INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
January 18, 2017 – January 31, 2017 — 1
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2 — January 18, 2017 – January 31, 2017
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
IE OPINION
‘Hey Girlfriend!’: How Al Sugiyama will live on in the small moments By Diem Ly Special to the IE
current issues today”—but I remember the feeling he left in the room. Heads turned. Eyebrows raised. I held my breath. Al returned to his seat.
He never had a reason. He just wanted to spend time with me.
“Al!” I whispered to him. “That was brave! And while receiving an award from them, too! But you had to say it. You spoke the truth.”
Like a moody teenager hearing their parent’s advice, I didn’t fully appreciate this at the time—nor realize how it would shape my approach to life.
“Yeah!” He replied, crossing his arms. “It needed to be said! Shoooot.”
Al Sugiyama loved dropping by the International Examiner newsroom during my tenure as the editor in chief. I was an ambitious and aggressive worker bee—but often stressed by the day-today responsibility.
Al was larger than life to those who knew him. We can talk about his massive accomplishments, the organizations he led, the truly innumerable people whose lives he changed, even his love of the 3 F’s: food, family, and friends. But it was the small things he did that will ring loudest for me.
Al would bounce into the office with a huge grin. “Hey girlfriend!” he’d say with one hand on my shoulder. “How you doin’? You look stressed. How’s the paper? Do you need more advertisers? I know someone who should advertise. Hold on, let me call them.”
His legacy in my life can be summed up simply. Making time to help, support, and uplift others is always worth it, no matter how small a gesture, no matter any known return or recognition, ever.
Fast forward, say, 5 minutes, and Al secured a half-page ad placement for the next edition.
The author Elton Trueblood wrote: “We have made at least a start in discovering the meaning in human life when we plant shade trees under which we know full well we will never sit.”
“Have you eaten yet?” he asked next. His station wagon, while modest, was kept spotless. And, it was always in transit from one rescue mission to the other.
I’ll miss you, Al. Thank you. I promise I’ll remember. I can even hear his reply.
We’ve shared lunch and dinner over many years; although reflecting back now, they were far too few. Over the savory smell of fish sauce in a Vietnamese restaurant or the sound of slurping yakisoba in his dining room, we’d chat about the API community. What was the latest news? What can we do about the lack of mentors for the growing group of engaged, young people? And of course—settling in to hear his crazy, bold antics as an activist college student.
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Established in 1974, the International Examiner is the only non-profit pan-Asian and Pacific Islander American media organization in the country. Named after the International District in Seattle, the “IE” strives to create awareness within and for our APA communities. 409 Maynard Ave. S. #203, Seattle, WA 98104. (206) 624-3925. iexaminer@iexaminer.org.
“Right on, sister!” A memorial service for Sugiyama will take place on Sunday, January 29, at 2:00 p.m. at Fisher Pavilion at Seattle While receiving a lifetime Center. achievement award by a prominent If you would like to share your nonprofit years ago, he took the memories and appreciations of Al opportunity during the acceptance Sugiyama with the IE’s readers, speech to “call out” the organization for please email editor@iexaminer.org. which he was earning the award from. I Diem Ly was editor in chief of the don’t recall the exact words—something about “out-of-touch” and “make your International Examiner from 2008 to cause more relevant to young people and 2012.
Diem Ly and the late Al Sugiyama at an EDI event. • Courtesy Photo
For those not familiar with Al’s life’s work over the decades—or who didn’t have the privilege to know and break bread with him—I suggest talking to those who did. They have great stories. Al was a bold, I-don’t-care-who-youare-you-are-going-to-hear-me-out kind of guy. Sometimes he was audacious. And I loved it.
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INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
January 18, 2017 – January 31, 2017 — 3
IE OPINION
Memories of Alan Sugiyama, Part I The International Examiner asked the community to share their memories of Alan Sugiyama. What follows are some of the responses. Please visit iexaminer. org and see future issues of the IE for more memories. And please continue to share your memories of Alan by emailing editor@iexaminer.org.
people would have been willing to pay more to be with him!). This time, I went around and asked the six guests to share a bit about themselves and then to ask Al a question, but Al couldn’t say anything until the end. Of course, Al couldn’t help himself and started interrupting after the fourth guest.
Julie Pham:
That Al was such a talker. And we all loved listening to him because he had the I had the pleasure of hosting Al at my best stories. home for dinner twice. The first time, I hosted a dinner with about eight board Mike Goldenkranz: members from NAAAP-Seattle and I came to Seattle in my late 20s, in [Executive Development Institute] EDI. I January 1980, after growing up on the asked each guest to share a story about an East Coast, and spending a few years in Asian American role model. I made the the Bay Area. Al Sugiyama was always Alan Sugiyama “mistake” of letting Al go first. Because a vital part of my new adopted city, where he was such a gifted storyteller, we ended I ended up having and raising kids, and He will be sorely missed but never up listening to him for two hours recount completing a career. forgotten. the history of the Asian American Civil His vitality , accessibility and positivism Rights Movement. Everyone else had to was contagious. I was so pleased when he John Okamoto: rush their own story! was on the school board when my oldest A life lived very well. Rest in peace, Al. By the second dinner, I had learned my first started school and I became involved You did well and will be greatly missed. lesson. It was a fundraiser for NAAAP- in education, as an “avocation.” Al was a Seattle. Six guests paid $50 each to have tremendous relentless force and influence Elle Arreola: the privilege of dining with Al (he said we for social justice and equal rights in our Thank you, Al, for setting the role for undervalued the price of the tickets and community. us and keeping the struggle real. We have big shoes to fill as those times may not be as visible, but they are omnipresent. Certain industries are more progressive than others, but it feels like in some, it is
Roger Shimomura was commissioned to paint a mural, “American Patriot” (2014), depicting the life of Gordon Hirabayashi. The painting, measuring 10’ tall by 8’ wide, stands at the main entry of Hirabayashi Place in the International District. The mural was unveiled on December 16, 2016. Pictured from left to right in front of the mural: Roger Shimomura, Larry Matsuda, Esther Toshiko Hirabayashi Furugori, Jay Hirabayashi, Judge Mary Schroeder, Barbara Bourget, and Kim Furugori. • Photo by Spike Mafford
still very much there. For your family, I wish them comfort and much love. Rest in paradise our dear friend and champion.
Dean Wong: He was a fighter. Stood up for our rights. A hero like Donnie Chin. Whenever I saw him he was like, “Hey man.” He was street, like me.
Brandon Na: Oh my, oh my. Al and I were just writing last year to one another. He’s been my mentor for more than 20 years. He told me about the cancer, but it didn’t worry me. Al’s one of the best fighters I know. I had faith. Unfortunately, I just found out from a friend and it looks like sometimes even the best can’t beat everything. During the 20+ years I’ve known Al, he has been an incredible beam of light in all that we fight against. He’s been one of the most amazing people I’ve been lucky enough to call a friend on top of being my mentor. You left this world way too early my friend. I will miss you more than words can express.
Wayne Miya: Deepest condolences, “cousin.” Thanks so much for reaching out and creating a wonderful connection. Miss you.
4 — January 18, 2017 – January 31, 2017
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
IE NEWS
Facing a Trump presidency, local organizations step up to protect immigrants and refugees By Chetanya Robinson IE Staff Writer When Donald Trump is inaugurated as president on January 20, local organizations in Washington are ready to fight and advocate for authorized and undocumented immigrants, refugees, Muslims, and members of other minority groups that Trump has threatened and targeted with xenophobic and racist rhetoric since the beginning of his presidential campaign. From proposing to target 11 million undocumented immigrants with a new deportation force, to proposing to create a registry for Muslims and ban anyone of the faith from entering the United States— not to mention the xenophobic rhetoric and apparent wave of hate crimes and harassment following his election—Trump has given immigrants and refugees many reasons to worry. “Across the board, people are rightly scared about what’s to come,” says Cuc Vu, director of the Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA). “It’s important for allies and residents to understand that this fear doesn’t just exist among those who are here without authorization—it exists along the entire spectrum of people who are immigrants and refugees.” To this end, the City of Seattle is already working to help support immigrants and refugees and keep them informed of their rights and resources available to them, Vu says. “Organizationally, we’re not scared.” Vu points to Seattle Mayor Ed Murray’s recent declaration that Seattle would remain a welcoming city for undocumented immigrants and the City’s willingness to fight the White House to protect immigrants. The City is limited in what it can do— for example, it can’t provide immigration lawyers, which is one of the most desired services for immigrant individuals and organizations, according to Vu. But the City can be an active participant, she says. This includes city departments providing information, and helping nonprofits like the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) with its programs. Vu says the City is especially focused on supporting the children of immigrants and refugees.
