The Immigrant’s Journal - Vol. 125

The Immigrant’s Journal Vol. 125

Our leaders who stood for Unity & Justice

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Deaths in Immigration Detention Are at a Record High.

ICE Can Prevent the Next One.

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wo men died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody on August 5. One of the men died in a hospital after being diagnosed with COVID-19, while the other died in his cell of a massive intercranial hemorrhage. These tragedies increased the total deaths in ICE custody this fiscal year to 17, the highest number since 2006. Many—if not all—of the deaths that occur in ICE custody are avoidable.

Editorial credit: chrisdorney / Shutterstock.com

continued on page 2

Is It Time to Talk to Your Spouse About a Separation?...17

Kamala Harris for VP: A Champion for Immigrants

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os Angeles: The CHIRLA Action Fund cheered Presidential Candidate Joe Biden's pick of Sen. Kamala Harris for his vice-president. In choosing Harris, he has made a historic choice of a woman of color, the first ever by either party, only the third woman chosen for that post.

Harris, a daughter of immigrants, is also a champion for immigrants with whom we have worked for years, and whom we can trust to fight for immigration law justice.

As California's junior senator, Ms. Harris for years has worked hand-inhand with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) and the CHIRLA Action Fund and its allies, supporting measures that bring justice

Editorial credit: Jose Ivan Cazares / Shutterstock.com

and equity for immigrants.

Angelica Salas, President of the CHIRLA Action Fund stated: "We are very satisfied with Presidential Candidate Joe Biden's decision to pick Sen. Kamala Harris as his running mate.

First, she represents California and

knows its priorities.

"Second, she has been a champion in the struggle for the rights of immigrants. She has been with us when we needed her, defending our community against all the noxious policies of President Trump and protesting alongside us outside the detention centers.

We know she will work to ensure our families are reunited and our children are liberated.

"We are happy because we know we can work with her to finally achieve what we need: immigration justice and a comprehensive reform that grants legal status to our entire community.

We are committed to working with Biden and with Harris to move this country forward."l

“Lives Are at Risk If We Delay” Extending Humanity to South Sudanese Immigrants n just a few weeks, a deadline looms that has the potential to impact the lives of South Sudanese immigrants who fled war crimes, human rights abuses, and routine violence in their home country and sought refuge in the United States. Unless the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) acts by

Leading U.S. Businesses to File Amicus Brief in Support of Protecting Legal Immigration Avenues

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BY KATY MURDZA

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August 20, 2020

September 3rd, TPS designation for South Sudan will expire by November 2nd and vulnerable refugees will be unprotected from deportation from the United States back to dangerous and unstable conditions.

In addition to the moral obligation the continued on page 2

ASHINGTON, DC: FWD.us is proud to join nearly 50 leading companies, trade associations and organizations, and attorneys in filing an amicus brief in response to the Trump Administration’s proposal to suspend various non-immigrant visa programs, including the H-1B, H-2B, J and L visa programs. The amicus brief is available here, including a list of all signatories.

Signatories of the amicus include many of the largest employers from across the economy. They join in support of the lawsuits filed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, the National Retail Federation, TechNet and others in two cases, NAM v DHS and Gomez v Trump, that stated that the actions by the Trump Administration are “inflicting severe economic harm.”

The brief outlines how the drastic cuts to legal immigration enacted by the Trump Administration will exacerbate the severe economic impacts of COVID-19 felt by communities across the country.

Suspending these vital immigration programs would particularly do long-term damage to the U.S. economy by shrinking GDP, hurting middle class workers and denying American families the opportunity to reunite with their loving parents and children.

According to the Administration’s own estimates, the President’s actions will prevent over half a million work-authorized individuals from coming to the United States by year’s end, hurting economic recovery for U.S. businesses. Experts also estimate the proclamation will prevent roughly 20,000 employers from filling positions during that same period, jeopardizing key industries from food supply to healthcare and transportation.

Todd Schulte, President, FWD.us: “Slashing legal immigration avenues will inflict serious long-term damage to our economic stability, recovery and growth, particularly as the U.S. economy attempts to rebuild from the devastation of the COVID-19 crisis. The future of our nation’s economic security and growth stems from the contributions of hardworking immigrants — not from scapegoating the very population that for centuries has been a cornerstone of our country’s economic engine.”l

IMMIGRATION MATTERS Lives Are at Risk If We Delay Help for South Sudanese Immigrants/from page 1

Deaths in Immigration Detention Are at a Record High/from page 1

U.S. has to protect vulnerable populations fleeing rampant violence and deteriorating country conditions, extending and redesignating TPS for South Sudan is in the best interest of domestic tranquility and American foreign and economic interests. As it has done for 300,000 others with TPS, letting TPS for South Sudan expire would have unduly negative ripple effects.

According to Douglas Rivlin, Director of Communication for America’s Voice: The Department of Homeland Security under Trump has been marked by consistent unwarranted cruelty directed at immigrants and refugees. This moment could prove to be a pivotal opportunity for redemption. Redesignating and extending TPS for South Sudan for another 18 months protects immigrants who have been able to build lives, raise children, pay taxes, add to our communities and contribute to our economy in safety.

Redesignation is an urgent need. Lives are at risk if we delay or force refugees fleeing South Sudan to return to danger.

Now is the time to push the Trump administration to act with humanity and protect South Sudanese immigrants. We as a country can no longer abide by the moral stain and xenophobic policies of the Trump regime.l

More than twice as many people have died in ICE custody this year than last year. Unfortunately, with 1,065 active COVID-19 cases in ICE detention, that number will likely increase before the fiscal year ends in September. The number of deaths is especially alarming considering the average number of people detained has been significantly lower this year than in recent years.

One of the men who died last week was James Thomas Hill, a 72-year-old Canadian citizen who tested positive for COVID-19 about a month before his death. He was detained for three months at Farmville Detention Center in Virginia, despite being high-risk due to his age.

Farmville has the largest COVID-19 outbreak in immigration detention. As of August 6, over 97% of people held in this ICE facility had contracted COVID19. The outbreak began as a superspreader event caused by a transfer of 74 people from Florida and Arizona.

Advocates have consistently criticized ICE for failing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among the people it detains.

Emails released on August 5 through ongoing litigation provide evidence of ICE’s negligence.

