The Immigrant’s JournalVol. 136 Our leaders who stood for Unity & Justice

Protecting God’s Children From Distant Lands www.ijlef.org April 22, 2021 FREE 26 Court Street, Suite 701, Brooklyn, NY 11242 Tel: 718-243-9431 Fax: 718-222-3153 Email: immjournal @aol.com

Congresswoman Getting Your Marijuana Calls for TPS Record Expunged Designation for St Vincent BY NORMA LEWIS, JD here was quite a bit of excitement, relief, and joy, and a few spiffs Tsmoked when New York legalized recreational marijuana. Several advo- cates and lawmakers welcomed it as one of the most progressive cannabis laws in the country. That's in part because it auto- matically clears the criminal records of people with certain marijuana-related offenses. "For generations, too many New Yorkers have been unfairly penalized for Congresswoman Clarke. Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com the use and sale of adult-use cannabis, ep. Yvette D. Clarke, Chair of the continued on page 2 Congressional Caribbean Caucus, Rreleased the following statement 5 Signs You Might Have a Narcissistic Partner....20 regarding the emergent environmental crisis in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. “The volcanic devastation of St Vincent and the Grenadines requires an urgent How Immigrant Communities Determine humanitarian response from our US gov- ernment, and the anemic response of our the Next NYC Mayoral Winner State Department and affiliate USAID causes me great concern. Hundreds of A report on the past and present role of immigrants in determining who wins the mayoral election thousands of people have been evacuated due to the recent volcanic eruption. Plumes of ash and gas have suffocated BY LINDA N., SPECIAL TO JOURNAL eration foreign-based population of European descent, with a large African the island, contaminating water supplies, ince 1965, most immigrants American and Puerto Rican population. spewing dense volcanic debris, called entering the U.S. live in the cities The second generation consists of chil- pyroclastic flows, have destroyed crops, Sof six states: Florida, Texas, dren of immigrants who arrived in the bringing life and the economy of this Illinois, California, New Jersey, and early 1900s, and Latinos form the island to a halt. Many of the displaced New York. These sanctuary states and largest immigrant group in the City. people are now living in less than 100 cities often play a significant role in Hernandez and Rivera-Batiz, 1997, shelters that do not have the means to determining the political image they reports that Dominicans comprise the prevent the spread of COVID-19 — an possess. They contribute to the shaping largest foreign-born Latinos in New already emergent crisis in the region — of group relations and creating new York City, followed by Puerto Ricans through social distancing measures. political lines in modern politics. and a rapidly growing Mexican com- Others have been evacuated to cruise In New York, over 3.0 million for- munity. ships and are awaiting further instruc- David Dinkins, 106th Mayor of New York City tions. However, in an official statement, eign-born people make up the popula- Editorial credit: Tim Coffey / Shutterstock.com tion. The state has the largest third-gen- continued on page 22 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended against travel on cruise ships because the chance of

J&J Vaccine Suspension: What It Means For You ....9 continued on page 21 IMMIGRANTS’ CONCERNS 2

Marijuna Record Expunged/from page 1 arbitrarily arrested and jailed with harsh mandatory minimum sentences," Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) said in a news release. "After years of tireless advocacy and extraordinarily hard work, that time is coming to an end in New York State." To right the wrongs of our failed drug war against the sale and recreational use of cannabis sativa, also known as "mari- juana", on March 31, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed The Marijuana Former Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s Stop & Frisk Policy Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) played a great part in criminalizing Brown & Black men. Governor Cuomo signed the MRTA into law on March 31, Editorial credit: LEE SNIDER PHOTO IMAGES / into law. The law eliminates penalties for 2021Editorial credit: Hans Pennink / Shutterstock.com Shutterstock.com possession of less than three ounces of Class E felony and is punishable by no marijuana-related criminal conviction. the other hand, a vacated conviction can- cannabis. Provisions in the law legaliz- more than four years of imprisonment •First, with the passage of the New York not. Thus a legal immigrant previously ing the personal possession of up to three and a fine not to exceed $5,000. Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act convicted on marijuana charges should, ounces of cannabis and/or up-to 24 Possession of marijuana in excess of 16 (MRTA), there are still significant immi- if possible, seek vacatur of their previous grams of concentrates for those ages 21 ounces – 10 pounds is a class D felony gration consequences for marijuana vio- charges to protect their immigration sta- and older took immediate effect. and is punishable by no more than seven lations including in some circumstances tus. They may need to hire a lawyer to The new law also establishes proce- years of imprisonment and a fine not to deportation, being denied admission to file a 440 Motion/Application in the dures for the automatic review and exceed $5,000. Possession of marijuana the U.S., being denied permanent resi- District Attorney's office or county of the expungement of the criminal records of in excess of 10 pounds is a class C felony dency or a green card, or being denied underlying arrest. those with low-level cannabis convic- and is punishable by no more than 15 naturalization. •If you face a challenge to your legal sta- tions. Under the law, the smell of mari- years of imprisonment and a fine not to •Second, those who have already been tus due to a previous marijuana convic- juana alone is no longer probable cause exceed $15,000. convicted of possessing marijuana of up tion or are having trouble with any other for a search by law enforcement. Use of The recently passed law decriminalizes to one ounce or publicly using marijuana immigration issue, please call the attor- cannabis in public may be subject to civil marijuana in New York and allows those can seek relief to have those convictions neys at the Law Firm of Figeroux & penalties. previously convicted of certain marijua- expunged or vacated. In both cases, the Associates. They will help you through Possession of marijuana in excess of na-related crimes to seek post-conviction convictions will be effectively removed the process of vacating your previous three ounces is a Class A misdemeanor relief (PCR) from the court. While this from your criminal record. However, an charges, protecting your rights, and giv- and is punishable by no more than one has far-reaching consequences for every expunged conviction can still be the basis ing you the best chance possible at main- year of imprisonment and a fine not to New Yorker, it is crucial for non-citizens for negative immigration consequences, taining your legal residency and applying exceed $1,000. Possession of marijuana whose status can be jeopardized by a including deportation and removal. On for U.S. citizenship. l in excess of 8 ounces – 16 ounces is a

