Caribbean American Weekly - Issue 119

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ISSUE 119 VOLUME 20

March 25, 2021

SERVING THE CARIBBEAN AND HISPANIC COMMUNITIES!

Will Regional Unity Be Forever Lost to the Caribbean?

Celebrating Women’s History Beyond March....24

BY SIR RONALD SANDERS

S

everal editorials in respected newspapers and blogs by influential persons in the region are, once again, expressing deep concern about CARICOM, particularly over its lack of unity in international affairs and the failure of its leaders to implement their own decisions regarding the single market. continued on page 6

Are We Looking at the Fourth COVID-19 Surge? .... 9

AG James Protects Your Stimulus Payments from Debt Collectors

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ew York: New York Attorney General Letitia James took action to protect millions of New Yorkers and block debt collectors from seizing billions of dollars in emergency stimulus payments authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Attorney General James issued official guidance to New York state banking institutions, AG James

continued on page 7

Immigration: One Year Later After COVID-19 ....16

Is Professor Beckles Being Pushed Out of UWI?....8

Knowledge is Power when you use it!

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Chancellor Ross Porter: Why I Dare to Dream Big ....10

Brian Figeroux, Esq., Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association

PM Mottley On Arrangements for Excess Vaccines ....2

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month ....22

Community Unites Against Anti-Asian Violence ....4

Break Up Recovery: Get Off the Emotional Roller Coaster ....23

Feeling Lonely and Isolated Affects Older Adults’ Health ....19

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CARIBBEAN ROUNDUP Caribbean Consulates Anguilla 845 Third Avenue New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-745-0200 Antigua & Barbuda 305 East 47th Street, Suite 6A New York, N.Y. 10020 Tel: 212-541-4117 The Bahamas 231 East 46th Street New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-421-6420 Barbados 820 Second Avenue, 5th Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-551-4325 Belize 675 Third Avenue, Suite 1911 New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-593-0999 Dominica 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400H New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-949-0853 Dominican Republic 1500 Broadway, Suite 410 New York, N.Y. 10036 Tel: 212-599-8478 Grenada 685 Third Avenue, Suite 1101 New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-599-0301 Guyana 308 West 38th Street New York, N.Y. 10018 Tel: 212-947-5119 Haiti 815 Second Avenue,6th Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-697-9767 Jamaica 767 Third Avenue, 2nd Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-935-9000 Martinique 444 Madison Avenue, 16th Floor New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-838-6887 Montserrat 845 Third Avenue New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-745-0200 Panama 1212 Avenue of the Americas, 20th Floor New York, N.Y. 10036 Tel: 212-840-2450 St. Kitts & Nevis 414 East 75th Street, 5th Floor New York, N.Y. 10021 Tel: 212-535-5521 St. Lucia 800 Second Avenue, 9th Floor New York, N.Y. 10007 Tel: 212-697-9360 St. Maarten 675 Third Avenue, Suite 1807 New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 800-786-2278 St. Vincent & The Grenadines 801 Second Avenue, 21st Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-687-4981 Trinidad & Tobago 125 Maiden Lane, 4th Floor New York, N.Y. 10038 Tel: 212-682-7272 For more Consulate information go to www.cawnyc.com/directory

2

Clearing Arrangements for Excess Vaccines an Option

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RIDGETOWN, Barbados: Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has highlighted reaching a clearing arrangement for excess orders of COVID-19 vaccines as one of the steps that can be taken to ensure developing countries receive their share of the vaccines.

While delivering the keynote address online, at the opening of the 53rd Session of the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in Addis Ababa, Ms. Mottley said the vaccine arrangement was needed as countries battled to obtain vaccines for their citizens.

“Some long-term solutions have been suggested that are worth serious consideration. One step we can also take is to reach a clearing arrangement for excess orders of vaccines. We should require written “clearing” agreements from those who have ordered more than they need.

“Once those vaccinated exceed the herd immunity threshold, they would agree to retain some more modest surplus and ask the producers to produce and deliver the excess at a cost to developing countries.

And even then, we are at the back end of the queue. Those excess vaccines should

PM Mottley

be over and above the amounts agreed to under COVAX, which only deals with 20 per cent of our populations. There must be early intervention,” she insisted.

The Prime Minister said vaccinating only a part of the world’s population would not work, as it would provide fertile ground for vaccine-resistant variances.

“In times of war,” she told her audience, “vital markets subject to speculation, hoarding, and price gouging are rationed and not left to market forces.

Market power is at play here, and I tell you because we are in the middle of it.

“Some large countries have purchased five times or more vaccines than they need using complex, opaque option arrangements that make it hard for vaccine producers to plan and to sell further production. So much for debt transparency. Small buyers do not even get a lookin.”

Ms. Mottley reiterated that vaccinating the world could not be left to unchecked market forces. She stressed that what was needed was a global approach and global leadership to vaccination, rooted in strategic, moral imperatives.l —wiredja.com

Guyana Becoming a 'Creeping Dictatorship' Says Trevor Benn

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EORGETOWN, Guyana: Former Lands and Survey Commissioner Trevor Benn on Wednesday emerged from a questionand-answer session with the Guyana Police Force's Criminal Investigations Department (CID), saying that the Irfaan Ali administration was becoming a "creeping dictatorship."

He was reacting following his interrogation by the Police in relation to what the Irfaan Ali regime has alleged as illegal land transactions amounting to more than GYD$100 million while he was the Commissioner of Lands. This is in addition to a previous charge proferred against him by the government for misconduct in public office relating to the sale of Government land at Ogle to an investor.

In maintaining his innocence, Benn declared that "This is total harassment. I have done nothing wrong. I want to maintain that." he said.

Mr. Benn said this time, the Police questioned him about the lease of a plot of land on Mandela Avenue and the sale of land on Aubrey Barker Street because he had no power to do.

The following day, the Chief Executive of CEVON's Waste Management, Morse Archer, was called in for questioning by the Criminal Investigations Department concerning a plot of land he acquired

Former Commissioner Benn. Photo wireja.com

from the Lands and Surveys Mandela Avenue.

Archer's attorney Neil Boston said it appeared as though the Police were trying to use this client's statements as evidence to take criminal action against Benn and advised his client about providing statements. However, they claimed that the businessman was not a suspect.

The Attorney said the investigators wanted a statement detailing how the land along Mandela Avenue was acquired from the Lands and Surveys Commission.

A few weeks ago, Archer was threatened with legal action by the Attorney General if he did not give up the land within weeks. But the Attorney General eventually backed down, claiming that a

resolution was being examined.

The CEVON's owner has made it clear that he followed all legal requirements for acquiring the land and paid $100 Million to the Lands and Surveys Commission, which was more than the land was valued.

The former Lands Commissioner who was once a former official of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) exclaimed that “Anybody who knows me know that you cannot corrupt me. I’m incorruptible and every cent during my stay at Lands and Surveys that was for the Lands and Surveys was received by the Lands and Surveys.” said Benn. l —wiredja.com

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3

THOUGHTS

The New Politics of Immigration on Display: Democrats Stand United with the American Public to Deliver Solutions

BY AMERICA’S VOICE

Democrats’ evolution into a confident, pro-immigrant party •How it started: In 2007 Rahm Emanuel called immigration a “third rail” issue, meaning that Democratic candidates in tough races would get scorched for touching it. That same year, one-third of Senate Democrats voted against a rightwing version of immigration reform, mostly because it contained a so-called “amnesty” component.

•How it’s going: Yesterday’s near Democratic unanimity reflects the fact that Democrats are now confidently proimmigrant and willing to lean into the issue even as Republicans attack them.

Nativism as a wedge issue seems to be losing its edge •It’s not like Republicans have not made immigration an electoral issue. The GOP

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. —Hosea 4:6 Publisher I.Q. INC. Managing Editor & Editor-in-Chief

Pearl Phillip Legal Advisor Brian Figeroux, Esq. Assistant Editor Marilyn Silverman

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s the chattering classes debate the prospects for immigration bills that legalize millions, we want to point out some underappreciated dynamics: Democrats are united in favor of immigrants; the American people favor pro-immigrant policies; and the movement led by immigrants continues to get stronger.

The House of Representatives approved the Dream and Promise Act and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. All Democrats except one voted for both.

This from a party that is regularly attacked during campaigns by Republicans who decry “amnesty.” This on behalf of an overwhelming majority of Americans. This on behalf of an immigrant-led movement that is becoming undeniable.

These dynamics point to the fact that the country is ready for a breakthrough and Democrats are intent on using their majority to deliver, with or without Republicans.

TEAM

Graphic & Website Designers Praim Samsoondar Anvaar Sabirov

ran on nativism in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. They lost each time: •Ed Gillespie lost to Ralph Northam in the Virginia gubernatorial race in 2017.

•After Trump nationalized the 2018 midterms with his caravans hysteria, Republicans got their clock cleaned.

•In 2019, the GOP was so desperate that, in the closing weeks, they launched antiimmigrant attacks on Democratic gubernatorial candidates John Bel Edwards in Louisiana and Andy Beshear in Kentucky, and lost both.

•In 2020, Trump attacked Biden on “amnesty” in paid advertising and speeches, and lost.

•In 2020, the GOP targeted Pennsylvania House Democratic incumbents Conor Lamb and Matt Cartwright for supporting “amnesty” (the Dream and Promise Act they just voted for again), and lost.

Democratic support for immigrants reflect public support and movement strength •Trump forced Americans in the middle to choose a side on immigrants, and they have. As Pew captures in this longitudinal study, following a massive 14% shift in opinion, they are now in the pro-immigrant camp: •For the multiracial majority that elected Joe Biden and Democrats in both chambers, a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and the positive role immigrants play in American society are settled questions.

•The immigrant justice movement is led by directly-impacted immigrants, is becoming stronger, deeper and broader,

and is the engine driving the shift in public attitudes and political behavior. The public has been moved by the powerful voices and fierce advocacy of the individuals and families whose lives and futures would be transformed by breakthroughs in legislation that legalize millions.

