.Clarke Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com
lence, crushing poverty, rising COVID19 cases, and no vaccine doses. Currently, the country’s economic situation is dire, and recently, widespread civil unrest continues to rise in Haiti due to the life-threatening shortage of fuel, food, medicine, and insecurity. “While the House of Representatives passed an appropriations measure for Fiscal Year 2022 supporting dialogue in Haiti aimed at resolving the political crisis, urging stronger action against human rights abuses, and addressing the plight of pregnant Haitian women leaving their
Rep. Espaillat Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com
country to seek neonatal care—this dialogue must be met with funding, a comprehensive strategy, and international coordination to mitigate on the ground challenges,” the members concluded. In addition to Representatives Clarke and Espaillat, this letter was also signed by Representatives James P. McGovern (MA-02), G. K. Butterfield (NC-01), Juan Vargas (CA-51), Grace Meng (NY06), Mondaire Jones (NY-17), Jason Crow (CO-06), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-At Large) and Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI-At Large). l
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IMMIGRANTS’ CONCERNS
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Hundreds of Thousands of NY Immigrants Lack Access to Healthcare Coverage
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lbany, NY: Today, the Assembly Health Committee passed the Coverage For All bill(A880) by 15 yes votes and ten no votes and sent the bill to the Codes committee. Coverage For All is legislation that would create a state-funded health coverage option for New Yorkers up to 200% of the federal poverty line regardless of immigration status. “We thank the Assembly Health Committee for showing immigrant New Yorkers that their health and safety is a priority,” said Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director, New York Immigration Coalition. “I urge the Senate Health committee to swiftly follow suit. State lawmakers have a responsibility to immigrants who put their lives at risk working to keep essential services running throughout the pandemic. New York cannot afford to leave anyone behind in order for the state to rebuild and recover.” Last week, Governor Hochul released her official executive budget proposal, which left out healthcare coverage for thousands of immigrant New Yorkers. In response, the New York Immigration Coalition launched a broadcast and digi-
tal ad campaign calling on New Yorkers to tell their elected officials to pass Coverage for All. In recent weeks, the legislation has been endorsed by the New York State Conference of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans and the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus. “No New Yorker should be denied health care because of immigration status,” said Assembly Health Committee Chair and bill sponsor Richard N. Gottfried. “New York should be a progressive leader in promoting health equity. Expanding health coverage to undocumented adults is good fiscal and moral
policy and I hope we can advance Coverage for All in this year’s budget.” “Every step we take to expand healthcare coverage in our state will make New Yorkers healthier," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera, Chairman of the Senate Health Committee and the bill's Senate sponsor. "It is critical that we expand the Essential Plan, to ensure low-income immigrant New Yorkers, who have struggled tremendously during this pandemic, have access to the care they need. I thank Assembly Member Gottfried for passing this critical bill through the Assembly Health Committee today and I remain committed to advocating for this
measure in the Senate. " “The last two years have shined a spotlight on the inequities of our healthcare system for communities of color, immigrant communities, and the working poor. While some New Yorkers could work remotely, it was our undocumented siblings who were restocking shelves in supermarkets, taking care of people’s children, and distributing PPE to others. Today’s reporting of the Coverage for All bill out of the Health Committee is a crucial first step. But we have to provide the funding for this. California and Illinois were able to recognize this and provide healthcare coverage to undocumented residents in their states. Why can’t New York? We are the home of the Statue of Liberty. Let’s make that mean something and pass Coverage for All this session,” said Assemblymember Jessica GonzálezRojas. “As a registered nurse in Bronx hospitals, I have seen how barriers to health coverage for the undocumented have negatively impacted the wellness of our neighbors. I am pleased that the Assembly Health Committee took a bold first step of passing this legislation so continued on page 12
STEP UP TO STOP THE SPREAD, NYC! GET VACCINATED AND BOOSTED GET TESTED if you have symptoms, were exposed, or traveled
MASK UP
to protect yourself and those around you
STAY HOME
For more information, visit nyc.gov/covidvaccine or call 877-VAX-4NYC.
if you are feeling sick
Health
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10
BIDEN ADMINISTRATION
Cloud Computing, Bioenergy, and Climate Science.
