Immigrant Issues / Public News Service

A mariachi brand entertains at the vigil on immigration reform Tuesday night in Las Vegas. (PLAN)

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

NV Groups Host Vigils, Rally for Citizenship Path for Immigrants

LAS VEGAS - Immigrants' rights groups are rallying all this week to get a path to citizenship into the Build Back Better reconciliation bill…

More than 6,000 people from Afghanistan are awaiting resettlement at Camp Atterbury in Indiana. (JP Photography/Adobe Stock)

Monday, October 25, 2021

Indiana Universities Work to Support Displaced Afghan Scholars, Students

BLOOMINGTON, IN -- Universities in Indiana are working to support Afghan students and scholars; both those still in Afghanistan and those arriving to …

Arkansas' neighboring states of Texas and Oklahoma are expected to take in about 4,500 and 1,800 Afghan families respectively. (Adobe Stock)

AR Preparing to Welcome Nearly 100 Afghan Refugees

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- More than a month after the sudden fall of Kabul led to tens of thousands of Afghans becoming refugees overnight, groups are …

Roughly 11 million undocumented immigrants reside in the United States. (JP Photography/Adobe Stock)

IL Immigrant Allies Urge Congress to Pass Pathway to Citizenship

CHICAGO -- Advocates for immigrants and refugees in Illinois traveled to Washington, D.C., this week to push for a pathway to citizenship for up to …

Final versions of revised New York congressional, State Senate, and Assembly district maps are expected to be ready by Jan. 15, 2022, at the earliest. Another 14 public hearings will be held before the end of December. (NYIRC)

NY Groups for Fair Redistricting Question Release of Two Draft Map Sets

BROOKLYN, N.Y. -- Some New Yorkers are voicing concerns about the creation of not one, but two draft maps for congressional, State Senate and …

Over the past two decades, North Dakota has resettled 115 Afghan refugees. (Adobe Stock)

Compassion, Education Urged as ND Prepares for Afghan Refugees

FARGO, N.D. -- In the near future, North Dakota is poised to help resettle 49 Afghan evacuees who fled their home country after the U.S. military …

Members from Make the Road New York were among more than 10,000 attendees at the "Welcome Back Congress" rally on Tuesday. (Make the Road NY)

NY Immigrants, Allies Push for Federal Investments in Citizenship

BROOKLYN, N.Y. - Thousands of U.S. immigrants and their allies rallied Tuesday in Washington, D.C., to demand that Congress include a pathway to …

Wisconsin has a Hmong population of nearly 50,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. (Adobe Stock)

Afghan Refugee Effort Prompts Reminders of Hmong Experience

MADISON, Wis. - A Wisconsin military base remains the temporary home of nearly 8,000 Afghan refugees, and it isn't the first time the state has seen …

"Tulip Harvest" by Jesus Guillen was among the work displayed in a retrospective of the artist's life and work. (Kris Ekstrand)

Work of WA Artist Who Depicted Farmworkers' Lives Recognized

LA CONNER, Wash. - The exhibit of an artist who depicted the lives of farmworkers in northwest Washington has been recognized for its quality…

Oregon's Hispanic population grew 30% from 2010 to 2020. (Gstudio/Adobe Stock)

Hispanic Heritage Month Offers Opportunity for Reflection

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Hispanic Heritage Month began this week, and will be celebrated through Oct. 15. Oregon has a rapidly growing Hispanic population…

Muslim American advocates are among those eager to welcome refugees from Afghanistan to resettle in Maine communities. (danr13/Adobe Stock)

Groups Work to Stop Hate Crimes, Islamophobia 20 Years After 9/11

PORTLAND, Maine -- As the nation marks the 20-year anniversary of the Sep. 11 attacks, groups said stopping hate crimes and bigotry toward Muslim …

Most recent FBI data shows at least 7,759 hate crimes and 10,532 related offenses. (JP Photography/Adobe Stock)