How immigrants should prepare Jorge Barón, executive director of NWIRP, says his organization’s main response will be continuing their work of 32 years: defending people in individual cases in immigration court and when they’re facing deportation proceedings, “and filing affirmative cases to protect people’s rights in federal courts or state courts when necessary.” “It’s going to be some of the same things. It’s just going to be much more work,” Barón says. Under Trump, he says, “I think it’s gonna get even worse—much worse is what we’re anticipating.”
The community was invited to a citizenship workshop by the Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs in December. • Photo by Alabastro Photography
For now, NWIRP is educating people on their rights, how they can prepare for being detained or deported, and what resources they’ll have at their disposal. The organization is also making sure people know that they won’t be rounded up on the morning of January 21. “There’s some level of anxiety that this is going to be imminent, and that’s not something that we anticipate.” Still, there’s much for immigrants to be prepared for, according to Barón. For instance, when questioned by an immigration officer, immigrants should get a lawyer right away and, most importantly, not tell the officer their citizenship or immigration status, as it could be used against them. If they are detained, Barón said, people should not sign off on their deportation because there may be options to fight for their case. And people should make a plan for if they are detained or deported. If you’re arrested at work, who will pick up your children from school? Do your kids have someone authorized to take care of them, and do they have passports if they need to travel with you? What about paying for a lawyer, and a plan for who will take care of your assets and property? “It’s not something that people want to think about, necessarily, but unfortunately the reality is that these are practical things that could have an impact on community members,” Baron says. “It’s not just undocumented people who are going be targeted, it’s going be the entire community potentially,” he adds. “And obviously there’s a lot of mixedstatus families.” Long-term permanent residents with even a minor criminal record could be at risk of deportation, even if they’re here lawfully. This is because “given that president-elect Trump has said he wants to deport millions of people—well that’s going to mean going after some of those folks as well.” Like NWIRP, immigrant advocacy organization OneAmerica will be focusing on organizing in immigrant and refugee communities and making sure people
know their rights, according to executive director Rich Stolz. OneAmerica will also work on building coalitions with other organizations with similar progressive goals, advocate on the state and local level, and partner with national organizations. There are a range of issues to focus on that will impact immigrant and refugee communities, Stolz says, from immigration enforcement to the erosion of the social safety net and reproductive rights that may accompany the repeal of the Affordable Care Act. So far, Stolz says, there are some great coalitions coming together, between labor, immigrant organizations, and others.
Different immigrant groups face different impacts Diane Narasaki, executive director of Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS)—which provides a broad array of behavioral health programs, human services, and civic engagement activities services in Seattle and Bellevue—believes that Asian Pacific Islander immigrants and refugees will face unique challenges under a Trump administration. This is because around 60 percent of the community consists of first-generation immigrants and refugees. Among them are many undocumented immigrants and possible recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy. The API community is also very diverse, and includes Muslims. “The antiimmigrant and xenophobic statements made by the incoming administration, including raising the specter of a Muslim registry, pose the same sort of threat that the alien registry did to innocent Japanese immigrants who were subsequently incarcerated, along with their American children, in American concentration camps during World War II,” Narasaki wrote in an email to the International Examiner. Arsalan Bukhari, executive director of the Washington State Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), notes that 2015 saw a record number of hate crimes against Muslims in the United States, and that according to opinions
polls, around 50 percent of Americans— not just conservatives—support Trump’s ban on Muslims entering the United States. “So that tells us that Trump is simply offering solutions to ideas that people already have in their minds, fears and insecurity they already have,” Bukhari says. CAIR has been preparing for the coming Trump presidency by mapping out different possible ways a Muslim registry might take shape, while monitoring hate crimes and providing information to Muslims about what to do if attacked or harassed, or questioned by the FBI. The organization has also been urging Muslims who are immigrants and refugees to apply for citizenship if they don’t have it. Bukhari notes that there have been reports of people from Muslim countries or with Muslimsounding names facing undue delays in being granted citizenship, something they should also report to CAIR. “These are unprecedented times and there’s a lot of uncertainty,” Vu says. “But what we do know is that change happens when people commit and stay the course.”
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
January 18, 2017 – January 31, 2017 — 5
IE NEWS
Estela Ortega: Communities must regroup as multiracial coalition By Alia Marsha IE Assistant Editor Estela Ortega knows a thing or two about doing social justice work across racial and ethnic groups. Long before she became the executive director of El Centro de La Raza, she was a young girl working in the cotton fields alongside African Americans in Texas who would also work side-by-side with her to fight for better working conditions. As communities of color are bracing for what evidently would be an uphill four-year battle against president-elect Donald Trump’s administration, Ortega emphasized to the International Examiner the urgency for people with different identities to work together. International Examiner: Can you pinpoint a moment in your life that you realized how important it is to do multiracial and multi-ethnic work? Estela Ortega: Before I even became a part of El Centro de la Raza I was working in Houston. I had a career. I was an intern in real estate and at the same, in the evenings [and] on the weekends, I was registering people to vote, working on political campaigns. So I came in contact with people of other races who were doing the same thing. As a young person, you hang out at the coffee shop and discuss philosophy and how can we create a better world and so my consciousEstela Ortega ness evolved out of practically marching with others who were wanting to end the war, doing work with the United Farm Workers, and knowing there were others of other races who were against the horrible working conditions of farm workers in the field.
communities. When there are actions happening, we show up. One example with the Muslim community is that it happened out in Redmond where I don’t have the exact name of the Muslim organization but they had their sign torn down and so one of the Muslim individuals reached out to us because we had a joint press conference a few days after Trump was elected. So that was the first time I was meeting this individual but I knew they were an ally, we were there together speaking on how Trump was going to impact our communities. She reached out and said, “Would you be willing to provide support, be in solidarity, this is what happened to us. [I said], ‘Absolutely.’ That’s how those relationships are created, we support each other. We show up for events that are happening in the community, whether it’s El Centro de la Raza, Beacon Hill, Seattle, Washington (the former Beacon Hill School). • Photo by Joe Mabel a dinner, whether it’s a press conference, those kinds of things and keeping each together to work in protesting the war in obviously we need to do more of it. We other informed and rally support. I feel like the actions we’re gonna take Vietnam, farm worker issues, and just need to be louder, we need to be out in different issues that were happening that the streets more, and so that’s gonna take are gonna take many forms. It’s gonna be phone calling, it’s gonna be emails, brought young people together. And so coordination. when there was the idea to occupy the old What we’re doing at El Centro de la letter writing, letting people know about Beacon Hill school that would become El Raza right now is looking at every single it, and then there is going to be action Centro de la Raza, there was an immense program that we have and how do we in the streets and I would even say civil amount of support from communities of infuse a community organizing aspect to obedience. And all of it is obviously done color. And so those relations developed it, from our youth program to childcare to in a non-violent way. out of the practical work of working our new housing development so we are IE: What do you think about Seattle together on issues that then developed involving more people, you know, those as a sanctuary and welcoming city? confidence and trust and those who were who are impacted. Those people we are What about the fact that a lot of working together, in particular Larry serving, most of the people who need to immigrants and refugees live outside of Gossett, Bob Santos, Bernie Whitebear, be involved and they’ve always needed to Seattle, the sanctuary limits, because of and Roberto Maestas. be involved but evermore now because the rent prices? The challenge that we face now in terms of working together is that so many of the communities are so busy, people are stretched thin, we don’t have a concrete coalition like the Minority Executive Director Coalition that existed a number of years ago. That coalition doesn’t exist anymore and there isn’t really anything that has taken its place even though there are obviously coalitions that are trying to do multiracial work when it comes to you know, the environment, education, the $15-an-hour issue, so people come together on these issues but there’s no coalition that comes together to all communities of color to address common topics on-goingly.
It came together by ... working side-byside. On a very very personal note I did farm work in the field at a very, very early age and those who I was working in the field with were African Americans, you know, picking cotton and getting to know people in that way and realizing we’re the same. We have different skin colors but IE: The elections and the months we love life and enjoy life and work hard leading to the results have been difficult and grow up and raise families and that sort of thing. So for me it goes back to for a lot of people. What do you think the next steps are for El Centro, other early in my life. groups doing similar work, and people IE: What are the challenges in who feel, even more so now, like they working across racial and ethnic have to take actions? groups? Ortega: I think we all have to regroup Ortega: I don’t see it as a challenge in and figure out how we’re going to respond terms of how it’s started. Because if you to a new administration that’s on the look at the very founding of El Centro de attack for Latinos, Muslims, the LGBT la Raza, our supporters were a group of community, the workers, disabled people. multiracial community and the anti-war I think everyone I have spoken to that movement and the progressive church we’ve been working with for a number movement back in the early ’70s. So I have of years feel that we gotta figure out how to say that those kinds of relationships in we’re gonna come together to do this terms of communities of color working work. And to find the time to carve it together basically came out of the students out. It means that we’re going to continue at the University of Washington coming doing the work we’ve been doing but
stakes seem so much higher. The fact that we have a president-elect who has spewed hate on our communities and on top of it both the House and the Senate are controlled by people who are not friendly or who don’t care about communities of color with the agenda of wanting to cutback social programs, privatize social security, medicare, those kinds of things. I don’t think I’m answering you directly on how we’re going to do it. I think that we’re part of a national effort, we’re an affiliate of National Counsel of La Raza out of Washington DC. I think everybody’s gearing up to figure out how on the daily basis we receive information on what Trump and the Congress ... might try to do so that we on local level can respond to what might be happening nationally. But the reality still is that whatever the gains we have at the local level, we need to try to hold on to at the same time.