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esterday, April 14, offered a per- Visit fect contrast between the two www.ijlef.org Yparties. Democrats are focused www.falaw.us on solutions that change lives, and www.cawnyc.com Republicans are focused on pointing fin- www.workersworldtoday.com gers, stoking racism, and pulling public- ity stunts aimed at Foxlandia. Volunteering at House GOP Whip Steve Scalise’s milk THE IMMIGRANT'S JOURNAL LEGAL & carton stunt vs. VP Kamala Harris’s solu- EDUCATIONAL FUND, INC. tions for Central America. As Jen Internship positions available Bendery wrote for HuffPost, “House throughout the year. Republican leaders on Wednesday The Immigrant's Journal Legal & Educational accused Vice President Kamala Harris of Fund, Inc. is an organization dedicated to the being absent on immigration matters ― President Biden and Vice President Harris. educational and economic empowerment of all even showing up to a press conference Editorial credit: archna nautiyal / Shutterstock.com immigrants and immigrant organizations here with a milk carton with Harris’ face on it, in the United States. We at the Journal recog- declaring her ‘missing’ at the border. One Administration wants to relocate. My dressed for too long, and to effect change nize the enormous contribution of immigrants problem: At the same time, Harris was message to illegal immigrants… call me that people experience in their daily lives. to this country economically, socially and polit- holding a White House meeting on when you’re an American.” Subtle, she’s Democrats are delivering – on COVID ically. Since September 11, 2001, however, immigration and announcing her plans to not. relief, on vaccines, on strengthening immigrants have increasingly been discriminat- visit Mexico and Guatemala.” Republicans’ grievance politics now health care, on putting checks in peoples’ ed against and Congress has passed legisla- Republican Governors’ tried “blame openly embracing white nationalists’ pockets, on creating jobs, on reopening tion curtailing the rights of immigrants here in Biden” attacks: Republican governors great replacement theory: Tucker schools, on building infrastructure, on the U.S., broadly claiming that immigrants are Greg Abbott (R-TX) and Doug Ducey Carlson is embracing the “great replace- making corporations pay their fair share, a threat to ''National Security.'' We at the (R-AZ) published a Washington Post op- ment theory” with odious arguments that on confronting racial inequity, on reduc- Journal believe that these charges are ed attempting to pin the blame on rising welcoming immigrants and refugees is a ing gun violence, on fighting for voting unfounded, unsubstantiated and exaggerated. numbers of apprehensions and encoun- Democratic plot to replace Republican rights, on slowing and reversing climate The Immigrant's Journal Volunteer Intern ters at the border – which started under voters. HuffPost reported that hate group change and on putting millions of long- Program was introduced to give our volunteers Trump – on Biden. They don’t want to VDare.com tweeted in response, “This settled undocumented immigrants on the opportunity to work in an immigrant friendly work with the Biden administration on segment is one of the best things Fox pathways to citizenship. environment while developing the necessary policy solutions, they want to inflame a News has ever aired and was filled with No wonder Republicans want to change skills for college or law school. They assist our political issue to please their base – and ideas and talking points VDARE.com the subject. staff in resolving immigration and other legal the man the base loves. A San Antonio pioneered many years ago … You should The GOP has other priorities. They want concerns through personal interviews, radio, Express News editorial blasted Gov. watch the whole thing.” Of course, to distract from Democratic achieve- email and telephone contact. They also assist Abbott’s efforts to turn the plight of Tucker’s racist diatribes are quickly ments. They want to keep their base the public with citizenship applications and in migrant children into a “political prop.” spreading to GOP politicians. Ohio stoked by demonizing Democrats and the researching whether or not children of natural- Republican Governors reject and demo- Senate candidate J.D. Vance to Rep. multiracial majority they represent. And ized U.S. citizens have derived citizenship nize migrant children: The Republican Scott Perry (R-PA) are picking up most of all, they want to appease the man from their parents. Some of our volunteers Governors of South Carolina and South Tucker’s accelerating descent into white who hijacked their party and retains a assist our legal staff by engaging in legal Dakota joined in the gamesmanship, say- power radicalism. grip on their shrinking, radicalizing base. research and writing letters on other legal ing publicly and proudly they would not According to Frank Sharry, Executive Today’s Republican politicians are less issues. Volunteer interns are also assigned allow federal authorities to relocate chil- Director of America’s Voice: focused on winning general elections and various other jobs in our Youth Programs. dren into shelters in their states. As if the Stay strong and stay focused, Democrats. more interested in surviving the Trump- Hours are flexible. Email your cover letter and federal government would ask them. Americans elected a Democratic led purge in contested primaries that are resume or any questions to Gov. Kristi Noem took to Twitter to say President and Democratic majorities in right around the corner. [email protected] “South Dakota won’t be taking any ille- both chambers of Congress to do big Leave them to it, Democrats, and get Tel: 718-243-9431 Fax: 718-222-3153 gal immigrants that the Biden things, to tackle challenges left unad- back to work on fixing America. l

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BY ROBERT MCKEE IRWIN over to Immigration and Customs THE CONVERSATION Enforcement and deported. She was 24 and a mother. undreds of thousands of immi- Just two years later, Tania would have grant families have been separat- qualified as an undocumented childhood Hed by deportation from the arrival, or “Dreamer,” and been protected United States, in many cases with a par- from deportation by the Obama-era ent on one side of the border and children Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. on the other, according to estimates by Her toddler daughter remained with the the Urban Policy Institute and Migration child’s father in Los Angeles. Policy Institute. Reunification is a priori- Tania recalls her daughter watching her ty in President Joe Biden’s proposed get detained by the L.A. Police immigration overhaul and in bills that Department: “That was the last time I Editorial credit: Stephanie Kenner / Shutterstock.com both the House and Senate will debate in ever saw her,” she told us tearfully. coming weeks. Tania says separation from her daughter and banned for 10 years or more. separated families themselves. Our proj- was the hardest part of life after deporta- Both bills have provisions to preserve Since 2016, I have coordinated a digital ect does not verify migrants’ stories, and “family unity.” These include giving tion. Since she shared custody with the storytelling project called “Humanizing what you read here is based on their rec- father, she could not take her daughter immigration judges increased discretion Deportation,” which has published per- ollection of events. in deportation cases and allowing the sec- with her to Mexico without his consent. sonal narratives, in audiovisual form, Mother and daughter stayed in touch by retary of homeland security or attorney from over 250 migrants. It is the world’s Tania’s story general to waive deportation orders or phone until 2016, when the father – to largest qualitative database on the human Tania Mendoza arrived in California in whom she was not married – cut off all allow deported parents of U.S. citizen consequences of deportation and other 1989 at age 3, brought by her parents children to return to the U.S. contact. harsh penalties of U.S. immigration law. from Mexico, undocumented, to escape “He took her phone away and just Under U.S. immigration law, any Our research shows that deportation poverty. noncitizen – including legal permanent decided she was better off without me,” doesn’t just hurt the migrants who get In 2010 Tania was arrested after a domes- Tania said. “So my heart broke even residents – may be deported for commit- deported – it also does serious harm to tic dispute with a guy she was dating. ting a serious crime. Undocumented more.” their families, especially children. Though no charges were filed and Tania After two years without contact, a fam- immigrants may be removed simply for Here are two such stories, told by the had no criminal record, she was turned being in the country without a valid visa continued on page 5

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Reunite Families Split/ McAllen, Tx/U.S. - from page 4 April 17, 2019: A ily court judge awarded Tania phone vis- young Honduran itation rights – the best proxy for enforc- family seeking asy- ing the existing shared custody agree- lum from poverty and ment due to Tania’s removal from the gang violence wait at country. the bus station for Tania has communicated regularly with their bus to go stay her daughter since but has not seen her, with sponsors until except on a screen, for over 10 years. their hearing. Nowadays, she says, getting a simple text like “Hi, Mom, how was your day?” fills Tania with feelings of hope. Editorial credit: Vic Hinterlang / Losing mom or dad Shutterstock.com Family separation made headlines during the Trump administration, when Central dren lost their mom or dad. to an immigration detention center in San me,” Zuri told us. American families seeking asylum were Parents are rarely able to provide or Bernardino, California, in 2017, and then She said losing her father had forced separated at the border. About 500 fami- care for their families from abroad. And deported to his native Peru, it was a dev- her to “mature and grow up” and that she lies remain separated today. the trauma of losing a loved one for an astating ordeal for the couple’s three deals with “more than what you are sup- But family separation occurred during extended, indefinite period can be signif- young children. posed to” because she is “filling in that the Obama administration, too. Between icant, especially for children. role as a parent but still being a child at 2009 and 2016, the U.S. expelled an Psychologists have observed anxiety, In the story Rosa and her daughter Zuri the same time.” average of 383,000 immigrants per year, depression, hyperactivity and other recorded for us that same year, Rosa says Zuri is among the thousands of children according to Department of Homeland symptoms commonly associated with she didn’t know how to explain to the who just might get to see their dad again Security data. That surpasses Trump, post-traumatic stress disorder in children children why their father was taken from under Biden’s immigration reform plan. whose government deported 325,000 who’ve lost a parent to deportation. their house in handcuffs, nor answer their But it has to pass the House and Senate annually over the first three years of his Why don’t deported parents just take questions about how long he would be first.l administration. George W. Bush’s the kids with them? As Tania’s story gone. administration averaged 252,000 depor- shows, this is not always practical, or Rosa’s eldest child, Zuri, a teenager, tations a year. even possible. had to step in and assume responsibilities Robert McKee Irwin is a Deputy So many deported immigrants who’ve usually handled by her father. Director, Global Migration Center, shared their stories with us tell of the Rosa and Zuri “Instead of him being there on [my sis- University of California, Davis deep and enduring damage inflicted When Rosa Ortega’s husband was taken ter’s] first day of kindergarten, it was when their removal meant that their chil- UN your right to health care before you get sick LO CK

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VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.IJLEF.ORG FOR MORE IMMIGRATION NEWS & UPDATES MONEY MATTERS 6 Those Experiencing Homelessness Can Get Economic Impact Payments and Other Tax Benefits; Permanent Address Not Required

