Wednesday, December 31, 2003

State Republicans stick to the script on drivers license repeal



"In The Tennessean's account of the lawmakers' presentation, Rep. Donna Rowland, R-Murfreesboro, said, 'This law was passed in a pre-9/11 world.' Citing a repeal of a similar law in California, she said, 'If it's too liberal for California, it's too liberal for Tennessee.'"

"In The Chattanoogan's report, Rep. Chris Clem, R-Lookout Mountain, said, 'This law was passed in a pre-9/11 world. California recently repealed a similar statute. If it's too liberal for California, it's too liberal for Tennessee.'"

"In the Kingsport Times-News' report, Rep. Jason Mumpower, R-Bristol, said, 'This law was passed in a pre-9/11 world. California recently repealed a similar statute. If it's too liberal for California, it too liberal for Tennessee.'"

Tuesday, December 30, 2003

Nashville Scene letter questions drop in State foreign language funding





Author Ernest Rodriguez is participant in Nashville's Davidson Group.

Ramon Cisneros named to Cheekwood board





Cisneros publishes the Spanish-language newspaper La Campana.

Nashville City Paper editorial: only legal residents deserve drivers license





"We are still the melting pot of the world and that is all to our benefit. But we believe that when people do come to this country they need to play by our rules. And that means going through the proper steps to be here legally before enjoying the full benefits of citizenship such as a driver’s license."



Letter to the Editor agrees, suggests granting drivers licenses to illegal immigrants threatens safety of state.

Monday, December 29, 2003

Affordable Housing Resources hires staff to administer Hispanic Home Ownership Center





"Affordable Housing Resources (AHR) has added Miguel Torres and Pamela Re to its staff to administer its housing-education and lending programs at its Hispanic Home Ownership Center."



"Torres, a native of Mexico, has more than 30 years' experience in the tourism and hospitality industry both as a club promoter and a restaurant owner. He will serve as the coordinator of the Hispanic Home Ownership Center, which offers AHR's 'How To Buy A Home' orientation class in Spanish and all of AHR's home-loan products including down payment loan assistance and the new Mi Casa program for first-time homebuyers. Re, a native of Ecuador, also has experience in the hospitality industry in Nashville. She studied journalism and communications. Re will assist Torres with recruitment, planning and executing the Spanish homebuyer education classes."

National Education association pays for Spanish lessons for Nashville teachers





"A $5,000 National Education Association (NEA) Urban Grant awarded recently will provide for the materials, advertising and instruction for several 8-10-week courses to be held at McGavock and Hunters Lane high schools next semester."



The free courses are designed to improve the teachers' ability to communicate with Spanish-speaking parents.



"'Communication is critical in schools,' said Jamye Merritt, vice president of the Metropolitan Nashville Education Association (MNEA) and community education coordinator for Hunter’s Lane. 'We’re calling them survival Spanish courses to bridge the communication gap.'"



"Roughly 6,000 Spanish-speaking students are enrolled in Nashville public schools, a number that officials have seen rise steadily in recent years."

Sunday, December 28, 2003

Hispanic business owners class gets $10,000 donation from EDS





"Electronic Data Systems Corp. donated $10,000 to sponsor Negocio Prosperos' course this fall. The class educates current and future Hispanic business owners and began a year ago with 12 students. This fall, 22 people enrolled in the third course."



The course is run by Nashville-based Conexion Americas and taught at Belmont University.

Saturday, December 27, 2003

McMinnville paper El Paisano becomes seventh Spanish-language newspaper in Middle Tennessee





"Non-Hispanic businesses are beginning to take notice."



"Food Lion ran a full-page ad in La Campana earlier this month. The Dish Network has ads in at least three Spanish-language papers' latest issues."

Friday, December 26, 2003

Hispanic man crushed in recycling truck still unidentified





"'We really need some help,' Homicide Detective Marvin Rivera said."

Hume Fogg Spanish Honor Society serves Christmas gifts, meal to Hispanic homeless





"Students helped prepare and serve a feast of traditional Mexican dishes to about 35 men at the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church downtown. They also gave each man a gift bag of snacks, toiletries, socks, underwear, gloves and at least one 60-minute international phone card."



