The Immigrant’s Journal - Vol. 151

The Immigrant’s Journal Vol. 151

A Journey for a Better Life & Justice

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Protecting God’s Children From Distant Lands 26 Court Street, Suite 701, Brooklyn, NY 11242

www.theimmigrantsjournal.com Tel: 718-243-9431

Nov 18, 2021

Email: immjournal @aol.com

Groups Call for Transparency Regarding Abuse and Mistreatment of Black Immigrants in Detention

BY TSION GURMU & EMILY CREIGHTON

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he public watched in horror this September as U.S. Border Patrol agents on horses chased down Haitians and other Black migrants who were coming to the United States to seek protection. Despite outcry from civil rights organizations and people around the world, the Biden administration continued to violently expel thousands of Black migrants.

What remains hidden from the public eye is the ongoing abusive and humiliating treatment of Black immigrants within the U.S. immigration detention system. continued on page 6

Pathway to Permanent Residency Must Follow Infrastructure Deal ....3

Editorial credit: Ringo Chiu / Shutterstock.com

Why You Should Vaccinate Your Kids ....12

Council Votes to Overhaul Construction Safety ....10

NYC Joins Multistate Coalition in Support of Federal Effort to Prioritize Workplace Rights and Safety in Immigration Enforcement

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ew York, NY: On Monday, November 15, the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) joined a coalition of attorneys general — as well as several local agencies across the country — in a letter in support of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) plan to change its worksite enforcement practices to support enforcement of wage protections, workplace safety, labor rights, and other

employment laws and standards. In the letter, the coalition highlights several key recommendations to ensure that DHS’ immigration enforcement policies and practices facilitate the ability of state and local labor enforcement officials to advance fair labor standards.

“New York is a city of immigrants— it’s what makes us the thriving metropolis we are,” said NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Commissioner Hatch. Editorial credit: NYC.gov

continued on page 4

Dealing Effectively With the Ups and Downs of Life ....15

Brian Figeroux, Esq.

Why You’ll Absolutely Need a Great Real Estate Broker ....8

Family Separation Has Caused Life-Long Trauma Years Later....9

HOW TO GET A GREEN CARD

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DHS Announces Countries Eligible for H-2A and H-2B Visa Programs

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he Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of State (DOS), has announced the lists of countries whose nationals are eligible to participate in the H-2A and H-2B visa programs in the next year. The notice listing the eligible countries will be published in the Federal Register on Nov. 10, 2021.

For the next year, the Secretary of Homeland Security, with the concurrence of the secretary of state, has decided to: •Add Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Cyprus, the Dominican Republic (currently only eligible for the H-2A program), Haiti, Mauritius, and Saint Lucia to the list of countries eligible to participate in the H-2A and H-2B programs; and •No longer designate Moldova as an eligible country for the H-2A visa program because it no longer meets the regulatory standards for that program. However, Moldova’s eligibility for the H-2A program remains effective until Jan. 18, 2022.

DHS maintains its authority to add countries to the eligible countries lists at any time, and to decide not to redesignate any

country at the end of the one-year period following the date of publication of a country’s last designation in the Federal Register, should DHS and DOS determine that a country fails to meet the requirements for continued designation.

Examples of factors that could result in the exclusion of a country or the removal of a country from the list include fraud, abuse, denial rates, overstay rates, human trafficking concerns, and other forms of noncompliance with the terms and conditions of the H-2 visa programs by nationals of that country that are contrary to U.S. interest.

The H-2A and H-2B visa programs allow U.S. employers to bring foreign nationals to the United States to fill temporary agricultural and nonagricultural jobs, respectively. Typically, USCIS approves H-2A and H-2B petitions only for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as eligible to participate in the programs.

However, USCIS may approve H-2A and H-2B petitions, including those that were pending as of the date of the Federal Register notice, for nationals of countries not on the list on a case-by-case basis only if doing so is determined to be in the interest of the United States.

Even where the Secretary of Homeland Security has determined to terminate or decided not to designate a country, DHS, through USCIS, may allow, on a case-bycase basis, a national from a country that is not on the list to be named as a beneficiary of an H-2A or H-2B petition based on a determination that it is in the U.S. interest for that individual noncitizen to be a beneficiary of an H-2 petition.

Determination of such U.S. interest will take into account factors, including but not limited to: (1) Evidence from the petitioner demonstrating that a worker with the required skills is not available either from among U.S. workers or from among foreign workers from a country currently on the list.

The designations in this notice are effective from November 10, 2021 and shall be without effect on November 10, 2022.

For the list of nationals of the countries are eligible to receive H-2A and H-2B visas, visit www.ijlef.org Immigration law is complex. Questions?

Ask the Lawyer. Get a FREE consultation. Call 855-768-8845 or schedule an appointment at www.askthelawyer.us l

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TIME FOR ACTION

Build Back Better Package and Pathway to Permanent Residency Must Follow Infrastructure Deal

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ASHINGTON: On Tuesday, November 16, as U.S. President Joe Biden signed the bipartisan infrastructure deal into law. The National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA), a multi-ethnic coalition of the nation’s largest statelevel immigrant advocacy organizations, urges the House of Representatives to vote on the Build Back Better (BBB) package, the complimentary social spending bill. NPNA also urges the House of Representatives to include a path to permanent residency in the BBB package via a registry update.

Since our founding, the NPNA network has worked to build the legal services capacity within our immigrant rights coalition and advocated for the accessibility of new immigration benefits, in order to implement the wins our coalition members have long fought for. Since our coalition has always called for full citizenship for all, NPNA urges Congressional leaders to include a registry update in the BBB package before sending the bill to the Senate. NPNA members like the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), Make the Road New York, and the National Korean American Service & Education Consortium have called for the Senate to disregard the advisory opinion of the unelected Parliamentarian and include a road to permanent residency in the reconciliation package, and NPNA joins them in that call.