ASHINGTON: The Internal ent from most other tax benefits; people Revenue Service today con- can get the payments even if they have Wtinued an ongoing effort to little or no income and even if they don't help those experiencing homelessness usually file a tax return. This is true as during the pandemic by reminding peo- long as they have a Social Security num- ple who don't have a permanent address ber and are not being supported by some- or a bank account that they may still one else who can claim them as a qualify for Economic Impact Payments dependent. and other tax benefits. The IRS needs information from people While Economic Impact Payments who don't usually file a tax return – even continue to be made automatically to if they did not have any income last year most people, the IRS can't issue a pay- or their income was not large enough to ment to eligible Americans when infor- require them to file. The only way for the mation about them isn't available in the IRS.gov has a variety of information and "The IRS is working hard on this effort, agency to have that information is for tax agency's systems. tools to help people receive the enabling millions of people who don't people to file a basic 2020 tax return with To help people experiencing homeless- Economic Impact Payments. normally file a tax return to receive these the IRS. Once that return is processed, ness, the rural poor and other historically "The IRS has been continuing to work payments. But we need to do more, and the IRS can quickly send stimulus pay- under-served groups, the IRS urges com- directly with groups inside and outside we appreciate all the help we've been ments to an address selected by the eligi- munity groups, employers and others to the tax community to get information receiving from national and local groups ble individual. People do not need a per- share information about Economic directly to people experiencing home- to assist in this effort to reach the people manent address or a bank account. They Impact Payments and help more eligible lessness and other groups to help them who desperately need this help." don't need to have a job. For eligible people file a tax return so they can receive Economic Impact Payments," Economic Impact Payments, also said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. known as stimulus payments, are differ- receive everything they're entitled to. continued on page 7 MONEY MATTERS 7

No bank account? No problem More details on the Earned Income Economic Impact Many financial institutions will help a Tax Credit Payments/from page 6 person lacking an account to open a low- For people experiencing homelessness cost or no-cost bank account. Individuals who have a job, filing a return often car- individuals, the IRS will still issue the who open accounts will then have an ries an added bonus—getting a refund payment even if they haven't filed a tax account and routing number available based on various tax benefits, especially return in years. when they file and claim a direct deposit the EITC for low-and moderate-income People in this group can still qualify for of the Economic Impact Payment. workers and working families. the first two Economic Impact Payments For those with a prepaid debit card, Like many other workers, some work- when they file their 2020 return by they may be able to have their refund ers experiencing homelessness still qual- claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit. applied to the card. Many reloadable pre- ify for the credit even if they earned too There's a special section on IRS.gov that paid cards or mobile payment apps have little income during 2020 to owe tax. For can help: Claiming the 2020 Recovery account and routing numbers that can be 2020, the income limit is $15,820 for sin- Rebate Credit if you aren't required to provided to the IRS. Individuals would gles with no children ($21,710 for cou- file a tax return. For the current third relative or trusted service provider, such need to check with the financial institu- ples with no children). The income limit round of payments, people who are expe- as a shelter, drop-in day center or transi- tion to ensure the card can be used and to is higher for people with children. For riencing homelessness usually qualify to tional housing program, on the return obtain the routing number and account example, the limit is $50,594 for singles receive $1,400 for themselves. If they are filed with the IRS. If they are unable to number, which may be different from the with three or more children ($56,844 for married or have dependents, they can get choose direct deposit, a check or debit card number. couples with three or more children). an additional $1,400 for each of their card for the tax refund and the third Those who make less than this amount family members. Economic Impact Payment can then be Direct deposit speeds payments must also meet other eligibility require- Filing a 2020 federal income tax return mailed to this address. Direct deposit is the safest and fastest ments. that provides very basic information way to receive a refund and Economic Because it's a refundable credit, those about the person is something that can be Individuals experiencing homelessness Impact Payments. People will need to who qualify and claim the credit could done electronically using a smartphone can receive the EITC include direct deposit information on pay less federal tax, pay no tax, or even or a computer. When the IRS receives the A worker experiencing homelessness can their 2020 tax return to get their payment get a tax refund. The EITC can put up to return, it will automatically calculate and get an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). directly deposited. $6,660 into a worker's pocket. The issue the Economic Impact Payments to To get the credit, federal law requires that Anyone with a savings, checking, or amount varies depending upon the work- eligible individuals. a worker live in the U.S. for more than brokerage account can choose to have er's income, marital status, and other fac- half of the year and meet other require- their refund electronically deposited in tors. Permanent address not required ments. This means living in a home in that account. Direct deposit is available The IRS recognizes that eligible work- People can claim an Economic Impact any of the 50 states or the District of even for people who file a paper tax ers experiencing homelessness often Payment or other credits even if they Columbia. Therefore, individuals experi- return, but processing of paper returns encounter unique challenges not faced by don't have a permanent address. For encing homelessness, including those takes longer. l example, someone experiencing home- who reside at one or more homeless shel- other people. lessness may list the address of a friend, ters, can meet that requirement. —IRS.gov Creditors’ Harassments! Lawsuits! Foreclosures! Get the legal help you need NOW! Call 718-222-3155! FREE BANKRUPTCY CONSULTATION

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The Law Offices of Figeroux & Associates, 26 Court Street, Suite 701, Brooklyn, NY. Visit www.311bankruptcy.com EDUCATION 8 Easing Students’ Anxieties as They Return to the Classroom hen it comes to the emotional will go a long way. well-being of students’ post- Wpandemic, a new study reveals • Acknowledge your own anxiety: Take that teachers expect significant chal- the time to understand the reasons you lenges when schools make a full return to are feeling anxious and seek a positive in-person learning. outlet. The study, commissioned by the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI), the world Additionally, CPI has created educator- leader in de-escalation training, shows specific supplemental content to its that 84% of teachers say student trauma, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training. mental health issues and increased anxi- That training, which is approved for ety are their biggest concerns with full stimulus related federal funding via the classroom re-entry. Elementary and Secondary School “Many of those in school communities trict level, at the individual level, fami- and structured, but also welcoming to Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund, will have faced adversity and trauma, ranging lies and teachers are in a position to help reestablish a familiar routine. focus specifically on recognizing the from upended routines to home isolation make the transition as smooth and suc- stages of an escalating crisis, as well as and loss of family members. Simply cessful as possible. “Ideally, all individu- • Listen empathetically: Offer your undi- learning evidence-based techniques to restarting school won’t erase the afteref- als in a student’s life will be aligned in vided attention, then provide thoughtful, appropriately de-escalate. During its 40- fects,” says Susan Driscoll, president of helping them prepare for their return to nonjudgmental feedback. year history, CPI has trained more than CPI. school,” she says. 55,000 educators worldwide in non-vio- In many cases, the past year has simply Having trained more than 15 million • Rebuild trust: In a recent survey by the lent crisis techniques that assist with de- exacerbated issues that predate COVID- individuals over four decades in its tech- American Federation of Teachers and the escalating and managing heightened 19. It’s estimated that prior to the pan- niques, CPI is lending its unique knowl- New York Life Foundation, only 15% of school situations. To learn more, visit cri- demic, nearly half of all students in the edge during this transitional period. Here educators said they feel very comfortable sisprevention.com/About-Us. U.S. had experienced some form of trau- are some of the organization’s top tips for addressing students’ emotional needs Opening the doors is only step one in ma, according to the nonprofit research teachers and parents who are busy mak- caused or intensified by the coronavirus returning students to the classroom. As organization, WestEd. ing preparations for the return to in-per- outbreak. While teachers may feel a bit the pandemic eases, parents and teachers Driscoll says that while the federal gov- son learning: unprepared in this area, making it clear to will also need to actively address a year’s ernment’s COVID CARES Act will pro- • Create a good learning environment: students that sharing their feelings and worth of isolation and anxiety. l vide essential financial support at the dis- Classrooms should be well-organized concerns is appreciated and encouraged (StatePoint) IMMIGRANTS’ CONCERNS 9 Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Suspension: A Doctor Explains What This Means for You