Group: Hate Crimes Often Go Unreported in Muslim American Communities

CONCORD, N.H. -- As the nation marks the 20-year anniversary of the Sep. 11 attacks, groups said stopping hate crimes and bigotry toward Muslim …

The Muslim community in Austin will participate in the Sept. 11 "National Day of Service and Remembrance" by feeding the hungry and offering free COVID-19 shots. (Ronile/Pixabay)

TX Muslims Engage Community With Vaccines, Hot Food to Mark 9/11

AUSTIN, Texas -- Tomorrow marks 20 years since the fateful events of 9/11, with followers of Islam reflecting on progress in the treatment of …

Islam is the second-largest religion in the world behind Christianity. (AdobeStock)

20 Years Later, Muslims Still Face Post 9/11 Hate

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- As the nation marks the 20th anniversary of the Sep. 11 attacks, Muslim groups are reflecting on progress in the treatment of …

Massachusetts officials expect roughly 1,000 Afghan refugees will be resettled in the Commonwealth. (jinnifer douglass/Adobe Stock)

A Call for Transparency in Resettlement of Afghan Refugees

BOSTON -- Advocates for human rights and civil rights in Massachusetts are urging more transparency and clear information on plans to resettle Afghan …

Catholic Charities Jacksonville expects to see about 150 Afghan refugees settle in their community in the next few months, through the Afghan Parolee Support Program (APS). (Andrew Neel/Pexels)

"Help a Brother Out" – FL Groups Rally to Resettle Afghan Refugees

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Organizations providing relief support for Afghan refugees say more people can help by simply taking time to learn about the …

Connecticut gets 3% of the refugee population coming to the United States every 12 months, according to the Connecticut Immigrant and Refugee Coalition. (Adobe Stock)

CT Gears Up to Aid Hundreds of Afghan Refugees

NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- As hundreds of thousands more people seek to leave Afghanistan after the U.S. withdrawal and Taliban takeover, Connecticut …

Resettlement agencies in Illinois helped 37 people from Afghanistan from July 2018 to 2019. In the coming weeks and months, 500 refugees are expected to come to Chicago. (vivalapenler/Adobe Stock)

Chicago Prepares to Welcome Hundreds of Afghan Refugees

CHICAGO -- In the coming weeks and months, more than 500 Afghans are expected to make their homes in Chicago, following the U.S. withdrawal from and …

The Biden administration is sticking with an Aug. 31 deadline to rescue refugees and remove U.S. troops from Afghanistan. (Adobe Stock)

Afghan Refugees Arriving Through Philadelphia International Airport

PHILADELPHIA - Several hundred refugees from Afghanistan started to arrive at Philadelphia International Airport this weekend, only a few days after …

U.S. officials are using large military transports, such as C-17 Globemasters, to evacuate Americans and Afghan allies from the Kabul airport. (rebius/Adobe Stock)

Utah Agencies, NGOs Prepare to Resettle Afghan Refugees

SALT LAKE CITY -- Utah officials and private agencies are preparing to assist refugees from Afghanistan when they arrive in the Beehive State…

Language barriers make it difficult for New Mexico's immigrants and refugees to complete government forms, navigate the public school system and make use of computers and other technology. (Adobe Stock)

"Eligible But Excluded" – NM Families Left Out of Pandemic Relief

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Many New Mexicans seeking pandemic relief face an uphill battle due to language barriers, according to a new report. In addition …

According to the U.S. Defense Department, more than 17,000 people have been evacuated from Afghanistan by American troops. (Adobe Stock)

KY Legislators Ask State to Help Relocate Afghan Refugees

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- State Democratic leaders are urging Gov. Andy Beshear to offer a permanent home to Afghan refugees in Kentucky. At least a dozen …

Nearly 20% of undocumented workers in the U.S. have jobs in retail businesses considered essential, including grocery stores and food service. (Adobe Stock)

Immigration-Reform Vigil at Sen. Hickenlooper's Office

DENVER -- Faith organizations joined a prayer vigil led by a coalition of immigrants' rights supporters on Thursday, outside the office of Sen…

