Mediaboss Marketing

Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes

SALT LAKE CITY Gov. Spencer Cox says that immigration reform is a vital step in strengthening the U.S. economy.

The governor's comments during his monthly PBS news conference Thursday were the latest he has made in support of immigration reform an issue he has repeatedly characterized as "the one controversial issue that most Americans agree on."

"Our economy is demanding that we need more workforce and we just can't find more workforce here," he said. "So this isn't about taking jobs away from Americans; it's about helping create new jobs and more jobs and helping our economy to continue to grow."

Cox also applauded SB35, which will take effect in May. The law allows immigrants with professional licensing and training from foreign countries to become licensed in Utah. It comes on the heels of a similar law passed in 2022 that made the same allowances for a different set of professions. Cox encouraged immigrants applying for those licenses to be patient as the state navigates the new process.

"We have businesses that are desperate for these types of employees. We can't fill these jobs fast enough, so it makes sense. It's very logical, and I'm proud that we're one of the first states in the nation to be able to find pathways for those citizens to get licensed here without having to start from scratch," he said.

The comments echoed arguments Cox has made previously, including in a joint op-ed written with Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb in February calling for states to sponsor immigrants to fill labor shortages. Cox's moderate approach has won support from some, such as his remarks telling Dreamers, children who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children, that they belong in the U.S. However, he has also received criticism for moves like signing a bill into law that advocates said exclude undocumented students from sports.

Cox has repeatedly called out Washington, D.C., politicians for their failure to act on immigration reform. However, on Thursday Cox said that he's "cautiously optimistic" that Congress will soon take action on the issue.

"The problem is the politicians, and it's politicians who get elected by dividing us on this issue on both the left and the right. And we've been very close to consensus before," Cox said, adding that immigration reform was within reach in both the Bush and Obama administrations. "I have my eyes wide open on this one. I recognize that it's been tried before and failed before, but I'm always optimistic and hopeful that we can get something done with this Congress."

Sydnee Gonzalez is a multicultural reporter for KSL.com covering the diversity of Utah's people and communities. Se habla espaol. You can find Sydnee at @sydnee_gonzalez on Twitter.

Link:
'This isn't about taking jobs away': Cox again calls for immigration ... - KSL.com

Government that maintains the trust of the governed has long been a hallmark of a vibrant and healthy democracy. But if youre feeling lately that government is not leveling with you or acting in the best interests of the people, rest assured youre not alone. For example, for years, Americans have listened to lawmakers peddle hollow public interest arguments advancing legislated or de facto sanctuary policies at the state and local level, while to no ones surprise, the only beneficiaries have been illegal aliens and their specialinterests.

Very few enacted or proposed public policies are as consequential, deceptively marketed with flawed logic, or as cloaked in ulterior motives, as those dealing with immigration. While all of these have been pitched with numerous empty arguments, some Hall-of-Shame howlers arenotable.

Sanctuary policiesgenerally referring to municipalities (or even entire states) refusing to cooperate with federal immigration law enforcementexist in at least 564 jurisdictions around the country One common refrain is these policies heighten trust and information sharing between the immigrant community and local police. Thats hooey with no empirical basis. Virtually all police have the discretion to ignore the immigration status of a witness to a crime, and virtually all do. There is simply no documented evidence indicating that an illegal alien was ever deported as a result of reporting a crime or volunteering information to the police. The greater bond of trust between the immigrant community and police occurs when criminal aliens are not allowed to roam free in immigrant communities as a result of sanctuarypolicies.

Drivers licenses for illegal aliens are now issued in 19 states including the District of Columbia. One of many laughable arguments for doing so is that having a drivers license enables illegal aliens to get to their jobsthat is, to the jobs theyre not legally entitled to have. Enhancing public safety is another argument because, of course, theyll all take Drivers Ed. The 9/11 Commission may have to puzzle that one over given that one of their most important recommendation for public safety was tightening license issuingstandards.

Noncitizen voting is a growing trend and ispresently allowed in 15 municipalities. Advocates claim non-citizens are disenfranchised if they cant vote. Huh? Disenfranchisement means someone is denied a legal right. There is no legal right for noncitizens, especially illegal aliens, to vote. This is circular logic. Its worth mentioning that allowing enfranchisement of foreign citizens devalues the vote of American citizens and strips away the incentive for legal immigrants to pursue U.S.citizenship.

