International Institute Rhode Island

The Wrong Help Can Hurt – Beware of Immigration Scams

noreply@blogger.com (International Institute Rhode Island) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 14:47:00 +0000

All too often, individuals seeking immigration benefits are deceived by people pretending to be "immigration experts." This is against the law.

Common scams include:
•Falsely posing as a lawyer or BIA-accredited representative and charging customers for legal “advice” on immigration matters
•Charging for free services such as USCIS forms and InfoPass appointments or charging exorbitant amounts for assistance with immigration services
•Falsely acting as a representative of the U.S. government and charging for a green card, employment authorization, temporary protected status or some other immigration benefit

Other people may offer to help you complete your forms and may have good intentions, but are not qualified to provide legal advice on immigration law or your immigration options.

In partnership with several other agencies, USCIS is launching a public education initiative to combat the unauthorized practice of immigration law (UPIL).

Efforts will include public outreach events throughout the country to raise awareness and give individuals the tools they need to make wise choices when seeking immigration advice. USCIS has also worked with partners in the federal government such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice to combat this pervasive problem.

The central message of USCIS’s public education efforts is: "The Wrong Help Can Hurt – Beware of Immigration Scams."

For more information on efforts to stop the Unauthorized Practice of Immigration Law, please visit our website at http://www.uscis.gov/avoidscams.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reminds Japanese nationals of certain U.S. immigration benefits

noreply@blogger.com (International Institute Rhode Island) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 15:38:00 +0000

In light of the recent earthquakes and tsunami in Japan, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reminds Japanese nationals of certain U.S. immigration benefits available upon request.

WASHINGTON—In light of the recent earthquakes and tsunami in Japan, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reminds Japanese nationals of certain U.S. immigration benefits available upon request.

USCIS understands that a natural disaster can affect an individual’s ability to establish or maintain lawful immigration status. Temporary relief measures available to eligible nationals of Japan may include:

The grant of an application for change or extension of nonimmigrant status for an individual currently in the United States, even when the request is filed after the authorized period of admission has expired;
Re-parole of individuals granted parole by USCIS;
Extension of certain grants of advance parole, and expedited processing of advance parole requests;
Expedited adjudication and approval, where possible, of requests for off-campus employment authorization for F-1 students experiencing severe economic hardship;
Expedited processing of immigrant petitions for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs);
Expedited employment authorization where appropriate; and
Assistance to LPRs stranded overseas without immigration documents such as Green Cards. USCIS and the Department of State will coordinate on these matters when the LPR is stranded in a place that has no local USCIS office.
Visitors traveling under the Visa Waiver Program may visit a USCIS local office for assistance. Japanese nationals who are at a U.S. airport may contact the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office there.

For more information on USCIS humanitarian programs, visit www.uscis.gov or call the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.

Learn more at: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=d219c337ab5ce210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=68439c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

Avoid Green Card Lottery Fraud!

noreply@blogger.com (International Institute Rhode Island) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 18:53:00 +0000

Have you or someone you know recently received an e-mail claiming you’ve won the Green Card lottery and asking you to send or wire money?

Don’t fall for it – the sender is trying to steal your money!

Fraudsters will frequently e-mail potential victims posing as State Department or other government officials with requests to wire or transfer money online as part of a “processing fee.” You should never transfer money to anyone who e-mails you claiming that you have won the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery or been selected for a Green Card.

Learn more at: http://blog.uscis.gov/2011/03/e-mail-scam-avoid-green-card-lottery.html

Call for Volunteer Tax Preparers & Greeters!

noreply@blogger.com (International Institute Rhode Island) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 17:21:00 +0000

Help low income community members by preparing income tax returns as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).

Volunteers will attend a 28 hour training program during fall 2010 and need to pass a basic tax preparer certification test. Tax preparers are needed Wednesday evenings and/or Saturday mornings beginning in mid January 2011 through mid April 2011. If you are organized, detail oriented and interested in working with a diverse clientele, this is the volunteer opportunity for you! We are also seeking bi-lingual Spanish/English speaking greeters for the same timeframe. For more information please contact Dale Halburian (or via phone at 784-8647.)

Free information session on the Naturalization Process

noreply@blogger.com (International Institute Rhode Island) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 17:18:00 +0000

Rhode Island Citizenship Consortium presents:

Free information session on the Naturalization Process

Saturday, December 11, 2010

10:00 a.m. - 12 noon

William Hall Library, 1825 Broad St., Cranston, RI

Join officers of the USCIS Providence Field Office to learn how to prepare to become a U.S. Citizen. Educators from the Consortium will be available to provide information on where and how to study for the English and civics examinations.

The RI Citizenship Consortium is a group of five organizations: Progreso Latino, Diocese of Providence, The Genesis Center, RI Family Literacy Initiative, and IIRI providing citizenship services to immigrants and refugees .

USCIS Immigration Fees are going up at the end of November

noreply@blogger.com (International Institute Rhode Island) — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 20:34:00 +0000

USCIS Immigration Fees are going up at the end of November

Make your appointment now!

Do you need to renew your green card? Do you want to petition for family members abroad? If you have been thinking about applying for benefits with US immigration, NOW is the time to apply! Fees for applications to US Citizenship and Immigration Service will be increasing by an average of 10% beginning on November 23rd, 2010.

To receive assistance, contact a non-profit agency that has been accredited by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) or an immigration attorney as soon as possible to make your appointment! The three BIA-accredited agencies in Rhode Island are:

International Institute of Rhode Island
645 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI 02907
(401) 461-5940
Appointments must be made in person

The Diocese of Providence
Office of Immigration and Refugee Services
184 Broad St, Providence, RI 02907
(401) 421-7833 ext 129 or ext 130

Progreso Latino
626 Broad St, Central Falls, RI 02863
(401) 728-5920 ext 309 or ext 310

For more information, including hours available go to: http://www.iiri.org/

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Las Tarifas de Inmigración van a subir

a partir de finales de Noviembre

¡Haga su cita ahora!

¿Necesita renovar su Tarjeta Verde (Green Card)? ¿Quiere hacer una petición de algún miembro de su familia del extranjero? Si usted ha estado pensando en aplicar para algún beneficio con el Servicio de Inmigración de los Estados Unidos, AHORA es el momento para aplicar!. Las tarifas para aplicar para la Ciudadanía y Servicio de Inmigración van a estar incrementándose en un promedio del 10% a partir de Noviembre 23, 2010.

Para recibir asistencia, favor contacte a una agencia sin fines de lucro que este acreditada por el Consejo de Apelaciones de Inmigración (BIA) o a un abogado de inmigración, tan pronto como le sea posible para hacer su cita!. Las tres agencias acreditadas por el Consejo de Apelaciones de Inmigración (BIA) en Rhode Island son las siguientes:

International Institute of Rhode Island
645 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI 02907
(401) 461-5940
Las citas deben hacerse en persona

La Diócesis de Providence
Oficina de Servicios de Inmigración y Refugiados
184 Broad St, Providence, RI 02907
(401) 421-7833 ext 129 or ext 130

Progreso Latino
626 Broad St, Central Falls, RI 02863
(401) 728-5920 ext. 309 or ext. 310

Para mayor información, incluyendo horas de atención disponible, favor visite: http://www.iiri.org/

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Taxas de Imigração subirão no final de novembro

Marque um horário conosco agora!