The lawsuit demands the release of certain individuals from the Mesa Verde

2 Detention Center in California due to the risk of COVID-19. The emails disclosed that ICE could have tested everyone at Mesa Verde—but chose not to because of the logistical complications positive test results would cause.

Mesa Verde has only two medical isolation cells, which are often used for suicide watch. The agency stated that it would not have enough space to isolate everyone who tested positive. However, ICE could have used its discretion to release detained individuals who had tested negative to make a dorm available for those who tested positive.

The emails also reveal an appallingly slow rollout of testing at ICE facilities around the country. Under the plan, most detained individuals would not be tested until late August, including in facilities with “widespread transmission.” Some detained individuals would not be tested until February 2021.

The private prison corporation running the facility also stated that it preferred not to test its staff. The company said staff testing positive would interfere with detention and deportation operations.

One of the emails states that six people who had just been transferred to the Mesa Verde facility tested positive. Due to a shortage of quarantine space, four of them were forced to sleep on the floor of the intake room and were transferred yet again the next day.

After the disclosures, a judge banned the introduction of new people into Mesa Verde, required a separate dorm for those

with COVID-19, and ordered ICE to test everyone detained at the facility weekly.

Ten detained individuals and 16 staff members at Mesa Verde have already tested positive, but results are still pending. A letter written by detained individuals stated that dozens of people were showing symptoms of COVID-19.

Fear of contracting COVID-19 in detention has had serious mental health implications for many of those detained. A 74year-old man, Choung Won Ahn, died by suicide in May. ICE had repeatedly denied his requests for release due to his severe health problems that made him especially vulnerable to COVID-19.

Some deaths in ICE custody this year do not appear to be related to COVID-19.

51-year-old Kuan Hui Lee of Taiwan was the other man who died on August 5. Lee had been detained at Krome Detention Center in Florida for 7 months because he had overstayed a visa 16 years ago.

While further details of his medical condition and death have not been reported, ICE has a long history of medical neglect of people in its custody with serious health conditions.

ICE is responsible for the well-being of individuals in its custody and has broad discretion to release people for humanitarian reasons. The government should test everyone in its custody for COVID19 and increase releases to prevent further deaths.l

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TIME FOR ACTION

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Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Affirms Summary Judgment, Denies Qualified Immunity to Montana Sheriff’s Deputy and Judge Who Arrested Immigrant

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BY MATT ADAMS

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eattle, WA: The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a precedent-setting decision ruling that a sheriff’s deputy and a justice of the peace in Billings, Montana, violated the Fourth Amendment when they arrested Miguel Reynaga-Hernandez based on a suspected immigration violation. Mr. Reynaga was arrested on October 2, 2017, at the courthouse in Billings, Montana, where he accompanied his wife who was seeking an order of protection in the state court. Justice Pedro Hernandez called the sheriff’s office when he came to suspect that Mr. Reynaga was unlawfully present in the United States. Mr. Reynaga was arrested and ultimately transferred to the detention center in Tacoma, Washington.

The removal (deportation) proceedings against him were subsequently dismissed and he then filed a civil rights action against the Deputy Sheriff and Justice of the Peace for unlawfully arresting him.

Mr. Reynaga, is represented by the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) and the Border Crossing Law Firm, P.C. Writing for a three-judge panel for the Court of Appeals, Judge Richard Paez ruled that both Deputy Sheriff Derrek Skinner and Justice Pedro Hernandez violated the law, reaffirming that even if Mr. Reynaga did not have lawful immigration status, that there was no basis to conclude that he had committed a crime.

Judge Paez explained that at the time Deputy Skinner stopped Mr. Reynaga, “the only relevant information available to Skinner was Hernandez’s statement that he had heard sworn testimony that Reynaga was ‘not a legal citizen.’” That information was not enough to stop and question Mr. Reynaga, because Deputy Skinner suspected only that Mr. Reynaga was unlawfully present in the United States, which is only a “civil violation.”

The appeals court then went on to observe that local law enforcement officers like Deputy Skinner must suspect someone has committed a crime, not simply violated an immigration law.

Significantly, the Ninth Circuit also ruled that Justice Hernandez also violated Mr.

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Reynaga’s rights because he was “an integral participant in the violation of Reynaga’s constitutional rights.”

In denying the defendants’ claim for qualified immunity, a legal doctrine protecting law enforcement officers who violate the law as long as the law was not clearly established, the panel ruled that Deputy Skinner and Justice Hernandez violated legal principles that were clearly established going back to at least 2012.

The appeals court also reaffirmed that factors like an individual’s inability to speak English or Hispanic appearance cannot be a basis to suspect an individual of a criminal violation. As Judge Paez explained, “[a]n officer cannot rely only upon generalizations that ‘would cast suspicion on large segments of the lawabiding population’” when detaining or arresting someone. As a result, the panel affirmed the district court’s decision concluding that Deputy Skinner and Justice Hernandez clearly violated Mr. Reynaga’s constitutional rights and that they should be held liable for their actions.

“This decision is important as it makes clear that state and local law enforcement officers may be held liable under the civil rights statute if they unlawfully detain community members in order to turn them over to immigration enforcement,” said Matt Adams, legal director for NWIRP. “Police officers—and even local judicial officials—may be held accountable when, instead of serving the community, they take it upon themselves to stop people based on their suspected

immigration status, the language they speak, or their ethnicity or the color of their skin.”

"The harm that [Judge Hernandez and Deputy Skinner] did to me is hard to explain,” said Mr. Reynaga in reacting to the court of appeals decision. “It's something that lives in me and in my family now. It's hard to describe what this harm represents to a person. But I'm very grateful for the work NWIRP has done for me. I'm very happy and proud that now immigrants here in Montana and in other states can know that we also have rights."

Following the court of appeals decision, Mr. Reynaga’s case will return to the district court for further proceedings on the damages he is entitled to in light of the violation of his constitutional rights.l

Matt Adams is the Legal Director, Northwest Immigrant Rights Project

IMMIGRATION

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Volunteering at THE IMMIGRANT'S JOURNAL LEGAL & EDUCATIONAL FUND, INC. Internship positions available throughout the year.

