Representatives Clarke, Espaillat, Chu call on DHS to Expand Immigrant Access to Public Benefits

WASHINGTON, D.C.: On April 26, Representatives Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), and Judy Chu (CA-27) led 40+ of their colleagues in a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to provide a public comment to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on the Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility. DHS recently issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to replace the Trumpera 2019 Public Charge Rule—which expanded the list of public benefits that immigrants were prohibited from using—with a rule that would not penalize non-citizens for accessing the public benefits that are available to them. “First, we want to express our support for the Department's effort to repair the damage caused by the harmful Trump Administration’s public charge rule, which disproportionately harmed communities of color,” the members wrote. “We strongly agree that ‘the 2019 public charge rule was not consistent with our nation’s values’ […] And while we applaud the Biden Administration’s prompt efforts to end this Trump-era policy, our communities are still experiencing the consequences of the Trump Administration’s actions.” The members advocate for the inclusion of further provisions to ensure immigrant’s continued access to public benefits—through the clarification of exemptions and definitions to eliminate any confusion that may deter noncitizens from applying for benefits. “Data reveals that there is little awareness of this policy reversal among individuals in immigrant and mixed-status families,” the members added. “We urge DHS to provide funding to trusted community organizations that can conduct outreach and education to immigrants and their families in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.” This clarification—along with public outreach—would stop hundreds of families from abstaining from the critical support they may need, such as housing or nutrition assistance. Unfortunately, the pandemic illustrated the impact of this public charge rule clearly, when hundreds of Latinx and AAPI families did not apply for potentially life-saving assistance due to fears that it would negatively impact their immigration status or their family members. In addition to Reps. Clarke, Espaillat, and Chu, this letter was also signed by Representatives Alexandria OcasioCortez (NY-14), Juan Vargas (CA-15), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), Rashida Tlaib (MI13), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-03), Jimmy Gomez (CA34), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Dina Titus (NV-01), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Albio Sires (NJ-08), Grace F. Napolitano (CA-32), Tony Cárdenas (CA-29), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29), Ayanna Presley (MA-07), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Jamaal Bowman, Ed.D. (NY16), Bobby L. Rush (IL-01), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Jesús G. "Chuy" García (IL04), and Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18).l

Rep Clarke Photo credit: Congresswoman Clarke’s Office

JOBS & RECESSION

12 Being a Paralegal Is a Great Career Choice!

BY THE CHAMBER COALITION

Acareer as a paralegal (also known as a legal assistant) can be a wonderfully fulfilling profession. Paralegals perform legal , regulatory , and business -related research for lawyers working at their organization. Most of the time, paralegals work for law offices, non-profits, corporations' legal departments, or courts. These professionals also provide legal support services to attorneys. They assist lawyers in filing motions, memoranda, pleadings, and briefs in various court systems and accompany lawyers to see clients and go to court. Here are five great things about being a paralegal:

1. Rise in Pay Paralegal compensation has risen steadily in the past decade. As paralegals perform a broader and more complex range of tasks (paralegals even represent clients in court in certain countries and administrative tribunals), their earnings continue to rise. The average paralegal salary hovers at around $50,000 per year, but paralegals often make more through bonuses. Overtime hours can also add significant cash to a paralegal's paycheck. 2. Explosive Employment Outlook The paralegal field is one of the fastestgrowing professions on the globe. The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, predicts the employment of paralegals and legal assistants by over 25 percent, much faster than the average for all occupations. Among the factors driving this growth is client demand for cheaper, more efficient delivery of legal services. Since hourly rates charged by attorneys are typically double or triple the rates of paralegals for the same task, law firm economics mandates the increased use of paralegals to minimize costs. As a result, a paralegal career is one of the hottest non-lawyer jobs in the legal industry. 3. Easy Career Entry Unlike lawyers who must complete seven years of formal education and pass the bar exam to practice law, you can become a paralegal in as little as a few months of study.

4. Intellectual Challenge Paralegal work is intellectually challenging and involves a range of high-level skills. The most successful paralegals are problem-solvers and innovative thinkers. Paralegals must become subject matter experts in their specialty areas and master legal procedure, research, drafting, and other skills. They must stay on top of ever-changing laws and new legal trends and developments while interfacing with attorneys, opposing counsel, vendors, staff members, clients, and others. The work is varied, and each day brings new challenges.

5. Rising Prestige As paralegals perform more complex and challenging work, paralegal prestige is rising. Paralegals are no longer simply lawyer's assistants; they assume corporate management roles, leadership roles in law firms, and entrepreneurial roles in independent paralegal businesses. Over the years, paralegals have transcended the image of glorified legal secretaries to become respected legal team members.

Ready to Take the Leap? A career as a paralegal can be rewarding professionally and personally and offers a unique opportunity to help others; options vary, depending on the paralegal's practice area. Paralegals in the public interest sector help poor and disadvantaged segments of the population with legal issues ranging from protection from domestic abuse to assistance preparing wills. Ready to take the leap, the next step? Call us at 718-722-9217 or visit www.freeparalegal.org to complete your registration which includes payment.l

