Immigrant Issues / Public News Service

New York City is closing the Randall's Island Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Center in February because of declining capacity. About 16 other such centers remain open. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Advocates: NYC needs to close other relief centers housing migrants

With the Randall's Island Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Center closing, immigrant advocates want the other such centers closed, too…

Because of their remote nature and limited capacity to access financial help, many of New Mexico's colonias rely on water wells not built to code. (GAO)

NM's colonias need oversight to improve water, wastewater systems

Federal funding for infrastructure improvements in colonias, predominately rural, Hispanic communities near the U.S.-Mexico border, including 150 in …

UA Little Rock students celebrate the start of Hispanic Heritage Month in the Trojan Cafe during the Hispanic/Latin Initiative's Por La Cultura Kickoff event. (Photo Courtesy UA-Little Rock)

UA Little Rock sees growth in Hispanic/Latin Initiative

During this National Hispanic Heritage Month, the University of Arkansas in Little Rock is celebrating an increased enrollment of Hispanic and Latino …

A report by the Immigration Research Initiative, Economic Policy Institute and The Commonwealth Institute showed nearly 29% of Main Street business owners in Virginia, such as those operating grocery stores, restaurants and dry cleaners, are immigrants. (Pixabay)

New report highlights immigrants' vital role in Virginia's economy

Amid the ongoing debate on immigration, a new report showed how much immigrants boost Virginia's economy. The report, "Immigrants Are a Vital Part …

Federal officials said by embracing energy-efficient upgrades, such as a smart thermostat, a single eligible household can enjoy savings of up to $14,000. (Adobe Stock)

With the help of navigators, MN Latinos take the clean energy plunge

Summerlike temperatures are still around but winter is lurking and Minnesotans will soon have to crank up their thermostats. Now, there is outreach …

More than a half-million immigrants reside in Colorado, working as nursing assistants, cooks and software developers. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Immigrants boost Colorado and U.S. economy, create jobs

Immigration boosts the economy - in Colorado and across the U.S. But new policies are needed to maximize gains and make it harder for employers to …

Health care workers and community members work to share factual information about vaccines as we approach the cold and flu season. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

TX Hispanic leaders dispel immunization myths, encourage vaccinations

Medical professionals and advocates in the Latino community are using National Hispanic Heritage Month to encourage residents to prepare for the upcom…

Lowell, Massachusetts, teacher Jessica Lander's book,

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MA educators: Down with anti-immigrant rhetoric, up with students

Many Massachusetts educators are denouncing the growing chorus of anti-immigrant rhetoric this election season. They cited an uptick in reports of …

Utah has enacted Senate Bills 35 and 43 to help foreign-trained professionals obtain a license as qualified professionals with international training or education issued by the Utah Division of Professional Licensing and other state agencies, according to the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. (Adobe Stock)

UT initiative taps into immigrant population to improve economic vitality

Immigrants who arrive in the United States can face significant barriers in integrating and rebuilding their lives but one Utah initiative wants to he…

Eligible voters from both political parties would have difficulty obtaining proof of citizenship, according to a survey by the Brennan Center for Justice. Some 20 million eligible U.S. voters said they cannot quickly access a passport, birth certificate or naturalization papers. (Adobe Stock)

Voting rights groups sue to block NH proof-of-citizenship law

Voting-rights groups in New Hampshire have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the state's new election law, which requires proof of citizenship for …

Washington State University serves more than 4,100 latino undergraduates. (knowlesgallery/Adobe Stock)

WA university recognized for service to migrant students

A program in Washington state helping college students from migrant families is being celebrated for its support of the Latino community. Washington …

Participants display their paintings from a community art healing project run by a nonprofit called The Cambodian Family in Santa Ana. (The Cambodian Family)

Report: CA faces big shortage of bilingual mental health professionals

One in four Californians is an immigrant and a new report showed many are refugees who may need mental health services but have trouble finding treatm…

Viva Farms leases out parcels of more than 100 acres it operates in the Skagit Valley. (Lena Beck)

WA incubator helps new farmers overcome land access barrier

By Lena Beck for Modern Farmer.Broadcast version by Eric Tegethoff for Washington News Service reporting for the Modern Farmer-Public News Service Col…

Critics of Project 2025 allege it would put water at greater risk of pollution and contamination for the sake of corporate profits. (wckiw/Adobe Stock)

NM news org identifies impacts of 'Project 2025' on state residents

A New Mexico nonprofit news organization wants voters to know what is included in "Project 2025" and how it could potentially change the course of the…

The percentage of adult immigrants in the United States with a bachelor's degree or higher is roughly 35%, virtually the same as for U.S.-born adults. (Dragana Gordic/Adobe Stock)

Coalition: Immigrants needed for NE economy, communities

A diverse new coalition of dozens of Nebraska organizations is drawing attention to the state's need for more immigrants. Members of the Nebraska …