The Immigrant's Journal Legal & Educational Fund, Inc. is an organization dedicated to the educational and economic empowerment of all immigrants and immigrant organizations here in the United States. We at the Journal recognize the enormous contribution of immigrants to this country economically, socially and politically. Since September 11, 2001, however, immigrants have increasingly been discriminated against and Congress has passed legislation curtailing the rights of immigrants here in the U.S., broadly claiming that immigrants are a threat to ''National Security.'' We at the Journal believe that these charges are unfounded, unsubstantiated and exaggerated.

The Immigrant's Journal Volunteer Intern Program was introduced to give our volunteers the opportunity to work in an immigrant friendly environment while developing the necessary skills for college or law school. They assist our staff in resolving immigration and other legal concerns through personal interviews, radio, email and telephone contact. They also assist the public with citizenship applications and in researching whether or not children of naturalized U.S. citizens have derived citizenship from their parents. Some of our volunteers assist our legal staff by engaging in legal research and writing letters on other legal issues. Volunteer interns are also assigned various other jobs in our Youth Programs.

Hours are flexible. Email your cover letter and resume or any questions to immjournal@aol.com Tel: 718-243-9431 Fax: 718-222-3153

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CIVIL RIGHTS

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Affordable Broadband Service Is a Racial Equity and Public Health Priority

BY OLIVIA WEIN & CHERYL LEANZA CIVILRIGHTS.ORG

wi-fi at fast food restaurants) are no longer safe.

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COVID-19 exacerbates broadband service as a public health issue: COVID-19 has ravaged communities of color. Older adults and those with chronic health conditions of all races and ethnicities are particularly at risk from coronavirus and must self-isolate.

Telemedicine minimizes the transmission of the virus, but patients must have broadband to take advantage of remote health care services. Broadband in the home enables families to stay at home.

f you are reading this on your smartphone or laptop, you are fortunate to have access to internet service. More than 20 million households in the United States do not have internet service at home. The main barrier? Cost.

Racial disparities with broadband service: According to census data, about 10 percent each of Black and Hispanic Americans and 13 percent of American Indians and Alaska Natives have no internet subscription compared to 6 percent of White households. And not all broadband access is equal: a disproportionate number of Black and Latino households rely on a smartphone (small screen) for their broadband connectivity.

It is clear during this pandemic that working and learning via a smartphone with limited data and throttling is second-class access compared with using a laptop via wi-fi and an unlimited wired broadband connection. However, with the public health risks of COVID-19, internet access strategies that may have worked in the past for students, adults, and elders (through schools, libraries, the workplace, community centers, and free

COVID-19 exacerbates broadband as an economic issue: The risk of job loss during the pandemic also falls more heavily on workers of color. Access to work opportunities, services, and benefits for recently unemployed workers requires broadband. Physical distancing is still the safest way to limit the spread of COVID-19 and broadband is needed to access commerce and banking.

COVID-19 exacerbates broadband as an education issue: During surges of coronavirus infection, the bedroom has become the classroom for students of all ages. Students without broadband can’t

access classroom instruction. Even if COVID-19 infection rates continue to fall, in September many schools will likely blend at-home and in-class learning to maximize spacing among students.

This means that broadband access will be important well into 2021 and beyond.

Opportunity to bring broadband to the home: The most economically distressed households must have access to affordable technology. Our health, our economy, and our educational competitiveness will not fully recover in the United States without it. Fortunately, Senators Wyden and Blumenthal have introduced the Emergency Broadband Connections Act of 2020, the Senate counterpart to Representative Veasey’s bill (H.R. 6881), which passed the House as part of the HEROES Act (H.R. 6800) on May 15. The Emergency Broadband Connections Act guarantees a $50 emergency broadband benefit — $75 in tribal areas — to every eligible low-income household in the country that makes a request to their Internet Service Provider (ISP) and provides a one-time discount for ISP-provided devices. The bill also expands the existing Federal Communications Commission lowincome Lifeline program to offer unlim-

ited voice minutes and texting. This is the Senate’s opportunity to address racial equity and, at the same time, enable telemedicine, distance learning, and online access to the workplace and marketplace from the home while also protecting public health.l Olivia Wein is a staff attorney at the National Consumer Law Center. Cheryl Leanza serves as policy advisor to the United Church of Christ’s historic media advocacy arm, which is a co-chair of The Leadership Conference’s Media and Telecommunications Task Force.

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TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

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Farmworkers Need Better Support to Survive COVID-19 employers hiring for the program.

One of the major issues is a lack of oversight. Farms run primarily through contractors tend to have fewer on-site state or federal inspections.

Consequently, the farms’ COVID-specific workplace safety plans may not get assessed or even have a baseline for criteria.

BY MELISSA CRUZ

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he dangers to America’s farmworkers—primarily immigrant men from Mexico with temporary H-2A visas—have long persisted under a system that is ripe for abuse. But those risks have only grown since the coronavirus pandemic erupted in the United States this March.

A lack of workplace protections, crowded housing, and no social safety net put farmworkers at heightened risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19. The Trump administration nevertheless deemed farmworkers “essential” early in the pandemic, expanding the H-2A visa program while slashing others.

This has come at a high cost. New research shows that transmission of the virus is two and a half times more likely in a farmworker household than in the average U.S. household. Communities with a high share of farmworkers may be four to five times more likely to experience greater rates of infection, faster spread, and recurring hotspots.

A variety of factors contribute to farmworkers’ increased risk.

Farmers Rely on Third-Party Contractors to Hire Farmworkers H-2A farmworkers often get recruited to work in the United States by labor contractors. It’s become common for farmers to outsource much of the recruiting, hiring, transporting, and housing to these contractors. This system can reduce a farmer’s liability in the event the farm faces any legal troubles.

Fifteen percent of all farmworkers get hired to work in the United States through these intermediaries. Federal data shows that contractors are twice as likely to get barred from the H-2A program for labor violations than other

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Farmworkers Often Live in Large, Crowded Households Due to limited affordable housing and low pay, the average farmworker household has at least five people living in it.

That is 90% higher than the average U.S. home. Naturally, this increases the risk for spreading COVID-19 among all members of the household.

The conditions in which farmworkers are often forced to live don’t help the situation.

An investigation by NBC News found deplorable conditions in over a dozen H2A sites throughout North Carolina and Georgia in November 2019.