According to Frank Sharry, Executive Director of America’s Voice: Over the past fifteen years, the politics of immigration have shifted rather dramatically. The movement is stronger than ever, the public is more supportive than ever, and the Democrats in Congress are more confidently pro-immigrant than ever.

The Republican Party has actually helped to fuel this shift in underlying dynamics. The racism and xenophobia of Trump mobilized progressives and backfired with swing voters. Trump’s cruelty – from ripping kids from the arms of parents to relentlessly trying to put Dreamers on a path to deportation to dismantling the refugee and asylum systems – may have turned on white grievance voters but turned off everyone else.

Today, and in contrast to just a few years ago, the Democrats support pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. Today, and in contrast to just a few years ago, Democrats are skeptical about the prospects of bipartisan support on immigration reform. Today, and in contrast to just a few years ago, Democrats lean in on, rather than run from, immigration in election contests.

The road ahead? We understand, respect

Contributors Jennine Estes Erin Telesford Janet Howard Mary Campbell Tarsha Gibbons Travis Morales Email info@myiqinc.com Telephone 718-771-0988 Website www.cawnyc.com and support those Senate Democrats that are reaching out to Republicans in a sincere attempt to build bipartisan support.

We know that 60 votes are needed if we are to legalize millions through ‘regular order.’

But for those of us who have strived for bipartisanship on immigration reform for decades, you can list us as highly doubtful. We’ve seen too many times how Republicans use the border as an excuse to oppose legalization. We’ve seen too many times how Republicans demand too much on enforcement tradeoffs and deliver too few votes for final passage.

We’ve seen too many times how Republicans pretend to be for reform while scheming to undermine reform.

So, yeah. We’re just not going to chase false promises of bipartisanship. We want Democrats to use every ounce of power to do big things that change lives. You know the options. Get ready to use them.l

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CIVIL RIGHTS

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Unity Against Anti-Asian Violence

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lushing, NY: Local residents, faith leaders and civic activists representing the diversity of the World’s Borough gathered on the steps of the Queens Public Library in downtown Flushing, Queens, to stand in unity against anti-Asian violence and hate.

Today’s vigil was an opportunity for our community to mourn the lives lost in the recent mass shooting in Georgia, condemn the white supremacy and racism dividing our country, and stand in solidarity across race, religion, and gender lines in mutual support and protection against future acts of violence.

"We came together today to stand united against hate," stated John Choe, executive director of the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce, who organized today's vigil against anti-Asian violence.

"We must come together as a community to build solidarity and mutual support.

The police are crime fighters; they cannot solve the racism and sexism that are at the root of these attacks. Only we can protect us."

On March 16, a white man gunned down nine people. At 5pm on Tuesday, the suspect opened fire at Young's Asian Massage in Acworth, killing four people and injuring a fifth, before driving 30 miles into Atlanta and killing four more people at two businesses, Gold Spa and Aromatherapy Spa. Six of those killed were Asian American women: Soon

Photo: Suechin Chang

Chung Park (74); Hyun Jung Grant (51); Suncha Kim (69); Yong Ae Yue (63); Delaina Ashley Yaun (33); Paul Andre Michels (54); Xiaojie Tan (49); Daoyou Feng (44).

“Today we grieve for the eight lives lost,” stated Julie Ae Kim, Co-founder of the Asian American Feminist Collective.

“Then we imagine and build a future where this can’t happen again. We hold our elected officials, advocates, and community accountable for stigmatizing and perpetuating harm to massage parlor workers, migrant workers, sex workers and we use this moment to call for justice. We know that the only way through this is together.”

The vigil began with an opening prayer

by Rev. Dr. Richard McEachern, Pastor

of Macedonia AME Church, and a song

by Soh Young Lee-Segredo, educator, community activist, Charter Member of the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce, Vice President of the Korean American Association of Queens (KAAQ) and founding member of the Multicultural Council of New York.

“As members of the faith community, our prayers go out to the families victimized by these violent attacks,” stated Rev. Dr. Richard McEachern, Pastor of Macedonia AME Church. “We are outraged by these biased and senseless attacks on Asian Americans, and we will not remain silent. We must speak out against bigotry, racism, and discrimination wherever and whenever we see it.

We want our Asian American neighbors,

friends, and co-workers to know we are standing with you during this difficult time.”

“The experience of being treated like a stranger in our own country is part of the Jewish story and the story of the AAPI community. As Jews, we stand with our AAPI family, community members and neighbors in love and solidarity,” stated Rabbi Rachel Goldenberg, Founder of the Malkhut Jewish spiritual community of Queens. “The scapegoating by public officials, associating COVID with the Asian American community, is dangerous and irresponsible and it must stop. In particular I also want to shine a light on the intersection between misogyny and racism in the recent horrific shootings in Atlanta. Racism and sexism were operating hand in hand in this incident, and we must call it out for what it is.”

Flushing is the point of origin for many workers in massage parlors across the US. Immigrant massage workers and their supporters in Red Canary Song have called for decriminalization of sex work and justice for Yang Song, who was killed during a police raid in November 2017 on 49th Road in downtown Flushing after making a complaint of sexual assault and rape by undercover law enforcement officers.

The vigil was also joined by Evergreen Chou of SEIU 1199 Healthcare Workers, other religious leaders and activists.l

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IN THE NEWS

New York Sees First Case of Brazil COVID-19 Variant

BY CAROLYN CRIST WebMD HEALTH NEWS BRIEF

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ew York state confirmed its first case of the P.1 coronavirus variant, which was first identified in Brazil and is now the dominant variant there, according to The New York Times.

Public health officials have been concerned about the highly contagious nature of the variant, particularly because it has reinfected some people who have already recovered from COVID-19.

“The detection of the Brazilian variant here in New York further underscores the importance of taking all the appropriate steps to continue to protect your health,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement on Saturday.

“While it’s normal for a virus to mutate, the best way to protect yourself is to continue to wear a well-fitted mask, avoid large crowds, social distance, wash your hands, and get vaccinated when it’s your turn,” he said.

The first P.1 case in New York was identified at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. The patient is a 90-yearold Brooklyn resident with no travel history.

The U.S. has reported 54 cases of the P.1 variant across 18 states, according to the latest CDC tally updated on Sunday.

Florida has reported the most of any state, with 21 cases. P.1 has also been found in at least 25 other countries, TheTimes reported.

The P.1 variant shares similar muta-

tions with the B.1.351 variant that was first identified in South Africa and is now dominant in that country. The U.S. has reported 194 cases of B.1.351 across 27 states.

In addition, the U.S. has identified 6,390 cases of the B.1.1.7 variant that was first identified in the U.K., which

could become the dominant form in the U.S. this spring.

Health officials are trying to ramp up vaccinations as coronavirus variants spread. The vaccines made by PfizerBioNTech and Moderna protect against the B.1.351 variant, the newspaper reported, but are slightly less effective.

They are expected to have similar results against the P.1 variant.

The U.S. has shipped 156 million doses of COVID-19 vaccinees, and 81.4 million people have received at least one dose, according to the latest CDC update on Sunday. More than 44 million people — or 13% of the population — have received both doses. In New York, at least 25% of the population has received at least one dose.

“This is a race between the vaccine and the variants, and we continue to make tremendous progress of getting shots in the arms of eligible New Yorkers,” Howard Zucker, MD, the New York state health commissioner, said in the statement.

“In the meantime, we remind New Yorkers to do everything they can to protect themselves and their neighbors as we continue to manage this pandemic,” he said.l

Eligible for the COVID-19 Vaccine?

If you’re 60 or older, a TLC licensed driver, a home health care aide, a restaurant or delivery worker, a grocery store or bodega worker, you are eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccines are available to eligible New Yorkers at no cost, regardless of insurance or immigration status.

Look for an appointment today!

Visit nyc.gov/vaccinefinder or call 877-VAX-4NYC to make an appointment at a City-run vaccination site.

Bill de Blasio Mayor Dave A. Chokshi, MD, MSc Commissioner

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6

CARIBBEAN SPECIAL REPORT Caribbean Unity/ continued from page 1

This has led a minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines government to reproduce his blog a strong view that “CARICOM is dead,” depicted by a headstone in a burial ground. (See: Every island for itself… | iWitness News (iwnsvg.com) Against the background of these recent pronouncements, my commentary this week draws on an article I wrote in 2013.

Ian McDonald’s “A Cloud of Witnesses,” published by The Caribbean Press, is a collection of thoughtful reflections on the Caribbean condition; visionary and inspirational addresses to diplomats and graduating University students; and moving accounts of experiences that are shaping the Caribbean in which we live.

The topics in the book are varied reflecting a long life in the Caribbean; the interests of a man who is poet and writer; lover of cricket; executive in the sugar industry and a consummate West Indian – born in Trinidad of Antigua and St Kitts ancestry, grew up in Trinidad and Antigua, earned a degree from Cambridge University, Captained the West Indies Davis Cup tennis team, and worked most of his adult life in Guyana.

He is also among a rare breed – a white and proud West Indian as comfortable in the company of other West Indians of all races as he is content in his own skin.

After he retired as an executive of the Sugar Industry in Guyana, and by then an accomplished and well-recognised writer and Poet, McDonald worked with the West Indian Commission – that body of distinguished West Indian men and women who produced in 1992 the seminal study, Time for Action, that laid out a blueprint for the Caribbean’s future.

McDonald recalls the testimony of “experts” who pointed to the models that were being developed elsewhere – the Asian Tigers, the Singapore model, the new Europe. He also remembers with satisfaction that the Commission felt that, while these models were useful reference points, the West Indian model had its intrinsic value. “West Indians”, the report said, “offer a rare creation – a people of many nationalities, many races, many faiths, and different cultural heritages” who have stayed together in a single community.

McDonald asserts his own belief in the value of the West Indian model.