"Yesterday's holiday meal is a slight twist on something that happens every week at the church on the corner of Sixth Avenue South and Lafayette Street."



"For three years, the church has worked with other downtown entities to provide a meal and a Spanish-language movie and church service for homeless Hispanic men and women."



"Judy Grace, coordinator of the event that usually happens Wednesdays, said it's a way to reach out to the homeless who struggle because of their limited English skills."



"Sally Dye, a Hume-Fogg senior, said the men she talked to in Spanish were happy and appreciative."



"'We can understand them, and they can understand us,' said Sally, 17."



"'A lot of people are coming over here for a better life, and I think it's important that we show them we care that they are here.'"

Habitat for Humanity produces house built for Hispanic family, by Hispanic community





Former Habitat volunteer Luz Moralez moves in to first home, built in part by Hispanic individuals and organizations.



"'Habitat was interested in reaching out to the Hispanic community here to get more Hispanics to apply for homes,' said Fabian Bedne, one of Habitat's board members, who is Hispanic. 'Within the Hispanic community we're always looking to network and give back to the community where we live. This was an opportunity to connect the two and build one of the houses.'"

Thursday, December 25, 2003

Marijuana convictions of six Hispanic men are set aside, TBI agent on the case was dealing, using cocaine





Criminal Court Judge Randall Wyatt "set aside a 15-year-sentence for each of the defendants, who had been ordered to serve their entire sentence because they were arrested within 1,000 feet of a school zone."



"To support his habit, [T.B.I. agent Patrick] Howell later admitted to stealing cocaine from investigations he was involved in. [Attorney for one of the defendants Jerry] Gonzalez points out that if he had the cocaine on him while he was working at the old T.B.I. building in South Nashville, he would have been in possession of a drug within 1,000 feet of Tennessee Preparatory School. And we already know he had been distributing cocaine as well. So why wasn't he prosecuted under the same statute used against the Hispanic defendants? In fact, all Howell got after pleading guilty to two counts of tampering with evidence was three years probation.



"'What this says,' Gonzales charges, 'is that the district attorney's office will prosecute Hispanics who come within 1,000 feet of a school but not the law enforcement officers who likewise have drugs within 1,000 feet of a school.'"

Interpreters need more than language skills in mental health setting





"'We desperately need interpreters who are trained in mental health,' said Fran Peebles of the Mental Health Association."



"An interpreter who is not properly trained can make things worse, Peebles said. By summarizing what someone says instead of translating word for word, by inserting his or her own opinions, unskilled interpreters can convey the wrong meaning."



"Peebles began a training program for interpreters across the state this fall to introduce them to mental health terms and discuss the ethics, such as confidentiality and nonjudgmental behavior necessary in a mental health setting."



"The influx of refugees from all parts of the globe means a wider variety of languages are spoken in Middle Tennessee than anywhere in the state: about 70, according to Regina Surber with the state Department of Human Services."



"That makes finding an interpreter to accompany emergency workers at any hour of the day extremely challenging, said Kim Speakman, the emergency psychiatric services operations supervisor with Mental Health Cooperative, the agency that sends teams to respond to mental health crises."



"When the language is common, such as Spanish, the agency usually can find someone. But if the patient speaks Albanian, Somali, Kurdish or Farsi, then providers have to make do using a telephone language service or a family member."

Wednesday, December 24, 2003

Autobuses Adame opens Nashville bus station with routes to Mexico





The company charges approximately $200 to most Mexican destinations, claims it has 75% of the U.S.-Mexico international bus market.

Tuesday, December 23, 2003

Gallatin family celebrates Hispanic Christmas





"Enter this poor house, for there is room for you."

Language center may be brewing on Belmont's coffee shop curve





"With a working name 'Second Language,' the center would be a venue where students and teachers get together to share their knowledge of foreign languages."



The space, at 2013 Belmont Blvd., is close to Bongo Java and was recently emptied by the closure of Book Discoveries store.

Three remaining finalists for Metro Police Chief undergoing background checks





"An original field of applicants was narrowed by the Washington, D.C.-based Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) before the final seven were interviewed over the weekend and trimmed to three by a local citizen’s panel."