Ortega: We’re very happy that the mayor right after the election basically saying that Seattle is going to continue to be a “sanctuary city” and that’s important. El Centro is looking at the idea of how do we become a sanctuary organization and what does that mean? So we’re in conversation with our attorney and trying to figure that out. When we say that Seattle is a sanctuary city, it’s basically referring to the police— they’re not gonna turn you over to INS [Immigration and Naturalization Service] and that’s important because it happens in other places. What if the neighborhood councils in our city, all of them, became sanctuary zones? That you know, basically INS still could go in here but we’re still making a political statement, “INS you’re not welcome and we’re not gonna cooperate with you in Seattle.” I think we need to think out of the box in those ways to be making strong political statements like that.
We need that so people feel some protection. For example, we had a parent drop a child at a preschool and a block away the INS picked them up. So this is where this thing about maybe our neighborhoods need to become sanctuary. Again we might not be able to stop them but at least we’re letting the INS know that there’s a consciousness, that they’re Ortega: I think part of it is that not welcome. That we wanna protect we’ve got to be present in each other’s undocumented people. IE: During the election until now immigrants and refugees have been put in a very bad light. But for example, undocumented immigrants don’t have a clear path to citizenship or integration to U.S. society in the same way that other immigrants might. How do we work together when we have different struggles and different needs?
6 — January 18, 2017 – January 31, 2017
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
IE NEWS
Undocumented Immigrants: What does it mean for Seattle to be a sanctuary and welcoming city? By Alia Marsha IE Assistant Editor Following the election of Donald Trump, Mayor Ed Murray announced that Seattle will continue to be a “sanctuary city.” The term “sanctuary city,” which has no legal definition, usually means that local police will not cooperate with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in identifying and arresting undocumented immigrants. On top of this, the City of Seattle is trying to be a “welcoming city,” a label with no national definition. What does the term mean in Seattle? And can we push the meanings of the terms sanctuary and welcoming to include more services and protections for immigrants and refugees, both authorized and non-authorized or undocumented? Joaquin Uy, an ethnic media and communications specialist at the Seattle Office of Immigrants and Refugee Affairs (OIRA), wrote in an email that Seattle has several laws in place that contribute to its sanctuary status for undocumented immigrants, such as: Seattle Ordinance 121063 (2003). City of Seattle officer or employees are instructed to not ask for citizenship status of any person with several exceptions. Seattle Resolution 30672 (2004). City of Seattle services are accessible to all regardless of citizenship status and other identities.
Seattle Mayor Ed Murray addressing members of the press on Wednesday, November 9, 2016 about Seattle’s role as a welcoming city and sanctuary city. • Photo by Lexi Potter
Seattle Resolution 31539 (2014). Organizations funded by the City of Seattle There are several other reasons to call cannot take a person’s immigration status into consideration for accessing services. Seattle a welcoming city. The City of Seattle declared itself a DACA-friendly city King County Ordinance 17886 (2014). in 2013. The recently-formed Gender EqKing County does not honor detainer re- uity, Safe Communities & New Ameriquests from ICE for undocumented in- cans Committee chaired by Councilmemdividuals who are arrested for low-level ber Lorena González has a specific focus crimes. on protecting the rights of immigrants and But Seattle is doing more for immigrants refugees. and refugees. Recently, Murray allocated $250,000 to “Increasingly, municipalities across aid children from immigrant and refugee the U.S. are using the term ‘welcoming families. Murray has said that some of city’ or ‘welcoming community’ to the funding will be used to provide imdescribe their comprehensive immigrant migrant-rights training to Seattle Public Schools teachers, counselors, and adminintegration efforts,” wrote Uy. istrators—which is badly needed, accordOIRA has seen what it calls significant ing to Alejandra Pérez, an organizer for growth under Mayor Murray. For example, undocumented rights. last fall, OIRA started a new citizenship “Right now undocumented folks are campaign that provides Citizenship Workshops to give immigrants free-of- being overworked to teach Know Your charge assistance to complete their federal Rights [workshops] to our community and we have no budget for it,” said Pérez. naturalization application. So far, OIRA has done two workshops, and the third will be on January 20, which coincides with Inauguration Day. OIRA will provide service for everyone who shows up as time allows. Though the event is marketed for Seattle and King County residents, Cuc Vu, director of OIRA, said they will not refuse service for those who reside outside the sanctuary and welcoming limits of Seattle.
Pérez, an undocumented immigrant who moved from Guatemala at 12 years old, said that she is skeptical about the City of Seattle’s claim that it’s a welcoming city. “It looks like it’s very centered on folks who are able to become citizens. It’s very exclusionary. The fact that there’s a new citizenship campaign, a new citizenship program, loans for ‘aspiring Americans’—things that undocumented folks do not have access to because we
can’t follow a path to citizenship,” Perez said. Furthermore, though she is protected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival Act (DACA), many undocumented people are not, including her mother.
Pérez and Vu both said that access to legal services could also help undocumented immigrants to explore different types of visas that they previously were not eligible for.
“The only other path we have is to push Vu said that what OIRA staff has been hearing from undocumented residents for comprehensive immigration reform in this new political environment is that that includes a path to legal status,” said access to affordable or free legal services Vu. is their greatest need. Amidst all of this, Pérez is creating a “If you go to a lawyer, they can charge safe haven for her own family. Equipped you anywhere from $200 to $500 an hour,” with her DACA, social security number, Vu said. “What the City is doing is pulling and salary from her full-time job, she is together this incredible community that finally actualizing her family’s 10-year has decided to stand up for its immigrant dream of owning a house—an upgrade and refugee neighbors. Particularly law- from the one bedroom apartment she yers. Both immigration lawyers and non- has been sharing with her mother and immigration attorneys have said, ‘We will younger brother. She had signed the loan provide these services for free.’ So we’re paperwork two days after Trump won the organizing that for our event on the 20th election. but we also want to make that available To her, the house will be a form of throughout the year.” sanctuary space. “You can’t take me out. Vu mentioned the importance of family safety planning in preparation of many families to be separated. “They need lawyers to help them craft documents that spell out guardianship, protection of property, healthcare decisions, and other things that I think many of us hadn’t thought about because never really thought we would be in this situation,” said Vu.
I’m buying a house, I’m staying,” Pérez said. OIRA is offering free legal services and information for immigrants on January 20 at McCaw Hall at Seattle Center. For more information, visit www.seattle. gov/iandraffairs/programs/new-citizencampaign.
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
January 18, 2017 – January 31, 2017 — 7
IE NEWS
Jayapal leads Westlake Square Rally to save Affordable Care Act By Cliff Cawthon South Seattle Emerald
The former 37th District State Senator then urged attendees to send personal stories of how the ACA had improved their lives to her congressional office.
On Sunday, January 15, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and supporters of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) gathered in downtown’s Westlake Square to defend outgoing President Barack Obama’s signature health care legislation from being gutted by a Republican congress.
Jayapal stated that she plans to read the accounts of the ACA’s impact on the floor of the House of Representatives. After the rally, I spoke with King County’s State Committeewoman Jessa Lewis, whose parents live in the 5th Congressional District (Spokane and Pullman).
This comes after a January 13 vote by congressional Republicans that laid the groundwork for repeal of the ACA—which would put the health insurance of 20 million Americans in jeopardy. The event was a part of a national day of action organizing in defense of the Affordable Care Act after several progressive legislators—particularly, Senator and former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders and Jayapal in Washington state— called for ACA supporters to mobilize.
“I’m going to hold my parents hands, my step-dad ... if the ACA is repealed, he will die. He literally cannot afford his medication and when things get close, even with the ACA he cuts pills because he cannot afford what he’s prescribed.” Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal speaks at a rally in Seattle to save the Affordable Care Act on January 15, 2017. • Photo by Naomi Ishisaka
Sunday’s rally featured speakers who personally benefited from the ACA, including the Tulalip Tribe, small business owners, and local labor unions.
2014, after the full implementation of the healthcare mandate, the uninsurance rate among communities of color decreased significantly.
“Everybody who’s here, the thousands that are here are a part of it, the people around the country are a part of really calling out what they’re doing and that [the Republicans] do not have a plan to replace [the ACA]” Jayapal said.