Nonetheless, he is practical enough to “pray because I think we will need some heavenly blessing in a hard task … but in the end I profoundly believe because I

Ignore Bogus COVID Vaccine Survey

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think we already hold enough in common to secure an undivided future together”.

His profound belief does not prevent him from being “disillusioned with the pettifogging gradualism that the word CARICOM is rapidly coming to stand for.” “All of our small countries”, he says, “simply have to make ourselves bigger very soon – enlarge our domestic market, broaden our technological base, combine our financial resources, increase the scale of opportunity for our ambitious young people, bring together behind one frontier the marvelous common cultural strains that exist in the West Indies side by side but apart – apart and therefore more vulnerable to outside cultural impact.”

As for the grand communiques, speeches, and often touted plans of CARICOM meetings, he despairs – “every country in the region is littered with the burnt-out corpses of plans not implemented and reports unread”. Of the high-sounding declarations, he laments that they are “Declarations of futility.”

The book conjoins cricket with poetry not only in capturing the superlative stroke play of Rohan Kanhai and Vivian Richards; the genius of Frank Worrell; and the artistry of Garfield Sobers and Brian Lara, but the essence of what cricket means to every West Indian – “truly cricket is supremely an imaginative possession which binds our Caribbean Community together… If it is no longer to be so we have lost something of infinite value”.

McDonald’s book celebrates the nobility and importance of West Indian-ness and the necessity to consolidate its value.

However, it does not ignore the warts so obvious on our Caribbean face, nor does

it avoid confronting our obsession with our sovereignty that is constantly invoked to pursue narrow political interests. Clinging to sovereignty, which in any event we only exercise against ourselves is an obstacle to the unity we all need to survive in a world that cares little about small states. As the rest of the world sees the English-Speaking Caribbean, our entire populations are collectively no more than a small city in the US, Europe, or Asia. What is more, many of our countries frequently yield their sovereignty to larger countries when they are either lured or pressured to do so – even at the expense of the CARICOM Treaty obligations.

In truth, as was evidenced in their testimony to the 1992 West Indian Commission, Caribbean people would prefer the Caribbean with one currency, one passport, free to travel between them, to invest in them, to benefit from its abundant collective wealth, to hail their joint heroes in sport, in literature and other areas of achievement. And, more than anything else, to command respect in the world.

McDonald’s book describes the things that give pleasure and cause the soul to soar and want to accomplish what looks impossible like “painting the wind” or creating a West Indian nation – the former only God can accomplish; the latter is within the capacity of Caribbean people inspired by their leaders, when we all get to it. l Sir Ronald Sanders is currently Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States and the Organisation of American States.

P

eople across the country are reporting getting emails and texts out of the blue, asking them to complete a limited-time survey about the Pfizer, Moderna, or AstraZeneca vaccine.

(And no doubt, there may be one for Johnson & Johnson, too.) In exchange, people are offered a free reward, but asked to pay shipping fees.

No legitimate surveys ask for your credit card or bank account number to pay for a “free” reward. If you get an email or text you’re not sure about: •Don’t click on any links or open attachments. Doing so could install harmful malware that steals your personal information without you realizing it.

•Don’t call or use the number in the email or text. If you want to call the company that supposedly sent the message, look up its phone number online.

Remember: •Don’t give your bank account, credit card, or personal information to someone who contacts you out of the blue.

•You can filter unwanted text messages on your phone, through your wireless provider, or with a call-blocking app.

•If you get an email or text that asks for your personal information and you think it could be a scam, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

To learn more about COVID-related frauds and scams, visit ftc.gov/coronavirus/scams.l

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7

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS Protecting Your Stimulus Payments/continued from page 1 creditors, and debt collectors, making clear that financial relief provided through stimulus payments are exempt from garnishment under New York law.

The American Rescue Plan Act authorized the U.S. Department of Treasury to send billions of dollars to Americans struggling as a result of the economic fallout of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health crisis, but these emergency stimulus payments were not designated as exempt from garnishment, allowing debt collectors to potentially benefit before consumers.

“As New Yorkers continue to face economic instability spurred by the pandemic, it is imperative that we continue to protect their wallets from unscrupulous actors,” said Attorney General James.

“This official guidance makes clear that banks and debt collectors cannot freeze or seize stimulus funds that are intended for New Yorkers, especially those most in need during this time. My office remains committed to protecting New Yorkers’ rights, and ensuring that any institution that violates this guidance will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

Attorney General James’ guidance is based on multiple state and federal consumer protection laws and clarifies that any attempt to garnish stimulus funds from New Yorkers will be treated as a violation of these laws.

Under New York law, certain types of property — including public benefits, like public assistance, social security, and veterans’ and retirement benefits — are exempt from execution, levy, attachment, garnishment, or other legal process by a judgment creditor seeking to satisfy a monetary judgment. The New York State Court of Appeals has held that exemption statutes “are to be construed liberally in favor of debtors” because exemptions “serve the important purpose of protect[ing] the debtor’s essential needs.”

American Rescue Plan Act stimulus payments are similarly aimed at debtors’ or borrowers’ essential needs and — under Attorney General James’ guidance — will therefore be treated and are subject to the same protections as statutorily exempt payments, and will not be subject to garnishment — a legal mechanism

that typically involves the “freezing” of funds in a bank account by creditors or debt collectors. Attorney General James’ guidance advises banking institutions that American Rescue Plan Act stimulus payments will follow similar legal processes as other public benefits, and any person or entity that garnishes or attempts to garnish these payments will have violated multiple state and federal consumer protection laws.

This guidance also addresses what are known as “setoffs” — where a financial institution seizes funds in a consumer’s account to pay a debt owed to the bank.

American Rescue Plan Act stimulus payments are now exempt from this abusive and unfair practice, and Attorney General James is urging all financial institutions to follow the lead of the nation’s largest banks, which have committed to ensuring that consumers are able to access the

full value of their stimulus payments.

This guidance does not apply to any actions taken by the state of New York, including, but not limited to, any actions to collect past due child support.

The American Rescue Plan Act authorized the Treasury Department to issue emergency stimulus payments of up to $1,400 for eligible adults and up to $1,400 for eligible children to help offset the costs of essentials, like housing, groceries, car payments, and other necessary expenses. According to the Treasury Department, as of last week, approximately 90 million Economic Impact Payments from the American Rescue Plan Act had already been distributed to individuals throughout the nation, with more expected in the coming weeks.

This guidance follows similar guidance issued by Attorney General James, in April 2020, that protected New Yorkers’ Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) stimulus payments from garnishment.

This matter was handled by Assistant Attorney General Christopher L. McCall, Deputy Bureau Chief Laura J. Levine, and Bureau Chief Jane M. Azia — all of the Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau. The Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau is a part of the Division for Economic Justice, which is overseen by Chief Deputy Attorney General Chris D’Angelo and First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.l

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continued on page 11 The Law Offices of Figeroux & Associates, 26 Court Street, Suite 701, Brooklyn, NY. Visit www.311bankruptcy.com VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE!LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!

FOCUS: JAMAICA/UWI

8

Is Professor Beckles being 'Pushed Out' of UWI Due to Stance on Reparations?

BY WIREDJA.COM NEWS STAFF

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INGSTON, Jamaica: The CoChairman of the Global African Congress (GAC) Cikiah Thomas, has written to the Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI), businessman Robert Bermudez, expressing concern over plans to cut short the tenure of Vice-Chancellor of the UWI, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, and to support his chairmanship of the CARICOM Reparations Commission.

The letter, dated March 8, observed that “the UWI’s leadership has expressed serious concerns about the Vice Chancellor’s principled, consistent scholarly, tireless and brilliant international leadership, to get the former European colonial powers and enslavers, to fully pay for their criminal accumulation of wealth from the most horrific and criminal institutions of chattel slavery in human history.”

The GAC Co-Chair wants to know “what exactly are the concerns regarding the Vice Chancellor’s leadership role in the just struggle for reparatory justice,” pointing out that, “Sir Hilary’s staunch and consistent advocacy, has resulted in the historic agreement between UWI and the University of Glasgow to the funding of development programs of our regional institution to the tune of £20million, over a 20-year period.”

Below is an excerpt of GAC’s letter to Robert Bermudez, Chancellor, UWI from GAC Chairman, Cikiah Thomas. The full text is available at www.cawnyc.com The Global African Congress (GAC) forthrightly express its concerns about some unsettling developments that have been brought to my attention with regards to the fate of the Vice-Chancellor of the UWI, Professor Hillary Beckles.

I am writing to you at this point to share with you concerns that have been shared with me, which can be found in the public domain via the Trinidadian Express in an article by Selwyn Cudoe, titled ‘Black and Brown People Beware’.

First, my organization and I have been

Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Beckles.

Photo: uwi-edu

informed, that the UWI’s leadership has expressed serious concerns about the Vice-Chancellor’s (VC) principled, consistent scholarly, tireless, and brilliant international leadership, to get the former European colonial powers and enslavers, to fully pay for their criminal accumulation of wealth from the most horrific and criminal institutions of chattel slavery in human history.

Furthermore, we in the GAC would like to know what exactly are the concerns regarding the VC’s leadership role in the just struggle for reparatory justice?.

Shouldn’t the UWI be proud of the VC’s leadership to have the former European colonial enslavers pay CARICOM nations for their crimes against our African ancestors?

Secondly, the GAC and I were also informed that the UWI’s leadership correctly raised deep concerns related to the current financial status of our premier regional institution. However, as we understand it, there was an attempt at conflating the VC’s advocacy for repara-

tory justice as an unfavorable interference with his ability to mobilize funding for the University.

If this is indeed a concern, it flies in the face of a reality where it’s precisely Sir Hilary’s staunch and consistent advocacy that has resulted in the historic agreement between UWI and the University of Glasgow to the funding of development programs of our regional institution to the tune of £20 million, over a 20-year period. This represents not only the largest funding that UWI has received in its entire history, but more importantly, marks the first-ever agreement for reparations from slavery since our emancipation from the British enslavers in 1938.