BY WILLIAM PETRI as likely as getting struck by lightning in a year. A seventh case was included in the panel of experts met on April 14, ACIP review on April 14. 2021, to review evidence on Ablood clots that have been What do I do if I got the J&J shot? reported in seven people after they The CDC and FDA are recommending received the one-dose Johnson & that people who have received the J&J Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. The panel, vaccine within the last 3 weeks who the Advisory Committee on develop severe headache, abdominal Immunization Practices, or ACIP, advises The potential side effect is a blood clot in clotting disorder by activating platelets to pain, leg pain or shortness of breath the Centers for Disease Control and the veins that drain blood from the brain. clot. should contact their health care provider. Prevention on immunization. It delayed This is called central venous sinus It is important to note that this disorder, This type of blood clot is treatable with voting on a recommendation to the CDC thrombosis. In the vaccine-associated called vaccine-iduced immune thrombot- the use of blood thinners or anticoagu- so that members can further evaluate risk cases of this, platelets in blood, which ic thrombocytopenia, is not a problem lants. If a patient has low platelets, how- and data. The clotting, which resulted in are important for making clots, have with the mRNA-based Pfizer and ever, a doctor would not prescribe the one woman’s death, led the CDC and been lower than normal. This same side Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. widely used anticoagulant heparin but FDA on April 13, 2021, to pause use of effect has been seen in the AstraZeneca instead another kind of blood thinner. the J&J vaccine. Dr. William Petri, an COVID-19 vaccine that also uses an ade- How many people have experienced Untreated, these blood clots can be fatal. infectious disease physician and immu- novirus to deliver the coronavirus spike this possible reaction? What are the CDC and FDA specifical- nologist at the University of Virginia glycoprotein. In the case of the As of April 13, 2021, about one in a mil- ly recommending for the J&J vaccine? School of Medicine, answers questions AstraZeneca vaccine, the clotting disor- lion: Six cases out of the 6.8 million Because of this rare occurrence, even to help put this development in context. der has been linked to antibodies against doses of the J&J vaccine administered in though it has not been shown to be due to

platelet factor 4 (PF4) that are apparently the U.S. These six cases all occurred in the vaccine, the CDC and FDA have rec- What is this potential side effect of the induced by the adenovirus backbone of women ages 18-48, and from 6 to 13 ommended a pause in use of the J&J vac- J&J vaccine for COVID-19? the vaccine. This antibody causes the days after vaccination. That’s about half continued on page 10

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NYCH+H_TestingRefresh_Pub_ImmigrantsJournal_10x6.75_EN_V1_FINAL.indd 1 4/14/21 2:24 PM IMMIGRANTS’ CONCERNS 10

19 vaccine used in Europe. There, 182 J&J Vaccine from page 9 / cases were reported in 190 million doses cine until these cases can be further – again, roughly 1 in 1 million people President Biden Signs reviewed. vaccinated. The European Medicines Agency investigated this and concluded What are the next steps? that central venous sinus thrombosis with Executive Order The CDC convened a meeting of the low platelets should be listed as a possi- Advisory Committee on Immunization ble “very rare side effect” of the Practices on April 14, 2021. The ACIP is AstraZeneca vaccine. Modifying Refugee an independent board of 15 scientific and On April 13, 2021, Johnson & Johnson medical experts selected by the health announced it was delaying the rollout of Admissions Policy and human services secretary that advis- its vaccine in Europe in response to the es the CDC on vaccines for children and U.S. review. ashington, DC: President adults. People with ties to vaccine manu- Biden signed an executive facturers are excluded from the ACIP What is the take-home message? Worder intended to speed up membership because of potential conflict The U.S. has a total of three vaccines refugee admissions to the U.S, but does of interest. authorized under emergency use authori- not raise the total number of refugees On April 14, ACIP reviewed the avail- zation for COVID-19, and this side effect allowed to resettle in the country. The able evidence but did not vote on recom- has not been observed in the other two current cap of just 15,000 refugee admis- mendations because panel members vaccines, developed by Moderna and sions was set by the Trump administra- expressed concern that the panel needs Pfizer. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines tion and represents an all-time low ceil- more time to evaluate data and risks. The do not use the same technology used in ing. As of April 2021, halfway through vaccine has been given to 3.8 million the J&J and AstraZeneca vaccines. So the current fiscal year, the U.S. has reset- people in the past two weeks. Therefore, vaccination against COVID-19 can con- tled just over 2,000 refugees. not enough time has passed to see tinue, while efforts are made to determine Under the administration’s new alloca- whether other people might also experi- if the clotting disorder is related by tion, about 7,000 slots are reserved for most vulnerable children and families, ence these serious clots. The panel is chance or a true, but extremely rare, side refugees from Africa, 1,000 from East particularly those in Somalia, Syria, and expected to meet again within a week to effect of the J&J vaccine. Asia, 1,500 from Europe and Central Yemen. 10 days. I believe it is a testament to the empha- Asia, 3,000 from Latin America and the However, it is deeply disappointing that sis by the CDC and FDA on vaccine safe- Caribbean, 1,600 from the Near East and the administration has elected to leave in Is this similar to what happened with ty that J&J vaccinations have been South Asia, and a reserve of about 1,000 place the shameful, record-low admis- the AstraZeneca vaccine in Europe? paused while this is studied by independ- slots to be used as needed. sions cap of its predecessor. While it is A similar rare problem of blood clotting ent scientists and medical experts. The following is a statement by Krish true the Trump administration left the with low platelets in the cerebral venous O’Mara Vignarajah, president and CEO resettlement infrastructure in tatters, we sinus and also in the abdominal veins of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee feel confident and able to serve far more and arteries has been seen in connection William Petri is a Professor of Service, the nation’s largest faith-based families than this order accounts for. with the use of the AstraZeneca COVID- Medicine, University of Virginia nonprofit dedicated exclusively to serv- Progress rarely comes in leaps and ing refugees and vulnerable immigrant bounds; while we are encouraged by communities: incremental progress towards restoring “We are grateful for President Biden’s our humanitarian reputation, there is far move to revise refugee policy that has more work ahead to reclaim global lead- disproportionately and discriminately ership. The challenge of ramping up impacted refugees from African and admissions to President Biden's pledge of Muslim-majority nations. His actions 125,000 is daunting, but it is an occasion today will send some needed hope to the we can rise to."l Statement on NY HERO Act State Assembly Passage LBANY, NY: FWD.us New mourn or recover until we have done York Immigration State Director everything we can to save lives. AEddie A. Taveras issued the fol- “Importantly, when all New Yorkers are lowing statement today following pas- safe, our entire state benefits. For exam- sage of The New York Health and ple, businesses, and especially small Essential Rights Act (S.1034A), or NY businesses, are more likely to reopen or HERO Act, in the New York State continue operations when their workers Assembly: are protected, and consumers feel more “The New York State Assembly took a confident visiting local businesses when necessary step by passing the NY HERO they too know there are precautions in Act. It is a critical measure toward pro- place. I urge Governor Cuomo to sign it tecting all Empire State workers, regard- into law without delay. I appreciate less of immigration status, by establish- Speaker Carl E. Heastie and Assembly ing health and safety standards to safe- Member Karines Reyes for their leader- guard workers from all airborne diseases, ship on this crucial issue. Every day including COVID-19. Our state’s work- without the NY HERO Act being signed ers, including two million undocumented into law puts New Yorkers’ lives at essential workers, continue to put their risk.”l lives on the line to keep our economy and communities running, yet have not been About FWD.us: FWD.us is a bipartisan polit- provided enforceable safety standards. ical organization that believes America’s fam- More than 51,000 New Yorkers have lost ilies, communities, and economy thrive when their lives to this pandemic. We cannot more individuals are able to achieve their full potential. BIDEN ADMINISTRATION 11 How the Biden Administration Is Responding to Unaccompanied Children, Families, and Adults at the Border