The U.S. Justice Department says Texas is attempting to unlawfully create its own "immigration regime" by restricting the transport of migrants. (127071/Pixabay)

Texas Order Restricting Migrant Travel Returns to Court

EL PASO, Texas -- El Paso will be the site of a court hearing tomorrow over Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's order barring transportation of migrants…

Even before winning her medals at the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Suni Lee had already made history as the first Hmong American to compete in the Olympics. (Adobe Stock)

Suni Lee's Olympic Triumph a Boost for MN Hmong Community

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Over the weekend, local celebrations were held in honor of Minnesota's Suni Lee, who brought home a trio of gymnastics medals from …

Across the United States, 46 states have laws allowing for harsher punishment for crimes based on bias. (Ludk/Adobe Stock)

Report: Utah Could Improve Its Hate-Crime Laws

SALT LAKE CITY - With rising numbers of people targeted in hate crimes and related violence, a new report analyzes the hate-crime laws in each state…

It's estimated that more than 241,000 DACA-eligible students are enrolled in college, according to the Migration Policy Institute. (Adobe Stock)

After DACA Court Ruling, Advocates Call on Congress for Immigration Overhaul

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- In a recent ruling, a federal judge in Texas blocked new applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program…

Massachusetts is home to more than 5,000 DACA recipients. (Scott Maxwell/Adobe Stock)

More Calls for Pathway to Citizenship for Undocumented Immigrants

BOSTON -- Immigrants' rights advocates are calling on Congress to pave the way to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented people in the U.S…

DACA has been granted to more than 4,600 people in Ohio since 2012. (AdobeStock)

DACA Legal Limbo 'Exhausting' for Ohio Dreamers

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- In light of a new federal court ruling on DACA, immigration advocates in Ohio say Congress must take action to create a roadmap to …

Senate Bill 5194 turns 200 part-time faculty positions at community and technical colleges into full-time positions. (paulaphoto/Adobe Stock)

WA Law Aims to Make Comm, Technical Colleges More Inclusive

SEATTLE -- Washington state community and technical college staff members are excited about a measure aimed at improving the success of students of co…

Immigration law experts say a significant percentage of U-visas go to victims of domestic violence. (Adobe Stock)

MN Enhances Efforts to Protect Immigrant Survivors of Crime

ST PAUL, Minn. - For an immigrant who is a victim of a crime, seeking justice can be especially difficult. Minnesota lawmakers are making that …

Demonstrators rallied at California's State Capitol in June to expand health coverage for income-eligible undocumented seniors. (Yvonne Vasquez/Health4All)

Final CA Budget Opens Medi-Cal to Undocumented, Low-Income Seniors

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The California State Assembly is set to approve a budget bill tomorrow to make California the first state in the nation to …

Immigration policy experts say the recent wave of migrant crossings at the U.S./Mexico border might by partly the result of seasonal trends, not solely Biden administration policies. (Adobe Stock)

IA Latinos to Governor: Don't Play Politics with Immigration

DES MOINES, Iowa - Debate continues over the severity of the migrant situation at the U.S./Mexico border, and advocates for Iowa Latinos say Gov…

Vice President Kamala Harris addresses immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border in El Paso today, one week ahead of a promised visit by former President Donald Trump. (famouspeople.wiki)

VP Harris Visits El Paso Today in First U.S.-Mexico Border Trip

EL PASO, Texas -- Vice President Kamala Harris visits the southern border for the first time today as the Biden administration aims to stem the flow …

Since 2011, Minnesota's Hmong American Farmers Association has helped producers with access issues, including financial tools. (Photo courtesy of HAFA)

Hmong Farmers in MN Part of Grant Effort to End Health Disparities

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Hmong farmers in Minnesota are playing a role in trying to end health disparities for marginalized residents. They're getting help …

Roughly 18,500 households in Massachusetts are excluded from the Earned Income Tax Credit because at least one member can't get a Social Security number. (JackF/Adobe Stock)

