April 30, 2009 4:23 PM
Immigrant Communities Commend Senators for Exploring Start to Reform Immigration
April 30, 2009 - Today, Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) will hold his first hearing as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Refugees. The hearing is titled “Comprehensive Immigration Reform in 2009, Can We Do It and How?” and is expected to explore the national need to reform immigration, and the feasibility for legislation this year. The following is a statement by Maryann Sinclair Slutsky, Campaign Director of Long Island Wins:
“We are encouraged by the Judiciary Subcommittee’s hearing today and commend Senator Schumer’s willingness to discuss the urgent need to reform immigration for America. The hearing follows recent comments by the White House on its commitment to reform immigration, and represents a very positive indication that immigration reform is on track and moving forward in this Congress. This is another sign that momentum is building for Congress to reform immigration this year.”
“The Subcommittee is expected to hear testimony from a wide range of panelists, including notable experts and from law enforcement, economics, faith, labor, and civil rights. These panelists will testify about the nation’s need for immigration reform. Here on Long Island, we see everyday, how reform would impact and improve the economic, spiritual, and civic life of our American communities.”
“Families and communities, immigrant and native-born alike should feel there is good reason to hope and to renew faith in a government that is willing to find practical solutions that reflect the best of our shared American values, and not succumb to the petty politics of fear and hate.”
“As many communities prepare for tomorrow’s vigils and rallies, today’s hearing explores some of the very substantive reasons why America needs reform of its immigration system. It is clear - America needs a just, fair, and humane immigration system that protects and upholds our shared American values, that protect families, workers, and the economy. We need a practical solution that works.”
“Congress needs to reform immigration so that all working families in America are protected equally. We need to reform immigration for all families and communities, and for the long-term economic recovery that America needs.”
April 9, 2009 1:31 PM
As Christians begin the Holy Week and Jews prepare to celebrate Passover, prominent leaders from diverse faith traditions came together at The Interchurch Center to call on President Obama and the 111th Congress to enact comprehensive, just and humane reform of our nation’s immigration system. Congressman Charles Rangel (NY-15) joined the faith leaders to affirm the call and reiterate his commitment to do his part in Congress to make just and humane immigration reform a reality.
Also announced was the formation of a new faith-based coalition of 20 organizations called the NY State Interfaith Network for Immigration Reform.
"At this holy time, we wanted to remind everyone what our values are and to announce that faith leaders have come together to make a unified call to fix our nation's broken immigration system." said Diane Steinman, executive
director of the American Jewish Committee New York Chapter and one of the leaders of the newly formed group.
We commend this step taken by faith leaders!
See coverage of the press conference in The Daily News and on NY1.
October 23, 2008 2:02 PM
For Immediate Release
Media Advisory
Press Contact:
Maryann Slutsky
maryannliw@gmail.com
516-304-5641
Or
Lisa Votino-Tarrant
lmvotino@optonline.net
631-383-1066
Vast Economic Contributions of Immigrants to Long Island:
A Symposium and Discussion on the New Adelphi University Report
WHAT: A symposium including a presentation and discussion of the results of a new study by Adelphi University Prof. Mariano Torras. The event will focus on the findings of the report and their impact on Long Island’s economy.
“Strengthening Long Island: The Economic Contributions of Immigrants to Nassau and Suffolk Counties,” is a new report released by Long Island WINS and commissioned by The Hagedorn Foundation in partnership with Adelphi’s Center for Social Innovation. This report demonstrates the critically important role of the immigrant population on Long Island and highlights their contributions to the economy.
This event is sponsored by The Center for Social Innovation at Adelphi University, Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Long Island Immigrant Alliance, Suffolk County Office of Minority Affairs and Long Island WINS.
WHEN: Monday, October 27th, 3:00-4:30pm at Adelphi University - Alumni House; 154 Cambridge Ave, Garden City, NY 11530; Please RSVP to Lisa Votino-Tarrant at lmvotino@optonline.net or (631) 383-1066.
WHO: Mariano Torras, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Economics at Adelphi University and Fellow at the Institute for Latino Studies at the University of Notre Dame; Luis Valenzuela, Ph.D., LMSW, Executive Director, Long Island Immigrant Alliance; Berenice Gomez, President of the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and President/CEO of Harvest Home Mortgage; and Joe Gergela, Executive Director, Long Island Farm Bureau.
The report can be reviewed at: http://events.adelphi.edu/news/strengtheninglongisland/.
Long Island Wins: Long Island Wins (www.longislandwins.com) is a public information campaign driven by the belief that immigration creates incredible opportunities for economic, cultural, and social growth. As immigrants to this country renew the American dream, they improve the quality of life for all of us. In order to foster positive attitudes toward immigrants, we carry out education and outreach to highlight the contributions of immigrants, enhance the public, perception of immigrants, and build support for public and private immigration initiatives that benefit all residents of Long Island.
Adelphi University: Adelphi University, chartered in 1896, was the first institution of higher education for the liberal arts and sciences on Long Island. Through its schools and programs*The College of Arts and Sciences, the Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies, the Honors College, the Ruth S. Ammon School of Education, University College, and the Schools of Business, Nursing, and Social Work*the co-educational university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as professional and educational programs for adults. Adelphi University currently enrolls nearly 8,200 students from 41 states and 63 foreign countries. With its main campus in Garden City and centers in Manhattan, Hauppauge, and Poughkeepsie, the University maintains a commitment to liberal studies in tandem with rigorous professional preparation and active citizenship.