Another speaker, Makini Howell, owner of Plum Bistro and a leader from the Main Street Alliance, said that the ACA is not just an issue of racial justice, but gender justice as well. The disparity she’s referring to was highlighted by the National Partnership for Women and Families in a recent statement whereas, “[before the ACA] nine in 10 of the best-selling plans on the individual market practiced gender rating, which cost women approximately $1 billion per year.”
The congresswoman, who is a South Seattle resident, also emphasized the danger of normalizing the incoming Trump administration and how people can fight back, using the foiled attempt to attack the Congressional Ethics Office as an example. When I asked Jayapal what’s at stake should the ACA be repealed, she laid out a rather bleak picture of what could come. “Three quarters of a million Washingtonians could lose their healthcare,” Japayal said. “There are 50,000 people who have benefited through Medicaid expansion who will lose that. We have tens of thousands of people who will get kicked off their parents’ [insurance]. Businesses, rural hospitals, there are a lot of folks who will see chaos in the system and many will face lifeor-death decisions.” A member of the Washington Community Action Network, Roi-Martin Brown, is an example of someone who would’ve been severely crippled if not for the ACA. According to Brown, who was assaulted while intervening in the robbery of a neighbor. “I had numerous challenges due [to] my recovery, due to the trauma to my head, I had numerous vision and balance issues ... two cracked ribs, a cracked skull and an injury to my left eye socket were some of my other injuries. I was unable to see a doctor while I tried to heal from some of these injuries because I didn’t have insurance. I had to figure out how to rehab and heal myself. I now have Apple Health because of the ACA,” Brown said. She also asserted that the ACA was an act of racial justice. According to a study from the nonpartisan Urban Institute from
Howell also commented on the potential hardship small businesses could face if the tax credits the ACA currently provides them were taken away. It was clear on Sunday that anxiety ran high over the diverse crowd of more than two thousand people from across the region who had come in a desperate search for action. After speaking on-stage where he called on everyone in the crowed to “be an organizer, “ SEIU 775 president David Rolf said people must carry that message beyond Seattle. “Montana is a great example of a bright red state but, where 75,000 Montanans gained coverage for the first time as a result of the ACA and the public health infrastructure is largely dependent on Medicaid ... if you think about a state like that which voted by wide margins for Romney and then for Trump ... We [must] find the people we know, people in our networks and the organizations we belong to in order to bring the message of support for the ACA to red and swing states.” Jayapal took the stage shortly thereafter to an eruption of applause by the crowd. In her remarks, Jayapal outlined three components of how she wanted to “write the narrative on why we need healthcare to make this country really great.” During her 15-minute speech, she offered a “prescription” to resist the repeal push
underway by the Republicans in Congress she said, “we must be truth dwelling, storytelling, and specific and compelling.” Jayapal further prescribed using the “overwhelming evidence” of the ACA’s positive impact through facts, personal experiences, and a specific and concrete demand to maintain the present system and improve upon it.
Additionally, Lewis mentioned that the group, Our Revolution and other Democrats, intends to hold elected Democrats, such as Washington State Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, who voted against lowering costs on prescription drugs accountable for their actions. Those interested in sending personal stories relating to the ACA can contact Congresswoman Jayapal’s office at jayapal.house.gov/contact.
8 — January 18, 2017 – January 31, 2017
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
Community efforts key during uncertain state of immigration policy By Jorge Barón Northwest Immigrant Rights Project In the early 1980s, hundreds of Central American asylum seekers arrived in the Seattle area, fleeing the civil wars that plagued that region then. At the time, there was no nonprofit organization focused on providing legal assistance to immigrants and refugees and so many of these individuals had no place to turn to as they sought help to navigate an asylum process that had been created only a few years before.
on serving individuals detained by immigration officers at the Northwest Detention Center. NWIRP serves approximately 10,000 individuals each year with its clients coming from over 120 different countries.
Most of NWIRP’s work focuses on helping individuals navigate the immigration system to help them obtain or retain immigration protections. NWIRP’s asylum program helps individuals who are trying to pursue protections because they fear persecution A number of community members, in- in their home countries. cluding immigration attorneys, members NWIRP’s VAWA Unit (named after of faith communities, and union mem- the Violence Against Women Act) assists bers came together to try to coordinate a survivors of domestic violence, sexual asresponse. The fruit of their collaboration sault, human trafficking and other serious was a volunteer-run effort that was ini- crimes to obtain protections under our tially called the Joint Legal Task Force for immigration laws. Central American Refugees. Over time, NWIRP also has a strong citizenship this small volunteer effort became what is program that helps lawful permanent resinow Northwest Immigrant Rights Project dents complete the naturalization process, (NWIRP). with a particular focus on those who face Since those early days, NWIRP has grown to become the largest nonprofit law firm in the Western United States that is exclusively focused on immigration law. NWIRP now serves community members throughout Washington State from four offices: two offices in Eastern Washington in Granger (in the Yakima Valley) and Wenatchee; its Seattle office that serves most of Western Washington; and an office in Tacoma that is primarily focused
of the critical resources in responding to this need for legal assistance, a need that is certain to be more urgent as the incoming presidential administration has promised to increase significantly the number of deportation cases.
barriers to U.S. citizenship, including people with disabilities. NWIRP’s family services unit provides assistance to those who are trying to petition for family members to be able to obtain immigration status in the United States And NWIRP’s children and youth program provides legal services to unaccompanied youth and other children who qualify for humanitarian forms of protection in the United States.
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project clients like Iliana (pictured above with her family) rely on immigration services during an uncertain time. • Courtesy Photo
A significant portion of NWIRP’s direct representation work is focused on those who are facing deportation proceedings (now known as “removal proceedings”) before the immigration courts. Despite the serious consequences that come with deportation, individuals do not have a right to appointed attorneys in immigration court: one can bring an attorney to court if one can afford one but there is no guarantee of one as there is in a criminal case. This means that many people are forced to try to represent themselves before an immigration judge. The situation is particularly problematic for those who are facing deportation proceedings while detained: in recent years, only 8% of those non-citizens who have gone through deportation proceedings at the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma have been represented by an attorney. NWIRP is one
In addition to its direct services in individual cases, NWIRP also has a robust systemic advocacy program that seeks to change unjust systems and policies in the immigration system. As an example of this type of advocacy, NWIRP is currently co-counsel with a number of national partners in a class action case that seeks to require the federal government to provide attorneys for children facing deportation hearings. Because, yes, even children are not entitled to appointed attorneys in immigration court. NWIRP and its partners hope that this litigation will change this clear injustice. Finally, NWIRP is engaged in ongoing community education efforts, efforts that are particularly important at a time like this one when there is so much uncertainty about the state of immigration policy. NWIRP runs Immigration 101 trainings for social service providers who work with immigrant and refugee communities and know-your-rights presentations and legal workshops for immigrant community members. To learn more about NWIRP’s work and how to access its services, you can visit their website at www.nwirp.org or call its Seattle office at (206) 587-4009.