Você precisa renovar o seu “green card”? Você quer solicitar um visto de imigrante para alguém da sua família no exterior? Se você esteve pensando em aplicar para benefícios com a imigração nos Estados Unidos, AGORA é a hora de aplicar! Taxas para aplicações do USCIS (Serviço de Cidadania e Imigração dos Estados Unidos) subirão em média 10% a começar no dia 23 de novembro de 2010.

Para ser assistido, contate uma agência sem fins lucrativos que seja aprovada pelo BIA (Comissão para Apelações de Imigração) ou um advogado de imigração o mais rápido possível e marque um horário! As três agências que são aprovadas pelo BIA no estado de Rhode Island são:

International Institute of Rhode Island
645 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI 02907
(401) 461-5940
Agendamentos devem ser feitos em pessoa.

The Diocese of Providence
Office of Immigration and Refugee Services
184 Broad St, Providence, RI 02907
(401) 421-7833 ext 129 or ext 130

Progreso Latino
626 Broad St, Central Falls, RI 02863
(401) 728-5920 ext 309 or ext 310

Para maiores informações, incluindo horários de funcionamento, acesse www.iiri.org

IIRI Assists in Processing 2012 Diversity Visa Lottery Applications

noreply@blogger.com (International Institute Rhode Island) — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 20:24:00 +0000

IIRI Assists in Processing

2012 Diversity Visa Lottery Applications

Registration for the 2012 Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery will end at noon Eastern Standard Time on Sunday, November 3rd, 2010. The Diversity Visa Lottery makes available 50,000 permanent resident visas annually to persons from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. The Diversity Visa Lottery for 2012 will be accepting applications ONLY at: www.dvlottery.state.gov There is no fee to apply for this lottery directly.

The International Institute of Rhode Island will be assisting people apply for the 2012 Diversity Visa Lottery until Friday, October 29th. The International Institute is located at 645 Elmwood Avenue, Providence. To make an appointment, please call Carlos Ospina at 784-8636 or Kinga Correa at 784-8631. The fee for this service is $50 for the first applicant plus $10 for each additional family member.

Natives of the following countries are not eligible to apply because the countries sent a total of more than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in the previous five years:

BRAZIL, CANADA, CHINA (mainland-born), COLOMBIA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, ECUADOR, EL SALVADOR, GUATEMALA, HAITI, INDIA, JAMAICA, MEXICO, PAKISTAN, PERU, PHILIPPINES, POLAND, SOUTH KOREA, UNITED KINGDOM (except Northern Ireland) and its dependent territories, and VIETNAM. Persons born in Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, and Taiwan are eligible.

Eligibility Requirements:
• Applicant or spouse of applicant must be a native of one of the eligible countries. Go to: http://travel.state.gov/pdf/1318-DV2012Instructions-ENGL.pdf to see “List Of Countries By Region Whose Natives Qualify.

• Applicant must meet either the education or training requirement of the DV program.

• Education or Training: An applicant must have EITHER a high school education or its equivalent, defined as successful completion of a 12-year course of elementary and secondary education; OR two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation requiring at least two years of training or experience to perform. A GED does not satisfy this requirement.

• For more information, including requirements for photographs please visit: http://www.dvlottery.state.gov/ and http://www.dvlottery.state.gov/photo.aspx

TPS for Haitians - Registration Period Extended!

noreply@blogger.com (International Institute Rhode Island) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 19:00:00 +0000

The Department of Homeland Security announced an extension to the registration period for Haitian TPS applications. An additional registration period of 180 days have been given to provide eligible Haitians with additional time needed to prepare their applications, obtain documents needed, and learn about the process for fee waivers. Waivers of the application fees are available to those who can demonstrate an inability to pay.

Please advise your friends and family that the International Institute of Rhode Island will be processing Haitian TPS registration applications until January 11, 2011.
Due to the recent devastating earthquake, the Department of Homeland Security has granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to nationals of Haiti for eighteen (18) months. The TPS for nationals of Haiti will be valid until July 21, 2011. This extension covers approximately 100,000 to 200,000 nationals of Haiti located throughout the United States.

TPS is a temporary legal status given by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to citizens of a certain country in cases of emergency. Those who are granted TPS are able to live and work in the United States legally for the duration of the status, but TPS does not lead to adjustment of legal permanent status. As the end of the 18 months approaches, the DHS Secretary will decide to renew the status or let it expire.

Who is Eligible: Most nationals of Haiti who were physically present and residing in the United States on the date of the earthquake, January 12, 2010, and apply for TPS before the end of the registration period on January 18, 2011, are eligible. Haitians who arrived in the United States after January 12, 2010 are not eligible for TPS. For questions about qualifying, please contact the International Institute of Rhode Island at (401) 461-5940.

How to apply: To apply for TPS, Haitians will need to submit a TPS application (I-821), and, regardless of whether the individual intends to work, an Employment Authorization application (I-765). Applicants must provide evidence that they are of Haitian nationality and that they were physically present and residing in the United States on January 12, 2010. Applicants must also submit two (2) passport-size photos.

The application fee that most Haitians will have to pay to USCIS will total $470. Waivers of the application fees are available to those who can demonstrate an inability to pay.

Please be aware that some unauthorized “legal consultants” may try to take advantage of you by claiming that they can file TPS forms. These same individuals may ask that you pay them to file such forms. We want to ensure that all potential TPS applicants know how to secure legitimate, accurate and legal advice and assistance.

Do Not Be a Victim of Immigration Scams!
The following tips will help you to avoid becoming a victim of an immigration scam:

• DO NOT sign any blank papers or documents that you do not understand
• DO NOT sign any documents that contain false or inaccurate information
• DO NOT let anyone keep your original documents
• DO NOT pay more than a nominal fee to someone who is not an attorney or make payments on the internet.
• DO make photocopies of all documents prepared or submitted for you
• DO get a receipt any time you pay someone to assist you in completely or submitting forms
• DO verify that your attorney is licensed or your representative is accredited by the BIA

The International Institute of Rhode Island will help Haitians apply for TPS. The International Institute of Rhode Island is a non-profit agency providing services to the immigrant and refugee community of Rhode Island. The Institute has a staff of federally accredited immigration caseworkers, trained and experienced in all areas of immigration procedures, including TPS applications.

Individuals interested in having the International Institute assist them with TPS applications should make an appointment by contacting IIRI at (401) 784-8650 or by coming to the International Institutes Feinstein Center for Citizenship Immigration Services office at 645 Elmwood Avenue in Providence.

The International Institute will charge a fee of $75 to prepare and file applications. Applicants should bring proper documentation, including passports, ID cards, birth certificates and other significant documents.

For questions, or to schedule an appointment, please call the International Institute at (401) 784-8650.

President Obama's speech on Immigration

noreply@blogger.com (International Institute Rhode Island) — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 16:15:00 +0000

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
July 01, 2010

Remarks by the President on Comprehensive Immigration Reform

American University School of International Service, Washington, D.C.
11:12 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. (Applause.) Everyone please have a seat. Thank you very much. Let me thank Pastor Hybels from near my hometown in Chicago, who took time off his vacation to be here today. We are blessed to have him.

I want to thank President Neil Kerwin and our hosts here at American University; acknowledge my outstanding Secretary of Labor, Hilda Solis, and members of my administration; all the members of Congress -- Hilda deserves applause. (Applause.) To all the members of Congress, the elected officials, faith and law enforcement, labor, business leaders and immigration advocates who are here today -- thank you for your presence.