BY MELISSA CRUZ that it would expel more families if it was able to, but Mexico has refused to nly days after President Biden take many families. took office, some people were Thus, despite Biden’s promise to restore Oalready declaring that the border asylum at the border, far fewer families was in a state of crisis. But recently have so far been permitted to seek asy- released U.S. Customs and Border lum today than under the Trump admin- Protection statistics reveal that the truth istration in 2019. Only 35,559 families is more complicated. were processed under normal immigra- The Biden administration is dealing tion law in March, compared to 53,204 with two very different phenomena at the families in March 2019. border right now. One is driving head- The Biden administration has said that lines about a surge in adults; the other on it intended to restore access to asylum at the treatment of children. the southern border in the short-term and to reduce the need to migrate by building The Arrival of Single Adults at the In response, the Biden administration has remains just below 2019 levels. regional support in Central America in Border worked to rapidly expand the capacity of However, unlike in spring 2019, when the long-term. Beginning last spring, after lockdowns the Office of Refugee Resettlement nearly all families were allowed into the But in the meantime, the administration lifted across Mexico and Central through the creation of new “emergency United States to seek asylum, many fam- should recognize that families are not a America, tens of thousands of single influx shelters.” This strategy seems to be ilies are now being turned away. threat. We can welcome them in a safe adults began coming to the U.S.-Mexico having a positive impact, with the num- Even though unaccompanied children and orderly manner without sending border. Under a policy put in place by the ber of children in Border Patrol custody are no longer being expelled, the Biden them back to danger. Now that the Biden Trump administration known as “Title beginning to drop through the first weeks administration has kept Title 42 in place administration has turned the corner on 42,” individuals who cross the border of April. for families. In March, 17,345 people unaccompanied children, it’s time for between ports of entry were rapidly While the number of unaccompanied who came to the border as part of a fam- them to restore protections for l expelled back to Mexico or placed on a children reached record highs last month, ily were expelled, a full third of all fami- families. plane and sent to their home country. the number of families seeking asylum lies. The Biden administration has said These rapid expulsions created a situa- tion where single adults—who didn’t have to worry about the health and safety Are you looking of a child with them—could attempt to IN TROUBLE cross the border repeatedly. In December to get into the 2020 alone, the Border Patrol apprehend- health & wellness ed single adults over 62,000 times (many WITH THE LAW? of them the same people). This was the business? highest level since 1999. The number of single adults coming to the border has continued to increase since Are you under then, making up 67% of all border appre- hensions since January. In March, the investigation or accused Border Patrol apprehended single adults 96,628 times. Nearly all were expelled back to Mexico—even those hoping to of a felony or seek asylum. Contact: Single adults do not represent the same misdemeanor? kind of processing difficulties as families and children, in part because the Border Get legal advice from the law firm you can Patrol was created generations ago for this exact purpose. trust: Figeroux & Associates. We handle: The Arrival of Families and nDUI (Driving Under the Influence) Unaccompanied Children nCourt Order Violations At the same time, a different phenome- n non has been occurring with families and Possession of Drugs (with or without Intent to Distribute) n unaccompanied children. Though the Crimes with Impact for Deportation with Non-Citizens number of asylum-seeking families and nFraud children coming to the border had begun nCrimes of Economics growing last year, that number has sky- rocketed since January. PUT YOUR FUTURE IN OUR The arrival of record numbers of unac- companied children has continued to HANDS. WE CAN HELP. prove an enormous humanitarian chal- Stacy Young lenge for the Biden administration. Board Certified President Biden has committed to not CALL NOW. 718-222-3155. Holistic Health Coach restoring the Trump-era policy of expelling unaccompanied children, Tel: 917-459-8431 which was blocked in court last Remember: The lawyer you November. [email protected] Mydoterra.com/stacyyoung hire, does make a difference!

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BY CHARISSA S. L. CHEAH, AGGIE school in 2017, compared with 23% of YELLOW HORSE & KEVIN A. GEE white students. THE CONVERSATION How common race-based harassment against Asian students is can vary based he rise in anti-Asian hate crimes on different factors, such as where stu- during the pandemic has prompt- dents live, their gender, grades or immi- Ted many Asian American parents gration status. For example, a study from to enroll their children in remote learning California found that Asian American out of concern for their child’s safety at sixth graders in California reported being school. Asian American youths are bullied and victimized at higher rates enrolled in remote learning at much than other racial groups. higher rates than other racial groups. Federal data show that 78% of Asian What are the biggest worries for Asian Asian Americans have experienced a bally harassed. In over half the incidents, American eighth graders attended school American youth and parents? great deal of racial harassment amid the the perpetrator used anti-Asian hate rhet- virtually in February 2021, whereas just Charissa S. L. Cheah, professor of psy- COVID-19 pandemic. A recent survey oric. About 1 in 5 hate incidents hap- 59% of Black, 59% of Latino and 29% chology at the University of Maryland, found that 1 in 8 Asian Americans report- pened at school. of white students attended school virtu- Baltimore County ed experiencing anti-Asian hate incidents National trends before the pandemic ally. Many Asian American parents are wor- in 2020. The victims of that harassment suggested that Asian American students Here, three scholars address school ried that their children will be the victims aren’t just adults – they include students. were already more likely to experience safety for Asian American students. of discrimination once school reopens. Since the beginning of the pandemic, racial discrimination, such as race-relat- In one survey, nearly 1 in 2 Chinese more than 3,800 hate incidents targeting ed name-calling, from their peers at Are American schools dangerous for American parents and 1 in 2 Chinese Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders school than other categories of students. Asian American students? American youth reported being directly have been reported to the Stop AAPI About 11% of Asian American students Aggie J. Yellow Horse, assistant profes- targeted with COVID-19 racial discrimi- Hate National Reporting Center. Among reported being called hate-related words, sor of Asian Pacific American Studies at nation in person or online. About 4 in 5 the incidents early in the pandemic, 16% compared with 6.3% of white students in Arizona State University. of these parents and their children also percent of the targets were Asian 2015. A separate study found that bully- Data show that many Asian American reported witnessing racism directed at American youths ages 12-20. ing and physical violence were less of an youths have experienced anti-Asian vio- someone else of their own race either The majority of the young victims, issue for Asian American students. Only lence in the past year. about 80%, reported being bullied or ver- about 7.3% reported being bullied at continued on page 13

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Safe for Asian Americans/ COVID-19-related health and safety American students at South Philadelphia from page 12 measures. They are worried about the High School in 2009, a Department of health risks that children exposed to oth- Justice investigation revealed that the online or in person. ers at school might bring home. Asians school district was “deliberately indiffer- Despite their concerns, some parents Americans are more likely to live in a ent” to harassment against Asian stu- may avoid talking to their children about multigenerational household, in which dents that fueled the attacks. anti-Asian racism to avoid scaring them older adults might be at a higher health A key takeaway: Harms against Asian while they are at school. Even if parents risk. American students can be systemic and want to have the “race talk” with their Even if parents choose to keep their require broader structural solutions. children, many struggle with how to talk children home because of one or several When South Philadelphia High School to their children about the potential of these concerns, they are getting the began to do more to promote multicul- racism they might encounter. Some par- message that in-person education is supe- tural awareness and improved systems to ents may not have been taught these les- rior to virtual education. Being out of buffer the negative effects of discrimina- report and investigate harassment, the sons while growing up and are grappling physical school could cause Asian tion Asian Americans face. school saw fewer violent incidents. with how to make sense of these experi- Americans to miss out on these opportu- Schools can also create supportive To make Asian American youth feel ences. nities and resources even more. Also, due environments by implementing a range safe and protected, schools need to track, Anti-Asian racism is also associated to the “model minority myth,” which of evidence-based approaches, such as report and respond to incidents of hate with greater depressive symptoms and characterizes Asian Americans as suc- building teachers’ cultural knowledge against Asian Americans, especially anxiety in Chinese American parents and cessful, the needs of this very diverse and strengthening teacher-student rela- among Asian American ethnic sub- their children. A majority of Americans group, including a large number of immi- tionships. Activities like engaging stu- groups. Subgroup data, often lacking on blame China for its mishandling of the grant and refugee Asian families in the dents in class discussions about bullying Asian Americans, can be a powerful tool coronavirus outbreak. Researchers have U.S., are often overlooked. With 30% of have been shown to reduce bullying. in revealing potential disparities and found that even thinking that one’s racial Asian Americans reporting limited Alongside initiatives to build supportive highlighting groups that schools need to or ethnic group is viewed by the general English proficiency, these families are environments, schools should also con- target for support. public as a threat to the health of more difficult to reach. The fears of sider partnering with parents. Directly I believe schools also need to invest in Americans is linked to poorer mental being harassed also make some parents engaging Asian American parents in longer-term systemic changes such as health in both Chinese American parents reluctant to access educational materials anti-bullying initiatives can help reduce including a more complete history of and youths. or free meals or even reach out to teach- victimization. For example, schools can Asian Americans in U.S. social studies Asian Americans are less likely than ers or counselors for help. collaborate with parents to craft discipli- curricula.l non-Hispanic white Americans to seek nary policies on bullying. Schools can mental health help. This is due in part to What can schools do to reduce threats also hold workshops to teach parents Charissa S. L. Cheah is a Professor of perceived stigma, language barriers and to Asian American students? how to handle and prevent bullying. Psychology, University of Maryland, lack of mental health providers of the Kevin Gee, an associate professor in the In order to reduce threats and eradicate Baltimore County. Aggie Yellow Horse is same ethnicity. These disparities are even school of education at the University of harm, I believe schools will need to con- an Assistant Professor of Asian Pacific greater for Asian American families with California Davis sider whether they are doing enough to American Studies, Arizona State fewer financial resources. Helping students build strong and sup- protect Asian American youth. One land- University. Kevin A. Gee is an Associate Some Asian American parents have portive relationships with each other can mark case underscores this. In the after- Professor of Education, University of also expressed concerns about the ability reduce their physical victimization and math of violent attacks on Asian California, Davis. of schools to maintain appropriate TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE 14 You Can Fly! CDC Says Fully Vaccinated People Can Travel Safely Within the US