Stay informed, know your rights, fight anti-immigrant policies By Pavan Vangipuram OneAmerica OneAmerica was founded after the 9/11 attacks in response to the negative backlash against Muslim, South Asian, Arab, and Middle Eastern communities. We are now entering another time of increased fear and attacks on our communities, with an uptick in hate crimes locally and nationally. We will continue to collect new information, inform our communities and fight to keep people safe and protected. As a result of what Trump said about immigration during his campaign and since his election, many fear mass deportations. However, there is no saying for sure what he will do when he enters office. Donald Trump has also discussed creating a registry for Muslim immigrants, similar to what was used in the administration of President George W. Bush. He has also discussed a ban on migration from certain countries with large Muslim populations, however there are no details on these proposals and it’s not yet clear what he will do when he becomes president. Right now, the best thing community members can do is stay informed, know their rights, stay connected to organizations that provide legal advice, and organize to fight against any anti-immigrant policies. Everyone in the United States, regardless of immigration status, has rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. Knowing and asserting your rights can make a huge difference in many situations. It’s also important to develop a safety plan and a financial plan with your family
in case you are temporarily separated. People should avoid negative interaction with law enforcement. Any arrests, like a DUI or a drug-related arrest, can put you at risk for deportation. Attend a Know Your Rights training to learn more. Visit NWIRP’s calendar at www.nwirp.org/ calendar-of- com mu nit y-im mig rationevents for upcoming training dates and times statewide. If you are eligible to naturalize, there are additional rights and privileges available only to U.S. citizens. We encourage those who are eligible to become U.S. citizens to do so as soon as possible. Citizenship is the only permanent protection from deportation. If you think you might be eligible, you should seek legal advice from an immigration attorney or a BIAaccredited nonprofit organization. Call the OneAmerica citizenship hotline for more information on how to become a citizen: 1-(877)-926-3924 (available in many languages) or visit www.wanewamericans. org. Seek legal advice from a certified immigration attorney or a BIA-accredited nonprofit organization. For a list of nonprofit organizations in Washington State that can provide low-cost legal advice and application assistance, visit https://goo.gl/ KF0I2x. You can also call the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project hotline (visit www.nwirp.org/get-help). You can also do a free, safe, preliminary screening to figure out if you might be eligible for some form of legal status (www.immi.org). Beware of fraudulent immigration “consultants” or notarios who are not
licensed to provide immigration legal advice. People unauthorized to practice law may try to capitalize on the fear and uncertainty of this political moment and take advantage of immigrants. For more information about how you can avoid scams, visit: www.stopnotariofraud.org/faq.php. Document and report any incidents of violence, hate speech, or bullying. You can report to CAIR-WA by calling (206) 367-4081. When you call, leave a detailed message with your full name, phone number, and the reason for your call. If you would like to request an interpreter include the language needed. Visit their website for more information: cairseattle.org/lib/ discriminationform.php. If the incident took place in Seattle, contact the City of Seattle Office of Civil Rights at www.seattle.gov/ civilrights/file-complaint. If the hate crime or bullying happens at a school, it can be reported to the school or the ACLU-WA at (206) 624-2184. Ask your schools and institutions you work with to make statements confirming their commitment to protecting diversity and inclusive environments, and to being welcoming for immigrants and refugees. Undocumented students might be worried about whether they are safe at school. Students should remember that immigration officials (ICE) are generally not allowed to carry out their duties in sensitive locations including schools, early learning settings, and places of worship under administrative policies adopted by federal agencies, but it’s possible these policies may change. Schools cannot ask about immigration status, and you should not share information about your
status with anyone unless they are a trusted individual. Undocumented students who have applied for financial aid using WASFA should know that while nothing is guaranteed, we have reason to believe that systems like WASFA will remain safe. Information gathered through the WASFA/FAFSA is protected under FERPA, which prohibits schools from voluntarily providing any outside agency information from a student’s school file. It is important to note that while it is unlikely, schools might be asked (or forced) to share information in certain circumstances. Students can visit psccn.org/events for a list of trainings over the next few months by the Puget Sound College and Career Network (PSCCN) about financial aid for undocumented students and more. OneAmerica will be working with our allies, including local municipal governments, community organizations, faith groups and the business community, to push back against any anti-immigrant policies that Trump’s administration may try to advance. We are heartened to hear that many cities, including Seattle, Edmonds and Burien, have voted to pass resolutions affirming their municipality’s support for immigrants and refugees. We will be holding a series of community conversations and Know Your Rights trainings over the course of the next year. We will need all the help we can get, so please stay engaged and connected to our work by visiting weareoneamerica.org/ contact. Visit our Facebook page at www. facebook.com/weareoneamerica. Follow us on Twitter: @weareoneamerica.
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
January 18, 2017 – January 31, 2017 — 9
Infographic by Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs
10 — January 18, 2017 – January 31, 2017
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
Welcoming and serving our immigrant communities Editor’s note: Various community members at recent citizenship workshops hosted by Seattle’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs shared their thoughts on becoming a citizen.
Tong Liu Originally from Beijing, China, Tong Liu has been a legal permanent resident for 5 years.
Wei Zhao Wei Zhao is originally from Shanghai, China and has had his green card for almost 5 years. “I am here for today’s [citizenship] workshop because English is still a language barrier for me,” Zhao said. “So it is challenging to fill out the citizenship application by myself.”
“I am here today because I have tried filling out the application by myself, but there are some questions that I do not really understand,” Liu said. “So I went to talk to an attorney to make sure I am doing the application right. But that was too expensive. ... There will be better benefits once I become a U.S. citizen. I also want to apply for my parents to move to the United States since I think this is a better environment for them.”
Yongchang Cao Alex Hernandez Alex is originally from Mexico and has had his green card since 1989. “I want to get naturalized because I have been living in the U.S. since I was 2 years old, when my parents brought me over from Mexico,” Hernandez said. “I was born in 1979, and I got my green card in 1989. It has been too long.” His advice to others seeking citizenship: “Do not give up even though the citizenship process could get very lengthy. Support is always there to help you out.”
Lenolian Salgado Lenolian Salgado is originally from the Philippines and has been a legal permeant residence for 16 years. “I learned about the workshop on TV,” Salgado said. “And I was amazed that this service is free, free legal services and valuable information. I would share my experience for the naturalization process with my family members and friends so they know that it can be an easy process too. It was very hard to learn English, but don’t give up! Keep trying!”
Originally from China, Yongchang Cao has had her green card for almost 5 years. “I thought I should take an advantage of this workshop because it is really hard to fill out the U.S. citizenship application by myself. ... People are nice here in the U.S. I’ve always [been] able to get support when I needed to.”
XinLi Jiang XinLi is originally from China and has been a legal permanent resident for nine years. She has very low English proficiency and required an interpreter for filling out the forms.
Hue Le (daughter) and Hoang Le (father) “My dad and I both need help to fill out the citizenship application,” Hue Le said. “We just want to complete the forms and get them sent out as soon as we can. We are from Vietnam and have been legal permanent residents for 5 years. I believe my family can get more benefits once both my dad and I become U.S. citizens. I would have better education opportunities, and my dad would have a better retirement when he gets older. We can also vote. I remembered when I first arrived 5 year ago, I could not speak English at all. It was very challenging for me to learn new things and communicate with my classmates and teachers at school. However, I learned to be more adventurous. So now I want to become a U.S citizen so I can learn the language and culture more in-depth.”
“After nine years as a legal permanent resident, I am inspired to come to today’s workshop because applying for U.S citizenship has always been an obstacle since I don’t speak English well,” Jiang said.
Citizenship Workshops Two workshops in 2016 hosted by the Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs served a total of 500 legal permanent residents (LPRs) who are eligible to naturalize. The workshops took place on October 15 and December 4 and were free for LPRs who needed assistance with completing their citizenship applications, especially low-income residents not eligible for fee waivers or free services. This collaborative endeavor involved community-based organizations, volunteer attorneys and paralegals, law schools, colleges, ethnic media, and businesses. For more about the past and future workshops, visit www.seattle.gov/iandraffairs/NCC.
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
January 18, 2017 – January 31, 2017 — 11
Options are available to Seattle’s unbanked and underbanked By Richard Romero Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union As an immigrant and a minority, I understand the challenges immigrants and refugees face in opening a bank account. With nearly 30 years in the banking industry, one of my missions is to make sure Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union (SMCU) improves the lives of all Seattleites. We are a financial cooperative owned by its members, and everything we do is for their benefit. Those who are unbanked or underbanked must use alternative financial companies, such as check-cashing companies. In most cases, they are paying higher than necessary fees. Other challenges include distrust of financial institutions, residency status, prior negative experiences with financial institutions, or the lack of a social security number. While these are important considerations, there are options available to you at a credit union, such as SMCU. • Trust—SMCU has been in Seattle since 1933, serving Seattleites just like you. At SMCU, your deposits are insured and secure. You have access to your funds via our local branches,
ATMs, debit cards, and through COOP Shared Branching, which gives you access to over 5,000 branches worldwide. • Residency Status—SMCU is not required to nor does it check on residency status. We follow identification policies that are immigrant friendly. • Prior Negative Experiences— You may have had issues with other financial institutions that may have required you to close your account. While this could be a concern, we encourage you to visit one of our branches to go over your situation, we are here to help. • Social Security Numbers— While we do require a social security number in most cases, SMCU accepts ITIN numbers for members who may not have permanent residency status. SMCU can also help in obtaining an ITIN number. Some of these barriers may seem too difficult to overcome, that is understandable. Navigating these issues alone can be difficult. Having a banking relationship with a trusted financial institution, like SMCU, can make things easier. Consider these ways SMCU can help you.
Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union with the Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs at the Citizenship Workshop in October answering questions and helping new citizens get a good start. • Courtesy Photo
• By reducing your auto-loan interest rate—Some dealers charge as much as 29% interest on used cars. SMCU recently refinanced a member’s auto loan and brought the interest down to 9.99%. (Disclosure: A 9.99% annual percentage rate (APR), assuming no down payment, a 60-month loan term and $15,000 loan amount, the estimated monthly payment is
$319. For more details, see SMCU. com/rates.” Federally insured by NCUA. Equally Housing Opportunity Lender.) • By eliminating debit card maintenance fees—Fees on pre-paid debit cards can be as much as $489 a year. SMCU debit cards do not have maintenance fees. • By removing check-cashing fees—Check cashing fees can be up to 10% of the check amount. SMCU never charges fees for cashing a check or for a deposit. • By providing an alternative to payday lenders—The fees on payday loans can range from $10 to $30 dollars per $100 dollars borrowed. SMCU offers all types of loans—from Citizenship loans to auto loans, and real estate loans to small business loans, at significantly lower rates than nonfinancial providers such as payday lenders, used car dealers, and check cashers. To learn more, please visit one of our branches or our website: www. smcu.com. Richard Romero is Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union’s Chief Executive Officer.