I want to thank American University for welcoming me to the campus once again. Some may recall that the last time I was here I was joined by a dear friend, and a giant of American politics, Senator Edward Kennedy. (Applause.) Teddy’s not here right now, but his legacy of civil rights and health care and worker protections is still with us.

I was a candidate for President that day, and some may recall I argued that our country had reached a tipping point; that after years in which we had deferred our most pressing problems, and too often yielded to the politics of the moment, we now faced a choice: We could squarely confront our challenges with honesty and determination, or we could consign ourselves and our children to a future less prosperous and less secure.

I believed that then and I believe it now. And that’s why, even as we’ve tackled the most severe economic crisis since the Great Depression, even as we’ve wound down the war in Iraq and refocused our efforts in Afghanistan, my administration has refused to ignore some of the fundamental challenges facing this generation.

We launched the most aggressive education reforms in decades, so that our children can gain the knowledge and skills they need to compete in a 21st century global economy.

We have finally delivered on the promise of health reform -– reform that will bring greater security to every American, and that will rein in the skyrocketing costs that threaten families, businesses and the prosperity of our nation.

We’re on the verge of reforming an outdated and ineffective set of rules governing Wall Street -– to give greater power to consumers and prevent the reckless financial speculation that led to this severe recession.

And we’re accelerating the transition to a clean energy economy by significantly raising the fuel-efficiency standards of cars and trucks, and by doubling our use of renewable energies like wind and solar power -- steps that have the potential to create whole new industries and hundreds of thousands of new jobs in America.

So, despite the forces of the status quo, despite the polarization and the frequent pettiness of our politics, we are confronting the great challenges of our times. And while this work isn’t easy, and the changes we seek won’t always happen overnight, what we’ve made clear is that this administration will not just kick the can down the road.

Immigration reform is no exception. In recent days, the issue of immigration has become once more a source of fresh contention in our country, with the passage of a controversial law in Arizona and the heated reactions we’ve seen across America. Some have rallied behind this new policy. Others have protested and launched boycotts of the state. And everywhere, people have expressed frustration with a system that seems fundamentally broken.

Of course, the tensions around immigration are not new. On the one hand, we’ve always defined ourselves as a nation of immigrants -- a nation that welcomes those willing to embrace America’s precepts. Indeed, it is this constant flow of immigrants that helped to make America what it is. The scientific breakthroughs of Albert Einstein, the inventions of Nikola Tesla, the great ventures of Andrew Carnegie’s U.S. Steel and Sergey Brin’s Google, Inc. -– all this was possible because of immigrants.

And then there are the countless names and the quiet acts that never made the history books but were no less consequential in building this country -- the generations who braved hardship and great risk to reach our shores in search of a better life for themselves and their families; the millions of people, ancestors to most of us, who believed that there was a place where they could be, at long last, free to work and worship and live their lives in peace.

So this steady stream of hardworking and talented people has made America the engine of the global economy and a beacon of hope around the world. And it’s allowed us to adapt and thrive in the face of technological and societal change. To this day, America reaps incredible economic rewards because we remain a magnet for the best and brightest from across the globe. Folks travel here in the hopes of being a part of a culture of entrepreneurship and ingenuity, and by doing so they strengthen and enrich that culture. Immigration also means we have a younger workforce -– and a faster-growing economy -- than many of our competitors. And in an increasingly interconnected world, the diversity of our country is a powerful advantage in global competition.

Just a few weeks ago, we had an event of small business owners at the White House. And one business owner was a woman named Prachee Devadas who came to this country, became a citizen, and opened up a successful technology services company. When she started, she had just one employee. Today, she employs more than a hundred people. This past April, we held a naturalization ceremony at the White House for members of our armed forces. Even though they were not yet citizens, they had enlisted. One of them was a woman named Perla Ramos -- born and raised in Mexico, came to the United States shortly after 9/11, and she eventually joined the Navy. And she said, “I take pride in our flag and the history that forged this great nation and the history we write day by day.”

These women, and men and women across this country like them, remind us that immigrants have always helped to build and defend this country -– and that being an American is not a matter of blood or birth. It’s a matter of faith. It’s a matter of fidelity to the shared values that we all hold so dear. That’s what makes us unique. That’s what makes us strong. Anybody can help us write the next great chapter in our history.

Now, we can’t forget that this process of immigration and eventual inclusion has often been painful. Each new wave of immigrants has generated fear and resentments towards newcomers, particularly in times of economic upheaval. Our founding was rooted in the notion that America was unique as a place of refuge and freedom for, in Thomas Jefferson’s words, “oppressed humanity.” But the ink on our Constitution was barely dry when, amidst conflict, Congress passed the Alien and Sedition Acts, which placed harsh restrictions of those suspected of having foreign allegiances. A century ago, immigrants from Ireland, Italy, Poland, other European countries were routinely subjected to rank discrimination and ugly stereotypes. Chinese immigrants were held in detention and deported from Angel Island in the San Francisco Bay. They didn’t even get to come in.

So the politics of who is and who is not allowed to enter this country, and on what terms, has always been contentious. And that remains true today. And it’s made worse by a failure of those of us in Washington to fix a broken immigration system.

To begin with, our borders have been porous for decades. Obviously, the problem is greatest along our Southern border, but it’s not restricted to that part of the country. In fact, because we don’t do a very good job of tracking who comes in and out of the country as visitors, large numbers avoid immigration laws simply by overstaying their visas.

The result is an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States. The overwhelming majority of these men and women are simply seeking a better life for themselves and their children. Many settle in low-wage sectors of the economy; they work hard, they save, they stay out of trouble. But because they live in the shadows, they’re vulnerable to unscrupulous businesses who pay them less than the minimum wage or violate worker safety rules -– thereby putting companies who follow those rules, and Americans who rightly demand the minimum wage or overtime, at an unfair [dis]advantage. Crimes go unreported as victims and witnesses fear coming forward. And this makes it harder for the police to catch violent criminals and keep neighborhoods safe. And billions in tax revenue are lost each year because many undocumented workers are paid under the table.

More fundamentally, the presence of so many illegal immigrants makes a mockery of all those who are going through the process of immigrating legally. Indeed, after years of patchwork fixes and ill-conceived revisions, the legal immigration system is as broken as the borders. Backlogs and bureaucracy means the process can take years. While an applicant waits for approval, he or she is often forbidden from visiting the United States –- which means even husbands and wives may be forced to spend many years apart. High fees and the need for lawyers may exclude worthy applicants. And while we provide students from around the world visas to get engineering and computer science degrees at our top universities, our laws discourage them from using those skills to start a business or power a new industry right here in the United States. Instead of training entrepreneurs to create jobs on our shores, we train our competition.

In sum, the system is broken. And everybody knows it. Unfortunately, reform has been held hostage to political posturing and special-interest wrangling -– and to the pervasive sentiment in Washington that tackling such a thorny and emotional issue is inherently bad politics.

Just a few years ago, when I was a senator, we forged a bipartisan coalition in favor of comprehensive reform. Under the leadership of Senator Kennedy, who had been a longtime champion of immigration reform, and Senator John McCain, we worked across the aisle to help pass a bipartisan bill through the Senate. But that effort eventually came apart. And now, under the pressures of partisanship and election-year politics, many of the 11 Republican senators who voted for reform in the past have now backed away from their previous support.