Delays at USCIS/ continued from page 1 part of America’s tradition of “welcoming new talent,” which has given this country “a global competitive advantage.” The administration expects “international STEM talent” to continue creating new jobs and industries and keeping the United States technologically competitive. Although not specifically addressed in the announcement, current labor shortages in sectors of the U.S. economy that employ STEM-field workers have been magnified by the reduced number of foreign STEM-field workers coming to the United States. More “pathways” for the employment of noncitizens in STEM fields could help reduce the shortages. The administration attributes these actions to its efforts “to remove barriers to legal immigration.” These efforts include an executive order aimed at restoring faith in the legal immigration system and a joint statement by the Secretaries of Education and State about the importance of international education. J-1 Exchange Visitor STEM Opportunities The new initiative aims to match U.S. host companies with J-1 exchange visitors in STEM fields. There are 15 categories of exchange visitors, including intern, trainee, and researcher, who
attend programs in which they enjoy cultural and educational experiences that they can share when they return to their home countries. The State Department considers the exchange visitor program to be “public diplomacy” as the programs are intended to increase mutual understanding between U.S. citizens and those of other countries. The new initiative utilizes the 15 existing J-1 categories. A U.S.-based company that wants to host an exchange visitor in those categories must submit a statement of interest to the State Department that it has the means to offer “quality STEM training and or research opportunities” in the noncitizens’ “respective fields of study and expertise.” Companies are required to acknowledge the “public diplomacy” purpose of the program as they are prohibited from filling jobs with J-1s that otherwise would be open to U.S. workers. An inter-
ested company will work with an organization the agency has already authorized to sponsor exchange visitors and has submitted to the agency a statement of interest in the initiative that also submitted a statement of interest in the initiative. Newly Designated STEM fields for International Academic Students International students in F-1 status may receive authorization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for up to 12 months of work experience directly related to their field of study. The new initiative expands on existing procedures for F-1 students who have a major in a Department of Homeland Security-designated STEM field of study to receive USCIS approval for a 24month extension for post-degree work experience. DHS has now added 22 new fields of study, including such fields as
Eligibility for an O-1 Visa Classification for Noncitizens in STEM Fields or Entrepreneurs The O-1 is a temporary (nonimmigrant) category for noncitizens of extraordinary ability in various pursuits. Extraordinary ability in science or business refers to a person in the “small percentage” who have risen to the “very top” in their “field of endeavor.” But as a practical matter, noncitizens in STEM fields and entrepreneurs often had difficulty demonstrating to USCIS officers that they met the eligibility requirements. Through its Policy Manual, USCIS has provided “additional guidance” to show officers how these noncitizens may qualify. For example, one of the criteria is evidence of authoring “scholarly articles.” The agency now offers the presentation of work “at a major trade show” as acceptable “comparable evidence.” Another example is evidence that an entrepreneur or start-up founder has received substantial funding from a venture capital fund instead of evidence of a high salary in the field. Eligibility for a National Interest Waiver In most employment-based immigrant visa categories, an employer must satisfy continued on page 12
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IMMIGRATION REFORM More Boldness Needed/ continued from page 1 plan is not on the table. Essentially, we are entering the dangerous territory of “one step forward, two steps back,” which in politics services no one—especially not those who have been waiting diligently, for decades, to regularize their immigration situation, and who have always taken the necessary steps to sustain their families and the economies of the places in which they live. The steps they have taken have always been deliberate and forward. Another option is for the Democrats to present stand-alone legislation that legalizes certain groups of undocumented people, like the proposals the House of Representatives approved to legalize Dreamers, farm workers, TPS beneficiaries, and essential workers. The chances of this taking place in today’s environment are minimal, but it would be fair to present them so that the Senate has to vote on them and show, once again, how pro-immigrant rhetoric does not translate into real support, particularly from some democrats. And let’s not forget the republican opposition en bloc. What does that leave, then? TPS extensions? Designating TPS for citizens of additional countries? Executive orders like DACA? Whatever the option may be, the Democrats have to show that they are doing something, that the issue is not