12 — January 18, 2017 – January 31, 2017
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
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INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
January 18, 2017 – January 31, 2017 — 13
IE NEWS
Honest Elections Initative: Democracy vouchers in mailboxes this month it illegal for city officials and their aides as a measure to limit big money in politics. to take on lobbying positions immediately Barnett suggests thinking about the policy more as a means of increasing the after leaving office. representation of residents and candidates.
By Kamna Shastri IE Contributor Since January 3, the City of Seattle has been sending out democracy vouchers to all eligible city residents. Every envelope has four vouchers, each with a $25 value for a grand total of $100 that residents can donate to candidates throughout the year. The program’s intent is to make the campaigning process more accessible for ordinary residents who may not have a lot of money to donate to the candidates they support. The program will hopefully encourage individuals from Seattle’s diverse communities to run for candidacy without the pressure of having to know wealthy donors. Seattle is the first city in the nation to use the democracy vouchers public financing program. The vouchers were part of Honest Elections Seattle’s Initiative 122, which passed with an affirmative vote of 63.14% in 2015. Many of the initiative’s supporting stakeholders represent Seattle’s diverse communities, including Asian Pacific Americans for Civic Engagement, Seattle King County NAACP, and El Centro de La Raza to name a few. After a year of planning the program, eligible Seattle residents should now have the vouchers. Anyone who is a registered, legal resident of Seattle is eligible for the program.
Opposing Arguments
Every envelope of democracy vouchers contains four vouchers worth $25 each. • Photo by Kamna Shastri
(SEEC) or directly to the candidate you are supporting. The vouchers can be used for this year’s at-large city council and city attorney races. They will not apply toward the mayoral race until 2020.
Monica Ng, Civic Engagement Program Manager at Asian Counseling and Referral Services, and Wayne Barnett, Executive Director of SEEC, stressed the importance of keeping the vouchers in a visible place, like on top of a fridge or on your bulletin board. The vouchers are valid until November 2017, and that’s enough time to lose them if they are hidden from view. If you do lose your voucher, you can always request a reUsing the Vouchers placement by contacting SEEC at democraHere is how the vouchers work: if you are cyvoucher@seattle.gov or (206) 727-8855. a voter registered in Seattle, the vouchers Along with the democracy vouchers will automatically be sent to you. Otherwise program, the statutes of I-122 state that you can sign up to receive the vouchers as candidates can only receive democracy long as you are a resident of Seattle. On vouchers if they qualify for the program. the front of each voucher is a place to write That includes attending three debates, and in the name of the candidate one wishes adhering to a donation cap. I-122 also limits to endorse. At the bottom is a space for a donations from city contractors and anyone signature. who has financed a lobbyist or lobbying You can then mail the vouchers to the organization an amount of $5,000 or more in Seattle Ethics and Elections Committee the past year. Finally, the law has also made
According to the I-122 website, one argument that opponents have used to discourage the democracy vouchers program is that it hurts minority and low-income voters and seniors because they won’t understand how to use democracy vouchers. Both Ng and Barnett said that the city, and ACRS, are working to educate residents, clients, and staff about using the vouchers. In addition, the vouchers are available in 15 major languages spoken in Seattle including English. The list includes many API languages such as Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Lao, and Thai.
Often, Ng says, individuals in low income communities can’t afford to donate to a candidate they support while focusing on providing transportation, food, and school supplies for their families.
“I think this gives a really good opportunity for folks that don’t necessarily have those means to donate to a political campaign and also decide if they are going to buy groceries for their children. It allows them to use their political voice by saying ‘I believe in this candidate’,” Ng said. The voucher program softens the pressing choice of one or the other and puts some amount of “The folks that wrote this policy were agency in regular residents’ hands. really intentional, they wanted to make sure With residents financially backing that especially folks who preferred one of the candidates they support, the impact these languages could actually use these of the vouchers would hopefully also vouchers,” Ng said. “As far as I’ve seen influence more candidates to campaign, usually that language outreach comes in Ng explained. Not everyone who wants to the back end when they are talking about run for a city council position will have a implementation and how accessible is it pocketbook of donors who can donate large going to be for people. This is actually sums of money. This could discourage built into the policy itself, that it has to be many office hopefuls. With the democracy available ‘in these languages.’” Ng said she vouchers, a candidate who wants to help hopes the prevalence of Asian and Pacific their community could appeal to their Islander languages will encourage API community members and neighborhood to voters and residents to engage more with the finance their campaign. democracy vouchers. Ng said she hopes the program will Another point of opposition is the claim inspire candidates to make personal contact that the program will cost too much. The with city residents and hear community democracy vouchers program takes up voices. a small fraction of the city’s funds. The “Further down the line we are hoping to program is funded by the city’s property tax levy and will collect three million dollars a see more folks who could be running for year for the vouchers program. In contrast, political office that may not have run in the first place,” Ng said. the city’s budget is in the billions. For more information on the Democracy Important Impacts for Representation Vouchers Program and Honest Elections, visit www.seattle.gov/democracyvoucher Honest Elections Seattle pushed the and honestelectionsseattle.org. initiative—and the democracy vouchers—
Announcements SMCU Beacon Hill branch grand opening on February 14
The mile markers on the 5K course said in a statement. “It is critical that all communities can leverage their voices in will bear an image of Sugiyama as the state lawmaking process and ensure Superman. That image and the insignia on the cape were designed by Eugene Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union will fair and accurate representation.” be celebrating the grand opening of their Senate Bill 5020 would allow the Tagawa, Sugiyama’s brother-in-law. new Beacon Hill Branch and their Juntos Washington State Commission on AfricanRegistration ($30) is available Avanzamos Designation, in recognition American Affairs and the Commission on online. A free commemorative t-shirt of service empowering the Hispanic Asian Pacific American Affairs to advise will be included along with the Community. the Legislature on issues of concern to The event happens Tuesday, February their communities. Currently, the two 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at 1604 commissions report solely to the governor, Roberto Maestas Festival Street, Seattle, while the Commission on Hispanic Affairs can take their concerns directly WA 98144. to the Legislature. Hasegawa’s bill would also repeal the sunset provision for the Hasegawa bill gives equal voice to Commission on Hispanic Affairs.
underrepresented groups
A bill sponsored by Sen. Bob Hasegawa, (D-Seattle), aligns the missions of the state’s three ethnic commissions so they may better represent their constituencies.
ICHS Lunar New Year 5k to honor Al Sugiyama on February 26
Alan Sugiyama will be honored at International Community Health “This is a simple bill that will ensure all Services’ (ICHS) second annual Lunar our diverse communities will have a strong New Year 5K on Sunday, February 26 at voice in state government,” Hasegawa 9:30 a.m. in Shoreline.
registration fee. The event will be free to children under 13 and those over the age of 70. Seniors between the ages of 60 and 69 will receive a $5 discount. The event is open to walkers and runners. Strollers and leashed pets are permitted. For information, visit www.ichs.com/5k.
14 — January 18, 2017 – January 31, 2017
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
IE COMMUNITY
Fish for the American Dream
Vietnamese American family shares the ohana spirit with the Seattle community By Rhea Panela IE Staff By the end of 2016, the demand for authentic Hawai‘i-style poké was at high tide across the country—and Seattle was no exception. In an effort to share a genuine taste of Hawai‘i, one family decided to use their own seafood business to spread the “ohana” spirit with the Seattle community. “Ohana” means “family” in Hawaiian, and Bayley Le of GoPoké said one of the main focuses of their business is to make sure their customers feel like they are part of a family when they visit. “How would you treat friends and family who come to your house? You eat,” Le said. “Like, you don’t care if they’ve already had dinner. Everyone’s hugging and spreading a lot of affection. And we see the customers the same way. Like family.” GoPoké is the newest shop to serve poké in Seattle. Situated on the corner of Maynard Avenue and S King Street, GoPoké is in the heart of the Chinatown International District. Aside from the fresh ahi, salmon, and tako poké bowls topped with an assortment of island favorites, GoPoké also offers desserts including shaved ice and Dole Whip, a pineapple soft serve topped with li hing mui, a salty dried plum powder. While customers are often seen lining up to the entrance, day and night, Le said it was difficult to get the business up and running. GoPoké had to flip what had been an old corner-store mini-mart into the bright, welcoming place it is today. “The first challenge was [thinking] what if people don’t believe in us or if people don’t like our food?” Le said. “People don’t see the fights. With a
GoPoké opened its doors in the Chinatown International District last December. Their goal is to make customers feel like they are part of the family when they visit. • Courtesy Photo
mini-mart that was two-years vacant, there was much work to be done.” However, the influence behind GoPoké stretches years before Le and his family came to the continental United States. Shop owners Bayley, Michael, and Trinh Le come from a family of seven. Their father emigrated from Vietnam and was attracted to Hawai‘i due to the large Vietnamese fishing community there. Their father would go fishing for weeks at a time and when he brought the fish back to shore, it was the rest of the family’s responsibility to sell the fish at markets, auctions, and by going doorto-door. When their mother learned how to make poké, Le and his brothers would
The Le family’s first long line fishing boat, Stormer Bird. 1988-1990. • Courtesy Photo
sell poké door-to-door during weekends and after school as well. “That’s all we did. Our car smelled like fish, our shirts smelled like fish. We wanted to get out of that and we hated it, [because] as 10- and 12-year-old kids, we wanted to play,” Le said. “We were so passionate about it that we hated it.” For a family of seven kids whose life mostly revolved around selling seafood, they never thought that one day they would open their own poké shop in Seattle. They were on welfare and they received secondhand clothes and belongings from churches. At the time, selling fish was a means of survival. “You know when your parents struggle and they think the most important thing for the kids is money?