“NPNA was founded on a vision of full inclusion of immigrants and refugees,

Legal Advisor Brian Figeroux, Esq. Managing Editor & Editor-in-Chief Pearl Phillip Senior Writer Linda Nwoke Graphic & Website Designers Praim Samsoondar Kendrick Williams Anvar Sabirov Email immjournal@aol.com

President Biden.Editorial credit: Ron Adar / Shutterstock.com

which requires full citizenship. Let me remind Congressional leaders that a majority of the American people approve of providing a road to permanent residency,” said Nicole Melaku, executive director of NPNA. “Yet, the current Build Back Better framework does not include a pathway to citizenship so we urge Congressional leaders to be bold and stay true to their promises to the American people by including a registry update in the bill before sending it to the Senate.”

While the current BBB package does not include a road to permanent residency, the bill does include many positive provisions, including $2.8 billion for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to reduce the backlog of naturalization and other immigration applications. At the same time, NPNA is concerned that language in the BBB package specifically prohibits USCIS from issuing fee waivers for certain immigration benefits that would protect

undocumented immigrants from deportation and allow work permits. This prohibition would limit access to new benefits for low-income and working-class immigrants. Any immigration benefits created by the BBB package should allow for fee waivers so that all eligible immigrants can access them independent of their class or wealth.

Immigrant and refugee-serving legal service organizations are ready to implement any legalization legislation to protect as many families as possible who might be eligible for relief. In July, a group of 18 national organizations with reach across 50 states, including NPNA, launched the Ready To Stay campaign, a national effort to help immigrants navigate and access legal services. The Ready to Stay coalition and NPNA’s Family Protection network stand ready to mobilize legal services nationwide to help implement any changes that allow people to gain permanent residency or protections from removal. l

Immigrants Potentially Impacted by Relief in Build Back Better Act Call for Passage. Read their stories at www.ijlef.org

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ASHINGTON, DC: People from across the country who would be directly impacted by the immigration relief proposal in the Build Back Better Act voiced support for the legislation being advanced currently in the House. President Biden, Speaker Pelosi, and House Democrats have committed to voting on Build Back Better in the House this week.

It is important to explicitly state that the legislation being considered is short of

TEAM Publisher I.Q. INC.

the pathway to citizenship for all 11 million undocumented immigrants that is needed, and that the entire immigrants' rights movement is continuing to work to

achieve. At the same time, this legislation would represent the most significant immigration measure passed by Congress in decades. For years directly impacted people have stood with strength and courage to demand protections for their families and communities.

Now, the onus is on Congress to take meaningful action to secure these protections and deliver results from this bill to communities across the country. l — FWD.us

Visit www.ijlef.org www.falaw.us www.cawnyc.com 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

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IMMIGRANTS’ RIGHTS Immigration Enforcement/ continued from page 1 (DCWP) Commissioner Peter A. Hatch.

“First, immigrant workers—the same workers who often experience exploitative workplace conditions—faced degrading workplace raids, then so many toiled as essential workers through the height of the pandemic, so we applaud DHS’ shift in its workplace enforcement practices. As an agency that fights for all workers regardless of status, we hope DHS will take these needed steps to further prioritize workplace rights and safety.”

State and local labor enforcement agencies investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate thousands of work-related claims against employers who illegally suppress labor standards and intimidate workers from exercising their rights. The key role played by state and local entities in labor enforcement makes them indispensable partners in any effort to develop immigration enforcement protocols that prioritize the need to protect the rights of workers. Further, immigrants make up a significant proportion of the workforce in the coalition’s respective states and cities. Many vital industries depend on immigrant workers to meet their labor demands and provide critical services and goods to our communities. At the same time, immigrant workers, especially those who are unauthorized to work in the United States, are particularly sus-

ceptible to abusive and unlawful labor conditions, and are especially vulnerable when bringing these violations to light.

As a result, workers can be reluctant or even decline to pursue a case or testify in a legal proceeding out of fear that their employer would respond by reporting them or their family members to immigration authorities.

In the letter, the coalition — in an effort to advance the mutual goals of ensuring workplaces across the nation comply with labor laws, protecting working conditions, and standing up for the rights and dignity of workers — urges DHS to consider a number of recommendations in its new effort, including to: •Create a deferred action program to proactively support workers cooperating with labor law enforcement agencies; •Make it explicit that state and local

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agencies that enforce workplace laws can certify S, T, and U Visas; •Limit enforcement based on potentially retaliatory tips from employers and inform the public that DHS’ hotline should not be used for such purposes; •Establish clear points of contact for state and local labor enforcement agencies to quickly address concerns and support effective communication with DHS; •Take steps to ensure immigrant workers and communities have access to information about their rights and protections; •Support private actions to facilitate the enforcement of labor laws, extending protection to immigrant victims of and witnesses to labor violations; •Bar immigration enforcement activities at courthouses or state or local labor departments; and •Provide state and local labor enforce-

ment agencies with access to witnesses held in civil immigration detention.

In sending the letter, the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection joins the Attorneys General of California, Illinois, Massachusetts, and New York; the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, and the Seattle Offices of Labor Standards and Immigrant and Refugee Affairs; together with the Attorneys General of Delaware, New Jersey, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Washington, and the District of Columbia; the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office (MA), Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office (MI), Chicago Office of Labor Standards, and City of Philadelphia. l

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FAMILY MATTERS

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

BY JANET HOWARD

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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.

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

2. 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.

3. 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

No matter what type of situation you're dealing with, it's important to consult with an attorney in your state before you choose to separate. 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.

Questions? Ask the Lawyer. Get a FREE consultation. Call 855-768-8845 or visit www.askthelawyer.us l

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CIVIL RIGHTS

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Abuse & Mistreatment/ continued from page 1 A recent suit under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) seeks to expose the treatment of these detained Black immigrants.

The FOIA requests outline the extensive mistreatment of Black immigrants in eight immigration detention facilities in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. The complaint describes disturbing instances of abuse in the context of systemic antiBlack racism in the detention system.