Editorial credit: Chad Zuber / Shutterstock.com
dead and that they will defend it until the objective is won—not through false promises, but concrete actions through solid and durable arguments. As long as Congress fails to do its job of legislating, it is expected that the agencies and executive branch will begin to take measures to protect certain groups of undocumented people and fill this vacuum. That is exactly what this is about: filling the hole of hope that consecutive immigration failures over the past year have left in these 11 million human beings. Of course, there is a great leap in moving from word to deed. Executive orders like DACA, on top of being a temporary solution, have been embroiled in judicial disputes almost always initiated by Republican figures, as in the case of Texas, which led the fight against DACA that involved various states. This may be one of the first obstacles to overcome, since the Republicans have become an automatic anti-immigrant bloc at a time when everyone needs to
come together with pragmatic solutions so as not to ruin this country’s democracy, hanging by a thread. If the Republican Party does not have eyes to see the plurality and diversity that is developing in today’s United States, they are not up to the task of representing this society and have leaps and bounds to go to adapt to this 21st century reality. Moreover, the ideological composition of the courts, largely of a conservative tendency, has also been of consequence, such as the decision from the District Judge of the Southern District of Texas, Andrew Hanen who ruled DACA was “illegal.” The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appealed Hanen’s ruling to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, which also leans conservative, in a case that threatens to head to the Supreme Court, also with a conservative bent. Independent of that, Dreamers deserve a permanent solution. It’s obvious that a list of factors have conspired against immigration reform to legalize millions. Xenophobia and
racism are palpable. On the other hand, the pandemic has also stood in the way of a solution, despite the huge efforts undocumented people make to keep this country afloat. To that add worries about the health of the economy, blanket Republican opposition, Democrats’ internal divisions, and their preoccupation with losing control of Congress in 2022 and the White House in 2024. It’s a scene that requires more than a political strategy, from the mind of a statesman who knows how to put things together to rise to a higher level as a nation—one that has a place for all who are contributing to its survival. Unfortunately there is never a perfect time to make difficult decisions. And Biden, whose approval ratings leave much to be desired in the run-up to the midterm elections, must make bold moves on the immigration issue. This to demonstrate to a segment of the electorate that, essentially, he didn’t forget his campaign promises; so that enthusiasm is carried to the polls; and, of course, to generate a congressional debate that results in some type of agreement that benefits millions of undocumented people.l The mission of America’s Voice (AV) and America’s Voice Education Fund (AVEF) is to build the public support and the political will needed to enact policy changes that secure freedom and opportunity for immigrants in America.
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IMMIGRANT’S CONCERNS Delays at USCIS/ continued from page 10 Department of Labor (DOL) requirements for recruiting U.S. workers before sponsoring a noncitizen. The employment-based category (EB-2) for noncitizens who hold an advanced degree (or equivalent) in a professional field or are of “exceptional ability” in the sciences, arts, or business also allows USCIS to waive U.S. employer-sponsorship in the “national interest.” To make the national interest waiver more accessible, USCIS has “clarified” its guidance to officers about the waiver. For example, the agency now looks particularly favorably on noncitizens with a Ph.D. in a STEM field whose work has the potential to support U.S. national security or enhance U.S. economic competitiveness. As another example, an entrepreneur could show that their business has been accepted into an incubator or accelerator as evidence of the substantial merits of the work to be accomplished in the United States. The most profound changes will likely be felt by prospective J-1 exchange visitors and F-1 students seeking to extend their post-graduate experience. However, if USCIS does not improve its processing times for work authorization applications, F-1 students will have difficulty taking advantage of the expanded eligibility.