"The three finalists are Chattanooga Police Chief Jimmie Dotson, Washington State Patrol Chief Ronal Serpas and Waco, Texas, Police Chief Alberto Melis."



"Krol Background America will now perform background checks on each of the three candidates."



"Mayor Bill Purcell is expected to name a new chief in early 2004."

Courts may worsen interpreter shortage with new pay ceiling





"In the past decade, there has been a growing demand in state courtrooms for interpreters in Spanish and other languages. Courts are obligated under the Sixth Amendment to ensure that all defendants understand what's going on in the courtroom, including providing interpreters for non-English speakers and people with hearing problems."



"In September, the state Supreme Court decided to cap interpreters' pay at $50 per hour for certified Spanish interpreters, $40 for registered and $30 for non-credentialed interpreters."



"Those rates fall below growing demand in the private sector for interpreters and will mean that even fewer interpreters will be willing to go through a testing and training process to acquire court interpreter credentials, said Judith Kengison Kristy, co-president of the Tennessee Association of Professional Interpreters and Translators. The group has organized a letter-writing campaign against the new rates."

Monday, December 22, 2003

Creative Artists Agency's Alejandro Sanz releases ringtones

San Rafael plays at Merchant's tonight





"San Rafael, one of Nashville's premiere Latin bands, plays Merchant's Restaurant, 401 Broadway, from 5 to 7pm. Free."

Glendale Elementary will offer bilingual immersion classes in 2004





"Plans call for every grade at Glendale to offer at least one class taught by a bilingual teacher, who will cover all subjects in both Spanish and English."

Legacy Properties selling to growing international and immigrant real estate market





"[L]ast year the real estate market for international clients reached $45 billion... Today, 30-40 percent of first-time homebuyers are immigrants."

State Republicans include drivers license repeal in legislative plan





"After several failed attempts, Republican leaders predicted the repeal of a 2-year-old law that allows undocumented immigrants to obtain state licenses."



"'This law was passed in a pre-9/11 world,' said Rep. Donna Rowland, R-Murfreesboro, noting that California recently repealed a similar law. 'If it's too liberal for California, it's too liberal for Tennessee.'"



"Rowland said that of 221 Tennessee sheriffs and police chiefs recently contacted by legislators, 107 responded that they supported the license law repeal. Three opposed it."



"House Majority Leader Kim McMillan, D-Clarksville, said she was working with the governor's office on a bill to address the security concerns raised by the state's driver's license law but that she did not have details yesterday."

Hunters Bend Elementary: 4.2% Hispanic

Sunday, December 21, 2003

Alberto Melis one of three finalists for Metro Nashville Police Chief





Mayor Bill Purcell will choose from among the finalists "in the next few weeks."

Saturday, December 20, 2003

1: Number of Hispanic sportscasters in Nashville

YMCA Hispanic Achievers program to expand into Williamson County





Expansion made possible by $10,000 donation from Fleetguard, Inc.



Hispanic Achievers program is "designed to encourage and equip Hispanic youth to go to college and consider careers they may not realize they are capable of achieving."



Belmont University, which provides meeting space for the Nashville program, will offer its Cool Springs campus for the program.

Friday, December 19, 2003

Democratic legislators working with Bredesen administration on changes to drivers license law





"Stricter licensing has been a hot button issue for Republicans who have attempted each year to repeal a state statute passed in the summer of 2001 that removed the requirement for Tennessee motorists to have a Social Security number."



"Many Democrats say the issue is a federal-level issue but have recognized that a change may be needed."

The Tennessean posts profiles of candidates for Metro Police Chief position





Cuban-born candidate Alberto M. Melis lauded by peers in Florida, Texas.

Acting Metro Police Chief Faulkner promotes minority officers





Fifteen officers, one of whom is Hispanic, were promoted to rank of sergeant.



"Police spokesman Don Aaron told NashvillePost.com, 'I suspect it is the largest number of minority candidates promoted at one time since new promotional procedures went in to effect 10 years ago.'"



Promotions follow "stern memo" from Deputy Police Chief Steve Anderson to Faulkner "criticizing her for failing to address the racial disparity in the department's leadership ranks. Specifically, Anderson complained about the relatively small number of minority sergeants and captains," according to the Nashville Scene.