Black immigrants report that they are subject to overtly racist statements and attacks by guards in facilities and are explicitly targeted because of their race.

The complaint cites reports of Black immigrants being threatened with pepper spray, beaten, and forced into restraint devices and confinement.

At Pine Prairie Detention Facility, a group of 45 Black, majority Cameroonian, asylum seekers organized hunger strikes to protest the prolonged detention of African men. Guards climbed on top of several of them, attempting to force them into chokeholds. All 45 men were rounded up by officials in full military gear and taken to the solitary confinement units. At another facility, the West Texas Detention Facility, detained Black immigrants reported unprovoked physical violence, including indiscriminate deployment of pepper spray and use of solitary confinement or segregation.

Another area of abuse involves the use

of physical force to compel individuals to agree to deportation. Among the facilities targeted by the FOIA, this was documented at Winn Correctional Center and Adams County Correctional Center.

At Winn Correctional Center, Cameroonian asylum seekers reported being assaulted, choked, and beaten while guards physically manipulated their hands into providing their fingerprints to ‘consent’ to deportation.

At yet another facility subject to the FOIA investigation, the T. Don Hutto facility, a group of more than 40 Cameroonian asylum-seeking women reported serious medical neglect, including the refusal to provide critical surgeries and medical treatment.

Overall, the complaint highlights how Black immigrants are disproportionately subject to solitary confinement. One study found that from 2012 to 2017, detained individuals from predominantly

Black countries—who made up less than 4% of people in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody— comprised more than 24% of all people in solitary confinement.

In another FOIA lawsuit filed in October, civil rights groups demanded agency records related to the wrongful deportation of Cameroonian immigrants.

The groups brought the suit approximately one year after Cameroonian and other asylum seekers were deported after filing civil rights complaints highlighting violent and coercive tactics used to force them to sign their own deportation orders.

A more recent complaint also documents the brutality faced by Black immigrants in ICE custody where they are placed in restraint devices and suffer agonizing pain.

The need for transparency regarding the treatment of Black immigrants in

detention is acute. Only by revealing information about how Black immigrants have been treated in ICE detention centers can we begin to address the insidious reach of systemic racism in the U.S. immigration system and the traumatic effects on those impacted.

What is most shocking about the abusive and unlawful treatment of Black immigrants in detention is that it is commonplace and remains largely unspoken.

Our goal in highlighting these cruel and inhumane practices is to hold the U.S. government accountable.

ICE must provide full and complete responses to pending FOIA requests regarding the treatment of Black immigrants. Transparency is the first step to revealing what happens inside detention centers and achieving public accountability and meaningful change. l

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IN THE NEWS

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In 11-Mile March, Immigrant NYers Refuse to Back Down On Pathway to Citizenship

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n Friday, November 12, in an 11-mile march, immigrant New Yorkers, the New York Immigration Coalition, Center for Popular Democracy, Make the Road New York, New Immigrant Community Empowerment, and allies brought their demand for a pathway to citizenship from Manhattan to Brooklyn. Starting at 110th street in Harlem and ending at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn, the marchers reminded Democrats in Washington of their campaign promises to deliver legalization for 11 million immigrant Americans.

“We marched today because we refuse to stay silent while Democrats refuse to seize the first real opportunity for comprehensive immigration reform in decades,” said Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director, New York Immigration Coalition. “From President Joe Biden to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, our national leaders promised they would deliver for immigrant Americans. They offered heartfelt praise for the sacrifices our communities made on the front lines of a global pandemic but have failed to provide immigrants with the real protection and oppor-

tunity of a roadmap to citizenship. We can’t afford their excuses because it will be our families who will bear the brunt of their limited imaginations. Washington Democrats have the power to build a better vision of our country and secure a true recovery for each and every one of us who call America home. It’s time they start listening to the majority of the American voters and take bold action to ensure all our futures.”

Yaritza Mendez, Co-Director of Organizing at Make the Road New York, said, “Our communities have fought tooth and nail for decades for a pathway to citizenship—and that is what we deserve. Immigrants are integral to our country and should not constantly fear being separated from their loved ones.

Temporary work permits fall short of meeting the needs of our loved ones and neighbors. We urgently call on the Democratic leadership to deliver on their promise and ensure the Build Back Better package includes a path to citizenship for millions of immigrants.”

The rally and march come after the news that the current Build Back Better package only includes a parole plan, which would grant temporary and time-

Editorial credit: Ryan Rodrick Beiler / Shutterstock.com

limited immigration and work benefits to immigrants brought here as children, TPS holders, and farmworkers, but without any path to a green card and eventual citizenship. The New York Immigration Coalition joined national partners in demanding the Democratic Party deliver on their promise to deliver legalization for millions.

Background: Friday’s 11-mile march is a continuation of the actions that have been ongoing in

New York and across the country. Over the past few weeks, we have launched a video ad; immigrant New Yorkers held an evening vigil in front of Senator Schumer’s Brooklyn home; a rally in front of his Manhattan office; a 4-day #NoSleepTilCitizenship sleep-out in front of the Senator’s Brooklyn home and rallied in Long Island to keep up the pressure for a pathway to citizenship to be included in the final budget reconciliation package.

A few weeks before the inauguration of President Biden, NYIC launched an aggressive campaign targeted at key members of New York’s Democratic congressional delegation, demanding an unequivocal commitment to achieving a pathway to citizenship. NYIC’s work is part of a multi-organizational and national effort spearheaded by FIRM to transform America’s immigration system. A recent Data for Progress poll revealed a clear majority of Americans, 67%, support legalization for Dreamers, TPS recipients, and essential workers. An FWD.us report outlined that legalization would provide $149 billion in GDP and $39 billion in federal, state, and local taxes. l

Wrong time for the flu.

Right time for a flu shot.

COVID-19 has taught us that we all need to be protected.

A flu shot helps protect you and your family.