Most entrepreneurs still lack a viable temporary work category. Why should only those of extraordinary ability receive nonimmigrant status? A temporary (nonimmigrant) category specifically for entrepreneurs could keep the United States competitive, create more new jobs and even new industries, while giving these noncitizens the opportunity to build a success record that could make them eligible for permanent residence. Even more fundamentally, unless more immigrant visas become available to those born in India or China, being able to self-petition in the EB-2 category does not bring them closer to a green card. They will be in the same multi-year backlogs because of the annual and percountry visa limits and numbers that go unused because of slow agency processing. l
12 Lack of Access to HealthCare/ continued from page 9 that more working-class people and families of color can gain the sorely-needed access to health coverage. I look forward to working with Assembly Member Gottfried, Senator Rivera, and the broad coalition of advocates to get this legislation enacted and funding in the coming weeks,” said Assemblymember Karines Reyes. “Health Care for All New York (HCFANY) is grateful for the leadership of Assembly Health Committee Chairman Richard Gottfried and his colleagues for moving forward to ensuring that all of New York’s state residents, including immigrants, are able to access health care,” said Elisabeth R. Benjamin, VP of Health Initiatives at the Community Service Society of NY and a co-founder of the HCFANY campaign, “the COVID pandemic has revealed that no one is safe unless affordable, quality health insurance is equitably provided to all state residents, regardless of their immigration status.” “Make the Road New York applauds the NYS Assembly Health Committee's passage of Coverage for All. The pandemic exposed the disproportionate impact of health inequality on our communities. For more than two years, immigrant, Black, and brown New Yorkers have been on the frontlines as essential workers keeping our economy running, helping our communities stay safe and at the same time risking their lives and exposing themselves to the deadly virus. Governor Hochul and the full State legislature now have an opportunity to lead and prioritize health care access for all immigrants in the state. To truly start the recovery process from this pandemic, we must expand eligibility to health coverage to everyone regardless of immigration status. Our communities deserve to be able to have access to affordable health care and be healthy,” said Theo Oshiro, Co-Executive Director of Make the Road New York.l
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HEALTH
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What Heart and Stroke Patients Need to Know about COVID-19 in 2022 BY MICHAEL MERSCHEL AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION NEWS
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wo years into the pandemic, researchers have learned a lot about how COVID-19 affects people with heart disease and stroke survivors. But like the coronavirus itself, what everyone needs to know keeps evolving. "You can't assume that what was true three months ago is true now," said Dr. James de Lemos, a cardiologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Thanks to the omicron variant, "it's a fundamentally different pandemic than it was at Thanksgiving." Early data suggests omicron causes less severe illness but spreads more easily than its predecessors. So heart and stroke patients need to protect themselves, starting with understanding that COVID-19 still is a threat to their health. "Early on, we recognized that the risk was higher for those with pre-existing cardiovascular disease," said Dr. Biykem Bozkurt, a cardiologist at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, people with conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease and possibly high blood pressure may be more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19. So can people who have diabetes, are overweight or are recovering from a stroke. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, also has been linked to increased risk of several cardiovascular conditions. According to a September 2021 report from the CDC, people with COVID-19 are nearly 16 times more likely to have heart inflammation, or
myocarditis, than uninfected people. The report found about 150 cases per 100,000 people with COVID-19 versus about nine cases per 100,000 people without the virus. In addition, an August 2021 study in the New England Journal of Medicine showed people with the coronavirus may have a significantly higher, albeit rare, risk of intracranial hemorrhage, or brain bleeding; heart attack; and having an arrhythmia, or abnormal heartbeat. Researchers don't have full data on omicron's effects yet, Bozkurt said, but
it's still affecting people who are vulnerable. "And that's why the hospitals right now are full." The risks of any one person having a severe problem from the new variant are relatively small, de Lemos said. "But the flipside is, given how many people are getting infected right now, the cumulative number of people with COVID-19 complications is still very large." De Lemos, who helped create the American Heart Association's COVID19 Cardiovascular Disease Registry, said omicron "is obviously wildly more infectious and able to evade the vaccine to some extent, although it does appear that the vaccine seems to prevent severe infections and hospitalizations." And overall, "we don't know a ton about specifically why certain patients with heart disease do less well," he said, although understanding has evolved over time. In the beginning, de Lemos said, doctors feared the virus directly infected the heart muscle. "That doesn't really appear to be the case," he said. continued on page 14
You may be eligible for COVID-19 Treatment People who have tested positive for COVID-19 may be able to receive outpatient treatment to help symptoms and avoid hospitalization. Treatment works best if you begin it soon after you start feeling symptoms, so get tested right away. Monoclonal antibody treatment is a one-time IV or injection to help fight COVID-19 while your immune system produces its own antibodies. Oral antiviral pills are taken for five days and helps stop the virus and keeps it from replicating, which reduces the amount of virus in your body. There are currently two authorized pills - paxlovid and molunpiravir. Both monoclonal antibody and oral antiviral treatments can reduce your risk of becoming sick from COVID-19 and avoid hospitalization. COVID-19 treatments are not a substitute for vaccination. COVID-19 vaccination and booster shots remain the best protection against getting severely sick due to COVID-19. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, or if you have tested positive, talk to your doctor, or call 212-COVID19 (212-268-4319).