Into this breach, states like Arizona have decided to take matters into their own hands. Given the levels of frustration across the country, this is understandable. But it is also ill conceived. And it’s not just that the law Arizona passed is divisive -– although it has fanned the flames of an already contentious debate. Laws like Arizona’s put huge pressures on local law enforcement to enforce rules that ultimately are unenforceable. It puts pressure on already hard-strapped state and local budgets. It makes it difficult for people here illegally to report crimes -– driving a wedge between communities and law enforcement, making our streets more dangerous and the jobs of our police officers more difficult.

And you don’t have to take my word for this. You can speak to the police chiefs and others from law enforcement here today who will tell you the same thing.

These laws also have the potential of violating the rights of innocent American citizens and legal residents, making them subject to possible stops or questioning because of what they look like or how they sound. And as other states and localities go their own ways, we face the prospect that different rules for immigration will apply in different parts of the country -– a patchwork of local immigration rules where we all know one clear national standard is needed.

Our task then is to make our national laws actually work -– to shape a system that reflects our values as a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants. And that means being honest about the problem, and getting past the false debates that divide the country rather than bring it together.

For example, there are those in the immigrants’ rights community who have argued passionately that we should simply provide those who are [here] illegally with legal status, or at least ignore the laws on the books and put an end to deportation until we have better laws. And often this argument is framed in moral terms: Why should we punish people who are just trying to earn a living?

I recognize the sense of compassion that drives this argument, but I believe such an indiscriminate approach would be both unwise and unfair. It would suggest to those thinking about coming here illegally that there will be no repercussions for such a decision. And this could lead to a surge in more illegal immigration. And it would also ignore the millions of people around the world who are waiting in line to come here legally.

Ultimately, our nation, like all nations, has the right and obligation to control its borders and set laws for residency and citizenship. And no matter how decent they are, no matter their reasons, the 11 million who broke these laws should be held accountable.

Now, if the majority of Americans are skeptical of a blanket amnesty, they are also skeptical that it is possible to round up and deport 11 million people. They know it’s not possible. Such an effort would be logistically impossible and wildly expensive. Moreover, it would tear at the very fabric of this nation -– because immigrants who are here illegally are now intricately woven into that fabric. Many have children who are American citizens. Some are children themselves, brought here by their parents at a very young age, growing up as American kids, only to discover their illegal status when they apply for college or a job. Migrant workers -– mostly here illegally -– have been the labor force of our farmers and agricultural producers for generations. So even if it was possible, a program of mass deportations would disrupt our economy and communities in ways that most Americans would find intolerable.

Now, once we get past the two poles of this debate, it becomes possible to shape a practical, common-sense approach that reflects our heritage and our values. Such an approach demands accountability from everybody -– from government, from businesses and from individuals.

Government has a threshold responsibility to secure our borders. That’s why I directed my Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano -- a former border governor -- to improve our enforcement policy without having to wait for a new law.

Today, we have more boots on the ground near the Southwest border than at any time in our history. Let me repeat that: We have more boots on the ground on the Southwest border than at any time in our history. We doubled the personnel assigned to Border Enforcement Security Task Forces. We tripled the number of intelligence analysts along the border. For the first time, we’ve begun screening 100 percent of southbound rail shipments. And as a result, we’re seizing more illegal guns, cash and drugs than in years past. Contrary to some of the reports that you see, crime along the border is down. And statistics collected by Customs and Border Protection reflect a significant reduction in the number of people trying to cross the border illegally.

So the bottom line is this: The southern border is more secure today than at any time in the past 20 years. That doesn’t mean we don’t have more work to do. We have to do that work, but it’s important that we acknowledge the facts. Even as we are committed to doing what’s necessary to secure our borders, even without passage of the new law, there are those who argue that we should not move forward with any other elements of reform until we have fully sealed our borders. But our borders are just too vast for us to be able to solve the problem only with fences and border patrols. It won’t work. Our borders will not be secure as long as our limited resources are devoted to not only stopping gangs and potential terrorists, but also the hundreds of thousands who attempt to cross each year simply to find work.

That’s why businesses must be held accountable if they break the law by deliberately hiring and exploiting undocumented workers. We’ve already begun to step up enforcement against the worst workplace offenders. And we’re implementing and improving a system to give employers a reliable way to verify that their employees are here legally. But we need to do more. We cannot continue just to look the other way as a significant portion of our economy operates outside the law. It breeds abuse and bad practices. It punishes employers who act responsibly and undercuts American workers. And ultimately, if the demand for undocumented workers falls, the incentive for people to come here illegally will decline as well.

Finally, we have to demand responsibility from people living here illegally. They must be required to admit that they broke the law. They should be required to register, pay their taxes, pay a fine, and learn English. They must get right with the law before they can get in line and earn their citizenship -- not just because it is fair, not just because it will make clear to those who might wish to come to America they must do so inside the bounds of the law, but because this is how we demonstrate that being -- what being an American means. Being a citizen of this country comes not only with rights but also with certain fundamental responsibilities. We can create a pathway for legal status that is fair, reflective of our values, and works.

Now, stopping illegal immigration must go hand in hand with reforming our creaky system of legal immigration. We’ve begun to do that, by eliminating a backlog in background checks that at one point stretched back almost a year. That’s just for the background check. People can now track the status of their immigration applications by email or text message. We’ve improved accountability and safety in the detention system. And we’ve stemmed the increases in naturalization fees. But here, too, we need to do more. We should make it easier for the best and the brightest to come to start businesses and develop products and create jobs.

Our laws should respect families following the rules -– instead of splitting them apart. We need to provide farms a legal way to hire the workers they rely on, and a path for those workers to earn legal status. And we should stop punishing innocent young people for the actions of their parents by denying them the chance to stay here and earn an education and contribute their talents to build the country where they’ve grown up. The DREAM Act would do this, and that’s why I supported this bill as a state legislator and as a U.S. senator -- and why I continue to support it as president.

So these are the essential elements of comprehensive immigration reform. The question now is whether we will have the courage and the political will to pass a bill through Congress, to finally get it done. Last summer, I held a meeting with leaders of both parties, including many of the Republicans who had supported reform in the past -- and some who hadn’t. I was pleased to see a bipartisan framework proposed in the Senate by Senators Lindsey Graham and Chuck Schumer, with whom I met to discuss this issue. I’ve spoken with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to plot the way forward and meet -- and then I met with them earlier this week.

And I’ve spoken with representatives from a growing coalition of labor unions and business groups, immigrant advocates and community organizations, law enforcement, local government -– all who recognize the importance of immigration reform. And I’ve met with leaders from America’s religious communities, like Pastor Hybels -- people of different faiths and beliefs, some liberal, some conservative, who nonetheless share a sense of urgency; who understand that fixing our broken immigration system is not only a political issue, not just an economic issue, but a moral imperative as well.

So we’ve made progress. I’m ready to move forward; the majority of Democrats are ready to move forward; and I believe the majority of Americans are ready to move forward. But the fact is, without bipartisan support, as we had just a few years ago, we cannot solve this problem. Reform that brings accountability to our immigration system cannot pass without Republican votes. That is the political and mathematical reality. The only way to reduce the risk that this effort will again falter because of politics is if members of both parties are willing to take responsibility for solving this problem once and for all.

And, yes, this is an emotional question, and one that lends itself to demagoguery. Time and again, this issue has been used to divide and inflame -– and to demonize people. And so the understandable, the natural impulse among those who run for office is to turn away and defer this question for another day, or another year, or another administration. Despite the courageous leadership in the past shown by many Democrats and some Republicans -- including, by the way, my predecessor, President Bush -– this has been the custom. That is why a broken and dangerous system that offends our most basic American values is still in place.