Especially:

Childen under 5

For more information and to find a location to get your flu shot, visit nyc.gov/flu or call 311.

If you are over 65

If you are or may be pregnant

If you have other medical conditions

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

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AMERICAN DREAM

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Thinking About Selling? 3 Reasons Why You’ll Absolutely Need a Great Real Estate Broker

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hether you're familiar with the market or you've never sold a home before, an effective real estate broker can be exactly what you need to make for a positive market experience. With the world of real estate in a constant state of turmoil, here are a few reasons why the right broker can successfully guide you through the muddled waters of the market.

your next potential broker.

The real estate market is rife with a lot of things to know and it can be complicated to jump into the tides, but the right broker can actually make the process of selling your home a lot less stressful. If you're currently looking for a home and are not sure where to turn, you may want to contact one of our real estate professionals for more scoop on the market.

A Skill for Communication In case the real estate market makes you nervous, it's particularly important to have the kind of broker who will keep you in the loop and give you the information you need to make an informed selling decision. A broker with the powers of communication will be able to give you honest advice when it's required, like if it's time to lower the price of your house, so that you can have success in achieving the offer you're looking for.

Equity Smart Realty, Inc Equity Smart Realty (ESR) specializes in a customized marketing strategy tailored to each seller’s individual needs. Our goal is to bring you the highest offer in the shortest amount of time. Our experienced team have successfully marketed and sold residential properties throughout New York City. ESR assists buyers in locating and purchasing properties in the following areas: Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Bronx and other counties in New York State.

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

A Willingness to Work Hard There are many brokers out there who won't be willing to put in additional

effort for a client, but the kind of broker you will want to choose should be someone who is a go-getter and will chase potential business for you. Instead of waiting around, an ideal agent should be following up with potential buyers and ensuring that they're chasing any leads that may secure the purchase of your home. If you have to ask them to be proactive, they are probably not the right person for the job.

A Bevy of Client References A real estate broker who is worth his salt, should not hesitate to provide you with client references so you can make an informed, educated decision. Instead of asking for their personal references, though, request the names of their last ten clients as this should give you a pretty good grasp of what their capacities as a broker are, and how they will serve you. If they are cagey about providing references, you'll want to move on to

Call 888-670-6791 26 Court Street, Suite 701, Downtown Brooklyn VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.THEIMMIGRANTSJOURNAL.COM FOR MORE IMMIGRATION NEWS & UPDATES

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IMMIGRANTS’ MATTERS

Family Separation Has Caused Life-Long Trauma Years Later

BY AMERICAN IMMIGRATION COUNCIL STAFF

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our years ago, immigration lawyers and advocates began to see a disturbing practice emerge: the U.S. government began to forcibly separated children—some very young— from their parent at the border. Now, years later, some families are still separated. For those put back together, the scars of trauma are life-long and continue today.

Under the Trump administration’s Zero Tolerance policy, crying, screaming children were ripped from their parents’ arms. They were sent, in many instances, to faraway detention facilities for children. The parents had no idea where their children were for weeks, if not months.

They lost the ability to communicate with their children; at best, they were afforded brief phone calls.

This story does not have a happy ending, even for those families who were reunited. As predicted by government officials themselves, these families have suffered traumatic psychological injury.

Many medical groups, including the American Psychiatry Association and the

American Academy of Pediatrics, decried the “irreparable” harm that separation can cause to both children and parents.

“The intense fear, sense of helplessness and vulnerability for the child associated with forced separation from their parent can lead to a state of hyperarousal, attention deficits, depressive symptoms and interference in their ability to communicate and relate to others,” Dr. Cristina

Muñiz, PhD said in remarks to the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce subcommittee on oversight and investigations.

The separation also disrupts attachments between parent and child.

Attachment is an “umbrella term critical to development across the lifespan,” and affects physical, mental, and social-emotional health.

A sudden, abrupt, and chaotic separation from a parent has the most disastrous, life-long events. “When a child sees a parent frightened, it is extremely threatening,” Lisa Berlin, an associate professor at the University of Maryland School of Social Work and co-author on a study published in 2011, told PBS in 2018.

A release of too many stress hormones can lead to complications like heart disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer.

Multiple instances of trauma can lead to depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

For young children, studies have found that separation from a primary caregiver negatively affects academic performance. In a seminal 2011 study on attachment and separation, family separations

were “negatively associated with children’s reading achievement by age 8.”

A complaint by the American Immigration Council and the American Immigration Lawyers Association details these traumatic separations.

Like “JL,” a Guatemalan mother who was separated from her 7-year-old for 53 days. Officials told her they would only be separated for a day, but her child was flown across the country without her. She describes feeling like she was going to die when they took him away from her, with her son crying and begging her to not let them take him.

Or A.E., another Guatemalan mother, whose five-year-old was taken away from her. A.E.’s son cried, “Don’t leave me mami. Don’t leave me with immigration. Why are you letting them take me?!

Why are you leaving me?” Officials again lied to her about how long they’d be separated. It was more than a month before she saw her son again. She could not eat or sleep during this time, consumed with worry.

The horrors of separation are not over.

The Biden administration must do everything in its power to right these historic wrongs. l

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IMMIGRANTS’ CONCERNS

Council Votes to Overhaul Construction Safety

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ity Hall, NY: After a particularly devastating year for construction worker deaths in New York City, on Wednesday, November 10, the Council voted on a package of bills building on efforts to reduce construction-related injuries and fatalities. The first bill would require additional site safety supervision at major building construction sites, requiring a designated full-time construction superintendent who would be responsible for safety and code compliance, along with overall management of the construction project.

The superintendent would be in addition to a site safety coordinator or site safety manager.

A second bill would lower the threshold for a major building construction site to include those that involve existing or proposed buildings seven or more stories, or 75 feet or more, in height. This would trigger additional site safety requirements for more construction sites.