Further, I would like to know whether the correlation between the disparate financial challenges of the UWI doesn’t reside more with the equally disparate economic woes of CARICOM economies due in large part to the COVID19 pandemic and less with Dr. Beckles’ international leadership for Reparatory Justice for CARICOM economies.

Keeping with the precarious financial situation of the UWI, it is also my understanding and that of the GAC that there is a push on the part of some elements of the leadership of the UWI, to increase the role of the business sector within the leadership of the UWI arguably to secure funding of the multiple areas of the University’s operations.

Respectfully, could I ask you whether those in the University’s leadership who see a conflict between the VC’s advocacy for Reparatory Justice for CARICOM countries and the state of the University’s finances are potentially also concerned about the VC’s ability to attract and advance the role of the business community to play a dominant role in the life of the University?

In closing, I would be remiss if I didn’t once again salute VC Beckles for his exemplary leadership in the international movement for Reparatory Justice against the former European colonial enslavers of the African ancestors of the descendants of the majority of the Caribbean

populace.

I also believe that the exceptional leadership role of Professor Beckles as a scholar and academic in the Reparatory Movement is of salutary value to the UWI for two critical reasons. First, I believe that the VC’s leadership helps to elevate not only the academic and scholarly profile of the UWI internationally but it equally elevates the role of the University in arguably the most epic moral and political battle against the most horrific crime committed by man against man.

Why would the University not embrace and support the scholarship and advocacy of VC Beckles and the Center for Research on Reparations at the UWI to correct an age-old wrong for our embattled CARICOM nations? Why would VC Beckles be vilified as opposed to being celebrated for his scholarship and advocacy for Reparations?

Further, my organization and I also believe that VC Beckles as a regional and global academic and scholar is the right person to lead the University going forward for two main reasons. First, the VC has given the UWI 40 years of sterling service in the capacities as a lecturer, as a principal, as a professor and now as VC. He, therefore, has a thorough knowledge of the challenges, needs and vulnerabilities of the institution and is no doubt well-positioned to build the institution to meet those challenges and needs and to mobilize its faculty and staff to overcome its vulnerabilities.

Our public needs to be reminded, that it’s under VC Beckles leadership, that UWI achieved the status of being among the 600 leading universities in the world for the year 2019-2020 a first for our regional university and also registering number 40 within the Caribbean and Latin American region.

VC Beckles is intent on making the UWI less elitist and more a vehicle of education for the children of the working and poor people in our region. How could this vision of University education

by VC Beckles possibly be seen as going in the “wrong direction?”l

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9

DIASPORA CONCERNS

Are We Looking at the Fourth Covid-19 Surge, Already?

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he US is at a pivotal juncture in its fight against Covid-19. Though nearly 2.5 million Americans are being vaccinated every day, infection levels have now come to a plateau across the nation. And while some states have simply been unable to reduce the infection numbers, 21 states have once again begun reporting a rise in daily cases.

These recent trends in Covid numbers — the plateauing, the increase, and the simple failure to bring down cases — despite accelerating vaccinations, are a cause of concern for public health officials.

Now add to that mix, other progressthwarting variables such as vaccine hesitancy, leniency in restrictions, and removal of mask mandates, and we are all facing a very real threat. Not to mention, all of this is happening in the presence of the quick-spreading, more contagious, and potentially dangerous new variants.

Anything can happen. Our nation’s progress — that still has a long way to go — can be reversed anytime.

This defining moment in the pandemic’s history is now coinciding with the super-spreader event of spring break.

CDC Director Walensky.

Photo:CDC.gov

Leading Infectious-disease Expert, Dr Fauci Photo: White House/Tia Dufour

Florida’s bars and beaches are packed with college students partying away and that too without masks.

Crowded beaches, booked theme parks, and worse of all, abandonment of masks, is the current norm among Florida spring breakers. The state’s residents are sitting tight, fearing another surge while health authorities stand alert.

On top of all this, only last week, air travel in the US recorded the highest numbers since the start of the pandemic.

More than 1.4 million passengers were screened at TSA security checkpoints on Thursday and Friday alone last week.

Last week’s average of daily new cases plateaued at 54,666, after declining for several weeks. Health experts including CDC Director, Rochelle Walensky are now “pleading for the sake of the nation's health". She said, “These should be warning signs for all of us. Cases climbed last spring. They climbed again in the summer. They will climb now if we stop taking precautions."

As per data collected by Johns Hopkins, the US has recorded over 535,000 Covid19 deaths and over 29 million cases.

The nation’s leading infectious-disease

expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, expressed much concern about the current situation in the following words.

“It’s really quite risky to declare victory before you have the level of infection in the community to a much, much lower level than 53,000 cases per day.

So it is unfortunate, but not surprising, to me that you are seeing increases in the number of cases per day in areas — cities, states, or regions — even though vaccines are being distributed at a pretty good clip of 2 to 3 million per day.”l —SpaceMask.com

Celebrate Easter at Home to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 • Keep your gathering small and celebrate with household members only.

• If you choose to celebrate in person, wear a snug fitting face covering to protect the elderly and vulnerable.

• Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines, including which groups are currently eligible to receive one.

For more information, visit nyc.gov/health/coronavirus.

If you are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, book your appointment by calling 877-829-4692 (877-VAX-4NYC) or visiting nyc.gov/vaccinefinder.

Bill de Blasio Mayor Dave A. Chokshi, MD, MSc Commissioner

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EDUCATION

10

Chancellor: Why I Dare to Dream Big

BY MEISHA ROSS PORTER NYC SCHOOLS CHANCELLOR

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his week, I began leading the nation’s largest public school system. A school system that serves more than 1 million students—including, many years ago, me!

I am both excited and honored to take on this role. Not only because I am a New Yorker born and bred, but because education is in my blood. Both my mom and auntie were teachers and between them have 40 years of changing young people’s lives. I became a New York City public school educator because of them, and the amazing teachers I had as a student myself—like Ms. Pearlman, my first grade teacher at P.S. 215, and Mrs. Hulak, Mr. Garrison, and Mr. McCarthy, and my great instructors at Queens Vocational and Technical High School where I studied plumbing.

Over the course of 20 incredible years, I worked as an English teacher, an assistant principal, and then principal. More recently, I served our school communities as a superintendent and Bronx executive superintendent.

But I have to admit, never did I imagine that a youth activist from the Highbridge section of the Bronx would rise to become the first Black woman to serve as Schools Chancellor. This is a

Chancellor Ross Porter Photo: NYC Dept of Ed

milestone, not just for me, but for every child who feels “different” but dares to dream big.

I don’t come into this role wearing rosecolored glasses. I know how challenging the last year has been for all of us. I know just how much our students, families, teachers, school staff, and principals, have sacrificed and suffered. But I also see signs of renewal as more vaccines become available and more sectors of our great city reopen.

I have that same sense of optimism about our schools. As I prepare to welcome our high school students back next week, I want to share my top three priorities for this school year and beyond:

First and foremost, I want to give every student the option to go back into school buildings five days a week starting this fall. I want New Yorkers to know that our buildings are safe and that our schools are ready.

We've put all the recommended safety and health measures in place, and our schools are one of the safest places in the city to be.

I hope to see everyone back full-time come September.

Second, I want to make sure that what we teach reflects students’ lived experiences, including any trauma related to this past year. We are coming back from the hardest year of our lives.

We want all our students to see themselves in their curriculum, their classrooms, and their schools. We will have social-emotional supports in place as well, not only for our students but also for our staff. We are aware that many people will be returning to schools where they've lost somebody. They may walk past an office that was once occupied by someone else. They may think about a paraprofessional who supported them or

a kitchen worker who gave them an extra lunch every day. So, we will have a dualpronged approach, addressing both academics and social-emotional learning.

Third, I want to take the lessons we learned during the pandemic into the next school year. As an example, the pandemic forced us to harness technology to create a 21st-century learning experience and we’ve delivered nearly half a million devices into students’ hands. At the same time, it showed us that human interaction is critical; nothing replaces the experience between a kid and a teacher in a classroom. So, I want to bring these two worlds together, using technology to address students’ individual needs—both for those learning full-time in classrooms and those who may wish to continue learning remotely.

To our families, I want to assure you that this will be a collaborative effort, with many opportunities for us to meet and talk. I promise to include your voices and expertise as we finish out this school year and plan for the next.

To our students, as your Chancellor I will continue to dream big on your behalf, and I invite you to dream and achieve alongside me. Lean into your education, dream beyond your wildest imagination—and know that there are no limits, only endless possibilities.l

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11

EDUCATION

FTC Sends Nearly $50 Million in Refunds to University of Phoenix Students

BY BRIDGET SMALL, DIVISION OF CONSUMER & BUSINESS EDUCATION

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he FTC is sending a total of almost $50 million to nearly 147,500 students of the University of Phoenix. The money comes from the University’s 2019 settlement with the FTC, when the FTC charged the school with using deceptive ads to attract students. According to the FTC, the ads gave the false impression that the University worked with companies like AT&T, Yahoo!, and Microsoft to create job opportunities for students and to shape its programs for the jobs. (Just to be clear: they didn’t.)

These payments are going to students who did not already get their debt cancelled by the University of Phoenix as part of the settlement. These students also meet these requirements: •They first enrolled in an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree program at the University of Phoenix between October 15, 2012 and December 31, 2016; •They paid more than $5,000 to the University (using cash, student loans, military benefits, or a combination); •They did not object when the University of Phoenix sent them a notice asking if it could give their information to the FTC. The average payment is $337. Most students will get a check in the mail. It’ll come from the FTC’s refund administrator, Rust Consulting. The checks will expire after 90 days, on June 22, 2021.

But about 700 students will get payment through PayPal. The FTC will send an email to people who will get PayPal payments before PayPal sends the payment.

Those payments will be available for 30 days, until April 22, 2021. Learn more about University of Phoenix payments and the FTC refund program.