Story also covered by Nashville City Paper.

Thursday, December 18, 2003

Putnam County Commission passes resolution opposing issuance of drivers licenses to applicants without Social Security numbers





Fairness to legal residents and the theory of a drivers license as an illegal immigrant magnet were two reasons cited by opponents to the current state of the law.



County Commissioner Larry Epps "said the only purpose of issuing a driver's license is to prove identity and to provide minimal competency on the road, in response to comments that issuing driver's licenses to illegal immigrants causes a huge influx of undocumented immigrants in Tennessee."

"No I.D. for illegal immigrants" bill resurfaces





Would require social security number or other proof of legal residency before issuance of a drivers license.



Sponsor of bill alleges measure will reduce TennCare and state services spending, improve homeland security, and curb identity theft.



Article does not report how many of the more than 45,600 applicants since 2001 who have obtained drivers licenses without a social security number are (1) clients of TennCare and other state services who would not be clients if they did not have a drivers license, (2) homeland security threats, or (3) perpretrators of identity theft.

Wednesday, December 17, 2003

Battleground Academy Spanish Club sends reading buddies to Liberty Elementary limited-English students





"ELL kindergarten and first-grade students from Liberty and BGA Spanish Club members have formed an alliance. Since October, ten members from the BGA Spanish Club have become reading buddies for ELL students at Liberty after school three times a week. Last week, the club had a piñata fiesta where students enjoyed cookies and milk and a piñata while the Spanish Club's Chairman, Chad Graves, visited with the children as Santa. Students went home with a bag full of chocolate and a promise to see their Reading Buddies again next semester."

Tuesday, December 16, 2003

Nashville Conflict Resolution Center wants more bilingual mediators for Multi-Cultural Resolutions Program

Monday, December 15, 2003

Latino Reading and Learning Center eases education transition for Hispanic students and their families





The Center "orients parents to what the American education system expects of them and their children and offers bilingual tutors to keep students from falling behind."



"In January, the center will expand into space at a yet-to-be determined school in the Glencliff cluster."



"All the services are free."

Sunday, December 14, 2003

Saturday, December 13, 2003

Police ask for help identifying Hispanic man crushed by recycling truck

Friday, December 12, 2003

Nashville-based Corrections Corporation of America names Donna M. Alvarado to board





In 1994 Ms. Alvarado was named as "one of nine Hispanic women in Fortune 500 corporate board governance."

Gregg Ramos begins term as president of Nashville Bar Association





Ramos is the first minority president of the Nashville Bar Association.

National League of Cities proposes visa expiration database





Organization is meeting in Nashville for the first time.

Thursday, December 11, 2003

Homeland Security chief Tom Ridge advocates border policy reform, residency for illegal immigrants





Ridge notes tax and social contributions made by illegal immigrants in U.S., proposes lifting of requirement that aliens leave the country before applying for legal residency.



"Ridge said he thinks the body politic is about ready to address the issue of the illegal immigrants, who he said contribute to communities and Social Security and pay taxes. He referred to a growing number of bills that would grant residency to some of those living here illegally. He said one of these, which would require all illegal immigrants to leave the country before applying for residency, is 'not workable.'"



"'I'm not saying make them citizens, because they violated the law to get here,' he said. 'So you don't reward that type of conduct by turning over a citizenship certificate. You determine how you can legalize their presence, then, as a country, you make a decision that from this day forward, from this day forward, this is the process of entry, and if you violate that process of entry we have the resources to cope with it.'"

United Way of Metro Nashville will increase grants to agencies serving Hispanics

Wednesday, December 10, 2003

Tennessee Hispanic Chamber of Commerce going statewide





Chamber leaders named in Memphis and Cookeville; collaboration with Memphis Business Alliance.

Lockeland Elementary School will have Spanish emphasis





"The curriculum currently includes 30 minutes of Spanish instruction for every child each day, which is 'about one and a half times the amount' most high school students receive in two years, according to district officials."

Sole Hispanic candidate for Nashville police chief has ties to search consultant who named him





Ethical dilemma centers around whether connection should have been disclosed.