A third piece of legislation would prohibit the installation and use of dangerous stand-off brackets for suspended scaffolding work and would also eliminate certain required final inspections of temporary construction equipment in order

to streamline the sign-off process for permits. Lastly, a fourth bill would amend certain existing requirements and establish new requirements for the use of coldformed steel light-frame construction.

The bill would amend special inspection requirements for their use, additionally creating new requirements for the installation of cold-formed steel light-frame construction, the installation of decking on cold-formed steel light-frame construction, and the use of such framing and decking during construction and demolition.

Another bill before the Council today concerns one of the many obstacles for-

merly incarcerated individuals face when reentering the workforce: the abusive nature of “body shops.” Body shops are non-union labor brokers in the construction industry that often exploit recently released individuals under parole supervision, which allows them to pay lower wages and disregard the safety of employees. The bill before the Council today would require businesses that supply employees to clients for construction work, in exchange for compensation, to be licensed. Applying for a license would require signed statements and select information on business operations, and each covered business would have to supply their workers with a series of notices on their rights as workers covered by this bill, training and certifications the employees would need to perform their work duties, and information on the employees’ work assignments.

Developers would also receive these notices and could be subject to civil penalties if they use the services of an unlicensed labor broker. Importantly, employees of the businesses subjected to a violation of the bill’s subchapter would be able to initiate a private right of action against their employers for violations of

the bill, including for retaliation.

Intro 2318, sponsored by Councilmember Diana Ayala, provides a regulatory framework and increases transparency of how body shops operate.

This bill distinguishes between legitimate subcontractors (who assume risk when they bid on a project) and body shops, who supply laborers (often formerly incarcerated) and charge the general contractor or owner a premium for their work.

“I’m glad the City Council has listened to the stories and struggles of formerly incarcerated workers like me,” said Laborers Local 79 member John Simmons, a former body-shop worker who was active in the union’s campaign for the bill, Laborers Fight Back. “For too long the body-shop system of exploitation has operated in the shadows, on construction sites throughout our city.

For too long, we’ve been told that any job, no matter how unsafe and poorly paid, is better than no job. No more.”

President Mike Hellstrom said, "We urge outgoing Mayor Bill de Blasio to sign this law immediately and incoming Mayor Eric Adams to enforce it aggressively.” l

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GENERATIONS

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Staying Safe and Joyful: Tips for a Dementia-Friendly Holiday Celebration

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or many, the holiday season is a joyful one spent together with loved ones—including families affected by dementia. Being adaptable and building an inclusive environment are key to creating dementia-friendly holidays and celebrations. With the holiday season right around the corner, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is providing tips on how families affected by dementia can adapt holiday gatherings to make them safe and dementia-friendly during this festive time.

“The best way to support someone with dementia during the holiday season is to create an inclusive environment to enjoy holidays and celebrations, while understanding and adapting to changes and being aware of the many emotions the holidays can bring,” said Jennifer Reeder, LMSW, AFA’s Director of Educational and Social Services.

Families caring for someone with dementia should consider the following steps: Adapt past favorite traditions or create new ones.

Build on old traditions where you can, such as enjoying favorite music or movies. Start new ones around things the persons can, and likes to do, such as touring neighborhood holiday lights, and do

Be open with guests.

Consider sharing beneficial information with guests beforehand, such as ways they can communicate with the person, what they respond well to, and what may upset them—especially visitors who don’t regularly interact with the individual. This will guide them on how they can be helpful and supportive.

it together. Whenever possible, involve the person by asking what traditions are important to them (this will help you prioritize and plan). For example, if the person used to do all the holiday cooking, make it a new tradition to cook together as a family. If they oversaw hanging holiday lights, make it a group effort.

Avoid overdecoration.

Excess stimuli may be challenging for someone with dementia. Too many flickering lights or an abundance of decorations can be overstimulating and disorienting. Also, be aware of the person’s sensitivity to factors such as loud noises.

Create a safe and calm space.

Avoid fragile decorations (which can shatter and create sharp fragments) and

ones that could be mistaken for edible treats (which can create a choking hazard or broken teeth). Reduce clutter to avoid potential tripping hazards. Securely hook Christmas trees to the wall to avoid falls and utilize menorahs or kinaras with electric candles to reduce fire hazards.

Holiday Celebrations Like with traditions, adapting celebrations is key for a dementia-friendly holiday. Try to focus on what they enjoy while keeping in mind their safety and comfort.

Before the celebration Prepare the person.

Help build familiarity and comfort by showing them photos of the guests or arrange a phone call/Facetime chat with the visitors beforehand.

During the celebration Preserve normal routine.

Changes in daily routine can be challenging for someone living with dementia. If the person usually takes an afternoon walk, build in time for that. If they go to bed early, hold the celebration earlier in the day so that everyone can participate.

Connect with loved ones through technology.

Videoconference technology (i.e., Facetime, Zoom, Skype) can include others who can’t attend in person.

Take a Strengths-Based and PersonCentered Approach.

Focus on what the person is still able to do and what they choose to do now, rather than dwelling on what they used to do.l

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HEALTH

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I’m an Infectious Disease Doctor. Yes, I’m Vaccinating Our 5-year-old Against COVID19. Here is Why You Should Too. infected with COVID-19 by over 90 per cent, an impressive number especially amidst the Delta surge.

No concerning safety events were identified in over 3,000 children who received the vaccine, although followup intervals were short.

BY ALEXANDER WONG

I

am an infectious disease physician.

When it is our turn to vaccinate our five-year-old son against COVID-19, I will do so with confidence and without hesitation. I am encouraging every parent with eligible children between ages five and 11 to do the same. Here is why.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently authorized the PfizerBioNTech vaccine for children between five and 11 years of age. Subsequently, members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted unanimously to recommend vaccination for all children ages five to 11, a recommendation quickly endorsed by CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky.

The rush to vaccinate children in this age group in the United States has now begun.

Health Canada is reviewing a similar submission from Pfizer to allow its vaccine to be used in children aged five to 11. Approval is expected in the coming

weeks.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) will then provide guidance for its use in Canada, after which we expect to have the vaccine authorized for all children in Canada in this age group.