Similar efforts are emerging in every state, but be on guard for the Next Generation of bills that are not ostensibly immigration-related but certainly partly the result of immigration. Local jurisdictions are reversing single family zoning and pushing for higher density, multiple family dwellings. This effort is sold with more subterfuge; the missing middle have a right to housing in good neighborhoods but inventory is scarce and expensive so the solution is an apartment building next door to you. Its enlightening to note that all the areas where this phenomenon is underway have sanctuary policies that fueled illegal immigration and contributed to rapidly increased population and demand for housing. Thus, these zoning changes are promoted as solutions to problems that the jurisdictions helped create in the first place. For most, it is also an egregious violation of the most sacrosanct of all covenants at the local level; the understanding that ones home and land will not be tamperedwith.

Of course, the litany of hollow arguments to accommodate mass immigration goes on and on, more whoppers than youll find at Burger King. The ulterior motives common to all these initiatives are voter expansion for the left, taxpayer-subsidized labor for business, and the systematic assimilation of illegal aliens into every facet of societythe Were Here, Were Settled, Were Not Leaving, Deal with Usargument that advocates use to rationalizeamnesty.

Weve all been around the block a few times (FAIR has been around since 1979), thus after decades of being lied to by the elites, skepticism is now our natural and necessary nature. It is also the catalyst for asking clarifying questions that expose layers of deceit when immigration policy is beingproposed.

Patrick Henry advised, Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect all who approach that jewel. Suspicion is a virtue as long as its object is the public good. The tyranny of King George III may be gone, but the American tradition of healthy scrutiny of government is just as vital during this modern-day fight against the new elites duplicitously promoting immigration policies that serve only to reward and incentivize unlawfulbehavior.

Read the original here:
Local Public Officials Have Earned our Skepticism - Federation for American Immigration Reform

Following a trip by New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams to Washington, D.C. to discuss an agenda of asylum seeker aid and immigration reform with federal agencies and elected officials, advocates and elected officials are voicing their support for urgent action on the issue at the national level to ease transition for people seeking asylum and other immigrants, establish a number of support services, and reform an inhumane and failing system of immigration infrastructure and enforcement, among other proposals. This comes at the end of NYC Immigrant Heritage Week.

We traveled to the nations capital to convey the urgency of action to the federal government, and to collaborate on things we can do right now if we prioritize these needs and have the political will to get it done, said Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams after the trip. I was happy to find leaders in Washington receptive to and understanding of the urgent need for action to support asylum seekers and improve our immigration infrastructure. Im encouraged that movement and momentum toward these critical goals will continue beyond our days of action as we work on all levels of government to provide the aid and systemic reforms needed for our newest, aspiring, and incoming New Yorkers.

During the trip, the Public Advocate released a joint statement with Representatives Jamaal Bowman, Yvette Clarke, Daniel Goldman, Grace Meng, and Nydia Velsquez, highlighting the need for legislative and executive action on the federal level. Read their statement here.

A coalition of elected leaders and organizations also joined Public Advocate outside the Capitol for a press conference to reiterate and reinforce the urgency of this agenda. Video of the event is available in full here.

Its long overdue that Congress acts in a compassionate, comprehensive and bipartisan fashion to address our broken immigration system, said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08). I supported funding at the conclusion of last year to provide assistance to overwhelmed and under-resourced frontline communities across the country like New York City to help deal with the strain that may exist on local services because of the arrival of migrants. While a comprehensive solution is the only way to ensure that we can adequately address and process individuals seeking asylum in a lawful and humane way, we must provide as much funding as required to address the increased needs of cities like New York to feed, shelter and provide resources to asylum seekers in a manner that is consistent with our history as a nation of immigrants.

Our immigration system is in desperate need of repair, said Representative Jerrold Nadler, Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee. As Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee last Congress, I was proud to advance legislation to reform our immigration system by establishing real legal pathways for migrants who are fleeing terrible situations or want to be reunited with family. The ability to seek asylum is a bedrock principle protected by federal law. Unfortunately, with Republicans now in control of the House, they have made it clear they will not fix this crisis which is growing by the day. In the face of their inaction, I urge President Biden to redesignate TPS for Venezuela and expand humanitarian parole access for asylum seekers so they can get the work authorizations they desperately need to get on their feet and build their lives in the United States.

New Yorkers can join our coalitions ongoing call for action by sending a message to elected officials as part of our Immigrants Rise 2023: NYC to DC effort.

The #WelcomeWithDignity campaign for asylum rights is proud to stand with New York Citys Office of the Public Advocate and members of Congress to call on the U.S. government to change course in how it treats families seeking safety at the U.S. border with Mexico, said Bilal Askaryar, Interim Campaign Manager of the #WelcomeWithDignity campaign. The fact is that we can and in many cities like NYC are welcoming people seeking asylum with dignity. Refugee organizations and city governments around the country are stepping up to not only welcome asylum seekers, but also to mitigate the devasting effects of the Biden administrations border policies. Instead of keeping Trump-era polices on life support, President Biden should demonstrate the humane approach to asylum reception that he espoused on the campaign trail.