Tuesday, December 9, 2003

Governor Bredesen creates Office of Diversity Business Enterprise





Designed to make state contracts more accessible to "minorities, women and small businesses"

Monday, December 8, 2003

Hispanic dentist Dr. Alicia Griffin praised as caring, honest, cost-conscious, "saint in the Hispanic community"

Sunday, December 7, 2003

Christian Science Monitor calls illegal immigration "corrosive mass lawlessness"





Giving drivers licenses to illegal immigrants "mocks immigration laws"



Saturday, December 6, 2003

Heritage Elementary student body is 4.4% Hispanic

Friday, December 5, 2003

Harpeth Hall graduate teaches English in Ecuador before college

Thursday, December 4, 2003

Governor of California signs repeal of unpopular drivers license law, promises support for compromise version of law which would allow undocumented immigrants to obtain licenses after background check and proof of insurance

With immigrants coming in and race tensions heating up, Nashville leaders found the Davidson Group





"By last count, almost 400 Nashvillians had joined The Davidson Group, which organizers say may well be a unique effort. They know of no other similar programs in other cities. In joining, members commit to pair up with someone of a different racial and/or ethnic group and meet monthly in an effort to achieve greater understanding between the expanding number of diverse groups that call Nashville home. After several months of meetings, small groups of the pairs are to gather in larger groups to ripple their friendship and understanding into wider circles."



"'About two or three years ago, we had a sense that we were again getting into a bad situation from a racial standpoint in Nashville,' Andrews says. 'Again, the economy was hurting, but also the community had changed. All of a sudden, there was an influx of internationals, mainly Asians at first but then a whole bunch of Hispanics. The Asians were so below the radar that when they began to take jobs, nobody noticed, but when the Hispanics came in, it was pretty evident, and it was almost a conflict.'"

Wednesday, December 3, 2003

December 9 Lipscomb Christmas Concert theme: "Music from Hispanic Cultures"





"The Lipscomb University Department of Music presents the Early Music Consort's Christmas Concert Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. at Christ Church Cathedral, 900 Broadway. Admission is free. The theme for the Early Music Consort's Christmas Concert is Christmas Music from Hispanic Cultures. The concert will feature music from a number if countries including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and the Aztec and Inca cultures. For more information, call 279-5794."

Tuesday, December 2, 2003

Nashville to get first local Spanish-language television channel





"Beginning February 1, 2004, Solo Nashville, a new Nashville company, will begin airing Spanish language programs on Channel 42."



Story from Nashville Business Journal



Story from The Tennessean

Monday, December 1, 2003

U.S. industries suffer under visa backlog


"Manzullo blames the U.S. government for Ingersoll's bankruptcy, specifically the long delays foreigners now face when trying to obtain visas to visit the United States."

"A process that formerly took 30 days or less now can stretch for months and months, often with no explanation of why the visa application has not been approved, witnesses told Manzullo's committee at a Nov. 20 hearing."

"The result has been lost business deals with foreign customers, lost productivity from key employees whose return to the United States has been delayed, lost trade shows to overseas locations and foreign tourists lost to more welcoming vacation destinations, the witnesses said."

"Chambers of commerce representing other countries are exploiting America's new reputation as an 'unwelcoming' nation, says Randel K. Johnson, vice president for labor, immigration and employee benefits at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce."

"They are telling companies 'don't deal with the United States -- it's too much of a hassle,' he says."

Glencliff High holds International Day celebration





"The list of countries represented and languages spoken at Glencliff is long and changes every week. The students come from Sudan, Mexico, France, El Salvador, Cuba, Vietnam, Kurdistan, Iran, Ethiopia, Eritrea and so on and so on."



"'We don't have much prejudice here,' said Janette Lanier, English as a Second Language teacher at Glencliff."



"'There's just no room for it. The international day is good for all the kids to share their cultures with each other so they can understand each other even better.'"



"'They can see they're more the same than different. They're all teenagers struggling to become adults.'"

Tennessean reader cites politicians' dishonesty in call for moratorium on discussion of illegal immigration

Sunday, November 30, 2003

Tennessee State Board of Education considering "newcomer centers" for students with limited English proficiency





"Older students who move to Tennessee with little or no English skills might eventually have the option of spending a year in a 'newcomer' center before entering a regular classroom."