Reviewing the evidence Many parents in Canada have indicated hesitancy to vaccinate their children, and understandably all parents have questions about weighing the risks and benefits. Let’s review the evidence.

Pfizer’s clinical trial conducted in the

United States in kids aged five to 11 began early in 2021, and a significant surge of COVID-19 occurred soon after as the highly contagious Delta variant swept across the country. The data reported from the clinical trial thus far is encouraging.

The antibody responses in children aged five to 11 with two 10-microgram doses, given three weeks apart, were comparable to those in persons aged 16 to 25 who were given two 30-microgram doses three weeks apart. Being fully vaccinated reduced the chances of being

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Why vaccinate kids against COVID19?

A question commonly asked by parents is this: “Kids don’t generally get very sick or die from COVID-19 compared to adults, right? So why vaccinate them if their risk is so low?”

Yes, the risk of children getting very sick or dying with COVID-19 is low, but the relative risk of severe outcomes and death that kids face when they acquire COVID-19 is extremely high. COVID19 was the sixth highest cause of death from disease in children ages five to 11 in the U.S. in 2020, comparable to rates of death seen in children with heart or lung disease. If there were a way to prevent death in children with heart or lung disease as simple as a safe two-dose vaccine, there would be very little hesitation from parents to take advantage of it.

Besides hospitalization and death, COVID-19 infection poses other significant risks for children, including the risk of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and longer-term post-COVID-19 complications (“long COVID”) simil ar to adults. MIS-C can occur two to six weeks after COVID-19 infection, nearly two-thirds of affected children will require critical care support, and between one and two per cent of affected children will die.

About seven per cent of children in the United Kingdom who recovered from COVID-19 infection reported ongoing symptoms 12 weeks after being diagnosed, which affected various aspects of their quality of life: missing school, being less able to perform physical activity and mental health concerns.

MIS-C and long COVID in children are best avoided through prevention of COVID-19 infection by being fully vaccinated.

Concerns about side-effects The primary side-effect of concern in young children receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart muscle. In one recent Israeli study, the risk of myocarditis was highest in male patients between ages 16 and 29 after a second dose of an mRNA vaccine, at roughly 11 out of every 100,000 males. A second Israeli study identified males between ages 16 and 19 as being at greatest risk. The risk of myocarditis in females across all age groups was negligible in both studies. Deaths due to vaccine-induced myocarditis are extremely continued on page 13

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HEALTH

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Vaccinating/ continued from page 12 rare, and nearly all cases recover fully.

In Pfizer’s clinical trial of children between ages five and 11, no cases of myocarditis have been detected, but ongoing surveillance will be necessary as cases of myocarditis in children of this age group are expected to be extremely rare, given that myocarditis is typically a post-pubertal phenomenon. Also, since the vaccine dose being given to children aged five to 11 is one-third the dose given to persons over 12, an even greater reduction in vaccine-induced myocarditis is likely in this younger age group.

The risk of damage to the heart from infection with SARS-CoV-2 is statistically much higher than the risk of vaccine-induced myocarditis. COVID-19 infection can lead to a variety of complications of the heart, some serious. Such complications include damage to heart muscle from myocarditis itself, as well as inflammation of blood vessels supplying the heart muscle caused by the virus.

Many parents worry about the possible effects of COVID-19 vaccine on fertility and future pregnancies. No evidence exists right now to demonstrate any concerns with COVID-19 vaccine and fertility, pregnancy or breast-feeding. Tens of thousands of women have received vaccine while being pregnant, and no safety signals have been identified.

Parents are concerned about the lack of long-term safety data available for the mRNA vaccines. No reasonable scientific basis exists to indicate that long-term side effects of mRNA vaccination will occur. mRNA is degraded in the body very quickly, which is why we would typically expect to see vaccine side effects like myocarditis within the first two months of vaccine administration, or not at all. Billions of doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered worldwide with no long-term side effects identified, providing further evidence for the long-term safety of mRNA vaccines.

Benefits of vaccination far exceed potential risks Unfortunately, SARS-CoV-2 is not going to ever go away. Our best-case scenario is endemicity, and even that reality is unpredictable given the potential emergence of new viral variants. We cannot expect our children to live in “bubbles” forever. We must prepare them as

best as we can to safely navigate this new reality.

Based on the scientific evidence at hand, the benefits of vaccination for my five-year-old son far exceeds any potential risk. That is why he will be vaccinated as soon as he is eligible, and also why practically every expert group on child health across the world has come out in favour of universal vaccination of children, including the American Academy of Pediatrics. We have not even brought up the significant societal benefit of moving closer toward herd immunity through universal vaccination of eligible children.

Navigating the COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult and disruptive for children and their families. We now give routine childhood vaccines to our kids without hesitation, and they have dramatically improved the quality of life and life expectancy of children worldwide.

Getting every child between ages five and 11 fully vaccinated against COVID19 helps bring us all one step closer towards normalcy and protects our children from severe outcomes of COVID19 infection.

That is why I am going to vaccinate our five-year-old son with confidence, and why I will strongly encourage all parents to do the same.l Alexander Wong is an Professor, Infectious University of Saskatchewan

Associate Diseases,

Kids Can Get the Pfizer Covid Vaccine and $100, Plus Incentives

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hildren ages 5 and up are eligible for the Pfizer COVID vaccine.

Kids getting their first vaccine dose at schools and city-run clinics and pop-up sites are eligible for a $100 debit card and other incentives. Following the Food and Drug Administration’s authorization of the vaccine for emergency use, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved the use of smaller doses of the Pfizer vaccine for kids 5 to 11 years old. The New York State Health Department recently approved pharmacies, pediatricians, and family doctors to receive an initial 300,000 children’s doses of the Pfizer COVID vaccine. Like adults, kids must take two shots, three weeks apart, to be fully vaccinated.