BY WILLIAM PETRI, THE CONVERSATION transmit the disease to others. multiple unvaccinated households. And, While this is good news to those who you should avoid medium to large t’s OK for fully vaccinated people to want to travel – as well as the airline crowds because of the increased risk. travel domestically again without industry and tourist destinations – people You also should continue to wear a Iquarantining, so long as they wear a are still confused about what they can well-fitted mask, wash your hands fre- mask and maintain social distancing and cannot safely do. As an infectious quently and maintain physical distance guidelines, the Centers for Disease disease doctor, I’ve been fielding a lot of when outside the home. Worshiping Control and Prevention (CDC) questions from my patients as well as my indoors at a synagogue, mosque or announced April 2, 2021 in its updated friends and family about what someone church is still not advisable unless all guidelines for travel. is allowed to do once vaccinated. Do attending are vaccinated. The agency advises that people still vaccinated people need to wear masks, With regard to the new guidelines, the wash or sanitize their hands frequently socially distance and avoid travel? CDC says that vaccinated people should when traveling. The guidelines also pro- If you are fully vaccinated – that is, if still monitor themselves before and after vide guidance for other modes of trans- Johnson & Johnson vaccine, that is one you are more than two weeks out from travel and wash or sanitize their hands portation other than air travel, and are for shot. Studies have shown that it takes the receiving both doses of the Pfizer or frequently. domestic travel. The CDC recommends body two weeks to develop the full Moderna vaccines or one dose of the So in the face of continued pandemic delaying international travel for fully immune response to the vaccine, regard- Johnson & Johnson – you can visit other transmission and new viral variants, we vaccinated people. less of which vaccine they receive. fully vaccinated people without socially all need to remain vigilant and observe The agency also advises delaying More than 50 million people have been distancing or wearing masks, according good health practices even after being domestic travel for those who are not fully vaccinated, and more than 100 mil- to the CDC guidelines. You can even vaccinated. However, it is very good fully vaccinated. And, the updated travel lion people in the U.S. have had at least visit indoors with unvaccinated people news that we can prudently lift some of guidance comes only days after CDC one dose of one of the three COVID-19 from a single household who are at low the restrictions that have so limited our Director Rochelle Walensky reminded vaccines as of April 2, 2021. Evidence risk for severe COVID-19 disease with- ability to be with loved ones. This is people that mask-wearing is still essen- continues to show that vaccination with out wearing masks or physically distanc- especially good news for seniors who are tial and that the U.S. is not out of danger. the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & ing. particularly vulnerable to the downside Fully vaccinated means that two weeks Johnson vaccines offers very high levels The CDC does suggest you be tested if of isolation – and the loved ones who are l have passed since people have received of protection against the coronavirus. you develop symptoms that could be keen to visit them. the full dose of vaccine. That is two shots And, research is showing that the risk of COVID-19. You should then stay isolat- for those who have been vaccinated with vaccinated people spreading the disease ed until you are shown to be uninfected. William Petri is a Professor of Medicine, the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. For to others is low. However, there is still a If you are fully vaccinated, you should University of Virginia those who have been vaccinated with the small risk that vaccinated people could still avoid social settings that include Earn extra income... Enjoy perks!

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BY JANET HOWARD the testator can specifically leave the car to his daughter instead. If the testator ne of the most important legal wants his sister to oversee the distribu- documents an individual can tion of his assets following his death, he sign does not take effect until can name her to do so in his will. O Finally, the best reason to have a will is after their death. Why would people care about what happens after they are gone? that it prevents the government from Because they cannot take their assets determining the distribution of the testa- with them, people may want to ensure the tor's assets. If an individual dies without property they leave behind is distributed a will, they are said to die intestate. as they desire. Instructions as to what When such a situation occurs, the state they want done with their property can be has its own distribution plan which will set forth in a handy asset distribution be applied. The wishes of the testator, the guide called a will. cific requirements must be met for it to At least three good reasons exist for family dynamics, and the family history Although the focus of a will is on what be deemed valid. These requirements are having a will. First, this document allows are irrelevant to the state. happens after death, a will is written set by state law and vary from state to disputes over inheritance to be avoided. While dealing with legal documents while a person is alive. The person mak- state. Since these are legal requirements, If the will states that the testator's son is and attorneys may seem daunting, the ing the will is called the testator, and his a prudent step is to consult an attorney to receive their coin collection, the testa- value of having a will is worth that effort. final wishes are expressed in this legal for advice as to the correct way to pro- tor's wishes are clear. Without a will, With a will, an individual can literally document. The testator can set out how ceed to make a will. both the testator's son and the testator's have the last word by stating how they he wants his assets disposed of and how Common requirements for wills are brother could claim the testator said they want their property distributed following he wants his affairs managed following that they be signed by the testator. Their were to receive the coin collection. Now their death. Having your wishes respect- his death. These instructions could signature is usually observed by witness- the family is dealing with both the testa- ed, avoiding family drama, and keeping include who gets specific property such es, who also sign the will. Typically, two tor's death and a conflict between family the state from making decisions for you as a valuable piece of jewelry, how much witnesses, both adults, must be utilized. members. are all valuable benefits of making a will. money someone is to receive from a des- A witness should be a disinterested party, A second reason a will is a good idea is For a free case evaluation, call 855- ignated source such as a bank account, or meaning they are not someone who that the testator has piece of mind that 768-8845 or visit www.askthe lawyer.us who should be the guardian of minor would inherit or benefit from the will's their wishes have been stated and will be to schedule an appointment. Remember, children left behind. provisions, to avoid challenges to the respected. If the testator does not want estate planning is a necessity, not a luxu- l Because a will is a legal document, spe- will. his son to get his car following his death, ry. Don’t wait. Wills, Trusts & Nursing Home Asset Protection Learn how to Protect your Assets and Provide for your Loved ones

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855-768-8845 www.falaw.us 26 Court Street, Suite 701, Brooklyn, NY 11201 WELCOME TO AMERICA 16 New York City: A City of Immigrants he New York City Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) Tpromotes the well-being and full inclusion of immigrant New Yorkers in the City's civic, economic, and cultural life. Through initiatives and collabora- tive partnerships with City agencies, elected officials, sister cities, communi- ty-based organizations, and advocates, MOIA leads and supports a range of pro- grams and policies that empower immi- grant communities. As experts on immi- gration policy, community engagement, and social justice, MOIA strives to miti- gate the hardships of immigrant New Yorkers by advancing economic justice and access to due process, legal, lan- guage, and health services while advo- cating for immigration reform at all lev- els of government. This report reviews MOIA's work in 2020 that demonstrates New York City's commitment to supporting our immi- grant communities throughout the pan- they have support in their time of need, immigrant New Yorkers and highlights programs into the City's civil legal serv- demic, and fighting back against the regardless of immigration status. areas where their communities are still in ices infrastructure. Trump Administration's federal anti- To assess the state of our immigrant need of support. •Empowering immigrants to be counted immigrant policies. Under the leadership city, this report provides a demographic and participate in civic society. MOIA of Mayor Bill de Blasio, and with the overview of our immigrant population, Highlights of MOIA's 2020 Annual collaborated with the NYC Census 2020 City Council's coordination and support, describes barriers faced by these com- Report include: team to empower all New Yorkers to get MOIA's work has helped ensure the munities, and outlines the programs and •Tracking COVID-19 impact to immi- counted through virtual and in-person City's unwavering commitment to pro- activities that MOIA conducted to help grant communities through data. In 2020, events, direct sign-ups, and amplification tecting, serving, and safeguarding the address these challenges. The report also MOIA produced original research that of Census messaging through all public rights of all New Yorkers and ensuring tracks the impacts of the pandemic on helped to inform the debate and advocacy channels and other programs like We around inclusion of immigrant communi- Speak NYC. ties in pandemic relief, as well as •Advocating extensively at all levels of Your Success in Real Estate research that helped to track the impacts government in the last year of the Trump of significant immigration developments, administration. Whether it was sharing Starts Today such as the public charge rule. The data crucial information about public charge, also show that in 2019, New York City's launching a campaign in support of non-citizen population experienced a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals decline for the second year. (DACA), or joining the fight in court •Responding to the inequities of COVID- against the government's attempt to 19. MOIA worked to help counter the increase U.S. Citizenship and crushing effects of the COVID-19 pan- Immigration Services (USCIS) immigra- When you succeed, the Chamber demic, which disproportionately ravaged tion fees, MOIA worked with our part- Coalition succeeds. That’s why we’ve the communities we serve, by creating ners across City government and across partnered with Kaplan Real Estate innovative solutions to address gaps in the country to push against anti-immi- Education. From prelicensing and exam federal relief, engaging in creative out- grant policies and rhetoric. prep to continuing education, you’ll be reach, expanding language access, and by In 2021, MOIA will continue to build guided through every stage of your real advocating for pro-immigrant policies at on this work to serve, protect, and estate career. every level of government. empower all New Yorkers, while helping •Institutionalizing legal services and sup- to ensure our city — and our pandemic port. Recognizing the continuing demand recovery — is inclusive, equitable, and for immigration legal services that is just for all.l expected to further increase under the new federal administration, MOIA Read the full report at worked to institutionalize its legal servic- www.ijlef.org es programs and embed the ActionNYC