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HEALTH
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Heart and Stroke Patients/ continued from page 13 Instead, it appears that in severe cases, the virus is inflaming the lining of blood vessels of the heart and increasing the likelihood of clotting in the smallest vessels, he said. COVID-19 also can overwhelm the heart by making it work harder to pump oxygenated blood through the body as the lungs are overwhelmed. But as they've learned more about the coronavirus, doctors have gotten better at fighting it. For example, de Lemos said, they now work proactively to treat bloodclotting disorders in hospitalized patients. And although researchers are working to understand lingering effects known as "long COVID," it appears long-term implications for the heart look favorable. "The vast majority of people who have mild COVID infections really appear to have nothing to worry about with their hearts," he said. "That's good news, I think, and doesn't get emphasized enough." People with existing heart conditions or a history of stroke still need to protect themselves, and have many ways of doing so. "Number one: Get vaccinated," said Bozkurt, who has studied COVID-19 vaccine side effects. "And please, do get a booster." Reports of rare cases of vaccine-related myocarditis, particularly in
younger males, should not dissuade anybody with an existing condition. Most people with pre-existing cardiovascular disease are not young adult males, she noted. And regardless of age, the benefits from vaccines outweigh the risks. Given how the vaccines don't seem to be as protective against the spread of omicron, de Lemos said if you're a heart disease or stroke patient, hunker down for the next several weeks until this wave passes, "and then you'll be able to reemerge." Patients should avoid indoor crowds, he said, and use a KN95 mask or, when possible, an N95 mask instead of cloth masks when being in a crowd is necessary. Bozkurt said heart and stroke patients should keep in contact with their health care team and continue taking medications as prescribed. Anybody with symptoms that could be heart-related should seek care immediately. "Do not delay," she said.
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Both doctors said it was important to get information from reliable sources. Some false remedies promoted on social media can actually damage the heart, Bozkurt said. De Lemos acknowledged that even from reliable sources, advice can shift. "I would say that the information is written in pencil, not in pen, because things are changing so fast." It can be frustrating for him, even as a scientist, when experts disagree or alter their recommendations, but "that's the way science goes." And even as COVID-19 "remains a bizarrely arbitrary virus in terms of who gets sick and who doesn't," he's optimistic. "Think about all the progress we've made in a year or two, and the remarkable effect of the vaccines, the fact that we have drugs" that should help keep people out of hospitals. Heart and stroke patients need to be extra careful right now, but "as frustrating as it is, we will not be in this situation forever. We really won't."l Editor's note: Because of the rapidly evolving events surrounding the coronavirus, the facts and advice presented in this story may have changed since publication. Visit Heart.org for the latest coverage, and check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health officials for the most recent guidance.
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MONEY MATTERS
15
Get Your Financial Life In Order This Year BY WIFE EDITOR
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s your financial life a little out of shape? Do you want to make it strong, fit, and healthy this year? This type of makeover doesn’t happen overnight, but you can get started right away. The start of a new year is always a good time to start new routines but anytime is the “right” time! Think of improving your financial life as a staircase with many flights. You can’t leap to the top in a single bound (unless you’re Superman), but you can make it to the top step by step. That’s why we’ve created the WIFE.org FINANCIAL FIT Calendar. Each month we challenge you to go one flight up the staircase by completing an action that will help you clarify, organize, and empower your financial life. Each activity is linked to a great article from WIFE that will show you how to get it done! Here is a list of some of our top financial planning articles on WIFE. We encourage you to bookmark this article and return to it each month to adopt a few more good money habits. January – Create a Budget Great financial fitness starts with creat-
ing and sticking to a budget. Think about your financial goals for this year, next year, and ten years from now. With those goals clearly in your mind, create a budget that will allow you to afford a comfortable life today while keeping enough in reserve to save for tomorrow. February – Talk Money with Your Sweetheart Love is in the air in February, but that love can quickly turn to frustration and regret if you and your sweetheart aren’t on the same page when it comes to money! This month, sit down and talk money so you can keep the love alive. March – Prepare for Tax Time Yes, the least wonderful time of the year is quickly approaching – Tax Time. Don’t wait until the last minute to do your taxes. A mad scramble may lead to mistakes or missed deductions. Make it a goal this month to prepare and submit your taxes ahead of the deadline. You’ll get your refund earlier and save yourself a lot of stress! April – Re-evaluate Your 401k Plan If your employer offers a 401k plan, we hope that you are already invested. If not, now is the time to jump in and start sav-