Reporters found “government-approved farmworker housing overrun with insects and spiders’ nests, as well as cardboard covering broken windows. A dilapidated

trailer in Georgia had gaping holes in the walls; feral cats had crawled into the kitchen cabinet …”

These conditions, combined with limited to no access to healthcare services, increase the risk of both contracting and spreading the virus.

Exclusion from the CARES Act The Trump administration excluded mixed-status families and undocumented people from receiving benefits under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The stimulus package failed to expand the eligibility criteria for Medicaid.

Millions of immigrants who could have benefited from an expanded version of the Medicaid program continue to be disqualified.

This puts COVID-19 testing and treatment out of reach for many people. This includes vulnerable farmworkers, their families, and communities.

American employers must take the lead in providing safe housing and protections for farmworkers. The United States has a duty to protect all its residents from the virus—including those we depend on for our food supply.l

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5/29/2020 3:10:22 PM 5/29/2020

CENSUS 2020

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Why a Shorter Census Timeline Hurts Immigrant Communities

BY KATY MURDZA

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he Trump administration announced on August 3 plans to end the 2020 Census one month earlier than previously planned. The change has led to fears that immigrant and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) communities will be undercounted. This has the real potential to harm them financially and politically for years to come.

The Constitution requires the federal government to count all people living in the United States every 10 years. This work is done by the Census Bureau, an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Normally, the president must report the census results to Congress by December 31 of each census year. However, the Census Bureau extended its timeline to April 2021 due to logistical barriers caused by COVID-19. Although the U.S. House of Representatives approved the change, the Senate has not included it in its latest COVID-19 relief proposal.

To get the data and analysis ready by April 2021, the Census Bureau had planned to complete data collection by the end of October 2020. It will now need

Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com

to finish by September to meet the earlier deadline.

Sixty-three percent of households have responded to the census so far by mail, telephone, or online. This is fewer than in the first stage of the 2010 Census.

The Census Bureau is now beginning the next stage of work to collect more responses. Staff will attempt to reach unresponsive households, homeless populations, and those living in dormitories in person. These hard-to-reach populations are disproportionately low-income and young people, those with disabilities,

BIPOC, and immigrants.

Under the Trump administration, immigrants and mixed-status families are particularly nervous to provide information to the government, even though one’s immigration status should not matter for purposes of the census. This didn’t stop President Trump from signing an order in July stating that he would not count undocumented immigrants as “persons” in the census data he presents to Congress. Several lawsuits are currently challenging the legality of the policy.

Undercounting will harm the commu-

nities where hard-to-reach people live.

Census results have significant effects on American communities for the following decade.

They are used to apportion seats in the House of Representatives and $1.5 trillion in federal funding for states and municipalities. This funding goes toward services like schools, infrastructure, economic development, and Medicaid.

These services are needed now more than ever due to the pandemic. The data is also regularly used for a wide variety of studies and measurements, such as the rate of COVID-19 in a community.

In response to the announcement, four former census directors warned that the change could “result in seriously incomplete enumerations in many areas across our country.”

The directors also raised the possibility that a future Congress might require further work on the 2020 Census or a new census in 2025. A new census after five years is allowed by law but has never been implemented nationwide.

Past censuses have had to use statistical estimation to make up for the approximately 1% of the population who normally do not respond. By one estimate, this technique might have to cover 10% to 15% of households this year if Congress follows the president’s proposed timeline.

If Trump does not win reelection, he would need the census data by the end of the year to implement the memo on undocumented immigrants. A top Census Bureau official has stated that this deadline is no longer achievable.

It would also be near impossible to exclude undocumented people from census data, as accurate information will not be available on how many of them live in the United States. Last year, the Supreme Court struck down the administration’s plans to ask whether census participants were citizens of the United States. The Census Bureau’s own experts estimated that the question could have reduced participation by at least 8%.

There is a racist history of the census denying the humanity of certain groups of people, reaching back to the exclusion of Indigenous people and the purposeful undervaluation of Black people for most of our country’s first century.

We must ensure that we do not continue this pattern in 2020. The quality of Census data has severe implications for federal funding and political representation, especially for BIPOC and immigrant communities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made the enormous task of conducting the census even more difficult. The Census Bureau should have the necessary time and resources to provide a complete and accurate count of all people living in the United States, as required in our Constitution.l

MONEY MATTERS

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Scams In Between Stimulus Packages

BY JENNIFER LEACH, FTC

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s we publish this article, a second stimulus package has not yet been finalized by Congress.

While there’s a lot we don’t know, we DO know a few things about what scammers do when this kind of uncertainty is in the headlines.

If there’s another stimulus payment, you won’t have to pay to get it. Just like last time. Nobody will call to ask for your Social Security, bank account, or credit card number. Expect any stimulus program to look a lot like the first one: people who qualify would get money direct deposited, or you’d get a debit card or check mailed to the address you use for your taxes. The details will follow, if a bill gets signed into law. In the meantime, don’t pay to get any economic impact payment, and keep your info to yourself.

Don’t pay for job “opportunities.”

Scammers know that lots of people need to find a job, and they’ll be happy to charge you for what winds up being nothing. Scammers also pay for online ads, promising you ways to earn money online. But do your research before you sign up — and certainly before you pay.

Looking to make extra cash? A side hustle?

Never pay up front for mortgage help.

In fact, it’s illegal for companies to charge you before they help you with your mortgage — but that doesn’t stop scammers from trying. If you find yourself behind on your mortgage, talk with your mortgage servicer right away to see what options you have. And whether you own or rent, it’s worth talking with a legal services organization if you feel like things are taking a hard turn south toward foreclosure or eviction.

They may be able to help you figure out a solution. If you spot one of these scams — or any scam at all, please tell the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.l

Jennifer Leach is an Associate Director, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC

We are looking for persons to sell advertisements in our newspapers. Experience in advertising sales is needed and preferably experience or a sincere interest in marketing.

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9

HOW TO GET A GREEN CARD

The H1-B Visa Lottery

BY RITA WRIGHT

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or the last several decades, our asylum laws have helped America remain a beacon for refugees and peoples in need from all over the world.

However, the Trump Administration has worked tirelessly to close all options for obtaining asylum in the U.S., leaving refugees mired in a process marked by cruelty and chaos.

Securing an H1-B visa is by far the best way to gain entry into the United States, have immediate job security and a competitive salary. The H1-B visa is the authorization given by the U.S. government for a foreign worker to come to the U.S and work for a U.S company.