A $100 debit card is available to any child getting their first vaccine dose at a city-run vaccination site or public-school site. l

FALSE: COVID-19 VACCINES CAUSE INFERTILITY. TRUE: These claims have no scientific evidence supporting them. In fact, thousands of people have safely become pregnant after getting their COVID-19 vaccine. Doctors recommend that all people who are pregnant or may want to have a child in the future get a COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 VACCINES SAVE LIVES. GET VACCINATED. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT NYC.GOV/COVIDVACCINE.

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JOBS & RECESSION

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Failure to Reauthorize Employment Harms Asylum Seekers and the U.S. Economy

BY KATE GOETTEL

U

.S. workers are losing their jobs due to bureaucratic delays at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), despite an economy desperate for workers.

Asylum seekers wanting to renew their employment authorization documents are often waiting for upwards of a year for renewal, resulting in job loss and associated benefits.

On Wednesday, five workers filed a nationwide class action lawsuit on behalf of themselves and other workers suffering from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ unlawful delays.

The workers are represented by the American Immigration Council, the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP), and Lakin & Wille LLP. Plaintiffs are a medical doctor treating underserved rural populations, a longhaul truck driver, a food services manager, a technology worker, and a behavioral health care worker for special needs children. Despite nationwide shortages in each of these industries, the plaintiffs have lost or will lose their jobs in coming

days because USCIS has delayed renewing their work authorization, despite their timely filing for renewal.

One of those workers is Dr. Muradyan, who lost her positions at two rural hospitals, where she cared for COVID victims.

Now she has lost financial support for her family, and she faces an irreparable interruption in her residency. Another plaintiff, who is eight months pregnant, will lose her job as a manager at McDonald’s and health benefits shortly before giving birth if USCIS fails to reauthorize her employment in the next few days.

For asylum seekers asking to renew their employment authorization, USCIS has already determined that they are authorized to work under the immigration regulations. Renewal is a simple, straightforward process—despite the extreme delays on the agency’s end.

This loss of work authorization is occurring while the United States is facing a widespread national worker shortage. In August 2021, the U.S. Labor Department reported that there were 10.4 million job openings, whereas the number of individuals leaving employment rose to 4.3 million, the highest monthly

level reported since December 2000.

Leading economic experts have long maintained that authorizing immigrants, like asylum seekers, to work can play a critical role in ameliorating labor shortages.

Unsurprisingly, lack of work authorization acutely affects these asylum seekers’ ability to support themselves and their families, putting them in financial peril.

But they also experience cascading harms without an employment authorization document. They lose employmentbased benefits like health insurance, and the document itself is a prerequisite to receiving driver’s licenses and other state aid.

These delays also affect a community for whom stability is critical. For the plaintiffs, losing their work authorization has resulted in anxiety, loss of sleep, and depression, and has interrupted necessary treatment to address mental health challenges that are common for survivors of persecution.

This is bureaucracy at its worst. We hope that USCIS reassesses its priorities to support asylum seekers and the U.S. economy.l

Need Assistance? Call 718-722-9217.

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CONVERSATIONS

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Dealing Effectively With the Ups and Downs of Life 3. Take practical action. No matter where you are in life, what you should always be doing is taking concrete actions to make your life better. Action is ultimately the best method for working through periods of struggle and sustaining good times for as long as possible.

While you can never entirely eliminate difficulties from life, you can get better at overcoming them. So look around you and see what you can do to improve yourself and your circumstances. Work on correcting bad habits and growing professionally and personally.

BY CHRIS TOBIAS

I

n a perfect world, life would be an eternal upward ascent. You would move from triumph to triumph without any times of struggle. The challenges you face would be easily overcome. Of course, real life is not like that at all.

And, for immigrants adjusting to a new life in a new country, sometimes a new language, it becomes overwhelming and often challenging.

Reality instead has a pattern of ups and downs. A rhythm of rising and falling often exists in life. If you examine your own life, whether in the areas of love, health, or career, you will see that nothing ever follows a predictable and straightforward trajectory. Moments when everything seemed to be going your way, did not last forever. Nor did times of serious struggle.

Since the up-and-down nature of life cannot be escaped from, it's important to learn how to deal with what can sometimes seem like an emotional roller coaster. Here are three essential rules to follow: 1. Don't get too high. It's a good thing if

your life is going great. Still, you can set yourself up for trouble if you have the wrong attitude towards your success. In such periods, it can be easy to feel that life will continue like this forever. Of course, that won't happen. If you come to expect life to be fantastic constantly, you will experience deep resentment when more challenging times arrive. A resentful, bitter attitude will worsen your difficulties while also hindering any efforts to improve your situation.

2. Don't get too low. On the other hand, avoiding getting too down in difficult periods may be even more critical.

Again, the issue is the feeling that your current state is permanent. If you think your life will always be bad, despair is inevitable. Besides being utterly miserable, despair robs a person of any impulse even to try and make things better. Never give up hope. Remember the cyclical nature of life, and understand that your life will improve if you endure for a while.

Avoiding emotional extremes and always taking practical action will help a lot in dealing with the ups and downs of life.

Since the up-and-down nature of life is something you will always have to deal with, following the three rules seen above is vital.

Finally, remember the words of Geraint Thomas: “Just dream big. Go for it.

There's nothing holding you back. You can have ups and downs, but if you believe in something, keep the faith; keep fighting. And don't let people put you down.” l

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We Speak NYC Conversation Classes are now online!

We Speak NYC (WSNYC), developed by the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, is an Emmy Award-winning English language learning program for intermediate level learners.

WSNYC provides civic-focused instruction through videos, education materials, community conversation classes, an interactive website, and now, in response to COVID-19 and the need for social distancing, We Speak NYC is offering online conversation classes!

Participants can register to be a part of an online community and safely meet people, learn about NYC services, and practice their English conversation skills with peers. Each class covers information on important topics such as workers' rights, healthcare, and workforce development.