"The proposed centers would give middle and high school students more time to absorb the language before they are required to take — and pass — the state's high-stakes English, biology and algebra exams required for graduation."



"'This is an excellent early intervention if we want them to graduate,' said Carol Irwin, coordinator of the state's English as a Second Language program. 'Newcomer programs have an intense focus on literacy. They're gaining just basic literacy skills and cultural information.'"

Saturday, November 29, 2003

Siloam Family Health Center provides immigrants and uninsured access to health care, still hoping for additional support after HCA's $1.5 million donation

Friday, November 28, 2003

Medicare overhaul bill spends $1 billion to reimburse hospitals for emergency care for indigient illegal immigrants, may lead to law requiring hospitals to report the illegal immigrants they treat

Oro Solido merengue group to perform Nov. 29 at Kache on Third Avenue South

Thursday, November 27, 2003

Nashvillian showers love on McAllen, Texas children





"McAllen is home base for the Texas branch of the Christian Children's Fund, a worldwide relief organization that assists more than 4.6 million children and families in 31 countries. The CCF program in Texas covers 120 square miles of the Rio Grande Valley, a region whose rampant poverty is often described in third world terms. In this area alone, CCF has more than 4,000 children on its books. Some suffer from ailments or disabilities that require expensive treatment. Almost all belong to destitute immigrant families or working parents who simply cannot earn enough. In McAllen's CCF program, all of the children are Hispanic."



"'These are kids who don't get much,' Faulkner explains, running her fingertips over the latest photos in her album. 'I don't treat them any differently than I would my own kids.' But she insists that money is the least of what she has to give. 'People think they've got to buy all kinds of expensive things,' she says. 'But it's not the money, it's not the clothes. It's those cards and letters. That means more than anything.'"

Candidates for Nashville police chief include Cuban-born chief of Waco, Texas





"Alberto Melis, chief in Waco, Texas, was born in Cuba. He has headed Waco's police department since 2000. Waco has 220 officers, and is used to provide security for President Bush's visits to his ranch in nearby Crawford, Texas."



"Before going to Waco, Melis served as chief of the Lauderhill, Fla., Police Department. He spent 24 years on the Delray Beach, Fla., Police Department, as well. Melis has a master's degree in criminal justice from Florida International University."

Wednesday, November 26, 2003

Letter to editor of Nashville City Paper denounces use of Glencliff for distribution of matriculas





Argument: only legal immigrants should have an identity.

Tuesday, November 25, 2003

Nashville attorney dreams of starting venture capital fund for Hispanic businesses





Wynne James of Stites & Harbison lists fund as "goal yet to be achieved" in Nashville Business Journal executive profile

Monday, November 24, 2003

Latest MTSU poll: "immigrants without visas [are] a threat to the social and political order"

Vanderbilt MBA students receive top honors at National Society of Hispanic MBAs competition





"These students of Vanderbilt University's Owen Graduate School of Business placed first at this year's National Society of Hispanic MBAs Dell-Microsoft Marketing Case Competition in Fort Lauderdale, Florida"



"Gustavo Nucci of Brazil, Rene Vuskovic of Chile, Javy Canas of Costa Rica and Luis Mirabal of Venezuela - all members of the Owen Latin Business Association - were among teams of MBA students from other business schools nationally chosen to compete in the final round. The case assignment was to develop a marketing strategy for a new product for Dell Inc."

Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency's Fair Housing Office holds Hispanic-focused public forum

Sunday, November 23, 2003

1.9% of Grassland Elementary student body is Hispanic

Saturday, November 22, 2003

Hispanic household wealth eight times lower than U.S. average

Friday, November 21, 2003

CLEAR Act debuts in Senate halls, not likely to pass this year





"The law enforcement community is split" over the legislation, which would allow local police officials to make immigration-based arrests.



The bill would also link drivers licenses to legal presence in the U.S.

Hispanic Achievers mentoring program points over 200 Hispanic high school students toward college, careers





"The 2-year-old program, open to Hispanic teens in seventh to 12th grades, is sponsored by the YMCA of Middle Tennessee. It's based out of the Harding Place Family YMCA."