But I believe we can put politics aside and finally have an immigration system that’s accountable. I believe we can appeal not to people’s fears but to their hopes, to their highest ideals, because that’s who we are as Americans. It’s been inscribed on our nation’s seal since we declared our independence. “E pluribus unum.” Out of many, one. That is what has drawn the persecuted and impoverished to our shores. That’s what led the innovators and risk-takers from around the world to take a chance here in the land of opportunity. That’s what has led people to endure untold hardships to reach this place called America.

One of the largest waves of immigration in our history took place little more than a century ago. At the time, Jewish people were being driven out of Eastern Europe, often escaping to the sounds of gunfire and the light from their villages burning to the ground. The journey could take months, as families crossed rivers in the dead of night, traveled miles by foot, endured a rough and dangerous passage over the North Atlantic. Once here, many made their homes in a teeming and bustling Lower Manhattan.

It was at this time that a young woman named Emma Lazarus, whose own family fled persecution from Europe generations earlier, took up the cause of these new immigrants. Although she was a poet, she spent much of her time advocating for better health care and housing for the newcomers. And inspired by what she saw and heard, she wrote down her thoughts and donated a piece of work to help pay for the construction of a new statue -- the Statue of Liberty -- which actually was funded in part by small donations from people across America.

Years before the statue was built -- years before it would be seen by throngs of immigrants craning their necks skyward at the end of long and brutal voyage, years before it would come to symbolize everything that we cherish -- she imagined what it could mean. She imagined the sight of a giant statue at the entry point of a great nation -– but unlike the great monuments of the past, this would not signal an empire. Instead, it would signal one’s arrival to a place of opportunity and refuge and freedom.

“Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand,” she wrote,
A mighty woman with a torch…
From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome…
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!”…
“Give me your tired, and your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to be free…
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

Let us remember these words. For it falls on each generation to ensure that that lamp -– that beacon -– continues to shine as a source of hope around the world, and a source of our prosperity here at home.
Thank you. God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America. Thank you. (Applause.)

END
11:47 A.M. EDT

3 Refugee Families Need Your Help Now

noreply@blogger.com (International Institute Rhode Island) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 19:51:00 +0000

3 Refugee Families Need Your Help Now

Three refugee families - 21 people including infants, toddlers, elderly, a widower with five children, working parents – were all made homeless on Saturday, June 5th when lightning struck their apartment building. Firefighters were able to put out the fire and fortunately, all the residents in the building were unharmed – but the fragile life these refugees had begun to build in Providence was lost.
All three families have been resettled with the help of IIRI within the last year. They come from Burma, Equatorial Guinea, and Eritrea. These people were forced from their home countries by political terror and unrest. They had begun their new lives – schools for the children, learning English, finding jobs – but now they face a second tragedy – a house fire.
These refugee families need your help now! IIRI staff is busy finding new homes for these families so they can get back to school and work. We need to re-equip apartments with furniture and household goods.

What can you do? Please donate:
Furniture and household goods – contact Mary Ellen Lynch or 784-8649. A list of items needed.
Gift cards (especially Wal-mart, Kmart, Stop & Shop, Price Rite, Job Lot) – send or drop off at IIRI, 645 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI 02907, ATTN: RR Fire
Financial Contributions - Checks can be made out to IIRI and mailed or dropped off at the above address. Or donate online. (Please note: RR Fire on check or online.)

Thank you for your continued compassion and support for our Refugee families.

Justice for All Immigrants - Open Air Meeting - April 10, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (International Institute Rhode Island) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 15:31:00 +0000

Community Organizations

Hold Open Air Meeting

Calling for Justice for All Immigrants

On Saturday, April 10th at 3:30pm over 15 community organizations will hold an Open Air Meeting in order to seek solutions to the division and pain caused by Governor Carcieris Executive Order. The meeting will be held outside of Saint Theresas Church located at 275 Manton Avenue in Providence. This Meeting is a continuation of the momentum created by the March for America Rally held in Washington, DC on March 21, 2010.

Since the implementation of the Governors order, community organizations have increasingly heard how hard working immigrant families are being negatively affected by repressive measures including interrogation by police around citizenship status and the refusal to renew drivers licenses. This open air meeting is critical because it draws attention to the inequities and continued discrimination these individuals and families have to face on a day-to-day basis, stated Michelle Cortes-Harkins of CHisPA.

At this moment, it is very important that we continue to support immigrant communities to obtain fair and dignified treatment in this state. stated Juan Garcia of Comite de Inmigrantes en Accin.

Organizations that will be present and in support of the event include:
American Friends Service Committee, Southeastern New England
Brown Immigrant Rights Coalition
Brown University Students for Justice in Palestine
CHisPA
Comite de Inmigrantes en Accin
DARE
English for Action
Fuerza Laboral
International Institute of Rhode Island
Ocean State Action
Olneyville Neighborhood Association
Open Table of Christ United Methodist
RI HUD Tenants Association
RI Jobs with Justice
RI Latino Civic Fund
RI Student Immigrant Movement
Student Labor Alliance
Students for a Democratic Society, Brown University

Speaking at the Open Air Meeting will be representatives of the Olneyville Neighborhood Association, DARE: Direct Action for Rights & Equality and Comit de Inmigrantes en Accin. Additionally, families and individuals negatively affected by the Governors actions will share their personal stories. and testimonies from the people affected by the raid at the Gillete stadium.

BEYOND BORDERS: Recognizing the Contributions and Struggles of Immigrants and Refugees in RI

noreply@blogger.com (International Institute Rhode Island) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 21:56:00 +0000

BEYOND BORDERS CONFERENCE

Recognizing the Contributions and Struggles

of Immigrants and Refugees in RI

Saturday April 24, 2010

9am - 4pm

Registration begins at 8:30am

The International Institute of Rhode Island and the coalition, Immigrants United, are pleased to announce the Beyond Borders Conference: Recognizing the Contributions and Struggles of Immigrants and Refugees in Rhode Island, to be held on Saturday, April 24, 2010 from 9:00AM to 4:00PM at the International Institute RI located at 645 Elmwood Avenue, Providence. Registration begins at 8:30AM. This event is open to the entire community, including elected officials, immigrant/social justice advocates, social service providers, policy-makers, the foreign born population, and students.

The Beyond Borders Conference is a gathering of the local Rhode Island community to recognize the assets and struggles of immigrants and refugees, the local initiatives in place to assist immigrants and refugees, and the steps being taken towards the passage of pro-migrant legislation. The conference will be divided into 4 workshop sessions that explore the legal, economic, political and educational opportunities and challenges surrounding the immigrant and refugee community of Rhode Island. The goals of the conference are to educate the community, bring together individuals and organizations working with immigrants and refugees, and form solidarity and momentum for pro-migrant legislation in our state and country.

Registration online at http://www.iiri.org/ is strongly recommended for a reduced rate of $15 before April 16. Registration at the door will be $20. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided as well as free parking.

Sponsored by Working Rhode Island.

For more information, or to make a food and/or monetary donation please contact Michelle DePlante at mdeplante@iiri.org or (401) 784-8644

National Immigrant Integration Conference

noreply@blogger.com (International Institute Rhode Island) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 22:11:00 +0000

We are pleased to announce that the Second National Immigrant Integration Conference (NIIC) will be held in Boston, Massachusetts from Wednesday, September 29 - Friday, October 1, 2010.