New York has long been a beacon for immigrants, and we are proud of that history. Just like those who came before them, the families seeking asylum today are fleeing violence and persecution with the hope of a better life in America and they deserve our support, said Christine C. Quinn, President & CEO of Win, the largest provider of shelter and supportive services for homeless families with children in the country. But the harsh reality is non-profits can only do so much. Homeless New Yorkers whether their family has been in the city for generations or just arrived need housing. Until asylum seekers can work legally, however, stable housing remains out of reach. Thats why this week were taking our advocacy straight to the federal government and urging them to find a solution that helps these families get to work, get out of shelter, and begin establishing their new lives in New York.

"The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) commends New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams for his pronounced support for asylum seekers. ASAP members - more than half a million asylum seekers living across all 50 states and U.S. territories - have told us time and again that they are eager to work, support their families, and contribute to their communities," said ASAP Co-Executive Director Swapna Reddy. "We need Congress to take action and pass legislation to bring asylum seekers into the workforce. In the meantime, the Biden administration has the ability to expedite work authorization with just a few simple measures - shorten the application form, allow people to apply for work permits sooner, and create more accessible online application processes."

"We thank the Public Advocate for his leadership and his advocacy for the communities BAJI fights for. Black immigrants in the US who have contact with the criminal legal system have a 70% chance of being deported compared to 45% of the immigrant population overall. Black immigrants pay the highest bonds, spend the most time in detention, and are six times more likely to be placed in solitary confinement," said Ronald Claude, Director of Policy and Advocacy, the Black Alliance for Just Immigration. "The conditions for Black LGBTQ immigrants is even more dire. At all levels of government, this country must address anti-Black laws that criminalize migrants."

"Immigrants are an integral part of our community; protecting immigrants is protecting our community." Nils Kinuani, CCWM Board Director and Immigration Coordinator.

New York has been the city most impacted by the recent surge of asylum seekers, with more than 50,000 people moving through the citys intake systems in the last year. Public Advocate Williams and other elected officials representing New York City have long called for both state and federal aid to help support the newest New Yorkers.

Go here to read the rest:
ELECTED OFFICIALS, ORGANIZATIONS VOICE SUPPORT FOR ... - Public Advocate

Key Takeaways and Virtual Recording Available:Higher Ed Pathways to Immigration: Why it Matters

For Immediate Release: April 25, 2023

Contact: Diego Snchez, Diego@presidentsalliance.org

To access virtual recording, visit HERE

BOSTON Last Friday, more than 800 higher ed leaders, immigration experts, and U.S. government officials gathered online and in-person at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate in Boston for a half-day event, Higher Ed Pathways to Immigration: Why it Matters.

A virtual recording of the event, co-hosted by the Kennedy Institute, the Presidents Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, the University of Massachusetts-Boston, and the Immigration Initiative at Harvard University, can now be found HERE.

Speakers and panelists highlighted how higher education can help more immigrants integrate into and contribute to our local communities as well as to our broader national dynamism and prosperity. Presenters also detailed how there are both obstacles that stymie the potential of DACAmented, undocumented, international, and refugee students and their longer-term stability and careers in the U.S., as well as opportunities to facilitate new higher ed pathways to help more immigrants integrate into and contribute to our communities.

As The PIE News recapped the event:

Top 7 wish list items from leaders in #highered to government leaders according to the expert panel at The HE Pathways to Immigration Event

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND BACKGROUND

Speaker Quotes:

Adam Hinds, Chief Executive Officer at Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate, stated: The only way America makes our immigration system work is by deciding to work together. Dialogue is at the heart of the Kennedy Institutes mission to invigorate civil discourse, inspire the next generation of leaders, and find bipartisan solutions for our nations challenges. Senator Kennedy brought people together to pass the most consequential immigration reform law in modern history, the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, and we are thrilled to continue that work by co-hosting an event spotlighting the role higher education can play in further expanding opportunities for immigrants across the world.

Miriam Feldblum, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Presidents Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, said: Immigrant, international, and refugee students contribute immensely to our campuses, communities, and nation but too often face instability and obstacles that limit their pathways and potential. Many higher education leaders and institutions are eager to better serve our students and campus members who are navigating enormous complexities due to our outdated immigration system, and to advocate for much needed policy changes, such as passage of Dream legislation. Ultimately, Congress must act to modernize and fix our outdated immigration laws, and the Administration must do all it can within its power to facilitate the ability of undocumented, refugee and international students to access higher education and contribute fully in the workforce once they have graduated.