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If you think you might be getting a payment, know this: the FTC will never ask you to pay or give sensitive information before it sends you a payment. Not your Social Security, bank account, or credit card number. If someone says they’re from the FTC, but they ask for money, that’s a scam. If you spot a scam, fraud or bad business practice, please tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. l

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HOME OWNERSHIP

12

Considering a Spring Home Sale?

Learn How to Appraise Your Selling Chances Like a Pro

BY CHRIS TOBIAS

T

he springtime is known to be one of the best times to put your home up for sale. However, if you're not necessarily planning on engaging a real estate agent, it's important to be prepared for all of the hard work involved in putting your home up for sale. Whether you're new to the market or you've never sold a home on your own before, here are some questions to ask yourself so you're prepared for selling in the coming season.

Do You Know the Market?

The neighborhood you live in and the buying market you're dealing with are important factors in how your home is going to sell, so you'll need to know a little about both when determining your ideal price. By looking through the listings in the area and seeing what homes like yours have sold for, you may be able to give yourself a range for the offers you can expect.

How Will You Sell It? One of the added benefits of social media is that you can use sites like Facebook and Twitter to announce your home sale and even highlight its best features.

While this may make selling seem much easier, you'll still need to make sure you have good photography that captures your home and a website where homebuyers can learn more details. Be aware that while these items may seem easy enough, it can take a lot of time to manage these details on your own.

Are You Prepared to Negotiate?

It's a good feeling to get an offer on your home, but in all likelihood, it will be less than what you're expecting, and this means engaging in the art of negotiation.

According to the National Association of Realtors, those who sell their home generally get 10-20% less than those who utilize an agent, so it's important to be comfortable negotiating before you dive in. If you're confident in your acumen, you may want to go it alone, but if you have doubts, it can be a better financial

decision to engage the help of an agent.

Before you decide to sell your home on your own, it's worth appraising your skills to determine if it will be worth the time and effort, you'll have to put in. If you've come to the conclusion that you'd like to utilize an agent after all, you may want to contact one of our real estate professionals for more information.

Schedule an appointment today. Call 888-670-6791.l

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FAMILY MATTERS

13

Dividing Your Assets During a Divorce: What Every Couple Needs to Know Stay Focused When you and your partner are ready to start separating your belongings, you may feel anxious, stressed, or upset. You may feel tempted to continue an argument or say something mean. Avoid this.

Try to stay focused on the job at hand, which is dividing your belongings. You don't need to talk about the separation or the divorce at all. Your only task is to separate your things. Staying focused will help you complete the process as quickly as possible.

BY JANET HOWARD, 311DIVORCE.COM

O

ne of the most challenging aspects of divorce is the division of assets. When you and your partner choose to separate, you'll need to physically divide the things you own. If you purchased a lot of items together, including things like furniture or vehicles, you may find that it's a bit time-consuming to separate your assets.

Unfortunately, this is something that needs to be done. Whether you were together for one year or several years, chances are you've accumulated some shared items that should be divided.

When you and your partner are ready to start the process of dividing your assets, there are a few things you should know.

Be Honest First off, make sure you're honest about marital assets. This means you can't try to hide or steal things from your shared marriage. If there are items you acquired together, you need to make sure you give your partner a fair shot at claiming the item as something they want. When you cannot agree on who gets a specific item, it will typically be sold and the

funds will be divided. While separating your belongings can be difficult, it's important to focus on dividing things as fairly and evenly as possible. If neither one of you wants a particular item, such as a dresser or a set of dishes, consider selling or donating the item.

Document Everything If your partner says you can have an item, make sure you document this. You should also be clear when a particular

item is something that only belongs to one of you. For example, if your husband inherited a piece of property from his grandmother, that would typically belong to him and not be considered marital property. Similarly, if you owned a business before you got married, this might not be considered marital property. Make sure you have documentation for items you do not plan to share and speak with your lawyer about the laws in your state regarding marital assets.

Getting Help No matter what your feelings surrounding the divorce are, you may find that hiring a mediation specialist is beneficial. In some cases, your attorney may act as a mediator who can help you and your partner divide your belongings in a way that is fair and agreeable. When you're ready to start the divorce process, reach out and schedule a consultation so you can get the assistance you need.

For a FREE case evaluation, call 855768-8845 or visit www.askthelawyer.us to schedule an appointment.l

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FAMILY MATTERS

14

Mental Disorders are Common for New Parents – You Don’t Have to Go Through It Alone

BY KARYN AYRE & ABIGAIL EASTER THE CONVERSATION

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ore than 2.7 million American children are growing up in grandfamilies — families in which grandparents, other adult family members, or close family friends are raising children. A new report highlights how the pandemic has amplified their unique challenges, and offers solutions to better serve them.

Having a baby is often a source of great happiness, but not always. Many new mothers experience mental disorders, and this can be an extremely distressing and stigmatising experience.

Sometimes when new mothers experience mental disorders, it leads to feelings of guilt about being “a failure” and the development of (usually unfounded) worries that it might lead to removal of the child. This may relate to the idealisation of motherhood in society; that there has arguably become an expectation that

women experience “uninterrupted joy and rewarding sacrifice”.

And while there is not yet enough research on the impact of COVID-19 on maternal mental health, many aspects of the pandemic – such as social isolation, reduced face-to-face healthcare, worry over infection – may have made the last year particularly hard for new mothers.

Perinatal depression Mental disorders during pregnancy or the year following childbirth – which together are known as “perinatal” mental disorders – affect around one in five women.

In fact, those mental disorders that don’t involve symptoms of psychosis are one of the most common of all possible complications of childbearing.

The most common mental disorder childbearing women experience is depression, often with anxiety. Despite the common societal notions about motherhood, the evidence suggests that childbearing is not protective against depres-

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ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

sion. At any point during pregnancy and the first three months after birth, around one in ten women will experience it.

Although the term “postnatal depression” has become increasingly familiar over recent years, around a third of cases start in pregnancy. Of women depressed in pregnancy, around a third will have been depressed before they got pregnant.

There is no single cause for perinatal depression. Many factors are thought to contribute but the pathways are not fully understood.

The major psychological contributor is a prior history of depression. The biggest social contributors are experiencing domestic violence, low socioeconomic status and major negative life events.

Biologically, women with genetic predisposition, chronic physical illness and more children appear to be at higher risk as well.

Aside from the distress of depression itself, untreated persistent depression can be associated with long-term implications for the physical, emotional and cognitive development of the child, although these effects are not inevitable.

Although rare, suicide among new mothers is a leading cause of death in the year following childbirth, particularly among women who are experiencing mental illness.

Despite this, it is important to note that most current evidence is based on data that wasn’t collected by following women and children longitudinally over time, so inferring cause and effect is difficult. The mechanisms of any link between perinatal depression and child development are poorly understood. The idea that a woman’s behaviour may negatively impact her child has been highlighted as a facet of “mother blaming culture” – the pathways involved are of course far more complex.

What can be done?

Depression is a treatable condition. The first step is recognising the problem. This can be hard, especially given the stigma still attached to pregnancy-related mental disorders. NHS England is currently rolling out £365 million of funding to expand perinatal mental health services

across the UK, which will help many more women access support.

Depending on the severity of the depression, the impact on the woman and her treatment preferences, there are a range of treatment options that can be tailored to suit each person. These include guided self-help resources and talking therapies.

Decisions around medication must be individualised and the risks and benefits carefully balanced. Care can be managed by a woman’s GP or, in more severe or complex cases, she can be referred to a specialist mental health service.

There is also increasing understanding of the role of partners in relation to maternal mental health and the mental health of partners themselves. The overall prevalence of depression in fathers is estimated to be around 8%-10%.

Despite this, fathers often experience stigma and lack of access to mental health support. Similar to depression among new mothers, research shows depression in the months following childbirth can also impact on fatherinfant interactions and child development.

Conversely, increased social support and paternal involvement has been associated with reduced maternal depression and a positive impact on child development. This points to an increasing understanding of the importance of a whole family approach to supporting those with perinatal mental disorders, as well improving support and interventions for partners experiencing depression related to childbirth. The needs of same-sex parents must also be recognised.

Depression around the time of childbirth can be a common experience for new mothers, and although often overlooked, partners can also experience depression during this time too.

Evidence-based treatments exist and improving early access to support for new families is paramount if the longerterm mental health and wellbeing of new parents and families is to improve.l Karyn Ayre is a NIHR Doctoral Research Fellow, King's College London. Abigail Easter is a Senior Research Fellow in Women's Mental Health, King's College London

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15

MONEY MATTERS

Highlights of the Third Round of Economic Impact Payments

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n general, most eligible people will get $1,400 for themselves (those filing joint returns will get $2,800) and $1,400 for each of their qualifying dependents claimed on their tax return.

Eligible families will get a payment based on all of their qualifying dependents claimed on their return, including older relatives like college students, adults with disabilities, parents, and grandparents. Unlike the first two payments, the third stimulus payment is not restricted to children under 17.

Because these payments are automatic for most eligible people, contacting either financial institutions or the IRS on payment timing will not speed up their arrival.

The amount of an eligible individual's EIP3 will be based on the taxpayer's latest processed tax return from either 2020 or 2019. This includes anyone who registered online at IRS.gov using the agency's Non-Filers tool last year or submitted a special simplified tax return to the IRS. If the IRS has received and processed a taxpayer's 2020 return, the agency will instead calculate the amount of the individual's EIP3 based on that return.

information about when these payments will be made will be provided on IRS.gov as soon as it becomes available.

While payments will be automatic for many people based on their federal benefits information, some may need to file a 2020 tax return, even if they don't usually file, to provide information the IRS needs to send payments for any qualified dependent. People in this group should file a 2020 tax return to be considered for an additional payment for their dependent as quickly as possible.