Long Island Immigrant Alliance: The Long Island Immigrant Alliance (www.longislandimmigrantalliance.org) provides support to all Long Island immigrants and seeks to facilitate the creation of an inclusive and welcoming society. We look to create and promote innovative programs and practical solutions for all Long Island residents regardless of nativity.
Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce: The Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (LIHCC, www.lihcc.org) is a not-for-profit corporation serving the business communities of Nassau and Suffolk County. The LIHCC was founded in 1988 to advance the business interests of the Hispanic community of Long Island. It is the goal of the LIHCC to provide its members, who often has special entrepreneurial needs, with business support, professional development workshops, advocacy programs, resource materials and networking opportunities that will help them grow their businesses.
Long Island Farm Bureau: (www.lifb.org) Our mission is to fairly and aggressively represent and serve the best interests of our members through united action, using the strength of a grassroots organizational structure and relying on effective leadership to provide strong, networked and allied Farm Bureau organizations at the local, state and national organization levels. Our collective goal: to protect and strengthen the nation's agricultural industry.
# # #
October 14, 2008 11:19 AM
The information below is for the members of the media and Bloggers who write about immigrant issues. Although you will be able to read the report before the press conference on Monday, it is embargoed until after the press conference.
For our non-media readers - look for blogs next week to tell you all the wonderful details included in the new study!
For Immediate Release
Media Advisory
Monday, October 20, 2008: Press Conference
Press Contact:
Maryann Slutsky
maryannliw@gmail.com
516-304-5641
Or
Lisa Votino-Tarrant
lmvotino@optonline.net
516-304-5644
New Report Shows the Vast Economic Contributions of Immigrants to Long Island: $10.6 Billion
WHAT: The Hagedorn Foundation commissioned a new study by The Center for Social Innovation at Adelphi University, which documents the extraordinary recent changes in Long Island’s immigrant population as a major source of growth. This new report, “Strengthening Long Island: The Economic Contributions of Immigrants to Nassau and Suffolk Counties,” is authored by Adelphi University Professor Mariano Torras and is a follow up to his original report “The Economic Impact of the Hispanic Population on Long Island, New York.” The new study reveals the robust economic and demographic impact Long Island immigrants have on production, employment, new business creation, and government revenues, and strongly suggests that immigrant contributions to Long Island’s economy are likely to continue well into the future.
WHEN: A telephone press conference will be held at 12:00 PM EDT. The press conference can be accessed by calling (866) 811-8184. Participant passcode is 6695002.
The report will be posted online Thursday, October 16 at 10:00 AM EDT on http://events.adelphi.edu/news/strengtheninglongisland/, Password Torras2008.
WHO: Long Island Wins and The Center for Social Innovation at Adelphi University will present: Mariano Torras, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Economics at Adelphi University and Fellow at the Institute for Latino Studies at the University of Notre Dame, Luis Valenzuela, Ph.D., LMSW, Executive Director, Long Island Immigrant Alliance, and Maryann Slutsky, Campaign Director, Long Island Wins.
Long Island Wins: Long Island Wins (www.longislandwins.com) is a public information campaign driven by the belief that immigration creates incredible opportunities for economic, cultural, and social growth. As immigrants to this country renew the American dream, they improve the quality of life for all of us. In order to foster positive attitudes toward immigrants, we carry out education and outreach to highlight the contributions of immigrants, enhance the public, perception of immigrants, and build support for public and private immigration initiatives that benefit all residents of Long Island.
About Adelphi University: Adelphi University (www.adelphi.edu), chartered in 1896, was the first institution of higher education for the liberal arts and sciences on Long Island. Through its schools and programs - The College of Arts and Sciences, the Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies, the Honors College, the Adelphi University Ruth S. Ammon School of Education, University College, and the Schools of Business, Nursing, and Social Work - the co-educational university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as professional and educational programs for adults. Adelphi University currently enrolls more than 8,300 students from 40 states and 50 foreign countries. With its main campus in Garden City and centers in Manhattan, Hauppauge, and Poughkeepsie, the University maintains a commitment to liberal studies in tandem with rigorous professional preparation and active citizenship.
# # #
October 9, 2007 5:08 PM
October 9, 2007 - Long Island Wins, a campaign committed to finding practical solutions to the immigration issue, announced today the launch of its interactive website at www.longislandwins.com.
Said Brian Stedge, the group's Campaign Director, "When it comes to the topic of immigration, we've heard too much rhetoric and not enough about solutions. Long Island Wins is working to promote a conversation that includes and welcomes all Long Islanders. This website and its blog will be a key source for honest information about the implications of our current immigration policy and the harsh policies that some on Long Island favor. We intend to create a place where Long Islanders can have a frank and informed discussion about immigration and its impact on Long Island. This will be an online space where people can discuss the ideas that will enable Long Island to develop a local approach to immigration policy that will benefit all Long Islanders, support immigrants' contributions to the region's dynamic economy, and truly engage with our neighbors on this important issue."
Long Island Wins blog will be a voice of cooperation where Long Islanders can voice their concerns and discuss constructive solutions to the challenges created by immigration. The website will connect Long Islanders with smart policies and policymakers working to develop practical approaches to immigration in the region, and will highlight the stories of our neighbors to better understand their goals and their economic and cultural contributions to their communities.