Each year approximately 85,000 H1-B visas are available to almost all the countries in the world. The requirements for the H 1-B visa are simple: bachelor’s or a master’s degree and fluency in the English language. Degrees related to the tech industries are in demand but so is the case with specialty occupations like accountants, architects, engineers, artists, and chemists; also included are fashion models. Indian nationals walk away with the bulk of these visas followed by China then Canada and South Korea. The states that sponsor these visas are mainly California, New Jersey, Texas, and New

York.

Educated Caribbean nationals can and should take advantage of opportunities offered in securing the highly sought after H1-B visa. This is an employmentbased non-immigrant visa for temporary workers. The successful candidate will work for a maximum of six years in the United States with provisions made for spouses and minor children. In addition, the H1-B visa allows for “dual intent”; this means that once in the country, you can apply for a Green Card through an employer or a family member. The cur-

rent first lady, Melania Trump, is an example of a fashion model who entered the United States through the H1-B visa and later became a U.S citizen.

Finding an employer in the United States can be a bit challenging but once you are qualified and have a professional resume, there are websites where you can search for jobs like Career Builder, Monster andTechfetch.com. Companies like Google and Facebook and other tech companies in Silicon Valley walk away with the majority of the employees seeking these visas. It is important that you

research the companies that received the H1-B visas in the past.

With a secured job offer, the U.S. employer will file and receive approval from the Department of Labor and once this is completed, the U.S. employer then files a petition with USCIS, Form I-129.

After the approval of the petition, you will be required to file your own application for an H1-B visa with the consulate in your country; this will allow you to enter the United States and claim your H1-B status.

Acquiring the H1-B visa is a gamechanger but is very competitive; in this year alone, there was an average of 200,000 applicants. Hiring an experienced immigration attorney will be advantageous as the H1-B visa process can be tedious, time -consuming and meeting all the deadlines are very important and, I am sure the rewards of gaining this visa will be well worth the effort.l If you need advice relating to this particular immigration issue or any other legal matter, please call 855-768-8845 or visit www.askthelawyer.us to schedule a free case evaluation. Remember, the lawyer you hire does make a difference!

Rita Wright is a student in the Chamber Coalition Paralegal Certificate Program. For details about this program, please visit www.freeparalegal.org

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10

FAMILY MATTERS

How to Have a Happy and Hydrated Kid

W

e're in the thick of the dog days of summer, and as the temperature continues to swelter, don't forget to start thinking about how to help keep your kids hydrated. Sounds easy, right? You might be surprised. According to the American Journal of Public Health,* 1 in 2 kids is underhydrated.

The American Journal of Public Health notes that adequate hydration is essential for health and even mild dehydration can lead to headaches, irritability, poor physical performance and reduced cognitive function among both children and adults.

"Keeping your kids hydrated throughout a busy day is not always easy," noted Dr. Douglas J. Casa, hydration researcher for more than 25 years and CEO of the Korey Stringer Institute (KSI) at the University of Connecticut.

Not sure where to start? Here are a few ways you can help keep kids hydrated and happy: Do a "pee check": Not sure if your kid is properly hydrated? A quick look at the color of their urine can help determine if they may need to hydrate. If their pee is dark yellow, Dr. Casa recommends reaching for a hydrating beverage that will help replenish the body. A pale yel-

that indicated access to Creative Roots is clinically shown to improve hydration in children.** Make snack time synonymous with hydration time: Use everyday moments as a reminder to hydrate! For example, pairing a hydrating drink with mid-morning or afternoon snack time may help create a daily habit and help get kids closer to their recommended daily fluid intake that satisfies thirst and maintains a pale urine color.*** Make small — but smart — changes for a big, hydrating impact!l(BPT)

low urine color indicates proper hydration (good job!).

Keep hydrating beverages at the ready: With at-home and on-the-go schedules looking a little different now, you may forget to keep drinks on hand throughout the day. Always stock hydrating, kid-approved beverages in your car, picnic cooler and fridge to ensure that a tasty hydration option is available.

Serve a better-for-you option: Instead of reaching for fruit juice or other sugarladen beverages, try serving a plantpowered drink with all-natural ingredients. For example, Dr. Casa suggests one great option for hydrating kids is Creative Roots, a new coconut water beverage with all-natural ingredients and 1 gram of sugar that comes in four kidapproved fruit flavors. Dr. Casa conducted a hydration-focused research study

*Kenney EL, et al. Prevalence of Inadequate Hydration among US Children and Disparities by Gender and Race/Ethnicity: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2009-2012.

American Journal of Public Health. 2015; 105: e113-e118. **The full report, "Nutrition, Urinary Markers and Sleep Habits in Children" will be released later in 2020 and was funded by Creative Roots. ***The Dietary Reference Intake for water consumption for children ages 4-10 is between 5.5 and 10 cups per day.

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11

EDUCATION

Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Carranza Guarantee a Nurse In Every School

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EW YORK: Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza announced a guarantee of nursing coverage in every public school building and all early childhood programs across the city. Through a partnership with NYC Health + Hospitals, every student and staff member will have a qualified medical professional available every day as we reopen schools and continue to stop the spread of COVID-19.

“We are going above and beyond to give our children the education they deserve while putting safety and health first every step of the way,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “With our school nurses and rigorous test and trace protocols we will prevent the spread of the virus and guarantee a safe reopening.”

“Before anything else this fall, we are prioritizing health and safety, and this is an absolutely critical component of providing a safe place for our young people to learn during this pandemic,” said Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza.

“Thank you to the staff and parents who advocated for more nursing supports in schools. Your voices helped make this expansion possible.”

New York NY/USA-January 17, 2019 NY Mayor Bill de Blasio, right, and Richard A. Carranza, Dept. of Education Schools Chancellor at a press conference in the Blue Room in NYC Hall. Editorial credit: rblfmr / Shutterstock.com Nursing coverage for schools serving Kindergarten through 12th grade is being provided through a NYC Health + Hospitals nursing contract for 400 fulltime, onsite nurses. Nurses will be hired and in-place by the first day of school.