Last June in Denver, the first NIIC successfully brought together over 300 stakeholders, including policy makers and community based organizations, service providers and the government sector. The focus in Denver was how to move integration efforts forward at the local, state, and national level. The Boston conference will have a similar focus and will emphasize promising practices with four broad themes: Naturalization, the Economy, Host Communities, and Justice. It will include 24 workshops on naturalization, civic engagement, public education, language, workforce development, re-certification, integration models, community development and public services.

The Partnership for New Americans selected Boston as the host site because of its rich diversity of immigrant communities and Massachusetts' long history of progressive integration policies. The breadth and depth of Massachusetts’ immigrant community, the seventh largest overall immigrant population in the nation, provides a unique backdrop for inclusion and integration discussions. Governor Patrick will offer his New American Agenda as one example of uniting forces across all sectors to foster immigrant integration.

Why Attend?

Best Practices
How to increase naturalization
Skills development
Program models and systems
Relate practice and policy development
Influence future federal integration initiatives
Emerging policies
Open a dialog with Funders
Emerging trends
DHS and other Federal Leadership
Innovative workshops
Immigration Integration leaders
Inspiring Speakers
Current Research

Click here to register!
(or copy this link into your browser: http://webmail.iiri.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://sites.google.com/a/miracoalition.org/niic/)
For more information, contact Nicole Tambouret, 617-350-5480 ext. 222 or niic@miracoalition.org

The partners hosting the conference:

The Partnership for New Americans– The national alliance of immigrant rights state coalitions

The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) – Massachusetts’ leading immigrant rights coalition

Association of New Americans – a non-profit dedicated to increasing naturalization

Welcoming America –the 14 state initiative of receptive local communities

U.S. Census “Portrait of America” Road Tour at IIRI

noreply@blogger.com (International Institute Rhode Island) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:43:00 +0000

You’re Invited!

U.S. Census “Portrait of America” Road Tour at IIRI

Please join state and local officials along with representatives of the U.S. Census this Saturday morning March 20th from 10:30 am to 1 pm when the U.S. Census Van will be visiting IIRI, bringing information about the Census to community members.

The goal of the tour is to encourage people to complete and return the census this month. Live entertainment, refreshments and interactive van activities will be featured.

As a U.S. Census partner, IIRI has provided ongoing support to the U.S. Census as a testing and training site for census workers. Students at IIRI have participated in a mock census to prepare to fill out their census forms, and all community members visiting IIRI have access to census information in a variety of languages, including English, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Khmer, and Nepali.

A complete count of community members is of vital importance to Rhode Island. Every year, the federal government can allocate more than $300 billion to states and communities based, in part, on census data. Census data guide local decision-makers on where to build new roads, hospitals, child-care and senior citizen centers, schools and more. Census data determine how many seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives.

With only 10 questions, the 2010 census questionnaire takes just 10 minutes to complete. Information collected by the U.S. Census is completely confidential and is never shared with other federal agencies or law enforcement entities. U.S. Census questionnaires are being delivered or mailed to households this month.
IIRI encourages everyone to complete and return their U.S. Census forms. Let’s all be counted!

For more information about the event or other IIRI activities supporting the U.S. Census, please contact Michelle DePlante at 401-784-8644 or mdeplante@iiri.org.

7th Annual Cesar Chavez Scholarship Breakfast

noreply@blogger.com (International Institute Rhode Island) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:13:00 +0000

A resource guide will be provided at the end of the forum with information specifically for school counselors and teachers that they can have for students who are preparing to go to college and suddenly find themselves in this situation. The resources guide can be used for students trying to navigate their options for higher education as well. The forum will include a panel discussion by a group of students and former students, who themselves are undocumented, and who are willing to share their stories of strife and success.

The César Chávez Scholarship Fund was established in 2004 by a group of individuals from Rhode Island’s Latino community in an effort to assist young Latinos in developing or enhancing their academic goals, and to honor the well-known Latino and civil rights labor leader, César Chávez by encouraging service and learn community projects throughout the state.

Papers: A Documentary Revealing the Lives, Dreams and Struggles of Undocumented Youth

noreply@blogger.com (International Institute Rhode Island) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:54:00 +0000

"PAPERS"

The Documentary Screening

IMMIGRANT YOUTH ACTIVISM & SOCIAL JUSTICE

Thursday March 18th 2010
7-9 pm

Brown University
Brown Street and Waterman Street
Wilson Hall, Room 102

"Papers" is the story of undocumented youth and the challenges they face as they turn 18 without legal status.
There are approximately 2 million undocumented children who were born outside the U.S. and raised in this country. These are young people who were educated in American schools, hold American values, know only the U.S. as home and yet risk deportation to countries they may not even remember.
65,000 undocumented students graduate every year from high school without “papers” and the door to their future slams shut. It is against the law to work or drive. It is difficult, if not impossible in some states, to attend college. Currently, there is no path to citizenship for these young people.
Graham Street Productions produced this film in partnership with Film Action Oregon. We are working in collaboration with the youth who want to tell their stories as well as community organizations around the country who are working to change immigration policy on behalf of these young people.
Graham Street Productions is producing this film in association with El Grupo Juvenil (the "Papers" Youth Crew). These youth producers are actively involved in all aspects of the production.

http://www.papersthemovie.com/
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=350322568774

Undocumented students will share their own stories to take part in the National Coming Out Week for Undocumented People to build a movement with immigrants and allies to bring pro-migrant reforms! http://www.dreamactivist.org/comeout/

To learn more about our movement:
Student Immigrant Movement:
http://www.simforus.com/
DREAM ACT Coalition:
http://www.dreamactivist.org/

If you're interested in joining the movement-
email -- lucy_boltz@brown.edu -- for Student Immigrant Movement meeting information.

This event is sponsored by:
Brown Immigrants' Rights Coalition- pro-DREAM Act political advocacy
Student Immigrant Movement of Rhode Island - support network for undocumented youth
Brown University Swearer Center
Brown University Taubman Center
Brown University Center for the Study of Race and Ethnicity
Brown University American Civilization

Documenting Culture: A Digital Photograph Project

noreply@blogger.com (International Institute Rhode Island) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:07:00 +0000

Please Join the International Charter School!

Documenting Culture: A Digital Photograph Project

The second of three exhibits of photographs taken by students in a dual language program.
Third Grade: Group B’s Work

Opening Celebration:
Tuesday, March 16th
6:30 pm
International Charter School
334 Pleasant Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860
401.721.0824
http://www.internationalcharterschool.org/

Fitting a Square Peg in a Round Hole: Women and the Gendered Construction of U.S. Asylum Policy

noreply@blogger.com (International Institute Rhode Island) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:01:00 +0000

Fitting a Square Peg in a Round Hole: Women and the Gendered Construction of U.S. Asylum Policy

A. ALFRED TAUBMAN CENTER for Public Policy and American Institutions

Brown Bag Series

12:00 Noon, Thursday March 4th, 2010
Taubman Center Seminar Room, 67 George Street

American asylum laws are the product of a specific set of norms and ideas which were dominant in the mid-20th century when the U.S. asylum system took shape. These norms privilege claims of asylum based on the “high politics” of the Cold War era but create enormous challenges for claims resulting from gendered forms of violence. The result is that women victims of gendered violence, whether rape, female genital mutilation, forced marriage or extreme domestic violence, have a very difficult time to convince the U.S. authorities that they deserve to be granted asylum.