ing for a happy and financially comfortable retirement. If you are already invested in a 401k, take some time this month to re-evaluate. Can you put a little more away each month this year? Has your risk tolerance changed? Make sure you are in the best 401k plan for your retirement goals. May – Create an Estate Plan May is the month of Mother’s Day, and if you have children, it’s critical that you plan for them in case you get sick, become incapacitated, or pass away unexpectedly. Even a simple estate plan can help your family follow your wishes, leave a legacy to your children and family, and protect your hard-earned assets
from government taxes. June – Vacation Smarter Summer break starts in June for many students, which also means family vacation time! Don’t let this year’s vacation swallow all your hard-earned savings. You can plan smart, spend smart, and still have an awesome time on your travels. July – Cut Your Credit Card Addiction If you are like many Americans, then you have a problem. One you may have tried to keep hidden for a long time, but which is affecting your ability to cope with life. continued on page 16
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MONEY MATTERS
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IRS Begins 2022 Tax Season
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ASHINGTON: The Internal Revenue Service on January 24, kicked off the 2022 tax filing season with an urgent reminder to taxpayers to take extra precautions this year to file an accurate tax return electronically to help speed refunds. The start of this year's tax season – which takes place earlier than last year's February 12 opening – signals the IRS is now accepting and processing 2021 tax returns. More than 160 million individual tax returns for the 2021 tax year are expected to be filed, with most before the April 18 tax deadline. Most taxpayers face an April 18 deadline this year due to the Emancipation Day holiday in Washington, DC falling on April 15. IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig noted that taxpayers need to take special care this year due to several critical tax law changes that took place in 2021 and ongoing challenges related to the pandemic. "IRS employees are working hard to deliver a successful 2022 tax season while facing enormous challenges related to the pandemic," Rettig said. "There are important steps people can take to ensure
Financial Life in Order/continued from page 15 You might be addicted to credit cards. This month, it’s time to sober up, cut the addiction, and finally live a life free of high interest rates. August – Become a Savvy Investor If your money is sitting in a low-interest savings account, you could actually be losing money due to inflation. Get your money working for you by investing your savings into mutual funds this month. September – Teach Your Kids About Money It’s back to school in September. While your kids are filling their heads with math, literature and history, make sure to take some time this month and give them the gift of financial literacy.
they avoid processing delays and get their tax refund as quickly as possible. We urge people to carefully review their taxes for accuracy before filing. And they should file electronically with direct deposit if at all possible; filing a paper tax return this year means an extended refund delay." For most taxpayers who file a tax return with no issues, the IRS anticipates they will receive their refund within 21 days of when they file electronically if they choose direct deposit – similar to previous years. Last year's average tax refund was more than $2,800. "IRS employees will do everything possible with the available resources to serve taxpayers this year," Rettig said. "We will work hard to deliver refunds quickly, serve as many people as possible and work to catch up on past tax returns affected by the pandemic. The IRS thanks you for filing your taxes, a critical part of helping our great nation." l
October – Face Your Money Fears A lot of our money troubles come from the way in which we view money. This Halloween month, challenge yourself to discover and face your money fears. November – Shop Smart for the Holidays Deals, deals, deals! Holiday shopping has officially begun. Are you shopping smart or getting swept up in the fervor? Make a goal to be a savvy shopper this month. December – Help Others Your money doesn’t just have to help you. If you stuck to your budget, then you should have a little left over at the end of the year to help the less fortunate. Give a little away to a good cause this month (whether it’s money, time, or advocacy). Now, onto next year!l Reprinted with kind permission of WIFE.org
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LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
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Love on the Rocks, Ain’t No Big Surprise: 5 Signs Your Relationship is on the Rocks say that you lean in to give your partner a hug, but they brush you off by turning away. That's a fairly big clue that something is wrong between the two of you.
BY MARY CAMPBELL
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reakups are rarely spontaneous events. In fact, the ending of a relationship often begins with a mental separation between the two people involved. For example, you might start to notice that you and your partner no longer enjoy doing activities or hobbies together. The two of you might no longer have deep conversations - or any real conversations for that matter. Here are five of the biggest signs that your relationship is on the rocks: 1. The two of you are emotionally detached from each other How close do you and your romantic partner feel to each other? Do the two of you talk as much anymore? Often, when couples start to feel less love and closeness in a relationship, it's a sign that a breakup could be on the horizon. Therefore, if your partner feels emotionally detached from you, it might mean that your partner is preparing to end the relationship.