The over 2,000 early childhood care programs and new Learning Bridges childcare programs require two layers of

nursing coverage. 100 contract nurses will be hired to provide geographic coverage, prioritizing the zip codes hardest hit by COVID-19, for early childhood and Learning Bridges childcare programs. Additionally, the Department of Education will contract with a tele-health nursing provider to make available a hotline accessible to all programs Monday

through Friday, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Program leaders, Family Child Care Network staff and home-based providers could call and consult with a nurse who would be specially trained to advise program leaders on COVID-19 and other medical questions and concerns.

The expansion of school nurses is a critical part in preparing schools for a healthy and safe reopening of this fall.

Previously, the Department announced health policies establishing strict thresholds for opening and closing schools based on COVID-19 transmission rates, standards for air flow and ventilation in all rooms used by staff and students, and the central purchasing of cleaning supplies and PPE for all schools.

Universal nursing coverage will provide every school with a medical professional who can respond when a student or staff member presents with symptoms at school. They are a critical component of school response protocols for isolating, caring for, and investigating suspected and confirmed cases of COVID19 in schools. They will work in close partnership with the NYC Test + Trace Corps team assigned to public schools to quickly stop the spread of COVID-19.l

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JOBS & RECESSION

12

Improve Self-Esteem: Building a More Confident You your own needs and focus on the areas where you have difficulties. Positive affirmations are probably the most important aspect of interrupting a negative status quo and building a stronger sense of self. Work on this daily.

Accepting who you are will help develop a healthier sense of self and build your self-esteem.

BY JENNINE ESTES, MFT

S

elf-esteem and confidence are the overall opinion you have of yourself and they can impact your daily experiences. Your level of self-esteem affects virtually all areas of your life; the type of people you attract, your career building, and relationships, as well as other important areas.

It’s a bit of a cliché now to say that we should “improve self-esteem,” but it still holds true. People with an unhealthy or low self-esteem can often send a vibe that other people can pick up on. Imagine a woman sitting in a coffee shop. She begins to compare herself to others and thinks of herself as unattractive, not good enough, and worthless. This causes her to feel down and overwhelmed. How does she appear? Does she sit tall or does she slightly slouch down and avoid eye contact? What type of vibe would she be sending? How would she present herself at work? Would she speak up with confidence or would she doubt her abilities?

Now, take that same woman, but with a healthier self-esteem. She is aware of both her potential and her weaknesses; when she makes a mistake she doesn’t let

it determine her worth and she values and respects who she is. She has fewer doubts about herself and she knows what she is able to do. How would she present herself? What would be different?

With both examples, the woman hasn’t physically changed, but her self-image, the people she attracts, and how she behaves is probably severely different.

Having a healthy self-esteem impacts all areas of life and the people you attract. Creating a higher self confidence is a complicated area and can require a shift in your perceptions and thought processes. If your self-esteem is lower than you would like it to be, there is hope! No infomercial or magic fixes here, but you can still create healthy self-

confidence. You can improve self-esteem by: Retraining your brain: Our brains can get used to negative thinking, questioning our own capabilities, doubting the possibilities, and worry. Your brain may be accustomed to doubtful and worrisome thinking as well. Retrain your brain by thinking positively and accepting who you are with positive affirmations. When you first start, it will probably seem strange, but that’s the point: you will be doing something new! Even if it feels awkward, say things to yourself like: “I know what I am doing,” “Nothing is wrong with me,” “I will be fine,” and “I have a lot to offer.” Tweak these to meet

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Taking a personal history inventory: Review your personal history and take a deep look at the messages you got growing up. Did you get the message that you can accomplish anything you put your heart into? Or were you given the message that you have to be extremely careful at what you do and that you might mess up? Were you often compared to your siblings or friends? Negative messages we received growing up can severely impact our core self. Be more aware of the past messages and take a step to erase your opinion of them. Slap an expiration date on those messages: yesterday. Time’s up!

Building a new inventory: Prove your negative thoughts wrong by accomplishing the tasks that you doubt. Take a risk.

If you think that you won’t ever be able to get organized, make a small, actionable goal and build on that. Prove those negative voices wrong. The more you disprove your fears, the more it will eliminate negative thoughts and doubts because you are laying down a track record of capability as you improve selfesteem.

Don’t lose momentum. When you hit a rough patch or make a mistake, call it what it is: effort! Remind yourself that you are doing something new and it takes time to adapt. It may feel like nothing is changing, but take a step back: your efforts are the first change you can see.

The results will follow.

Noticing what you have: Avoid comparing yourself to other people. Comparing will only point out what you “don’t have,” rather than noticing what you “do have.” Begin training your brain to notice what you have, what you do well, and avoid comparing yourself to others.

You will never be the other person so start accepting who you are.

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This kind of “re-programming” to improve self-esteem can take a lot of time, especially if they go as far back as our childhood.Our deeply set patterns can be almost impossible to change alone so if you are struggling with unhealthy self-worth and want to make some changes, book an appointment for individual counseling today.l About Jennine Estes, MFT Jennine is a Marriage and Family Therapist in San Diego, CA. Certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples.

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CONVERSATIONS

14

3 Ways to Prevent the Pandemic From Spoiling Your Retirement – Whenever It Is its your growth potential. They won’t match the growth of equities when the economy rebounds. One rule of thumb: the majority of those not yet retired should put at least half of their portfolios in equities, and the younger one is, the higher the percentage of equities. You can reduce risk and achieve stability by improving the quality of your equities, such as those with well-regarded management and consistent customers, and those that have paid dividends over a long period.

BY ALBERT LALONDE

T

he pandemic has brought the possibility that some older workers will have to retire sooner than they planned. One factor is that people 65 and above are considered to be among the highest-risk groups for severe illness from COVID-19. Thus, as the economy opens back up, baby boomers in particular are thinking twice about returning to office environments that could expose them to an increased risk of contracting the disease. And while in some cases retirement decisions will be voluntary, retirement may be essentially decided for some older workers due to jobs being eliminated as struggling companies restructure.

One report showed retirements of people from 50 to 65 and over have surged because of the pandemic. Medicare eligibility starting at age 65 and full Social Security benefits soon thereafter become economic incentives. But as we know, it takes a lot more than government aid to get us through the retirement years. And for older workers who planned to work long enough to collect full Social Security benefits but instead retire earlier, that could have permanent financial

consequences. Filing at the earliest age of 62 will get the retiree only 75% of their annual full benefit. Whereas every year you delay filing for Social Security past full retirement age brings an additional 8% until you turn 70.