"'When we started, our goal was to have about 35 Hispanic Achievers. Now, we have 206 enlisted kids. We have grown real fast.'"



"Students in the program meet at Belmont University two Saturdays a month."



"They divide into career clusters in which they are taught about professions ranging from business to medicine to law. Each cluster is led by a Hispanic professional in that field. Guest speakers also are brought in, and the kids go on field trips."

Tennessean reader resents issuance of matriculas, drivers licenses to illegal immigrants; questions granting of citizenship of illegal immigrants





"I resent the use of taxpayers' property [Glencliff High School] and resources for such legally questionable [issuance of matriculas]."



"I also resent the government-imposed conflict of prohibiting hiring undocumented workers, yet providing no means to verify legitimacy — indeed — threatening punishment for discriminating on that basis!"



"Since the state has already unwisely decided to issue immigrants driver licenses without proof of identification, (while citizens are still required to prove their legitimacy) I am concerned that Nashville will even further become a magnet for a larger share of the census' estimated 8 million to 10 million undocumented immigrants and encourage new waves of immigrants to come here."



"With so many undocumented immigrants now present in our nation and the government sadly granting citizenship to their children born here, we are sowing the seeds of many future problems and a deeply socially and politically divided society."

1.9% of Fairview Elementary students are Hispanic

Thursday, November 20, 2003

Four out of five Americans believe "we should restrict and control people coming into our country to live more than we do now"





Opinion is split on whether immigrants threaten traditional American customs and values (46% say yes, 49% say no)





-Pew Trust report





Age and education reported to shape immigration views more than partisan belief.



Intensity of immigration beliefs up since 1999.

Schwarzenegger backtracks on drivers license law, repeal effort stalls





California Governor would allow licenses for illegal immigrants who undergo background checks and get insurance.

LAPD resists clamor to revisit department's "don't ask" immigration stance





"In this era of heightened concern over foreign terrorists on U.S. soil, a clamor is growing among some in Los Angeles -- including ... a group of San Fernando Valley activists and Northwest Valley Councilman Greig Smith -- for the Los Angeles Police Department to revisit its nearly 25-year-old policy of not dealing with immigration violations."



"In response to reports that LAPD officers were routinely singling out immigrants for scrutiny, then-Police Chief Daryl Gates ordered officers to stop asking suspects, witnesses and victims about their immigration status. The policy, known as Special Order 40, has remained in effect for two decades."



"Current Police Chief William Bratton and members of the city's Police Commission have not called for the policy to be amended or repealed."



"'There are safety mechanisms in place for deporting people who are criminally inclined,' said Police Commission President David S. Cunningham III. 'In the end, the policy position on Special Order 40 is that we are a nation of immigrants and we don't want to dissuade them from having contact with the police.'"



"Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokeswoman Virginia Kice said Special Order 40 doesn't preclude federal immigration authorities from working with the LAPD on terrorism and violent-crime cases."



"'While the LAPD is not in the business of referring routine criminals to federal immigration authorities, the city and federal authorities work closely on cases involving potential terrorists in the country illegally, Kice said.'"



"U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers stationed in the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Twin Towers Correctional Facility check the immigration status of inmates and decide whether to deport them when their term is finished, jail Lt. Tim Murphy said."

Federal border agents crack down in response to immigrant-smuggling violence





"The U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection started intensified patrols Nov. 7 as part of Operation Transguard."



"The Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Nov. 10 unveiled Operation ICE Storm, an anti-smuggling task force involving 50 special agents designed to dismantle smuggling networks in Arizona."



"Critics of the nation's immigration policy said the crackdown is futile without other elements of reform, such as a guest-worker program and legalization of undocumented immigrants."

Catholic Charities seeks holiday donations for refugee and immigrant families





Needed: "games, bicycles, gift certificates to Wal-Mart or Target, cookware, appliances, TV sets (with antennas), toys and clothing for all ages. For more information, contact Kathy Minogue at 259-3567."