We started thinking when we’d have money we could buy our own stuff instead of begging for stuff and getting free stuff from people,” Le said. “Now that we’re older, we see that money doesn’t buy all that.” Le and his siblings made it their goal to get good grades in school and go to college to rise from the harsh circumstances they were in during their childhood. “My mom and my dad didn’t have money, but they did all they could to keep us together,” Le said. “At the end of the day, you could be a millionaire with money, or be the most wealthy and the most rich with all the love you have, like when people come say, ‘Hi,’ to you every day.” Now, GoPoké is their way of not only reaching out to the community, but also strengthening the bonds within their own family. “For those who miss home, or for those who have been to Hawai‘i but it’s hard to go back, you go to these spots because it’s nostalgic,” Le said. “That’s the thing about GoPoké is that we grew as a family through that business, and we stay as a family through that business.” After almost two months of fighting to acquire the vacant space across from Hing Hay Park, six months of construction, and a little help from their wives for the interior design, GoPoké opened its doors on December 4 of last year. Their grand opening included Hawaiian and Tahitian dancers, lei making, and music provided by a live DJ. One of their long-term goals is to host an annual community block party in Hing Hay Park with similar Polynesian-inspired performances and activities for everyone to enjoy. “This business is a total front for us to go out there and just loving everyone and being friends with everyone,” Le said. “This is an excuse for us to invite people to come over to our house and eat.”
Le family in Seattle, 2013. • Courtesy Photo
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January 18, 2017 – January 31, 2017 — 15
16 — January 18, 2017 – January 31, 2017
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IE COMMUNITY
The IE’s 2017 Northwest Guide to Lunar New Year UWAJIMAYA
*** SEATTLE PARKS AND RECREATION
The following event happens at Uwajimaya locations in Seattle, Renton, Bellevue, and Beaverton.
Vietnamese Food and Fitness Program Lunar New Year Celebration Friday, February 10, 2017 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Garfield Community Center 2323 E Cherry St, Seattle, WA 98122
Lunar New Year Sale & Red Envelope Giveaway January 18 to January 31, 2016 Presenting family and friends with red envelopes containing lucky money is a tradition of Lunar New Year. In honor of Lunar New Year, Uwajimaya will be handing out lucky red envelopes to customers who spend $30 or more (limit one per person, per day and while supplies last) during its Lunar New Year Sale. Open your lucky red envelope to reveal your special prize. *** SEATTLE CENTER
The celebration will include Vietnamese food, raffle, and cultural demonstrations like the Lion Dance. Event is hosted in partnership with the Vietnamese Senior Association (VSA), Seattle Parks and Recreation’s Lifelong Recreation program, and Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS). More information at http://www. seattle.gov/Parks/Seniors/index.htm. *** ASIA PACIFIC CULTURAL CENTER
Tet Festival: Vietnamese Lunar New Year Saturday, January 21, 2017 and Sunday January 22, 2017 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109 Explore and experience the cultural roots and contemporary influences of Vietnam through live performances, hands-on activities, foods, crafts, games, martial arts, and a lively marketplace. The Lunar New Year Celebration welcomes the return of spring and chases out evil spirits with the traditional roaring lion dance and the crackle of firecrackers. Revisit one thousand years of Vietnamese history at this festive New Year celebration. Presented by Tết in Seattle. For more information, visit tetinseattle.org. *** AAJA Lunar New Year Banquet Saturday, January 21 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. China Harbor Restaurant 2040 Westlake Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109 Ring in the year of the Rooster with Seattle Chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association’s annual banquet. There will be live performances as well as a silent auction. Proceeds of the auction will benefit the chapter’s general fund. All ages welcome. It is not necessary to be Asian or a journalist to attend. Discounted pre-sale tickets will be available until January 20 at 11:59 p.m. After that, tickets will be $40 for members, $50 for non-members, and $25 for students. There is free parking in front of the restaurant. For tickets, visit http:// aajalny2017.bpt.me. *** Wing Luke Museum Lunar New Year Celebration and Fair Saturday, January 28 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wing Luke Museum 719 South King Street Seattle, WA 98104 The Wing Luke Museum will be celebrating the lunar new year with a family friendly event. At 11:00 a.m., there will be a full Lion Dance outside the museum, which is free for the public. At 11:30 a.m., the fair begins inside the museum. Events include face painting, arts and crafts workshops by local artists, new years games, stuffed animal petting zoo, and toddler story time. Kids and students with ID receive free admission sponsored by the Vietnamese-American Bar Association of Washington.
19th Annual New Year Celebration Saturday, February 11, 2017 Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Programs from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall 2727 E.D Street, Tacoma, WA 98421 Free admission
Art by: Raychelle Duazo
The Wing Luke Museum is also hosting a Rooster coloring contest for kids 12 and younger with an $800 prize to the Bellevue Collection. The coloring page can be turned in during the event. *** Chinatown International District Business Improvement Area (CIBDIA)
This year’s Golden Circle Award honorees include Van Sar, Velma Veloria, Ron and Lynette Consego, and the Tsutakawa family. OCA members: $26. Non-members: $50. Table of 10: $260. Contact Siyuan Liu at lius27@uw.edu for more information. *** SCIDpda
Seattle’s Annual Lunar New Year Festival Update: Day changed to January 29 Sunday, January 29, 2017 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Hing Hay Park 423 Maynard Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104 Admission Free $3 food walk
Chinatown/International District 2017 Kickoff Thursday, February 2, 2017 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Hing Hay Coworks 409B Maynard Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
Join Seattle Chinatown International District Presevation and Development Authority (SCIDpda) and The Chinatown International The Chinatown/International District Lunar Business District Business Improvement New Year Festival encompasses a little bit Area (CIBDIA) as they kick-off the new year. of all Asian cultures—Chinese lion dances, The event will celebration the neighborhood’s dances from the Philippines, China, and other countries, Taiko drumming from Japan, accomplishments and give attendees a chance to identify needs and opportunities in the and even a bit of Bollywood might be in the mix. Equally as diverse is the delicious range neighborhood. Complimentary snacks and beverages provided. of foods available for tasting. ChinatownInternational District restaurants usually *** open their doors for Lunar New Year and THE GREATER SEATTLE CHINESE offer affordable tastes of select menu items. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The sixth annual Children’s parade and costume contest will be at 1:30 p.m. so kids Celebrating the Year of the Rooster can show off their best cultural New Year’s Thursday, February 9, 2017 outfit. More information at http://cidbia.org/ China Harbor Restaurant events/lunar-new-year/. 2040 Westlake Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109 Individual ticket $65 before February 1, $75 *** after February 1 OCA—GREATER SEATTLE Corporate table: $1,000 2017 Golden Circle Awards It will be a night filled with good food, Thursday, February 2, 2017 networking, and new friends. Learn about the 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Chamber’s review of 2015 and goals for 2016. Joy Palace Restaurant Reception begins at 5:30 p.m. and dinner 6030 MLK Jr. Way S begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available Seattle, WA 98118 at seattlechinesechamber.org or by calling 206-552-0818.
This year’s event celebrates Guam and there will be over 70 booths of food, drinks, cultural arts, retail booths, games, and crafts from Asian Pacific countries. *** KEIRO NORTHWEST First Annual Lunar New Year Celebration Friday, February 24, 2017 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The Westin Bellevue 600 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004 Individual ticket $175 before January 27, $200 after January 27 Table of 10 $1,750 before January 27, $2,000 after January 27 VIP tickets and tables also available Keiro Northwest will be hosting its first annual lunar new year celebration to benefit residents of Keiro Northwest. The event includes a dinner, live and “super-silent” auction, along with a dance party. The event is sports themed and attendees are encouraged to wear jersey’s of their favorite sport team. *** INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES ICHS Lunar New Year 5K Sunday, February 26, 2017 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Shoreline Interurban Trail $30 before February 25 / $40 Race day For seniors 60 to 69: $25 before February 25 Registration is free for children 12 and under and seniors over 70. Online registration closes on February 25 at 3pm Take part in ICHS’s Lunar New Year 5K run/ walk on Sunday, February 26, 2017 at the Shoreline Interurban Trail. Register at https:// www.ichs.com/make-a-gift/lunar-new-year5k-registration/. Schedule: 8:00 a.m. – Registration begins 9:15 a.m. – Welcome and pre-race briefing 9:30 a.m. – Runners begin 9:35 a.m. – Walkers and leashed pets begin 10:30 a.m. – Announcement of winners
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INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
January 18, 2017 – January 31, 2017 — 17
18 — January 18, 2017 – January 31, 2017
Arts & Culture Asia Pacific Cultural Center 4851 So. Tacoma Way Tacoma, WA 98409 Ph: 253-383-3900 Fx: 253-292-1551 faalua@comcast.net www.asiapacificculturalcenter.org Bridging communities and generations through arts, culture, education and business.