People often keep working as long as they can so they can continue to add to their retirement savings while also benefiting from employer-subsidized health insurance. Many older workers from the 40s on up think they will need to work longer because of the current economic crisis. But due to the pandemic, we seem to have less control over length-of-career considerations than ever before. And because of that, it ups the ante on taking

care of your retirement funds in advance of retirement, and knowing ways to grow them and balance the risk to them.

When trying to figure out how to protect your retirement portfolio in the uncertain months ahead, remember that sometimes, trying to save yourself from future market volatility can result in major investing mistakes. Here are some examples to avoid during this recession: Being too conservative. Finding a foothold for financial stability is on many people’s minds given these nervous times, but stability can be taken a bit too far. For example, focusing almost exclusively on fixed-income investments lim-

Ceasing to invest. While some companies have paused matching employee 401(k) programs due to the pandemic, it’s not out of the question that they’ll one day resume when a recovery ensues.

But no saving plus no investing equals putting yourself much further behind for retirement. If you can afford to contribute to an IRA or 401(k) during the recession, do it. Suspending your investing because of concerns that your positions will lose value is a back-sliding strategy that can bite you. As the economy climbs back, share prices increase, but if you sat on cash while waiting for a recovery, you won’t benefit from the continued on page 15

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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

15

New York City Launches FirstEver Tenant Resource Portal to Help Renters Avoid Eviction

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EW YORK: Mayor de Blasio announced the launch of the NYC Tenant Resource Portal, the city’s first-ever online resource to help residential renters access free resources from the City to help prevent evictions and keep tenants stably housed.

The portal, launched through Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants (MOPT), the Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit (PEU), and the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications (DoITT), features an eviction prevention tool to help renters navigate free public and private resources that can stabilize their housing situations.

“The City is doing everything in our power to support vulnerable families as they deal with a public health and economic crisis,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

“With the launch of the Tenant Resource Portal, we are unveiling the first, Cityhosted platform where tenants at risk of eviction can go to find a unified directory of all the housing-related resources they may need.”

The portal is free and accessible to all residential tenants. Tenants will respond

to a series of questions about their unique circumstances and be directed to the most relevant resources, such as help navigating an illegal lockout or eviction.

The portal also has up-to-date information on the general status of evictions in New York City Housing Court. Tenants who do not have access to the internet can call 311 and ask for the “Tenant Helpline,” which was launched in partnership with 311 and HRA’s Office of Civil Justice (OCJ) in April of this year, where they will be connected to a PEU Tenant Support Specialist to receive free, individualized assistance.

"With many struggling to pay rent and provide for their families during this difficult time, it is important that all New Yorkers know that many services— including housing help—are available regardless of immigration status, English proficiency, income, or housing situation,” said Bitta Mostofi, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. “The new Tenant Resource Portal will make it easier than ever for New Yorkers to access, navigate, and better connect to vital information and resources to address their housing insecurity.”l

Spoiling Your Retirement

/from page 14 upswing. And later on you’ll pay higher prices for those shares, when you could have gotten them for less.

Trying to time the market. Basing investment decisions on current market conditions is tricky. Some people are making those kinds of decisions, such as selling off or pausing contributions, to protect themselves from future market declines. But for example, when deciding to liquidate, you later may have to decide when to reinvest. Will that timing always be good? No. Even professional fund managers have difficulty timing the market. So it’s better to remember that you got into the stock market in the first place because, over long periods, history shows it often trends up. Don’t react to what’s happening today. Stick to a consistent schedule of investing. And remember: long-term growth helps fund your retirement.l Albert Lalonde is a financial planner and investment advisor representative.

Lalonde, a fiduciary, was inspired to enter the financial industry after watching his parents navigate their own retirement with no one to properly advise them. He has passed the Series 65 securities exam and holds an insurance and health license. Lalonde graduated from Montana State University, from which he earned two Bachelor of Arts degrees.

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HEALTH

16

More Than A Quarter Million People Screened Positive For Depression, Anxiety Since Start Of The Pandemic

A

lexandria, VA: Tens of thousands of people experienced serious mental health symptoms in July as the COVID-19 pandemic continued to take a huge toll on the mental health of the nation, according to new data released today by Mental Health America (MHA).

MHA, which has been using its online mental health screening program – www.mhascreening.org – to track the real-time impact of the pandemic on mental health conditions, reported that more than a quarter million people took a mental health screening in July. This was the largest monthly number in the six years of the program, which has now reached more than 5.5 million people with tools and resources to learn more about their mental health conditions and improve or maintain their mental health.

“In July, more than 72,000 of our screeners indicated moderate to severe symptoms of depression, more than 39,000 had moderate to severe systems of anxiety, and more than 19,000 had symptoms of psychosis – the highest numbers we have ever seen,” comment-

ed MHA President and CEO, Paul Gionfriddo.

“Collectively, since the end of February more than 263,000 people over and above what we would have expected have screened moderate to severe for depression or anxiety,” he added. “This reflects how pervasive mental health conditions are becoming in the general population as a result of the pandemic.”

Screening respondents cite loneliness and isolation, relationship problems, cur-

rent events, and, increasingly, financial problems as reasons for their mental health conditions at the present time.

While young people continue to be disproportionately affected by both anxiety and depression, different populations cite different reasons for their concerns.

Severe mental health conditions also appear to be on the rise.

“In addition to hundreds of thousands experiencing depression or anxiety, more than 42,000 people have also now expe-

rienced symptoms related to emerging psychosis,” Gionfriddo added. This suggests that stress from the pandemic is also playing a role in the development of these symptoms.

“Most worrisome are the 90,000 plus people who report regularly thinking of suicide or self-harm – more than 30,000 in the month of July alone.”

MHA has resources on its website at www.mhanational.org for anyone worried about their mental health or the mental health of loved ones.

“In addition,” Gionfriddo concluded, “we are asking all elected officials and candidates for office this year to talk about mental health, to stress its importance, to favor policies that provide access to mental health services and supports across the spectrum, and to set an example by working to build an inclusive foundation of mental health supports for the entire population.

“We need to bend the curve of these numbers, and we need to do it today – before emerging conditions become Stage 4 crises.” l

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LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

17

Is It Time to Talk With Your Spouse About A Separation?