Marcelo M. Surez-Orozco, Chancellor University of Massachusetts, Boston and the UCLA Wasserman Dean Emeritus, served as moderator for a discussion featuring foreign-born, naturalized higher education leaders and alumni discussing their personal experiences. Chancellor Surez-Orozco said: In the American tradition we can say that immigrants built the University and the University built immigrants into proud Americans. From John Harvard to Reginaldo Francisco del Valle, UCLAs forgotten forefather, immigrants have left an inedible mark on higher education. In the age of demographic decline when competition for talent will be ever more fierce, higher education must fully and unambivalently embrace and nourish immigrant talent as a smart and ethical pathway moving forward.

Professor Carola Surez-Orozco, Director of the Immigration Initiative at Harvard University, said, Immigrant origin students are diversifying and enriching our country and our campuses by bringing their new perspectives and boundless energies. Yet, they too often encounter obstacles as they navigate institutions that do not recognize them. As President Bacow has said, this begins with an immigration system that is smart, compassionate and fair. In conjunction, while institutions of higher education are the ultimate spaces of opportunity, they do not always meet their potential for these students in addressing their unique needs. Todays meeting brought together thought leaders to bring attention to this issue and strategize ways to support this important constituency.

###

The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate actively inspiresall Americans to keep our democracy and civic life vibrant, educate the public aboutthe unique role of the Senate in our government, and promote civil discourse to drivebipartisan solutions for our nations challenges. Through educational programs, publicforums, and digital exhibits, the Kennedy Institute welcomes individuals of all agesto debate the issues of the day, learn from each other, and leave empowered to maketheir own contributions to improving their communities.

The Immigration Initiative at Harvard (IIH) advances interdisciplinary scholarship,original research, and intellectual exchange on issues related to immigrant originchildrenthe fastest growing child and youth population in our country (currently,comprising 27% of children and 33% of all young adults). The Immigration Initiativeat Harvard serves as a place of convening for scholars, students, policy makers,community leaders, and practitioners working on topics related to understanding andserving this population. IIH serves as a clearinghouse for the translation of evidence-based research to promising practices.

The nonpartisan, nonprofit Presidents Alliance on Higher Education andImmigration brings college and university presidents and chancellors togetheron the immigration issues that impact higher education, our students, campuses,communities and nation. We work to support undocumented, international andrefugee students, and advance forward-looking immigration policies and practicesat the federal level, in our states, and across our college campuses. The Alliance iscomposed of 550+ college and university presidents and chancellors of public andprivate colleges and universities, enrolling over five million students in 43 states, D.C.,and Puerto Rico.

The University of Massachusetts Boston is nationally recognized as a model ofexcellence for urban public universities. Part of the UMass system, UMass Bostoncombines a small-college experience with the vast resources of a major researchuniversity. With a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students easily interact with professorsbecause most teaching occurs in small class sizes. UMass Bostons diverse studentbody provides a global context for student learning, and its location in a major U.S.city provides connections to employers in industries such as finance, health care,technology, service, and education, offering students opportunities to gain valuablein-school experience via internships, clinicals, and other career-related placements.

Read more from the original source:
Key Takeaways and Virtual Recording Available: Higher Ed ... - The Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration

Sister Liane has been a volunteer at the Welcome Center in Phoenix for three years. She volunteers 4 times a week.

Photo: Nisha Datt, IRC

Its not every day you meet someone who has dedicated their life to serving and educating others all over the world. With an abundance of compassion and patience, Sister Liane has served 47 years as a teacher with her congregation, Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.

As part of this international community of over 1,000 religious women who serve in 15 different countries, she has had the opportunity to attend congregational meetings in a total seven countries. I have been, within our congregation, to Peru, Nicaragua, France, Belgium, Kenya, and England, she shared. That was such a gift, because I thought when I entered the convent, I was giving up traveling and that has not been the case, she added.

I seek to build bridges as our Earth was not created with borders and having the opportunity to sometimes hear stories of the clients we serve allows me to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform and provide facts about those seeking asylum for those unaware of the reality.

Born and raised in the suburbs of San Francisco, California, Sister Liane attended Catholic school, where she contemplated what her future could look like. As a child, I would go between teaching, nursing, being a mother, being a Sister. So eventually, I had to make a decision, because all those things dont quite work together! she expressed.