Civil Rights & Advocacy Organization of Chinese Americans Asian Pacific American Advocates Greater Seattle Chapter P.O. Box 14141 Seattle, WA 98114
Housing Services InterIm Community Development Association 310 Maynard Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104 Ph: 206-624-1802 Services: 601 S King St, Ph: 206-623-5132 Interimicda.org Multilingual community building: housing & parking, housing/asset counseling, projects, teen leadership and gardening programs. Kawabe Memorial House 221 18th Ave S Seattle, WA 98144 ph: 206-322-4550 connie.devaney@gmail.com We provide affordable, safe, culturally sensitive housing and support services to people aged 62 and older.
www.ocaseattle.org
OCA—Greater Seattle Chapter was formed in 1995 and since that time it has been serving the Greater Seattle Chinese and Asian Pacific American community as well as other communities in the Pacific Northwest. It is recognized in the local community for its advocacy of civil and voting rights as well as its sponsorship of community activities and events.
Education Denise Louie Education Center 206-767-8223 info@deniselouie.org www.deniselouie.org
Offering home visiting services for children birth to 3 and full & part-day multicultural preschool education for ages 3 to 5 in the International District, Beacon Hill and Rainier Beach.
Homelessness Services
COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
Seattle Chinatown/International District Preservation and Development Authority ph: 206-624-8929 fx: 206-467-6376 info@scidpda.org Housing, property management and community development.
Immigration Services
Professional & Leadership Development
Executive Development Institute 310 – 120th Ave NE. Suite A102 Bellevue, WA Ph: 425-467-9365 edi@ediorg.org • www.ediorg.org EDI offers culturally relevant leadership development programs.
WE MAKE LEADERS Fostering future leaders through education, networking and community NAAAP Seattle services for Asian American Queen Anne Station professionals and entreP.O. Box 19888 preneurs. Seattle, WA 98109 Facebook: NAAAP-Seattle info@naaapseattle.org Twitter: twitter.com/naaapwww.naaapseattle.org seattle
Senior Services
Fearless Asians for Immigration Reforms (FAIR!) 206-578-1255 Info@ItShouldBeFair.com www.ItShouldBeFair.com
Free and confidential support for undocumented Asians and Pacific Islanders. Workshops, financial assistance, legal help, scholarships, DACA renewals, and consultations for service providers. Benefits include: community support, and opportunities for work permits, $$ for school, and protection from deportation.
The Kin On Team is ready to serve YOU! www.kinon.org
info@youthcare.org www.youthcare.org
Working to prevent and end youth homelessness with services including meals, shelter, housing, job training, education, and more.
HomeSight 5117 Rainier Ave S Seattle, WA 98118 ph: 206-723-4355 fx: 206-760-4210 www.homesightwa.org NMLS#49289
Southeast Seattle Senior Center 4655 S. Holly St., Seattle, WA 98118 ph: 206-722-0317 fax: 206-722-2768 kateh@seniorservices.org www.sessc.org Daytime activities center providing activities social services, trips, and community for seniors and South Seattle neighbors. We have weaving, Tai Chi, indoor beach-ball, yoga, dance, senior-oriented computer classes, trips to the casino, and serve scratch cooked lunch. Open Monday through Friday, 8:30-4. Our thrift store next door is open Mon-Fri 10-2, Sat 10-4. This sweet center has services and fun for the health and well-being of boomers and beyond. Check us out on Facebook or our website.
Social & Health Services Asian Counseling & Referral Service 3639 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S Seattle, WA 98144 ph: 206-695-7600 fx: 206-695-7606 events@acrs.org www.acrs.org ACRS offers multilingual, behavioral health and social services to Asian Pacific Americans and other low-income people in King County.
APICAT 601 S King St. Seattle, WA 98104 ph: 206-682-1668 www.apicat.org Addressing tobacco, marijuana prevention and control and other health disparities in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.
Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs GA Bldg., 210 11th Ave SW, Suite 301A Olympia, WA 98504 ph: (360) 725-5667 www.facebook.com/wacapaa capaa@capaa.wa.gov www.capaa.wa.gov Statewide liaison between government and APA communities. Monitors and informs the public about legislative issues.
YouthCare 2500 NE 54th Street Seattle, WA 98105 206-694-4500
Homeownership Services
Senior Services
Washington New Americans Program OneAmerica 1225 S. Weller St., Suite 430 Seattle, WA 98144 Are you a lawful permanent resident? The Washington New Americans program can help you complete your application for U.S. citizenship. Low-cost and free services available – please call our hotline or visit www.wanewamericans.org. Phone: 1-877-926-3924 Email: wna@weareoneamerica.org Website: www.wanewamericans.org
HomeSight creates homeownership opportunities through first mortgage lending, down payment assistance, real estate development, homebuyer education, and counseling.
Cathay Post #186 of The American Legion Supporting veterans for over 70 years Accepting new members—contact us today to learn more! (206) 355-4422 P.O. Box 3281 Seattle, WA 98144-3281 cathaypost@hotmail.com
Keiro Northwest 1601 E Yesler Way, Seattle, WA 98122 ph: 206-323-7100 www.keironorthwest.org rehabilitation care | skilled nursing | assisted living | home care | senior day care | meal delivery | transportation | continuing education | catering services
Legacy House
Visit iexaminer.org for more announcements
803 South Lane Street Seattle, WA 98104 ph: 206-292-5184 fx: 206-838-3057 info@legacyhouse.org www.scidpda.org/programs/legacyhouse. aspx Services offered: Assisted Living, Adult Day Services, meal programs for low-income seniors.
Chinese Information & Service Center 611 S Lane St, Seattle, WA 98104 ph: 206-624-5633 fax: 206-624-5634 info@cisc-seattle.org www.cisc-seattle.org Creating opportunities for Asian immigrants and their families to succeed by helping them make the transition to a new life while keeping later generations in touch with their rich heritage.
Want to join the Community Resource Directory? Contact lexi@iexaminer.org
COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY
Social & Health Services
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
January 18, 2017 – January 31, 2017 — 19
Since 1935
Tai Tung Restaurant International District Medical & Dental Clinic 720 8th Avenue S, Seattle, WA 98114 ph: 206-788-3700 email: info@ichs.com website: www.ichs.com
Banquet Facilities - Catering - Delivery
Bellevue Medical & Dental Clinic 1050 140th Avenue NE, Bellevue, WA 98005 ph: 425-373-3000 Shoreline Medical & Dental Clinic 16549 Aurora Avenue N, Shoreline, WA 98133 ph: 206-533-2600 Holly Park Medical & Dental Clinic 3815 S Othello St, Seattle, WA 98118 ph: 206-788-3500 ICHS is a non-profit medical and dental center that provides health care to low income Asian, Pacific Islanders, immigrants and refugees in Washington State. 7301 Beacon Ave S Seattle, WA 98108 ph: 206-587-3735 fax: 206-748-0282 www.idicseniorcenter.org info@idicseniorcenter.org IDIC is a nonprofit human services organization that offers wellness and social service programs to Filipinos and API communities.
Parking & Transportation Services 206-624-3426 transia@aol.com Merchants Parking provides convenient and affordable community parking. Transia provides community transportation: para-transportation services, shuttle services, and field trips in and out of Chinatown/International District, and King County.
Come Enjoy the Oldest Chinese Restaurant in Town!
655 S King St, Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 622-7372 Mon-Thurs 11am-10:30pm Fri-Sat 11am-12am Sun 11am-10pm
iexaminer.org/classifieds
Answers to this puzzle are on Wednesday, February 1.
In October 2016, the Seattle/King County Clinic provided free medical, dental and vision care to 4,492 patients over four days. This giant free clinic is produced by 3,947 volunteers who donate their time to provide a full range of free dental, vision and medical care to underserved and vulnerable populations. This year, a dozen comics journalists attended the Clinic and collected patient stories to illustrate the need in the community and what’s driving people to a free clinic. The project is supported by Public Health—Seattle & King County and the Seattle Center Foundation to promote public discussion about health disparities and the challenges people face in accessing health care every day.
20 — January 18, 2017 – January 31, 2017
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
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