If a taxpayer's payment is less than the full amount and is based on their 2019 return, they may qualify for a supplemental payment after they file their 2020 return. The IRS will automatically reevaluate their eligibility. If the agency determines that they are entitled to a larger payment or the full payment, it will send them a supplemental payment covering the difference between what they originally received and the larger amount. If the re-evaluated amount is smaller, they won't need to pay back the difference. Aside from filing a 2020 tax return, no action is needed on their part.

In addition, the IRS will automatically send EIP3 to people who didn't file a

return but receive Social Security retirement, survivor or disability benefits (SSDI), Railroad Retirement benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Veterans Affairs benefits. This is similar to the first and second rounds of Economic Impact Payments. Social Security and other federal beneficiaries will generally receive this third payment the same way as their regular benefits.

The IRS is working directly with the Social Security Administration, the Railroad Retirement Board, and the Veterans Administration to obtain updated 2021 information for recipients to ensure it is sending automatic payments to as many people as possible. More

Special reminder for those who don't normally file a tax return People who don't normally file a tax return and don't receive federal benefits may qualify for these stimulus payments.

This includes those experiencing homelessness and others. If you're eligible and didn't get a first or second Economic Impact Payment (that is, an EIP1 or EIP2) or got less than the full amounts, you may be eligible for the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit, but you'll need to file a 2020 tax return.l

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—IRS.gov

IMMIGRATION

16

How the COVID-19 Pandemic Has Affected Immigration: One Year Later and foreign offices. The Department of State had already closed all of USCIS’ visa processing services at embassies and consulates worldwide on March 20.

Limited services—such as socially-distanced naturalization ceremonies— resumed on June 4.

BY MELISSA CRUZ

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t’s been one year since the COVID19 pandemic first affected immigration on a global scale. The impact has been swift, devastating, and long-lasting.

On March 11, 2020, former President Trump issued a proclamation announcing travel restrictions on two dozen European countries. It was one of the first major signs from the U.S. government that the landscape of travel—and immigration in particular—would be significantly altered by the pandemic.

All told, immigration to the United States dropped a staggering 92% during the second half of fiscal year 2020. This was the largest drop off in immigration in the history of the United States.

Immigration amid the pandemic continues to evolve. Here are some of the changes to immigration in the last year.

Immigration Bans and Restrictions: Then The United States officially declared COVID-19 a public health emergency on January 31, 2020.

Upon that declaration, all people other than U.S. citizens, permanent residents,

and their immediate family were barred from traveling to the U.S. within 14 days of being in China, where the first known outbreak occurred.

On March 11, 2020, during a primetime address to the nation, Trump banned all foreign nationals from European countries for 30 days. Trump continued to roll out and extend travel restrictions after that announcement.

The next large ban—targeting the legal immigration system—came on April 24 and was set to last until December 31, 2020.

Trump blocked the issuance of all new permanent visas to many immigrants that the prior administration had targeted for exclusion for years. The ban blocked immigrant family members of U.S. citizens, including parents and children. The ban also covered winners of the diversity visa.

On April 24, the administration extended the ban to include certain employment-based nonimmigrant visas.

At the same time, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) suspended all in-person services at its domestic

Immigration Bans and Restrictions: Now President Biden has started to lift some of the bans, as scientists learn more about COVID-19 and vaccines roll out to the public.

President Biden signed an executive order that lifted the immigrant visa ban on February 24, 2021. This allowed family members of U.S. citizens and green card holders to begin the process of reuniting with their families in the United States. It also lifted the ban on people immigrating through their employers and the diversity visa lottery program.

When signing the order, the president said the ban does “not advance the interests of the United States,” and in fact harms families and U.S. industries that rely on global talent. continued on page 17

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IMMIGRATION

17

Immigration One Year Later/ continued from page 16 Biden hasn’t ended a similar ban on non-immigrant work visas, which continues to block exchange visitors and temporary worker visas and harm a wide range of industries. The ban is set to expire on March 31; it’s yet to be seen whether Biden will allow it to lapse or extend it.

Asylum Processing: Then The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on asylum processing has been devastating.

The former administration reached joint agreements with the Canadian and Mexican governments to suspend all “non-essential” travel through ports of entry on March 20.

On the same day, the Trump administration announced an emergency order and related regulation based on Title 42 of the Public Health Service Act. The order and regulation gave the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the authority to prohibit entry of anyone the director believed posed a “serious threat of the introduction of [a communicable disease] into the United States.”

This, in turn gave the Border Patrol unchecked authority to “expel” all asylum seekers who came to U.S. borders without due process or a meaningful ability to seek protection from persecution.

Estimates show that 514,633 people have

Editorial credit: Rena Schild / Shutterstock.com

been expelled from the U.S.-Mexico border without receiving the opportunity to ask for asylum—a clear violation of the law.

It was later discovered that former Vice President Pence urged the CDC to use its authority to close the borders. The CDC originally pushed back on the order, saying there was no evidence that closures would stop transmission of the disease. Current data suggests the scientists were correct.

Through a series of immigration policies, thousands still wait on the Mexico side of the border. Many others were flown back to other countries—at times

not their own—or have given up their claims to asylum.

An untold number of people have been the victims of extortion, violent crime, and kidnapping along the border. They also face increased potential exposure to COVID-19 with little to no health resources available to them.

Asylum Processing: Now Access to asylum under the Biden administration has improved but serious work still needs to be done.

Some people sent back to Mexico under the Trump administration’s Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) pro-

gram are being given the opportunity to ask for asylum. Those still waiting at the border who were subjected to MPP and have open cases—far fewer than before—will be allowed to enter asylum proceedings in the United States and will be released to a border shelter before arranging transportation to their final destination.

Expulsion under Title 42 unfortunately continue under Biden. Only migrant teens and children are exempted from the order, with many going to governmentrun influx shelters before their release to family sponsors or foster care.

The Biden administration has also rescinded Trump’s “asylum cooperative agreements.” These agreements allowed U.S. officials to send migrants to Guatemala, El Salvador, and El Salvador to make them ask for asylum there, even though these countries do not have the capacity to accept or process asylum seekers.

With the agreements ended, advocates hope the administration will turn its attention to rebuilding a severely damaged asylum system. Biden has pledged to work with border nonprofits to increase local services available to migrants.

How the pandemic will affect immigration in the future is yet to be seen. But we can expect it will be a long time before immigration returns to normal—or hopefully—improves.l

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JOBS & RECESSION

18

5 Tips For 2021 Graduates to Prepare For A Fiercely Competitive Job Market

C

olleges may return to normalcy in a few months as the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines continues.

Meanwhile, in sharp contrast to that positive news, millions of college students will graduate this spring facing bleak employment prospects.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused unemployment to soar in 2020 and is expected to affect the job market for graduates again this year. Some labor analysts see the pandemic perhaps having this ripple effect on graduates for years to come. These sobering trends are why students should expand their preparation for the job market and know what action steps they need to take, says Vince Thompson, founder and CEO of the marketing agency MELT and author of Building Brand You: How To Use Your College Experience To Find And Win Your First Job. “Thanks to COVID-19, if you’re in college right now or recently graduated, you’re facing the toughest job market in our lifetime,” Thompson says. “With so many people unemployed and displaced, people will be willing to take a lesser job for a lesser salary just to get back in the market.

new litmus test in the job market will be, ‘What did you do to improve yourself and others during COVID? Or did you do nothing and feel sorry for yourself?’

Employers are going to be looking for those intangibles.”

“To use a fishing analogy, it’s going to take a lot of casts to get a few bites for interviews and ultimately land the job.

But don’t let that discourage you.

Instead, let it inspire you to grow and learn what you need to know to set yourself apart from other candidates. It’s all about positioning yourself by building your resume, brand, and your network.

And being enthusiastic about the process.”

Thompson suggests the following tips for soon-to-be graduates as they prepare

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for a fiercely competitive job market: Build your brand. The job market is so competitive that companies are looking for far more than candidates with a high GPA. “Hiring managers often seek wellrounded young people who can communicate, collaborate and create,” Thompson says. “They’re looking for people who have been active outside the classroom as well – in clubs, the community, volunteer work, etc. All of these aspects are part of your brand. Also, the

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Expand your networking. “Today, about 75 percent of new hires happen through networking,” Thompson says.

“Build a target list of people to contact at companies that are hiring. Join discussion groups on LinkedIn that can expand your contacts and your knowledge.

Connect with thought leaders and ask them questions to gain insight.”

Upskill. “Companies want young people who are versatile and able to learn new skills quickly,” Thompson says.

“Research skills required in fields that you’re pursuing and get credentialed through online training programs. If opportunities are far fewer in your chosen field, research where your best skills apply in other industries.”

Prepare for virtual interviewing.

“When you interview in person, your body language, enthusiasm, handshake and small talk help build a connection with the interviewer,” Thompson says.

“Being interviewed on a screen demands that you be fully engaged, establish a rapport, have continual eye contact and express yourself clearly.”

“How you stand out from the crowd has always been the differentiator in hiring,” Thompson says. “It’s much a bigger crowd now for fewer jobs, so the importance of preparation in all facets has never been more important.”l

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Organize your marketing playbook.

“Utilizing a complete marketing playbook means leveraging your abilities and interests on social media platforms,” Thompson says. “This is where you display your public brand. Your profile, posts, photos, and videos reflect what you’re about. It’s key that your presentation and message are consistent on each platform that you use.”

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19

GENERATIONS

How Can Feeling Lonely or Being Isolated Affect Older Adults’ Health?

E

veryone needs social connections to survive and thrive. But as people age, they often find themselves spending more time alone. Being alone may leave older adults more vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation, which can affect their health and wellbeing. Studies show that loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher risks for health problems such as heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline.

If you are in poor health, you may be more likely to be socially isolated or lonely. If you are socially isolated or feeling lonely, it can put your physical and mental health at risk.

People who are socially isolated or lonely are more likely to be admitted to the emergency room or to a nursing home. Social isolation and loneliness also are associated with higher risks for: •High blood pressure •Heart disease •Obesity •Weakened immune function •Anxiety •Depression •Cognitive decline •Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease •Death

People who are lonely or socially isolated may get too little exercise, drink too much alcohol, smoke, and often don’t sleep well, which can further increase the risk of serious health conditions.