A Hispanic Access Foundation poll showed Latinos are extremely concerned about pollution in the Mississippi River and view the presence of microplastics, trash, chemical waste and PFAS, or

Latino voters in AR call on Congress to clean up Mississippi River

Some Latinos in Arkansas were among 400 residents across 10 states polled about the health of the Mississippi River. Both registered Republicans and …

Federal workers said if the plan known as Project 2025 is enacted, it would upend every government agency. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

Federal workers in TX voice concerns about Project 2025

Federal workers are voicing concerns about what they see as the potential impacts of the sweeping policy recommendations known as Project 2025…

Immigration arrests have gone down since their peak during the Obama administration but have gone up again since 2021. (Sundry Photography/Adobe Stock)

Report: Immigration enforcement changing, NW detention still high

A new report looked into the recent shift in immigration enforcement, especially at the immigrant detention center in Tacoma. The University of …

In breaking down Minnesota's Latino population by age, nearly 223,000 are working-age adults between 18 and 64 years old. (Adobe stock)

In MN, leadership, culture variation part of Hispanic Heritage Month

Over the weekend, Hispanic Heritage Month got underway. In Minnesota, people are recognizing the diversity within these populations, as well as …

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine compares the situation in Springfield to a natural disaster, suggesting the federal government provide assistance to help communities handle large surges in migrant populations. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio leaders clash over migrant influx, persistent rumors

Tensions are rising in Springfield, Ohio, as controversial claims from Sen. J.D. Vance about migrants in the area have garnered national attention…

Trump holds Tucson campaign rally, his first since debate

Former President and 2024 Republican nominee Donald Trump held a Thursday campaign rally in Tucson, his first since this week's debate with Vice …

In New Mexico, 70% of extremely low-income renter households face a severe cost burden, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. (qingwa/AdobeStock)

America's 2-decade-long housing shortage needs a fix

New Mexico houses cost less to buy than in many other states but there's also less inventory and one data expert does not expect a building boom to re…

Income, location and trust issues can contribute to health disparities in the Latinx community. (Krakenimages.com/Adobe Stock)

TX nonprofits address health disparities in Latino community

Nonprofits across Texas are coming together to address disparities in health care for the Latinx community. A report by the Commonwealth Fund shows …

Texas does not have online voter registration, but you can update your information or request a voter registration card at www.votetexas.gov. (Rob Goebel/Adobe Stock)

TX voters encouraged to check status

The political climate is heating up in Texas as we get closer to the general election in November. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says more than one …

By the end of fiscal 2025, the number of unionized workers at USCIS locations in Nebraska and California will drop from almost 1,000 to slightly more than 300, according to the United Electrical, Radio & Machine Workers of America. (USCIS)

Union workers cry foul over layoffs at immigration service centers

Unionized workers with the federal agency responsible for processing immigration and asylum paperwork claim they are being forced to turn their jobs o…

Last year, the U.S government issued more than 300,000 visas for migrant agrucultural producers around the world. (Ralph/Adobe Stock)

Nonprofit looks to improve conditions for Eastern Shore ag workers

A nonprofit is looking to improve the living and working conditions of migrant farm workers in Virginia's Eastern Shore. Every year, hundreds of …

The city of Eagle, Idaho, took the rare step of declaring itself a

ID city's 'non-sanctuary' status threatens most vulnerable, critics say

Groups are warning an Idaho city's decision to declare itself a non-sanctuary city could have far-reaching implications. The repercussions are still …

The annual tax contributions of undocumented immigrants across the U.S. are higher than the state budgets of at least 13 states. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Undocumented NYers contribute billions in tax revenue

A new report says undocumented immigrant New Yorkers contribute $3 billion to local, state and federal tax revenue. The Institute on Taxation and …

Human symptoms of U.S. avian influenza cases to date include conjunctivitis, mild respiratory symptoms and some increased lethargy, according to Crystal Heath of Our Honor. (Scott Griesel/Adobe Stock)

Growing concern over avian influenza in humans

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Kathleen Shannon for Texas News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaborati…

Six states received more than $1 billion each in tax revenue from undocumented immigrants. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Undocumented immigrants paying nearly $100 billion in taxes annually

A new report found undocumented immigrants are paying substantial taxes in Maryland and nationwide. The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy …

Policies proposed in Project 2025 would undermine already enacted environmental and climate policies related to fossil-fuel production, climate action and environmental justice. (newmexico.org)

Project 2025 alarms NM's teachers, human rights advocates, conservationists

From education to the environment and immigration, proposals in the "Project 2025" document alarm many New Mexicans promoting a more equal society…

Undocumented immigrants contribute in many ways to Virginia's economy, including through farm work. (PaolikPhotos/Adobe Stock)