Report: MA Should Open Earned Income Tax Credit to Working Immigrants

BOSTON -- Groups are calling on Massachusetts to open up the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to working residents who pay taxes but may not qual…

Lawmakers have introduced bills to grant access to ID cards and driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants multiple times in recent years, but the proposals have not been granted a hearing or vote. (Michigan.gov)

Bills Would Allow Driver’s License, ID Cards for the Undocumented

LANSING, Mich. -- Undocumented people in Michigan would regain the right to apply for a driver's license or ID card, if two bills introduced Tuesday …

A bill to teach more Asian American history in schools has gained traction in the wake of an uptick in hate crimes against Asian Americans in the United States. (Sam Cheng/Adobe Stock)

Bill Would Add Asian American History to IL School Code

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Racial-justice advocates are urging the state Senate to pass a bill called the TEAACH Act, making Illinois the first state to …

If passed, the Food4All legislation would expand food assistance to low-income Californians regardless of their immigration status, starting in January 2023. (Ladyheart/Morguefile)

Lawmakers Consider Food Assistance for Undocumented Californians

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Today, lawmakers in Sacramento consider funding for a bill to open up the state food assistance program to all needy …

A measure passed in Olympia this session means the GEO Group-owned Northwest Detention Center will shut down when its contract expires. (Common Language Project/Flickr)

Caravan to Immigration Center Supports Detained Mothers

TACOMA, Wash. -- A Northwest car caravan is heading to an immigration detention center this weekend to support mothers who've been detained there…

A car caravan to the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, WA is supporting moms separated from their children. (JP Photography/Adobe Stock)

OR Groups Support Immigrant Moms Detained in NW

SALEM, Ore. -- A Northwest car caravan is heading to an immigration detention center this weekend to support mothers who've been detained there…

In recent months, record numbers of teenagers and children traveling without their parents and in need of shelter have arrived at the U.S. border with Mexico. (U.S. Border Patrol via Twitter)

Opponents of U.S. Immigration Policies March in El Paso

EL PASO, Texas - A group that opposes U.S. immigration policies and holding children at military bases is protesting today by walking to Fort Bliss …

A vaccine clinic in Seattle is offering education and assistance in people's native language. (fotoduets/Adobe Stock)

Vaccine Clinic Offers 'Low-Pressure Environment' for WA Immigrants

SEATTLE - Unions are hosting a vaccine clinic for immigrant workers and their families this weekend. The Service Employees International Union …

Many cycling groups aim to make biking more accessible to communities of color. (SF Bicycle Coalition)

CA Cycling Groups Promote Community During Pandemic

By Marianne Dhenin for Yes! Media.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the YES! Media-Public News Service …

Only 2,050 refugees have made it into the United States this fiscal year, according to the latest report by the International Rescue Committee. (Adobe Stock)

CT Advocates Join Demands for Higher Refugee Cap in U.S.

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Advocates for refugees in Connecticut are calling on President Joe Biden to increase the new cap on refugees entering the country…

A team of community-based organizations across North Carolina recently interviewed dozens of parents of young children for their views about the state's social-emotional health ecosystem. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — A team of community-based organizations across North Carolina recently interviewed dozens of parents of young children for their views about the state's social-emotional health ecosystem. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Resources Scarce for NC Parents of Young Kids

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A new survey of more than 200 North Carolina parents of young children finds a lot of concern - and at times, panic and even …

Washington state has classified farm and agriculture workers as essential during the pandemic. (JackF/Adobe Stock)

Farmworker Groups Concerned Citizenship Bill Favors Growers

SEATTLE -- The U.S. House has passed the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, setting up a path to citizenship for immigrant farmworkers, but some …

Just like Black Americans, Black immigrants are more likely to be arrested, convicted and imprisoned than the immigrant population as a whole. (Pixabay)

Groups Launch Immigrants' Rights Guide for Demonstrations

LINCOLN, Neb. -- As President Joe Biden works to make good on promises to overhaul federal immigration policy, a new guide released this week aims to …

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