The Center for Hispanic Policy & Advocacy Hosts Parental Rights in Education Workshop

noreply@blogger.com (International Institute Rhode Island) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 21:06:00 +0000

The Center for Hispanic Policy & Advocacy Hosts Parental Rights in Education Workshop
On Thursday, February 25th the Center for Hispanic Policy & Advocacy will be hosting a Parental Rights in Education Workshop at the United Way of Rhode Island located at 50 Valley Street, in Providence from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

From recent test scores we know that Latino students in Rhode Island are among the lowest achieving Latino students in the United States. While this is shocking, many parents sit at home and think: What can I do about this? How can I help?

The public education system in this state is complicated; many parents do not have the information they need to learn how to work with the public education system. The forum is designed to allow parents to understand their rights and those of their children. Discussions will center on requesting new teachers, obtaining free tutoring, applying to a charter school, obtaining funds to attend private school, and organizing meetings within schools to create change. CHisPA wants to help parents find this information by bringing together some of the most knowledgeable people in the state.

Guest speakers include:
Janet Pichardo: Providence Public School’s Parent Engagement Office
Xiomara Paulino: Rhode Island Parent Information Network
Maria Duque: Learning Community Charter School
Kate Nagle: Rhode Island Scholarship Alliance

CHisPA is very interested in hearing how Latino parents feel about the state of public education in Rhode Island; what they feel is working, what they feel could be improved, and what needs to be eliminated altogether. The forum is not meant to go one-way. CHisPA is seeking input, comments, and suggestions from parents about what they want to see changed. The forum will be conducted entirely in Spanish; refreshments as well as childcare will be available. CHisPA will also be hosting a forum on College Access and Higher Education on March 25th, a forum on bilingual education on April 29th, and a forum on dropout prevention and alternative education on May 13th.

About CHisPA:
The Center for Hispanic Policy and Advocacy (CHisPA) is a bilingual, community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of Latino families and individuals by advocating for them and by providing a variety of programs and services that will empower them to achieve their full potential as productive members of the Rhode Island community. More information on CHisPA can be found at: http://chispari.org/

Gillette Stadium Workers Arrest

noreply@blogger.com (International Institute Rhode Island) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 01:32:00 +0000

Photo: Press Conference on February 11th, 2010 at St. Charles Church on Dexter St. in Providence

Gillette Stadium Workers Arrest

January 6th 2010

     Federal Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) agents detained dozens of Guatemalan immigrants who were on their way to Gillette Stadium to shovel snow before the weekend’s New England Patriots playoff game, and then reportedly drove many of them back to the stadium to work, during a federal search for fugitives from deportation.

     The workers’ situation sent shock waves through a Providence Latino community well acquainted with immigration raids. The Foxborough operation still stunned diplomats and advocates because officials had hoped the federal government would focus only on criminals, which is the agency’s stated priority, and not on ordinary workers with no previous convictions.

     Stacey James, spokesman for Gillette Stadium and the Patriots, said the stadium hired a contractor to clear the snow from the stands, walkways, and field in preparation for Sunday’s big game, and he asserted that company is responsible for making sure that all its workers are here legally.

     “We go through a vendor and pay for a workforce to provide a service,’’ he said. “We expect them to vet all employees.” James identified Legal Pro-Temps Inc., of Dorchester, as the company that provided the workers last week, and whose contract has now been canceled. Just how the workers were recruited from Providence remains unknown. Some workers have said they were contacted by friends, or friends-of-friends, whenever work was available at the stadium, but they did not know the names of the people who paid them in cash every week for their work. Nor did they know what company — or individual — had hired them. The Patriots insisted on a signed contract that called for qualified workers “dressed appropriately for the job”. They paid Legal Pro-Temps “an hourly rate, well in excess of minimum wage for each day-hire worker for the entire time they are on the site”, James said. The single room that Legal Pro-Temps maintained within a second-floor accountant’s office was cleared a week or so after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained the workers on January 6th.

     On a day that never got above freezing, some were ill equipped for the cold — and the rigors of the job. They shivered in sweatshirts and hoodies and frozen sneakers as they hurled the snow into giant chutes. One woman was pregnant. Seven workers were minors. The youngest was a 14-year-old boy. The federal operation raises questions about the legal status of temporary workers at one of the state’s premier sports complexes, and about the responsibility of companies that hire subcontractors to verify the legal status of their employees. Some of the victims testified that they had time for “only a few sips” of water, because their ‘American’ supervisor “would yell” if they took too long, or talked too much. Workers snuck toward the back of the stadium to drink water “when he [the supervisor] wasn’t looking”, Roberto Castro said. Guillermo Ramos, another of the workers, said on Friday, “The gringo said, ‘Hurry up, you are here to work, not to drink.’” He said the supervisor wore a Gillette jacket.

     Nine men from Guatemala living in Rhode Island were detained and are facing deportation. Seven of them are still being held at Bristol County jail. Five who illegally reentered the country after having been deported are being referred to the US attorney’s office for criminal prosecution. Carlos Escobedo, Guatemala’s consul general in the region, said immigrants caught up in Wednesday’s road stop, who are now flooding the consulate with calls for help, appear to be ordinary workers, not criminals. He said he is helping them find legal assistance to determine whether they have the right to stay in the United States.

     Community groups are working with the consulate, including Immigrants in Action, the Olneyville Neighborhood Association, Fuerza Laboral (Power of Workers), the International Institute of Rhode Island, and Immigrants United, all in Providence, and the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition in Boston and the Maya K’iche Organization of New Bedford. A press conference was organized on February 11th in Providence to mobilize support for the worker’s cause.

A fundraiser will be held for the workers and their families on Saturday February 20th from 12noon until 5pm at St. Teresa's Church located at 275 Manton Avenue in Providence.

Home Across Lands - a documentary film

noreply@blogger.com (International Institute Rhode Island) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:25:00 +0000

HOME ACROSS LANDS is a documentary that explores the journey of resettlement-- it tells the story of a small group of Kunama refugees and how they reestablish their sense of community in their new home in America. Considered to be some of the original inhabitants of Eritrea, the Kunama people are a marginalized minority populating the remote and fertile regions near the border of Ethiopia. In 1998, war between Eritrea and Ethiopia broke out in a conflict over these border lands forcing over 4,000 Kunama to flee across the border into Northern Ethiopia. In 2000, the war ended with the Eritrean government regaining control of the disputed area, separating thousands of Kunama from their homeland and way of life. Today the Kunama wait in desolation, 45 km from the disputed Eritrean/Ethiopian border, warehoused in the Shimelba Refugee Camp in Northern Ethiopia. Life in the camp is difficult and opportunities for a better life are nonexistent, but the Kunama remain committed to their strong sense of community and family in spite of their displacement.

Unwanted in Ethiopia and unable to return to their homes safely, a small number of Kunama are given the opportunity for resettlement in the United States. HOME ACROSS LANDS chronicles the journey of these newly arrived Kunama as they strive to become self-reliant, invested participants in their new home. Guiding their transition is the resettlement agency, International Institute Rhode Island, that connects them to the resources they need as they work to establish a new community and better life for their families.

HOME ACROSS LANDS won the Grand Prize in The Providence Film Festival Category at the 2009 Rhode Island International Film Festival on Sunday August 9, 2009.

The DVD is available to purchase for $20.00 here. You may also download a free resource guide.