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https://wespeaknyc.cityofnewyork.us/wsnyc-online-classes/ find a class at a time that works for you! JOBS & RECESSION 18 Getting Our Communities Through COVID — and Back to Work

he COVID crisis created wide- Many CWE partner organizations serve spread hunger across the city. workers in industries that are facing high TMany CWE partners quickly unemployment during the pandemic, and mobilized to feed families who had lost they are helping those workers with income or had their usual sources of food financial or housing assistance. With disrupted. restaurants closed throughout the city, In Queens, Urban Upbound organized Restaurant Opportunity Center (ROC) a food distribution network serving some New York created a relief fund and of the largest housing projects in the city, immediately was able to distribute distributing weekly boxes of food to $30,000 to 100 of its members most in thousands of apartments and preparing need of groceries, rent, and medicine. special hot meals for hundreds of seniors Riis Settlement raised funds for cash and small children. The Independent grants, in addition to distributing thou- Drivers Guild created “Labor Delivers,” sands of meals and PPE to residents. a program which employed over 10,000 Make the Road New York provided cash taxi and black car drivers, themselves assistance to over 4000 families. CWE hard-hit by the pandemic, to deliver food Immigration Protection Group partners, to people across the city. Henry Street including Make the Road New York, Settlement increased their Meals On Graduates of The Community League of the Heights (CLOTH), a Jobs to Build On partner, celebrate in 2017. fought for and won a state fund to support Wheels program to over 14,000 meals CLOTH uses a holistic approach to ensure participants needs are met and they can succeed at work. immigrant workers excluded from feder- Photo courtesy Consortium for Worker Education (CWE) weekly and launched a community-wide al unemployment assistance. response on the Lower East Side which COVID-induced mental health emer- that grew out of the COVID-19 pandem- The CWE network was able to respond included providing three meals a day to gency, as New Yorkers mourned the loss ic. St. Nicks Alliance contacted 1,200 quickly to the myriad of challenges faced 600 residents. United Community of loved ones and struggled with isola- seniors in their network to check on their by our communities because the organi- Centers of East New York activated tion and stress. Opportunities for a Better health, as well as bring them food. zations have been providing similar serv- existing connections with urban farms in Tomorrow counselors called students and Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration ices to workers for years, as part of an East New York to deliver food to approx- helped them deal with mental health Corporation conducted regular wellness inclusive approach to workforce develop- imately 150 families living in the issues, with interpersonal disputes aris- checks for their participants and their ment. If workers lack secure housing, NYCHA-operated Pink Houses. ing when family members sheltered families while assessing their employ- dependable childcare, or even something CWE partners also responded to the together, and with the fear and anxiety ment and financial needs. as simple as appropriate clothes for a job interview, they are unlikely to succeed in their goal of getting and keeping a job. For example, when a community mem- NY WORKERS’ ber arrives at CLOTH, a partner in CWE’s Jobs to Build on Program, the COMPENSATION staff conducts an initial assessment to identify immediate needs beyond job Are you working? Have you been injured on the job? training and placement. This approach allows CLOTH to provide additional Was it a serious injury as defined under NY Workers’ benefits such as metro cards, uniforms, Compensation Law? and pre-employment medical services. “We start with their needs,” says Daniel If yes, then call Figeroux & Associates Mercado, Director of the Technology and for a FREE Consultation at 718-222-3155. Workforce Center. “We enroll them in the ESL program if they are in need of lan- Why Should I Hire A Lawyer? guage skills. We enroll them in our com- puter skills program if that is needed. Our In addition to being holistic approach can mean the difference eligible for workers' between completing training and getting compensation, you may and keeping a job.” also have a claim against At Black Veterans for Social Justice, a party other than your another Jobs to Build On partner, the employer. That is why it organization sees a good job as key to is so important to seek economic stability. Still, some veterans assistance from our need other services first. experienced team. “Many are homeless,” the organization says. “That is an impediment to getting employment.” BVSJ works to get home- less veterans into subsidized housing or shelter, which helps provide the stability they need to be ready for work. The headwinds workers face have only grown stronger during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reviving our city economy, and ensuring that revival benefits work- ing class communities, will mean rein- Workers who know their rights and speak to a lawyer put vesting in workforce development pro- themselves in a better position to obtain a recovery. grams at the community-based organiza- tions that know what their community Find Out What Our Firm Can Do For You members need to succeed at work.l

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Get on the path to success! LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS 20 5 Signs You Might Have a Narcissistic Partner

BY MARY CAMPBELL want from their partners. They often use some of the following types of manipula- tion: he beginning of a new relation- •"You'll do it if you love me." ship if often bliss. With a new •"Well, if you won't, someone else gladly Tcouple trying to get to know one will." another, both participants are often on •"It's now or never." their best behavior. However, when the It is not uncommon for a narcissist to newness begins to wear off, warning resort to throwing an outright temper- signs may start to become apparent. The tantrum in hopes of getting what they following are five signs your partner may want through mental manipulation. be a narcissist. 5. Shows Little to No Empathy 1. Possesses Charm, Charm, and more Narcissistic people usually have difficul- Charm... at First ty trying to understand others' feelings, One common characteristic of narcissism be narcissistic is if he or she has a huge absorbed with a big ego, they often primarily if they differ from their own. is the charm. While charm is a character- ego. A relationship with someone like expect instant gratification when fulfill- Therefore, they carry little or no empathy istic that many ordinary people possess, this often begins like a fairytale, but does ing their needs. It is not unusual to quick- for others. If you have a bad day at work it is only temporary with a narcissist. A not stay that way for long. Does your ly anger a narcissistic partner with sim- or you had a fight with your sister, and narcissist is very charming at first, but partner all of a sudden star themself as ple things such as not answering a phone your partner does not seem to understand once they have you where they want you the main character in every story they call or text immediately. Moreover, due or care, you might be in a relationship in the relationship, the charm fades. If tell? Do they seem to possess a sense of to the need for instant gratification, a nar- with a narcissist. your relationship is passing the begin- superiority over you and others? Is the cissistic partner often says, "I love you," A romantic partnership with a narcissist ning stage, and you now wonder where "me-complex" out of this world? If you early into a relationship, and expects an is emotionally draining, to say the very all that charm went, your partner may be answered any of these questions with a immediate "I love you, too." least. A relationship like this may leave a a narcissist. "yes," you might be in a relationship with person questioning their sanity. If you a narcissist. 4. Uses Manipulation and Uses it Well recognize your partner in the above 2. Has a Clear "Me, me, MEEEEE..." Narcissistic people are highly opposed to signs, it may be time to re-evaluate your Complex 3. Has a Need of Instant Gratification being disappointed or rejected, so they relationship before things get worse.l Another indicator that your partner might Because a narcissistic person is self- often use manipulation to get what they