People who are lonely experience emotional pain. Losing a sense of connection and community can change the way a person sees the world. Someone experiencing chronic loneliness may feel threatened and mistrustful of others.

Emotional pain can activate the same stress responses in the body as physical pain. When this goes on for a long time, it can lead to chronic inflammation (overactive or prolonged release of fac-

tors that can damage tissues) and reduced immunity (ability to fight off disease).

This raises your risk of chronic diseases and can leave a person more vulnerable to some infectious diseases.

Social isolation and loneliness may also be bad for brain health. Loneliness and social isolation have been linked to poorer cognitive function and higher risk for dementia, including and especially for Alzheimer's disease. Also, little social activity and being alone most of the time may contribute to a decline in the ability to perform everyday tasks such as driving, paying bills, taking medicine, and cooking.

How Can You Know Your Risk for Loneliness and Social Isolation?

Those who find themselves unexpectedly isolated due to the illness of a loved one, separation from friends or family, loss of mobility, worsening vision or hearing problems, disability, or lack of mobility or access to transportation, are at particular risk of loneliness and social isolation.

You also may be at greater risk if you: •Live alone •Can’t leave your home •Had a major loss or life change, such as the death of a spouse or partner, or retirement •Struggle with money •Are a caregiver •Have psychological or cognitive challenges, or depression •Have limited social support •Have trouble hearing •Live in a rural, unsafe, and/or hard-toreach neighborhood •Have language barriers where you live •Experience age, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity discrimination where you live •Are not meaningfully engaged in activities or are feeling a lack of purpose l —National Institute on Aging

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nHEALTH

nENTERTAINMENT

nRELATIONSHIPS

nRECIPES

nSPORTS

nHOROSCOPE

OECS Launches Spanish Moroccan Virtual Art Exhibition Fish on Climate Change and Human Mobility

Global warming concept. A tree image showing of arid land changing environment.

T

he OECS Commission, in collaboration with the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) and MeCurator Art Gallery, successfully launched an exciting virtual art exhibition entitled "Climate Change: An Eastern Caribbean Journey."

The exhibition has its origins in a photo contest focusing on Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change (HMCCC), organized by the OECS with the kind support of GIZ. Photographers from the region, both amateurs, and professionals, were challenged to submit intriguing images that explore the impact of Climate Change on Caribbean people's lives. Ahead of the competition, some amateur photographers participated in a one-day training session conducted by prominent Saint Lucian photographer Kirk Elliot.

The competition was eventually won by talented Yuri A. Jones from the Commonwealth of Dominica. However, it turned out to be more than a photo competition. It evolved into a major awareness campaign to focus attention on the impacts of climate change and its effects on Human Mobility.

Following the competition, the plan was to organize a traveling exhibition starting in the winner's country.

However, the emergence of the COVID19 pandemic halted this plan. It forced a more innovative approach— a virtual exhibition — which ultimately allowed for the inclusion of additional photographs and other artwork from across the OECS region while providing the opportunity to reach a wider audience.

The virtual exhibition was curated by Buki R. Cahane, founder of MeCurator Art Gallery. According to Cahane, "This group art exhibit explores contemporary notions of climate change through an interconnected Eastern Caribbean perspective. This thematic schema is explored through the lens of the camera, as photography is the main art form in the exhibit."

The OECS expresses gratitude to GIZ and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) for its continued support under the HMCCC program and the artists, the curator, and all who made the exhibition a reality.l —OECS Press

his Moroccan recipe was passed down for generations in my family. We usually serve it on the Sabbath night and holidays. It is a favorite! This dish may be served hot or cold according to taste.

—Hannah R., Allrecipes.com

T

um heat. Stir in onion and garlic; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garbanzo beans, bell peppers, carrots, tomatoes, and olives; continue to cook until the peppers are slightly tender, about 5 minutes more.

Ingredients 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 onion, chopped 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed 2 red bell peppers, seeded and sliced into strips 1 large carrot, thinly sliced 3 tomatoes, chopped 4 olives, chopped ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley ¼ cup ground cumin 3 tablespoons paprika 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper salt to taste 5 pounds tilapia fillets

Step 2 Sprinkle parsley, cumin, paprika, chicken bouillon, and cayenne over the vegetables. Season with salt. Stir to incorporate. Place tilapia on top of the vegetables and add enough water to cover the vegetables. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until fish flakes easily with a fork and juices run clear, about 40 minutes.

Directions Step 1 Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medi-

General Prep: 30 mins Cook: 50 mins Total: 1 hr 20 mins Servings: 12 Yield: 12 servings Nutrition Facts Per Serving: 268 calories; protein 41.7g; carbohydrates 12.6g; fat 5.1g; cholesterol 69.6mg; sodium 381.1mg.l

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22

HEALTH

Why Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is Really Something to Celebrate this Year

BY FRANKLIN G. BERGER THE CONVERSATION

M

arch is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. I recognize that you’re not likely to throw a party to celebrate, since most of us are not comfortable talking about our butts and our bowel habits.

However, there really is reason to talk about this disease, which kills over 50,000 people each year in the U.S. As a research scientist and colorectal cancer advocate, I am particularly excited over two significant developments that have occurred recently. These could save lives.

First, in an effort to stem the growing numbers of younger adults who are diagnosed with the disease, a national panel has recommended lowering the age when screening should start to 45.

Second, federal law has changed the Medicare reimbursement to make sure that the cost of a screening colonoscopy is fully covered.

A deadly disease Colorectal cancer remains a major source of cancer incidence and mortality worldwide. The American Cancer Society recently estimated that in 2021, there will be 149,500 new cases of colorectal cancer and 52,980 deaths in the U.S. alone.

This places the disease fourth highest in terms of cancer incidence and second highest in mortality in the country. Only lung cancer claims more lives from cancer in the U.S. In addition, African Americans are more likely to be diag-

Chadwick Boseman, who died from colon cancer at age 43. Boseman’s death underscores colorectal cancer increase in younger adults and health gaps for African Americans. Editorial credit: DFree / Shutterstock.com

nosed with the disease and to die from it.

And yet, colorectal cancer is among the most preventable of cancers. Over the past three decades, timely screening and removal of precancerous lesions, called polyps, before they progress to cancer have contributed to sustained decreases in colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. So, progress is being made, but we have a ways to go.

In 2000, President Bill Clinton dedicated March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, indicating that “our most effective weapon in defeating colorectal cancer is early detection and treatment.” Each year, survivors, patients, medical providers, researchers and advocates collectively disseminate knowledge of colorectal cancer and its prevention to

the general population, promoting awareness and action that will reduce the toll of this highly preventable disease.

Alarming trend in young adults For quite some time, national guidelines have recommended that colorectal cancer screening begin at the age of 50, when risk of the disease starts to climb markedly. However, in recent years, researchers and physicians have observed that colorectal cancer is increasing in people under age 50. Screening has generally not been recommended for those under 50 unless major symptoms occur.

Those of us who study the disease do not fully understand the reasons behind this increase, but there is growing concern among doctors, researchers and, of

course, patients and their families. This concern has led to reconsideration of screening guidelines by the federal panel that recommends them.

In October 2020, that panel – the United States Preventive Services Task Force – conducted a comprehensive and in-depth evaluation. It recommended that adults age 45-49 be screened for colorectal cancer. This brings the Task Force in line with what the American Cancer Society recommended in 2018.

The revised recommendations are formally in draft form now, but they should be finalized within the next several months. The Affordable Care Act mandates that colorectal cancer screening follow these guidelines, and that private insurers and Medicare cover approved screening tests with no co-payments.

Once the new guidelines are in place, young adults age 45-49, who are increasingly vulnerable to colorectal cancer, will become eligible for insurance that fully covers screening.

Getting rid of surprise payments The second development concerns Medicare coverage of screening colonoscopies. While Medicare must cover colorectal cancer screening with no co-payments, a co-payment is charged if a polyp or other tissue is found and removed during a colonoscopy. The rationale for this has been that removal of tissue is considered a diagnostic, rather than a screening, procedure.

This distinction has led to patients being surprised with a co-payment they weren’t expecting. Thus, Medicare patients undergoing colonoscopy think that they are fully covered, only to be confused by being billed for a co-payment after the procedure had been carried out.

This has been deemed unacceptable by medical providers and public health advocates, who view removal of precancerous lesions to be an integral part of the screening process. In all, this situation, known as the Medicare loophole, has become a barrier to preventive colonoscopy in an older population that is at high risk of colorectal cancer.

After many years of advocacy and lobbying around this issue by organizations such as Fight Colorectal Cancer and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the loophole was finally closed in December 2020, when Congress passed, and President Trump signed, the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act of 2020. This act, part of the COVID-19 Economic Relief Bill, requires the waiving of coinsurance charges associated with colorectal cancer screening tests, regardless of whether tissue is removed during the test. It will be phased in during an eight-year period beginning in 2022.l Franklin G. Berger is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina

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23

LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

How to Recover From a Breakup: 6 Steps to Get Off the Emotional Roller Coaster

BY JENNINE ESTES ESTES THERAPY

B

reakups, suck. Plain and simple.

A relationship breakup can be extremely difficult, painful, and emotionally draining. We often find ourselves on a horrible roller coaster of emotions. From day to day, you shift between feelings of anger, depression, hopelessness, fearfulness, anxiousness, and a sense of being overwhelmed.

While in a relationship, people will plan for a future with their partner, along with the feelings of connectedness love, and belonging. However, once the relationship is over, these feelings often swing the other way and you now have to face an aspect of the relationship that you never planned for or expected. No matter how long your relationship was, or the type of relationship, breakups are almost always an emotionally painful experience. Here are a few tips that can help recover from a breakup.