Want to participate? Visit nyc.gov/learnenglish to https://wespeaknyc.cityofnewyork.us/wsnyc-online-classes/

find a class at a time that works for you!

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LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

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Secrets for Attracting Your Dream Guy who are secure and confident.

BY JENNINE ESTES, ESTES THERAPY

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inding the right person to spend your life with is no easy task. With seven billion people on the planet, it would be easy to wind up with someone who’s actually not so compatible.

Ultimately, if you surround yourself with similar people, act with confidence, and make your interest in the other person clear, you’re off to a great start! Consider the following tips when you’re attracting your dream guy.

Avoid Being a Fake You: Some women put on a fake image of who they are in fear that they will not be liked. Women can actually hurt their chances of attracting their dream guy when they put on this false image because it doesn’t come out as the authentic YOU. Most men can really pick up on the masked identity that a woman displays, and it tells them the woman isn’t secure in their own skin.

Men want women who are secure, confident, and can express themselves openly.

Instead, be YOU.

appear desperate. The worst thing you can do is freeze up and wait for them to stir up conversation.

Give Attention: All humans love attention from others and are attracted to people who give them attention. Plain and simple. Give men attention by asking questions and show interest in them.

Make sure not to go overboard and

Be Noticed: If you position yourself in a hidden corner at a party, you won’t ever be noticed. Make sure to be near the center of the room or in a location that has a lot of traffic. The more you are noticed, the more opportunities to finding the

Avoid Appearing Desperate: You may be so hungry for a relationship that you are willing to go out of your way to date or available at any sign of meeting up.

Men need a bit of a chase. Avoid appearing desperate. Desperation appears as if you are weak. Instead, schedule out time with your friends and stick to your plans no matter what.

right guy.

Surround Yourself to What you are Attracted to: Put yourself in environments that draws out your strengths, yet it is putting you in a place where your dream man may be. For example, if your dream man is physically active, join a hiking club that will surround you with that kind of person. Not only will you enjoy the environment, but you will also be around what you are attracted to.

Avoid putting yourself in environments that prevent you from shining or draws out negative characteristics in men. For example, don’t spend all your weekends at the local bar where the only common theme is alcohol. Find a place where your strengths will shine, and your confidence comes out. Men are attracted to women

Confident Yet Needing Him: Real men are attracted to confident women who also need their men to do things and to help them occasionally. Don’t be overly independent where you don’t want or need your man. Men often are fixers, and they want to make their partner happy.

They don’t want to hear about your hangups about your body all the time, so avoid being “complainy” and weak.

Avoid going haywire on your body issues or other items and show him your confident side. Men like to be needed. Show him you need him.

Physical Attraction and Body Language: Nothing gets to a man quicker than a great smell, a beautiful smile, and body language. Avoid standing with folded arms, chewing on gum, or picking at your nails. Take focusing on your physical appearance…along with how you smell. Once again, stand with confidence and show it through your body language.l Jennine Estes is a relationship consultant and a Marriage and Family Therapist in San Diego, CA. Reprinted with the kind persmission of EstesTherapy. Visit www.estestherapy.com

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WELCOME TO AMERICA

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USCIS Commemorates Veterans Day with Special Naturalization Ceremonies

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ASHINGTON:U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) honored Veterans Day this year by holding more than 90 ceremonies naturalizing more than 4,440 current and former members of the military and their families. Each year, on Nov. 11, the nation honors members of the U.S. armed forces who have served our country and defended our freedom.

“USCIS is committed to serving the U.S. military community by making sure they have meaningful and efficient access to the immigration benefits they or their families may be entitled to,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. “USCIS is dedicated to improving policies and procedures that assist service members and their loved ones on their path to U.S. citizenship.”

Additionally, USCIS Director Jaddou will strengthen the agency’s collaborative partnership with the National Park Service (through a memorandum of understanding) to ensure citizenship ceremonies continue to be held at national parks and historic federal landmarks that best represent the strength and spirit of

the United States.

Special Events In honor of Veterans Day, Department of Homeland Security Deputy Secretary John K. Tien delivered a keynote address during a naturalization ceremony at the New York City Federal Building, where 78 candidates received U.S. citizenship.

Deputy Secretary Tien, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy who spent 24 years in the Army, administered the Oath of Allegiance to several members of the U.S. armed forces.

The USCIS is hosted Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough for a special naturalization ceremony for current and former members of the military at the agency’s headquarters in Maryland.

During this ceremony, USCIS Director Jaddou will also present retired Major Gen. Viet Xuan Luong with the Outstanding Americans by Choice award. This initiative recognizes the outstanding achievements of naturalized U.S. citizens. Luong is a native of Vietnam who fled the country with his family at a young age. He had a distinguished career in the U.S. military, hav-

marks that best represent the strength and spirit of the United States.

ing received numerous awards and decorations, and recently retired after 34 years of service.

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas concluded a series of special Veterans Day events at the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House in Baltimore, Maryland, where he’ll administer the Oath of Allegiance to 17 naturalization candidates, all of whom are military veterans or active-duty servicemembers. Additionally, USCIS Director Jaddou will strengthen the agency’s collaborative partnership with the National Park Service to ensure that citizenship ceremonies will continue to be held at national parks and historic federal land-

Policy Initiatives Recently, USCIS has enacted a number of policy initiatives to facilitate the naturalization process for current and former U.S. service members and their families.

These initiatives include: Overseas Military Naturalization Video Oath Ceremonies: In December 2020, USCIS began conducting video interviews at overseas DOD facilities for eligible military members and qualifying family members stationed overseas. To date, the USCIS conducted 707 video interviews and administered 501 oaths virtually through this process.

Military Veterans Residing Abroad Policy Manual Update: In May 2021, USCIS updated guidance to ensure eligible former service members who served honorably during specifically designated periods of hostility and meet all other statutory requirements for naturalization can naturalize and become U.S. citizens in accordance with U.S. immigration laws.l

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