2. You notice more hostility Another sign that a breakup could be looming is when couples start to express greater hostility toward each other. For example, you might notice your partner lashing out at you in anger over something minor. You might even find yourself doing the same to them. If the two of you are having trouble getting along together, it means your relationship is probably in trouble. 3. Your partner isn't excited when you share good news When you have exciting news to share with your partner, you probably feel
good when they act excited about it. However, if your relationship is going through a rough patch, they may not be that happy when they are around you. For example, if you tell your partner about something exciting like getting a promotion and a raise, and their response is just "meh," it could mean that you are heading for a breakup. 4. You and your partner don't engage in positive non-verbal behaviors Non-verbal behaviors such as hugging and other forms of affection can also be indicative of how well (or poorly) your relationship is going. For instance, let's
5. You two no longer share your personal feelings One of the biggest benefits of a relationship for most couples is having someone close to share each person's personal feelings with. For example, when you are going through a difficult time, you have someone to offer comfort and support. Furthermore, you have someone who will listen to you. However, if you and your partner are no longer sharing personal feelings with each other, it could mean that the two of you are on the outs. In short, most couples can sense when their relationship is on the rocks. Whether they are growing apart emotionally or no longer enjoy spending time together, something is likely wrong with the relationship. Therefore, it shouldn't (and probably won't) come as a surprise if they break up.l
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WELCOME TO AMERICA
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Declining Immigration Is Leaving US Jobs Unfilled BY WALTER EWING
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he labor shortages currently afflicting many sectors of the U.S. economy are being aggravated by the arrival of fewer and fewer workers from abroad. Although immigration has been slowing since 2016, the biggest declines have occurred since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. According to economists at the University of California, Davis, there would be roughly two million more working-age adults now living in the United States if pre-2020 levels of immigration had continued. Travel restrictions introduced by the Trump Administration in response to the pandemic significantly decreased immigration, and the Biden Administration has left many of these restrictions in place. Of course, labor shortages are not being caused exclusively by falling levels of immigration. Declining birth rates and rising mortality rates are long-term trends in the rapidly aging U.S. population that impact the size of the workforce. Moreover, many workers have left the labor force during the pandemic because they have become ill, are afraid of becoming ill, or are facing increased
demands for childcare. But there is no doubt that the steep drop in immigration also has played a role. Bureaucratic barriers preventing many immigrants from accessing the system continue to have an impact. For instance, the State Department estimated this month that there is currently a backlog of 439,373 visa applicants waiting for an interview. The shortfall of nearly two million immigrant workers is leaving both highskilled and low-wage jobs unfilled. The highest rate of unfilled jobs is found in the hospitality and food-service indus-
tries, which typically employ large numbers of immigrants with relatively little formal education. However, about 950,000 college-educated workers have also been kept out of the country—which amounts to around 1.8 percent of all college-educated workers in the country as of 2019 (before the pandemic hit). The loss of educated workers from abroad has a significant multiplier effect on the U.S. labor market. College-educated immigrants are especially likely to work in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields. Every STEM job, in turn, creates up to
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2.5 additional jobs by generating additional demand for goods and services in the local economy. As a result, the loss of nearly one million college-educated immigrant workers during the pandemic suggests that there are roughly 2.5 million fewer jobs in the local economies where those workers would have worked. The falling number of immigrants has other multiplier effects as well. Immigrant business owners in the United States generate billions of dollars in revenue each year, so the decline in immigration during the pandemic likely resulted in the loss of more than 200,000 jobs that additional immigrant businesses would have created. Moreover, foreign students (especially graduate students) contribute significantly to research and innovation by U.S. universities, so the 20 percent decline in the number of foreign students in 2020 also has hurt universities. From 2020 to 2021, the U.S. population grew by only 0.1 percent, which is the lowest rate since the founding of the nation. The principal reasons for the exceedingly slow growth of the U.S. population as a whole since 2020 are decreasing immigration, decreasing fertility, increasing mortality, and rising retirements. The end result has been a significant shortage of workers at all skill levels. To begin to rectify this situation, the federal government should at the very least work to remove the barriers to international immigration, travel, research, and study that have been erected by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State (DOS). The Biden Administration recently acknowledged the U.S. economy’s critical need for international scholars, students, and researchers “in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).” On January 21, the administration released a fact sheet detailing measures implemented by DHS and DOS to facilitate the entry into the United States of foreign students, exchange visitors, researchers, and experts in STEM fields.l
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