BY JANET HOWARD, 311DIVORCE.COM

I

f you and your partner have been struggling to get along, facing impossible obstacles, or simply fighting constantly, you might be thinking about separating from them. The choice to separate can be either temporary or permanent but is often viewed as a way for you to enjoy some time apart from one another and re-evaluate how your relationship will function moving forward. Before you talk with your spouse about separating, however, it’s important to consider how this choice will impact your life.

Here’s what you need to think about.

Will this be permanent?

For some couples, the choice to separate is a temporary one. If you simply need a break from your partner but aren’t interested in divorce or permanent separation, make sure you focus on this when you bring up the topic. Let them know that you do not want a permanent separation, but rather, that you need some time to yourself. A temporary separation can be a positive way to decide whether you want to continue living alone or whether your relationship is worth salvaging.

Sometimes having some time apart can give you the clarity you’ve been search-

ing for and can help you make important decisions about your future.

Is counseling an option?

Before you rush off to rent your own apartment, consider whether you and your partner should attend therapy or counseling together. Sometimes communicating in a more effective way can be beneficial. A therapist can help you accomplish this. If you and your partner

constantly struggle to demonstrate your opinions and express your ideas in a healthy way, counseling could give you the skills you need to move forward and could prevent you from separating.

Additionally, if you have children, family therapy can be quite beneficial after periods of stress.

How will your children be impacted?

When there are children involved, it’s

important to consider how the separation will affect them. Whether your kids are five years old or seventeen, they will experience changes when you and your partner separate from one another. You’ll need to decide who your children will live with, how you’ll handle custody arrangements, and whether they’ll continue attending the same school. For some kids, dealing with separation can be emotionally stressful, so you’ll need to be ready to handle that. Open communication is very important for any family but is especially vital when you’re thinking about separating. Your kids will need to be reassured that you and your partner still love them.

The choice between divorce and separation can be complicated. No matter what type of situation you’re dealing with, it’s important to consult with an attorney before you choose to separate to be able to make an informed decision as to how you want to proceed. There may be legal steps you need to take before you and your partner take a break, so make sure you reach out to an attorney today. Your lawyer can guide you throughout the separation process and will let you know what steps you need to take in order to make your separation a legal one. l .

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ELECTIONS 2020

16

Voter Registration in NYC Plummeted During Pandemic, Sparking Concerns for November Election

BY CHRISTINE CHUNG, THE CITY

N

ew voter registrations plunged during New York City’s shutdown — spurring renewed calls to make it easier for people to sign up online to cast ballots in November’s pivotal national election.

Roughly 80,000 residents registered in the first six months of 2020, about half the total during the same period last year, data compiled by the city Campaign Finance Board shows.

Registration through February indicated major enthusiasm, drawing 27% more new voters than in the 2016 presidential cycle. But COVID-19’s arrival quashed this fervor, and dramatically changed the ways that campaigns and elections are conducted.

The lackluster voter registration numbers since March, combined with the chaos of the June 23 primary election, have voting rights advocates and goodgovernment organizations looking warily ahead to the November presidential election.

People register to vote in Union Square in 2016.

Editorial credit: Roy Harris/Shutterstock

Multiple experts said that the coronavirus pandemic has underscored the pressing need to overhaul the online voter registration system to make ID requirements less restrictive, in line with

39 other states.

“This should have been done 10 years ago, there’s no reason I can do my banking online but I can’t register to vote online,” said Jennifer Wilson, deputy director of the New York State chapter of the League of Women Voters.

“It’s looking pretty obvious the pandemic is still going to be happening in November.”

Many New Yorkers Left Out In New York state, only residents with a DMV-issued form of identification can register to vote or change their voter registration online.

The remaining methods available to New Yorkers require either signing up in person or mailing an application to the Board of Elections. Community groups focused on voting rights said the city’s shutdown has exposed voter disenfranchisement resulting from too few options to sign up to vote.

More than 700,000 New York City residents do not have a DMV ID, according to the Campaign Finance Board’s data analysis.

“This all hit in early March, our organization had a ton of in-person voter registration events planned, all which had to be cancelled,” said Sanda Balaban, a cofounder and director of YVote, a nonprofit focused on youth civic engagement.

“We know that the passion exists, so at a time when people feel voiceless in many ways, the fact that we are precluding people from having this essential democratic outlet to express their needs and desires is just really heartbreaking.”

Waiting in the Wings Advocates are calling for the activation of a less-restrictive online voter registration website already built by the Campaign Finance Board.

In 2017, the City Council passed a law mandating the CFB to create an online system by June 2019. The website, which would have allowed residents to e-sign a form and just use the last four digits of their social security number, was ultimately blocked by the city Board of Elections’ requirements for a physical signature.

Rachel Bloom, the policy director for Citizens Union, said that a revamped online system would address a critical problem scores of voters are currently facing — they want to register to vote but literally do not have the ability to, due to the stay at home orders.

“We are living in unprecedented times.

People don’t have access to paper ballots and a lot of New Yorkers don’t have state IDs,” Bloom said. “We want people to vote and we want them to get excited about voting. This is a problem with a fairly simple solution that exists.”

Valerie Vasquez Diaz, a spokesperson for the city Board of Elections, directed inquiries about the potential of reviving the dormant system to the Campaign Finance Board.

On the state level, a bill sponsored by State Sen. Zellnor Myrie (D-Brooklyn) and Assemblymember Michael Blake (D-The Bronx), would authorize the city to collect electronic signatures. The bill has yet to be scheduled for a full vote by either the Assembly or Senate.

More Time Needed Voters’ rights organizations are also fighting to give New Yorkers more time to register. The deadline is currently set at 25 days prior to an election, making Oct. 9 the last day to register for the November 3 general election.

Two years ago, the NYCLU filed suit against the city and state Boards of Election in an effort to extend the deadline. That litigation is ongoing.

“We are in such a deep hole for registrations this year that getting the deadline repealed for November is really, really critical,” said Perry Grossman, a voting rights attorney for the NYCLU. “It’s a completely absurd and a huge problem this year.”

Meanwhile, official results for the June 23 primary election are still weeks away, after the City Board of Elections announced Monday that the counting of absentee ballots would be delayed a week. The Board will start tallying for Staten Island on July 6, and the remaining boroughs on July 8.l This story was published on July 01, 2020 by THE CITY.

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