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TPS for St Vincent/ while facing a pandemic, the likes of from page1 which our global community has never contracting COVID-19 is greatly exacer- seen.” bated,” said Clarke. “This is a humanitar- TPS is a temporary status given to eli- ian crisis that has not been adequately gible nationals of designated countries addressed by the US State Department or present in the United States. This status is any other International Aid Organization. afforded to residents from some countries In fact, the United States has only allo- affected by armed conflict, or natural dis- cated approximately $100,000 to address aster allows persons to live and work in this emergent crisis, and USAID has the United States for limited times. The only allocated $20,000. This funding is, secretary of Homeland Security may des- simply put, a symbolic gesture and mere- ignate a foreign country for Temporary ly scratches the surface of the St. Diamond, St. Vincent and the Grenadines - April 9, 2021: La Soufrière Protected Status (TPS) if conditions in Vincentian people’s needs and does little Editorial credit: Christopher Charlesworth / Shutterstock.com the country meet statutory requirements to combat the catastrophic disaster that regarding ongoing armed conflict, natu- continues to unfold. It falls woefully than 20,000 people have been evacuated “With all of this in mind, I have written ral disasters (including epidemics), or short of our humanitarian capacity. It from their homes since the La Soufrière a letter to Secretary Mayorkas of the other extraordinary and temporary condi- does not, in any way, truly reflect what volcano began erupting, many of the dis- Department of Homeland Security urg- tions in the country that temporarily pre- we as a nation are capable of; the magni- placed people are now living in less than ing him to assign Temporary Protected vent its nationals from returning safely. tude of this crisis requires more. It 100 shelters that do not have the means Status (TPS) for St. Vincent, the The Secretary of Homeland Security has requires focused, competent humanitari- to prevent the spread of COVID-19 — an Grenadines and neighboring island the discretion to designate a country for an assistance commensurate with the cri- already emergent crisis in the region — migrants within the red zone. These TPS for periods of 6 to 18 months and sis faced by the people of St. Vincent and through social distancing measures. island nations have direct ties with the can extend these periods if the country the Grenadines. I am calling on the US Crops — including coconut, breadfruit, United States, and many have familial continues to meet the conditions for des- l State Department to immediately allo- mango and soursop trees, plantain and ties within the Vincentian-American ignation. cate an appropriate level of funding to banana crops, which comprise much of diaspora community of my district that support our neighbor’s rescue, recovery the island’s agricultural economy, out- will prevent any temporary relocation Yvette D. Clarke has been in Congress and rehabilitation, and I am calling on side of tourism — have been destroyed. from becoming a stress on our econo- since 2007. She represents New York’s Secretary Mayorkas to designate TPS Access to clean water has risen to priori- my,” said Clarke. “The U.S. must com- Ninth Congressional District, which status for the people of St. Vincent and ty one, as the Island’s main water sup- ply with international legal obligations includes Central and South Brooklyn. the Grenadines and neighboring islands plies have been contaminated. The and allow all migrants access to the asy- Clarke is Chair of the Congressional that are located within the red zone.” United Nations Office for the lum system. As DHS processes this Black Caucus Taskforce on Immigration, Since April 9th, St. Vincent and the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs request, I urge Secretary Mayorkas to a Senior Member of the House Energy Grenadines, and neighboring island reported that the volcano's eruption had consider the plight of our neighbors in and Commerce Committee, and a Senior nations, have been devastated by erup- left the entire population of St. Vincent, St.Vincent, the Grenadines and the Member of the House Committee on tions of the La Soufrière volcano. More 110,000 people, without clean drinking neighboring islands, living through this Homeland Security. water or electricity. extraordinary environmental disaster NYC ELECTIONS 22

The Next NYC Mayoral Winner/ 70% Latino voters, but not sustained for from page1 a second term. Thus, race drove Dinkins Limitations to political participation to victory in 1989, flipped, and con- Immigrants play an active role in various tributed to his defeat in 1993. aspects of building society, including set- By 1994, he lost by a narrow margin to ting the political image. However, there Rudy Giuliani, who led for two terms as are several reasons why immigrants are New York City's Mayor, 1994-2001, and unable to participate in politics actively. passed the baton to Michael Bloomberg. Citizenship and language barrier are two The 108th Mayor, between 2002-2013, major formal eligibilities identified to be Michael Bloomberg won his first elec- a significant hurdle for immigrants in Candidate Dianne Morales Candidate Maya Wiley tion into office by the combination of political participation. Portes and Editorial credit:Facebook.com/dianne4nyc Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com 67% votes from whites, 23% votes from Rumbaut (1996) cited other issues as rea- Blacks, and 23% votes from Hispanics, the voting behavior of immigrant New "…when New Yorkers elect a Mayor, sons for migration, level of ties with their according to a New York Times exit poll Yorkers. According to John Mollenkopf, they reduce the diversity of countless home country, prevailing political envi- results. But by the 2005 elections, he professor at the City University of New neighborhoods and millions of people to ronment, and experiences as determining won a re-election victory by gathering York, over 20% of eligible NYC voters a single human point. In his book 'To be the speed of assimilation into the society the votes of almost half of New York's are non-citizens, and more than 5 million Mayor of New York: Ethnic Politics in through citizenship. black voters, a quarter of votes from falls within the age of voting in New the City,' he explains that there hasn't Electoral institutions and legal require- Latinos despite facing a Hispanic chal- York City, about a million, are non-citi- been any racial group that has been big ments such as imposing limiting legal lenger, and then served a third term. zens. Findings show that these non-citi- enough to control the position. Instead, requirements and processes affect politi- According to the September, the outgo- zens are almost all Chinese and the election of a mayor depends on the cal participation, including others like ing City leader, Mayor Bill de Blasio, the Dominican immigrants', NYC Mayoral coalition. The strongest in the City's his- eliminating non-citizen voting rights, 109th Italian American, won the 2014 Election, Arithmetic-The Journey, tory has been the coalition between the lack of mobilization, political party election through the racial combination The position of Mayor of New York Irish, who wanted status, and Jews who behaviors. So, you can vote if you natu- of votes among 52 % white voters, 90% City dates back to 1665, with over 100 wished for protection from discrimina- ralize and get registered citizens. black voters, and 68% Hispanic voters mayors. Since then, there has been only 1 tion, among other things, between 1886 19, 2013, Quinnipiac University Poll Black mayor, no Latino or Hispanic through 1961. Voting patterns and racial/ethnic Findings. mayor, besides John Purroy Mitchel From 1960, the Jewish group became groups in New York City (1914–1917), and no female. dominant and decided to work with other Research findings by Brackman and Erie Battle for NYC's Mayor 110 Position It is worth mentioning that the elected minority groups in the City, thereby (1994) show differences in voting pat- With less than ten weeks to selecting the Mayor by New Yorkers at any given peri- forming a multiracial coalition that creat- terns across ethnic groups. For instance, next Chief Executive of the City, predict- od is a reflection of the political climate ed and sustained a palpable racial tension while Latino immigrants naturalize late, ing how the racial groups will vote poses in New York and a tell-tale sign of the in the City's polity. By 1989, the first they have higher voter registration and a herculean task. For the first time, New racial successions emanating from the black Mayor, David Dinkins, elected turnout rates than Asian Americans who York City will use ranked-choice voting, competitive and covert negotiations that from a combination of black voters, naturalize sooner. Another group of which is new to many New Yorkers, take place at different levels within the Hispanics, Puerto Ricans, and a small researchers found evidence supporting especially at the level of awareness, City and beyond given the prestigious number of Jews. His victory coalition the fact that local political context shapes which might have dire consequences. and influential nature of the position. formed on winning the allegiance of 98% immigrant participation, as evidenced in According to polls, the problem is more According to Chris McNickle (1993), black voters, 40% of Jewish voters, and evident in communities of color: 46% of African American voters report having heard nothing about ranked-choice vot- ing, and 32% report having heard it a lit- tle. Thirty-eight percent of Latinos have heard nothing about ranked-choice vot- ing, and 44% have heard a little. Only 20% of white voters claim they have heard nothing about it. The combination of new ranked-choice voting, widely diversified candidates, pressing issues on economic recovery, social justice, public safety, and reopen- ing post-pandemic makes the 2021 may- oral race the contest of a generation as dubbed. Candidates who recognize the role of immigrants and include these issues that affect them, such as health- care, bilingual education, accessing city services in their policies, is a wise invest- ment. A strategy one of the mayoral candidate Shaun Donovan recognizes by covering the importance of immigrants, in his pol- icy paper, is pushing for non-citizen New Yorkers, under his administration, to par- ticipate in local and municipal politics through the expansion of voting rights. According to him, as indicated on his website campaign page, "Immigrant New Yorkers contribute to the wellbeing of our City, …we must extend voting rights to non-citizen New Yorkers to 26 Court Street, Suite 701, Downtown Brooklyn include them in the civic processes at the heart of our democracy. ... under a Donovan administration, New York City will allow people with Green Cards or valid work status to participate in munic- ipal elections for mayor, borough presi- dent, city council, and others…"l GET YOURSELF ON THE PATH TO U.S. CITIZENSHIP TODAY!

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