Save the Date for the Carnival Ball!

noreply@blogger.com (International Institute Rhode Island) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:52:00 +0000

Save the date and get ready to dance! The 24th Annual Spring Carnival Ball is Saturday, April 17, 2010 from 8 p.m. to midnight at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet in Cranston, Rhode Island.

With the mission to raise funds to benefit the Institute's programs and services for immigrants and refugees in Rhode Island, the Spring Carnival Ball has the reputation of being one of the Ocean State's longest running and most diverse parties of the year, renowned for its quality international entertainment, high energy, and a crowd of more than 1,000 attendees.

This year's performers include Grupo Fantasia, the 2009 winner for Best Latin Band at the New England Urban Music Awards, Big NAZO, who recently peformed at the 2010 Winter Olympics, the What Cheer? Brigade, voted Best of Rhode Island by Rhode Island Monthly, and many more!

All proceeds will benefit the International Institute Rhode Island's programs and services for immigrants and refugees in Rhode Island. We encourage Festive attire, costumes, and national dress because we are bringing back the costume contest!

Tickets are $75 each or $20 for students. Tickets may be purchased by contacting Sarah at 401.784.8634, sparrott@iiri.org, or at the door the night of the event.

Over 30 volunteers are needed the day of the Ball for set-up & decoration, ticket tables & reception, and clean-up. All volunteers receive one free Ball ticket. More Information on volunteering may be found here.

For more information about the event or for sponsorship opprotunities, please contact Sarah at 401.784.8634 or sparrott@iiri.org.

We hope to see you there with your dancing shoes on!

International Institute of Rhode Island Urges the Immigrant Community to Seek Services from Accredited Agencies

noreply@blogger.com (International Institute Rhode Island) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 01:08:00 +0000

There are only 2 types of entities recognized by the federal government for assisting individuals in immigration proceedings: attorneys and accredited representatives at accredited agencies.

In the state of Rhode Island there are 3 accredited agencies approved by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA): the International Institute of Rhode Island, the Diocese of Providence’s Office of Immigrants & Refugees, and Progreso Latino.

An accredited agency is a non-profit agency approved by the BIA to provide immigration services to the community at nominal fees. The agency will then apply for an individual’s accreditation, the right to represent clients in immigration proceedings. Accredited representatives normally are licensed for a period of three years. For renewal of accreditation they must provide proof of continual professional development such as maintenance of immigration law knowledge by attending trainings, and access to a large legal reference library.

Notarios, notary publics and immigration consultants may NOT represent you before USCIS. While in many other countries the word “Notario” means that the individual is an attorney, this is not true in the United States and they may not provide the same services that and attorney or accredited representative does.

A notario may NOT:
• Give you legal advice on what immigration benefit you may apply for or what to say in an immigration interview
• Hold him or herself out as qualified in legal matters or in immigration and naturalization procedure

If you are seeking help with immigration questions, you should be very careful before paying money to a non-attorney. Please use the following guidelines to protect yourself from becoming a victim:

How to Protect Yourself from Becoming a Victim:
• DO NOT sign blank applications, petitions or other papers.
• DO NOT sign documents that you do not understand.
• DO NOT sign documents that contain false statements or inaccurate information.
• DO NOT let anyone keep your original documents.
• DO NOT make payments to a representative without getting a receipt.
• DO NOT pay more than a nominal fee to non-attorneys or make payments on the internet.
• DO obtain copies of all documents prepared or submitted for you.
• DO verify an attorney’s or accredited representative’s eligibility to represent you.
• DO report any representative’s unlawful activity to USCIS, State Bar Associations and/or State Offices of Attorneys General.

For questions, or to schedule an appointment, please call the International Institute at (401) 461-5940.

International Institute of Rhode Island Conducts Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Registration for Nationals of Haiti

noreply@blogger.com (International Institute Rhode Island) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 17:05:00 +0000

International Institute of Rhode Island Conducts Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Registration for Nationals of Haiti Until July 15, 2010.
_________________________________________________________

The International Institute of Rhode Island has announced that it will be processing Haitian TPS registration applications until July 15, 2010.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for nationals of Haiti until July 21, 2011. This extension covers approximately 100,000 to 200,000 nationals of Haiti located throughout the United States.

USCIS has granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to nationals of Haiti, due to the recent devastating earthquake, for 18 months. TPS is a temporary legal status given by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to citizens of a certain country in cases of emergency. Those who are granted TPS are able to live and work in the United States legally for the duration of the status, but TPS does not lead to adjustment to legal permanent residency. When the 18 months is over, the DHS Secretary can decide to renew the status or to let it expire.

Who is Eligible: Most nationals of Haiti who were physically present in the United States on the date of the earthquake, January 12, 2010, and apply for TPS before the end of the registration period on July 21, 2010, are eligible. Haitians who arrived in the United States after January 12, 2010 are not eligible for TPS. For questions about qualifying, please contact the International Institute of Rhode Island at (401) 461-5940.

How to Apply: To apply for TPS, most Haitians will need to submit a TPS application (I-821), and, regardless of whether the individual intends to work, an Employment Authorization application (I-765). Applicants must provide evidence that they are of Haitian nationality and that they were physically present in the United States on January 12, 2010. Applicants must also submit two passport-size photos.

The application fee that most Haitians will have to pay to USCIS will total $470.

The International Institute of Rhode Island will help Haitians apply for TPS. The International Institute is a non-profit agency providing services to the immigrant and refugee community of Rhode Island. The Institute has a staff of federally accredited immigration caseworkers, trained and experienced in all areas of immigration procedures, including TPS applications.

Individuals interested in having the International Institute assist them with TPS applications should make an appointment by contacting IIRI at (401) 461-5940 or by coming to the International Institute's Feinstein Center for Citizenship and Immigration Services office at 645 Elmwood Avenue in Providence.

The International Institute will charge a fee of $75 to prepare and file applications. Applicants should bring proper documentation, including passports, ID cards, birth certificates and other significant documents.

For questions, or to schedule an appointment, please call the International Institute at (401) 461-5940.

International Institute Rhode Island, founded in 1921, is an independent non-profit agency serving immigrant, refugee, and native-born individuals and families. Our mission is to enable all area residents, especially immigrants and refugees, to become self-reliant, invested participants in our communities, while fostering respect and understanding among all people.

IIRI Fundraiser for Haitian Earthquake Victims

noreply@blogger.com (International Institute Rhode Island) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 19:38:00 +0000

On behalf of the IIRI, Roshni Darnal (Work Training Certificate Program Instructor for the Education Department) is coordinating a fundraiser for the earthquake victims in Haiti. IIRI's Education Department will encourage all students and teachers to give to make a donation to help with the relief. The Education Department encourage all IIRI staff and stakeholders to consider donating to this fundraiser. All funds collected will be sent to American Red Cross to be used towards their relief efforts in Haiti.

IIRI will be collecting donations all of next week and hopes to send out the donations by January 29th. You may leave your donations at the Development Office with Jessica Barry or with Roshni Darnal at the Education Department from 4pm - 9pm, Monday - Thursday. Please feel free to come by either one of our office to drop off your donations.

As we are all aware the needs in Haiti are so great and every little bit counts. So please donate generously so that we can all collective make a difference.

Thank you everyone in advance.

Regards,

Contact:
Roshni Griva Darnal
Work Training Certificate Program
Instructor
International Institute Rhode Island
Phone: (401)784-8616