Orientation is Monday, May 9

Join us via Zoom at 6pm

nHEALTH nENTERTAINMENT nRELATIONSHIPS nRECIPES nSPORTS nHOROSCOPE

Jamaican Casting Begins For Feature Film of Reggae Legend Bob Marley’s Life

Young talent: girls •7 – 10 years •11 – 13 years

Marley Editorial credit: Anton_Ivanov / Shutterstock.com

BY STAFF WRITER, JAMAICANS.COM

The Marley family is pleased to announce that Jamaican casting sessions are beginning for the new feature film of Reggae legend Bob Marley’s life. The biopic is being produced by U.S. studio Paramount Pictures. Cedella Marley, who has been named as a producer on the project – along with Rita Marley, Ziggy Marley, and Stephen Marley – said the family was wholeheartedly invested as partners on the project. “We view this project as a continuation of the tremendous and unending mission of sharing our father’s commitment to the truth and to spreading love and oneness as he did during his time with us, and we’re very excited to be in this phase,” she said. Addressing the Jamaican casting sessions, she said it was a crucial element in the overall success of the film. “As much as Bob Marley is a global icon with a universal message, his roots are entrenched in Jamaica. His connection to Jamaica, beginning as a young boy in the hills of St Ann, remains an inspiration and a dream. We are devoting our attention to ensuring it is authentic with significant Jamaican participation.” “I remember my father as a man of love and peace above all else. We are humbled that the world continues to value him in the way that this movie will portray,” says Bob’s eldest son Ziggy Marley. “The film allows his works to reach new generations and should be seen as offering the world fresh hope in what has been a bleak period. I am happy that our Jamaican brothers and sisters similarly embrace this project.” The producers stated that a Jamaican casting director had been retained and that the search for talent would encompass the following: Young talent: boys •5 – 8 years •9 – 12 years Strong female lead: black female •Late 20’s – Early 30’s •Singing Ability is a Plus

Young mixed-race male •8 – 13 years •14 – 25 years •Singing Ability / Ability to play soccer a plus

Local musicians + actors •Outgoing Personality/Acting Ability is a plus Aspiring talent should send a Headshot plus a Full-Length Photo and a Brief description of any singing or acting experience to: castyourrole@gmail.com. Selected individuals will be invited to a special Casting Call at the Bob Marley Museum. Both Ziggy and Cedella will be integrally involved in the casting and selection process and expect to be interacting directly with hopefuls. The as-yet-untitled biopic is scheduled for release in 2024. Reinaldo Marcus Green, who directed the award-winning “King Richard” is slated to direct. The previous Marley film, in 2012, was distributed by Universal Studios and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Kevin McDonald.l

Kitchen Corner Strawberry Bellini

Anice drink for Mother's Day, a brunch, or a shower. By Helen, AllRecipes.com

Ingredients 3 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced ¼ cup confectioners' sugar 1 tablespoon brandy 1½ cups chilled sparkling wine 3 large strawberries

Directions Step 1 Blend 3 cups strawberries, confectioners' sugar, and brandy together in a blender until smooth. Chill in refrigerator for 10 minutes.

Step 2 Divide the strawberry mixture among 3 champagne flutes; top each with about 1/2 cup sparkling wine; stir. Garnish each glass with 1 strawberry.

Servings: 3 cocktails

Nutrition Facts Per Serving: 298 calories; protein 1.3g; carbohydrates 37.5g; fat 0.5g; sodium 13.1mg.l

GENERATIONS

14 It’s Older Americans Month: Take a Loved One to the Doctor

Many of us disregard the importance of regular checkups. Some of us avoid doctor visits out of fear and others simply because it’s not part of our routine. When your loved one puts off seeing the doctor, a small health problem can become a more serious one. And some of the most serious health issues don’t always have obvious symptoms. You may be the one person who can convince your loved one to go to the doctor. Give it a try. It’s important for people of all ages to see a doctor regularly. People age 50 and over should see a doctor at least once a year. African-Americans face a higher risk of some serious health conditions, including diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer, asthma and obesity. This guide provides advice regarding how to talk to your loved one about going to the doctor, being prepared for your appointment and other useful resources.

The Basic Steps Step 1: Talk to your loved one, then make the appointment You might need to turn on your powers of persuasion to get your loved one to agree to see a doctor. Many people have a long list of reasons for avoiding doctors’ visits. Don’t fight every point. Just ask them to do it for you and the rest of the family. Tell them you want to enjoy their company for many years to come, and this is one quick, easy step in helping to make that happen.

Step 2: Gather information before the appointment Preparing a little in advance will help your loved one get a lot more out of the doctor visit. Here are some suggestions of information to gather before you go see the doctor. Remember: The most important thing is going to the doctor, so don’t worry if you cannot get all of this information together before the visit. •Questions: Help your loved one take control of his or her health by making sure the doctor addresses all of your questions thoroughly. The best way to do this? Write the questions down in advance. •Medications: Take your loved one's medications to the doctor visit so the doctor can see the dose and frequency of each drug. •Health history: Write down diseases, surgeries, and family history of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and take the list to the doctor visit. Step 3: Review a staying healthy checklist You may want to review the age-appropriate list for your loved one and take it along with you on your visit.

Step 4: Head for the doctor Your loved one may not want you to join him or her in the examination room. Do not insist on doing so but do try to ensure that you and your loved one get all of your questions answered before the appointment ends. If the doctor seems to be rushing through the appointment, be polite but firm in asking for more time for your loved one. Remember: Your loved one is the paying customer. Do not leave the doctor’s office until ALL of your questions are answered! A staff nurse or physician assistant may also be helpful in answering questions. If you are in the appointment, take notes for your loved one. If not, urge him or her to write down the doctor’s answers to the questions and any special instructions on lifestyle and diet changes. If the doctor conveys concern about a potential serious health condition, remain calm. Gather as much information as you can from the doctor, and never agree to any drastic actions — such as scheduling a surgery — without seeking a second opinion from another doctor.

Step 5: Talk it over and plan how to follow up Based on the doctor visit, your loved one may need to start new medications, begin a daily exercise routine, or change his or her diet. Such changes may seem small, but they can feel burdensome to some people, for example, by implying that the patient has been misbehaving for years! Be sensitive to your loved one and commit as much time as you can to helping them make any transitions that will improve their health. One easy way you can continue to help is by having a daily phone call with your loved one — just a few minutes — to check in and ask how everything’s going.l —createthegood.aarp.org