1. Let out some air Imagine for a second you have a balloon in your body. Now, imagine stuffing emotions down into this balloon every

time you get sad, angry, or frustrated.

Just as helium balloons pop when they get full, so do the emotional balloons within us. The feelings you experience during a breakup can burst this balloon, leading to physical side effects like headaches, depression, and stomach aches. One of the best methods to release the internal pressure before it pops is talking about your frustrations with a trusted friend or therapist.

2. Journal Emotion can force our mind to go over the same thoughts time and again, forming a continuous thought loop. Cyclical thinking doesn’t get you anywhere and is counter-productive to eliminating an emotional roller coaster. Continuing these mental cycles only increases the pain, fostering more negative thinking.

Besides talking about your emotions, another way to confront these feelings is to journal. By writing down your thoughts, your brain gets time to relax.

Journaling solidifies your thoughts and can help you gain clarity.

3. Spend time with Friends and Family Time by yourself can be the biggest hur-

dle to getting off the emotional roller coaster. Rather than moping, spend time with a friend or family member for support, get help with being distracted, hear another perspective, and find some time for laughter. Being with the ones you love reminds you that life does go on, and you can still have good times in the future, despite your breakup.

4. Keep track of your thoughts We often ask ourselves questions which we cannot immediately answer in the wake of a breakup. These questions include: Why did this happen? What could I have done? What will happen now? Getting trapped in these questions often leads to a state of no longer being present in the moment; you leave the real world and go to a world of doubting thoughts and unanswered questions. You can get so caught up in the thoughts that all other aspects of your personal life get left behind. The thoughts can ignite an emotional roller coaster and will only keep you hurting and seeing the negative about the situation. Tell yourself to stop and shift your thoughts onto another topic.

5. Take it Off Your Radar Recovering from a breakup can cause you to be hyper-aware of your surroundings, especially when it comes to other couples and how they seem to be so happy. Try to refocus your attention on the more helpful parts of the environment. Notice the colors, the fresh air, and the beautiful outdoor environment. Avoid the thoughts of what you don’t have and shift your thoughts to what you do have.

6. Have Fun I think the title explains itself. Do activities that you enjoy, that give you pleasure, and that help you feel good about yourself. In this time of emotional pain, a little smile will go a long way. l Jennine Estes MFC#47653, is a Marriage and Family Therapist in San Diego, CA. She is certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples. She writes relationship and self-growth advice for her column Relationships in the Raw. She is also the creator of #BeingLOVEDIs campaign.

Reprinted with kind permission.

Visit www.estestherapy.com

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24

CONVERSATIONS

Celebrating Women’s History Beyond March

BY VICTORIA FALK

T

hroughout early American history, women were treated as secondclass citizens – "the weaker sex."

It was commonplace for women to be either ignored, abused, and mistreated and denied the same fundamental rights afforded men. Traditionally it was thought that "the women's place was in the home," and "women were to be seen and not heard." It was not until August 18, 1920, with the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, that women finally received the right to vote.

Although that was a great victory after a nearly 100-year battle for voting rights, the struggle continues to this date for true inclusion and equality for women in our male-dominated American society.

Thus, there was a need to recognize and highlight the contributions made by women to American society. The monthlong celebration of women's accomplishments began as a mere week-long celebration. In 1981, Congress passed a law encouraging the national celebration of Women's History Week during the week starting March 7, 1982. Each of the following years, the nation recognized

Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris takes the Oath of Office on the platform of the U.S. Capitol during the 59th Presidential Inauguration Editorial credit: BiksuTong / Shutterstock.com

Women's History Week until 1987, when the National Women's History Project pushed Congress to pass a law designating March 1 to March 31 as Women's History Month. From then on, each year, the month of March has been recognized as Women's History Month.

During this month of March, women's contributions, which have traditionally been ignored and overlooked, are

brought to the forefront and celebrated.

This has been a time to acknowledge women in general and honor specific women who have gone above and beyond in leadership, politics, business, the arts, and other fields. As we take time to reflect upon women's contributions, we must remember to thank all women.

Women such as female doctors, nurses, police officers, teachers, child-care providers, grocery store workers, and others who have worked hard during this pandemic to ensure that life and business continue to function as orderly as possible, as we find ways to adjust during these unprecedented times.

Let us also acknowledge those powerhouse women, the trailblazers, the change-makers who are making history: 1. Kamala D. Harris, born to a Jamaican father and South Asian mother, is the first-ever female Vice-President of the United States.

2. Debra Anne Haaland is the first Native American woman elected to Congress.

3. Rita Moreno is the highest acclaimed Latina actress, having won a Grammy, Oscar, Emmy, and Tony award.

4. Letitia James is the first woman of color to hold statewide office in New

York and the first woman to be elected Attorney General.

5. Patrice Cullors, Alicia Garza, and Opal Tometi, co-founders of the Black Lives Matter. The movement is now an international social movement.

We recognize these women mentioned above and acknowledge there are far too many women doing great things in our society to say within the space of this short article. However, we take this time to remind America that the fight is not over. Until Americans find ways to protect all women from unwanted sexual advances at work, make allowances for equal pay, put an end to human sex-trafficking, and protect women from genital mutilation, the struggle is not over.

Women's History Month is an excellent time to shed light on these long-standing, problematic issues and search for solutions. As we wind down Women's History Month celebrations, let us continue conversations about women's rights and accomplishments throughout the year. America came a long way in adopting a designated month where we recognize and celebrate women's achievements. However, we still have a long way to go as a country.l

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26

CONVERSATIONS

Racism is Behind Anti-Asian American Violence, Even When It’s Not a Hate Crime Race and gender inform what happened, and the public response to it, whether the alleged shooter articulates racist motives or not.

BY PAWAN DHINGRA THE CONVERSATION

O

ver the past year, attacks on Asian Americans have increased more than 150% over the previous year, including the March 16 murders of eight people, including six Asian American women, in Atlanta.

Some of these attacks may be classified as hate crimes. But whether they meet that legal definition or not, they all fit a long history of viewing Asian Americans in particular ways that make discrimination and violence against them more likely.

I have researched and taught on Asian America for 20 years, including on the pernicious effects of stereotypes and attacks on individuals. Race can play a role in violence and prejudice, even if the offender does not clearly express a racist intent.

Much remains unknown about the attacks in Atlanta, but the man charged with the murders has said he did not have a racial prejudice against people of Asian descent. Rather, he has claimed he has a sexual addiction. But that statement indi-

Editorial credit: Ringo Chiu / Shutterstock.com

cates that he assumed these women were prostitutes, whether that’s true or not.

This assumption, and the resulting violence, is just one of many that Asian Americans have suffered through the years.

A long history of prejudice The presupposed connection between

Asian women and sex dates back almost 150 years: In 1875, Congress passed the Page Act, which effectively barred Chinese women from immigrating, because it was impossible to tell if they were traveling “for lewd and immoral purposes,” including “for purposes of prostitution.” The assumption that all Chinese women were of questionable moral character placed the burden on the women themselves to somehow prove they were not prostitutes before being allowed to immigrate.

The U.S. military contributed to this conception of Asian women as hypersexualized. During the wars in the Philippines at the start of the 19th century, and during the mid-20th-century wars in Korea and Vietnam, servicemen took advantage of women who had turned to sex work in response to their lives being wrecked by war.

In the 1960s, the U.S. government brokered a deal with Thailand to be a “rest and relaxation” center for military personnel fighting in Vietnam. That bolstered what became the foundations of Thailand’s modern-day sex tourism industry, which attracts men from the United States and Europe.

This association of Asian women with men’s sexual fantasies has permeated popular culture, such as a scene in the 1987 Stanley Kubrick movie “Full Metal Jacket” in which a Vietnamese woman entices two servicemen by saying, “Me love you long time,” and regular themes in the animated comedy “Family Guy.” This makes Asian women more desirable to sex traffickers, brought over to serve male desires in spas and massage parlors such as the ones attacked in Atlanta.

This history of sexualization of Asian women, shaped by the U.S. military and patriarchy, creates the backdrop to the Atlanta shootings. It helped create the conditions for the Asian spas and massage parlors to be there in the first place.

It presents Asian American women as submissive, responsive agents of sexual temptation.

Stereotypes and perceptions matter Other crimes against Asian Americans may also lack clear evidence of racial bias, but still echo anti-Asian American stereotypes.

For instance, many elderly Asian Americans have been shoved to the ground in recent weeks, and Vicha Ratanapakdee, an 84-year-old man, died in one such incident in February in San Francisco.

The public defender representing the accused perpetrator in Ratanapakdee’s death denies that race motivated the crime. But that is different from saying race was not a factor at all.

Practically all Asian Americans, but elderly men in particular, are often viewed as nonaggressive, meek and unable or unwilling to fight back, in contrast to men of other races. They are easy targets.

It’s not always a crime Other anti-Asian American racism isn’t criminal at all, but still fits with the nation’s racist history. As COVID-19 spread across the U.S., Asian-owned restaurants and stores were the first to experience declining revenue, even though most of the earliest cases in the U.S. came from Europe.

There is a long history of suspecting Asian Americans of carrying disease into the U.S., which made it seem natural for people to avoid Asian American-owned businesses. President Donald Trump’s repeated public declarations that the “Kung Flu” virus came from China reinforced those feelings.

This race-based and erroneous assumption has resulted in Asian Americans having among the highest unemployment rates in the nation, though they had among the lowest before the pandemic.

It defies logic to claim that race isn’t relevant in attacks on Asian Americans unless the perpetrator actively references it. Research has found that most Americans assume a person of Asian descent is foreign-born, unless there is some aspect of their appearance that clearly marks them as American – such as being overweight.

Asian Americans of all types experience this perception of being “forever foreigners” in a wide range of ways.

Regardless of whether some or all – or none – of these latest assaults on Asian Americans are proved to be hate crimes or not, race plays a historic role.l

Pawan Dhingra is a Professor of Sociology and American Studies, Amherst College

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