Study: Undocumented immigrants contribute hundreds of millions to VA tax coffers

A new study sheds light on the tax contributions paid by undocumented immigrants. In Virginia, they contribute nearly $700 million to state and local …

The share of Americans who consider immigration the most vexing problem facing the U.S. has reached a record high, according to a recent Gallup poll. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Study: Undocumented immigrants grow ME, national economy

As immigration takes center stage this election season, a new study revealed the significant tax contributions made by undocumented immigrants…

A Massachusetts Teachers Association poll found 74% of poll respondents support a policy in which students would still take the MCAS, but would not need a passing grade to earn their diploma. (Adobe Stock)

English-language learners struggle to meet MCAS graduation requirement

Educators in Massachusetts say the MCAS high school graduation requirement is disproportionately affecting English language learners, the fastest …

According to a report by Open Doors, international students who attend Illinois universities come primarily from China, India, Nigeria, South Korea and Taiwan. (Adobe Stock)

U.S. politics affect school choices of some international students

As people head back to college soon, professors may notice an increase in the number of international students. A new report found enrollment numbers …

A Health Forward Foundation report estimates that Missouri's foreign-born workforce contributes approximately $19.0 billion to the annual gross product and supports 160,000 jobs, including about $2.0 billion in gross product and over 17,100 jobs in rural areas. (lawcain/Adobe Stock)<br />

Immigration ads stir debate ahead of Missouri primaries

With less than a week until Missouri's primary and early voting already underway, candidates are ramping up their ad campaigns. Immigration has …

The story of the Blackwell School is one of

National Park Service to preserve painful history in Texas

A schoolhouse in far West Texas has been designated as a unit of the U.S. National Park System. The Blackwell School is a former de facto segregated …

Former NASA astronaut Jose Hernandez delivers his inspirational life story to students whose family members are seasonal farmworkers at Arizona State's Migratory Student Summer Academy. (Charlie Leight/ASU)

ASU camp helps kids of migrant families explore STEM options

A summer program at Arizona State University is introducing children of migrant families to the opportunities of a college education. The Migratory …

Most immigrants in 2022, 77%, are in the United States legally, according to data from the Pew Research Center. (Hencer Oliva/Adobe Stock)

AZ voters focus on immigration as GOP ramps up anti-migrant attacks

Immigration and border security are top issues for Arizona voters, and during the recent Republican National Convention a pattern of anti-immigration …

In New Mexico, immigrants account for 22% percent of the state's construction workforce. (NicholasFelix/peopleimages.com/AdobeStock)<br />

Political scapegoating of immigrants surges ahead of U.S. elections

Polls show a significant number of Americans believe immigration is the most important issue facing the U.S. but experts argued claims of immigrants …

Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for assistance programs like SNAP, or Social Security benefits, even though they contribute to those programs by paying payroll and other taxes. (Adobe Stock)

Fact-checking GOP claims on immigrants

During last week's Republican National Convention, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said Americans are not safe due to immigrants committing violent crimes…

Delegate says AZ GOP is 'united,' supports withdrawing Ukraine aid

More than 2,400 delegates gathered in Milwaukee this week for the Republican National Convention and delegates from around the country, including …

Experts say addiction treatment outcomes are much better when a health care provider speaks the language and understands the culture of the patient. (Adobe Stock)

Bilingual, multicultural staff needed for NJ addiction treatment

More than 85,000 people are admitted each year in New Jersey to treatment programs for alcohol and drug addiction, and experts say language can be a …

Student Fellows, Lorena and Camila, participating at a community event in Tyler, TX. (photo courtesy of Este Poder)

East TX nonprofit works to register young voters of color

The nonprofit Este Poder has a goal of helping more young people of color in rural east Texas exercise their right to vote. The organization holds …

The Northwest is the biggest supplier of cherries in the country. (Dmitry/Adobe Stock)

Supports available for migrant workers' families during peak harvest in OR

A program in the Columbia River Gorge helps migrant farmworkers' families during harvest season. The Resources Available for Migrant Access to …

More than 500 people attended the 5th Annual Immigration Summit in Los Angeles, to plot a path forward after the November election. (USC Equity Research Institute)

CA leaders at immigration summit prep for November

Leaders at the 5th annual Immigration Summit, which wrapped up in Los Angeles Friday, have vowed to stand strong no matter what happens with the …

Advocates said people in detention have come to depend on free phone access while navigating the isolation and deprivation behind bars. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates for immigration detainees want free phone call plan reinstated

Groups advocating for people detained in immigration facilities in Louisiana and elsewhere are calling for the reinstatement of a program subsidizing …

In response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement ending its free 500 phone minutes program, 40 people at New York's Batavia Processing Center went on hunger strikes, some for more than 24 hours. (Adobe Stock)

NY advocates denounce termination of free phone call program

New York human-rights groups want a program providing detained immigrants 500 free minutes of phone calls restored. Immigrations and Customs …

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