Sister Liane received her bachelor's degree in Spanish, along with an Elementary Public School teaching credential. She taught bilingual, first grade students in an inner-city Los Angeles public school for three years. That was my first real experience in a multicultural setting an enriching and challenging time, she said. During that time, she enrolled in a master's program focused on Special Education and joined the sisters of Notre Dame de Namur at the age of 24. Originally, I wanted to join because I saw the sisters as very joyful and as prayerful in the sense of somehow, they knew something of this deeper life within and wanted to share that together, she recalled.

As a child, I would go between teaching, nursing, being a mother, being a Sister. So eventually, I had to make a decision, because all those things dont quite work together!

While working on her thesis for her master's degree, she was assigned her first mission, which involved working as a Resource Specialist at two different Catholic schools, in inner city Los Angeles, where she offered extra support to children with learning disabilities. Eventually, [I] founded a small learning center for inner city junior high students unable to be served by the schools they were attending, she said.

She was later invited by her sisters, who were serving in Peru, for the summer. What started out as a visit, turned into 16 years of service. Sister Liane shared, I was involved in pastoral work and in the development of the Fe y Alegria #34 school, a primary and secondary school serving children. She described the experience as, an incredible gift of sharing life with hospitable, welcoming people and learning about a social culture while eating delicious Peruvian food.

After 16 years in Peru, Sister Liane returned to her home in California to look after her parents. While on the central coast of California, she not only served with her sisters at a multicultural farming community but, she also worked on, creating a Resource Room program for struggling students, and led a Notre Dame Mission Volunteer-AmeriCorps Team for six years, she shared.

In the summer of 2019, Sister Liane transitioned out of her full-time teaching responsibilities, and was invited by her sisters to move to Arizona. She said, it was the right time for me, and I was ready to stop teaching full-time I love the southwest, the desert, and the weather!

You create spaces where people could become subjects of their own destiny, which is not possible for so many people. Here at the Welcome Center, we are doing it and that is important to me. We are providing simple services we are being human beings with other human beings.

In Phoenix, she taught ESL classes for adults, and served Asylum Seekers at City Square Church once a week. Later that year, she was introduced to the Welcome Center and the services they provide at their first open house. With complications from COVID-19, City Square Church was no longer able to serve Asylum Seekers, and Sister Liane joined the efforts of the Welcome Center.

As a volunteer, Sister Liane continues to serve asylum seekers, helps prepare the showers, and ensures our clients have everything they need to feel fresh and clean after their long and tiring journey. She comes in four times a week for three hours, at the very least. Her ability to communicate in Spanish has allowed her to connect with many individuals and families. You create spaces where people could become subjects of their own destiny, which is not possible for so many people. Here at the Welcome Center, we are doing it and that is important to me. We are providing simple services we are being human beings with other human beings, she reflected.

With each interaction, she is reminded of, the amazing resilience of the human spirit, often supported by a deep faith, something I recognize as we receive guests here at the Welcome Center. Having volunteered here for 3 years now, Sister Liane is constantly amazed by the incredible staff at the center who work, day and night, to support our clients. The ability of staff and volunteers to respond to needs as they appear, because they keep changing Anyone who comes here to serve has to know how to pivot, you cant be rigid staff does that so very well, she said.

One day, at the Welcome Center, Sister Liane was recognized by a former student of hers when she was in Peru.

While on her way to open the showers for the day, a young woman approached her and said, Hermana Liane, Ustede y yo en el Colegio de Fe y Alegria! (Sister Liane, you, and I in the school of Faith and Joy!)

Si, Si! (Yes, yes!) Sister Liane replied,

Me enseno en tercer grado en Peru! (You taught me in third grade in Peru!), the young woman then shared.

They were both overjoyed and hugged one another. The young woman introduced Sister Liane to her husband and child.

This was just one of the many meaningful interactions Sister Liane has experienced over her time with the Welcome Center! As a teacher, as a Sister and as a volunteer, her mission remains the same. I seek to build bridges as our Earth was not created with borders and having the opportunity to sometimes hear stories of the clients we serve allows me to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform and provide facts about those seeking asylum for those unaware of the reality, she shared.

The Welcome Center has received over 45,000 asylum seekers in the past year with the help of 100+ volunteers, like Sister Liane. Without the tireless efforts of our volunteers and community partners, we would not be able to assist all of them effectively.

This shared community space allows Phoenix residents to connect with and serve asylum seekers as they navigate their new environment, offering them the tools and motivation, and thoughtful interactions necessary to thrive as they set out build a new life in the U.S.

Photo: Andrew Oberstadt, IRC

Read more:
Discovering the goodness in those she serves - International Rescue Committee