Wednesday, November 19, 2003

Anti-immigration group meets in Nashville, plans legislative measures





"Tennesseans for Responsible Immigration Policy plans to challenge the state's driver's license law and to advocate a ban on acceptance of Mexican consulate-issued identity cards, according to spokeswoman Theresa Harmon. Speakers also will include Jim Staudenraus of the Federation for American Immigration Reform and Phil Kent, who speaks nationally about illegal immigration."

Tuesday, November 18, 2003

Jose Mata opens Pueblo Real restaurant in Franklin





"'I came to this country when I was 15. I could not speak a word of English. But I believed that if I worked hard and focused on my dream of owning a restaurant, I could do it. I love my country, Mexico, but America has opportunity,' said Mata."



"'I started out rolling silverware. I did everything I was asked. I learned about American quality. I worked and saved my money. Now I have this place I dreamed of since I was 12. My dad and my sister, they work with me here. My mother is still in Mexico, but she will come in January to see my restaurant.'"

10.2% of Americans with diabetes are Hispanic





"Left untreated, diabetes can lead to heart disease, kidney failure, blindness and circulatory problems than can lead to amputations."

Monday, November 17, 2003

TIRRC conference attracts 170 advocates from around the world



map

Sunday, November 16, 2003

Hundreds line up at Glencliff to apply for Mexican IDs





More than 1,000 in line for only 650 cards



Critics attack the matricula consular documents, alleging they are easy to counterfeit. Washington Credit Union League notes that the security features are comparable to those of the Washington State drivers license, and the San Francisco Gate describes them as tamper proof but easy to obtain using false documents.



A recent General Accounting Office (GAO) study showed U.S. drivers licenses are no different from matriculas in this respect - U.S. drivers licenses are easy to obtain with fictitious birth certificates, utility bills, out-of-state licenses and other falsified documents. In other words, a U.S. drivers license is as vulnerable as a matricula.



"The Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association endorses the use of the card: 'It helps my office identify people who have committed crimes and those who have not committed crimes,' said Chelsea Chief of Police Frank J. Garvin. 'We see nothing but a benefit.'"



"George Díaz, the deputy director for governmental affairs at the Arizona Attorney General's Office, said law enforcement agencies in Arizona overwhelmingly embrace the cards, which have made policing immigrant communities easier. 'They value the information it provides and they'd like to see it continue to be circulated,' Díaz said."



"More than 1,000 U.S. law enforcement agencies, including Phoenix police, and 409 city governments across the country, including Phoenix, have endorsed it as a valid form of ID. They are joined by 125 county and 32 state governments."

Saturday, November 15, 2003

Glencliff High School hosts Mexican Consulate for issuance of matricula consular ID cards





Mexican Consulate visit in May 2002 saw 1,000 applicants line up for only 400 available cards.



"Teofila de la Cruz Aguilar and his wife, Maria Cerda, arrived shortly after 5:30 a.m. and stood six hours later in sight of the front door to Glencliff High School. Both said they needed cards to open a bank account. Aguilar was robbed twice, he said, because he had nowhere to put his money."



Tennessee law prohibits drivers license applicants from offering the matricula consular as a form of ID.

Friday, November 14, 2003

Remarks by Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge regarding Binational Commission with Mexico





Sets February 2004 meeting in Mexico City.

Remarks by Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Eduardo Aguirre: Civic Integration - Citizenship After 9/11

Alabama Department of Public Safety becomes second police agency in the country authorized to enforce federal immigration laws





"In Alabama, 21 troopers passed a five-week federal course in the intricacies of immigration law."



"The troopers' new mission has unnerved Latinos in a state that is experiencing double-digit growth in its immigrant work force. The Mexican Consulate in Atlanta, which covers four Southern states, has set up a phone line for people to report abuses."



"'We have concerns that people will be pulled over for driving while Latino,' said Isabel Rubio of the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama, a community group in Birmingham. 'I really don't feel like it's the role of any federal law enforcement agency to give its job over to state and local police.'"



"The legal authority of local police to enforce federal immigration laws has been debated."



"A central issue is that many immigration violations are civil, not criminal, offenses. For example, overstaying a visa — an infraction that accounts for 30% to 40% of illegal immigrants in the country — is a civil matter. Since city police don't collect back taxes for the IRS, they shouldn't round up deportees either, critics say."



Pending federal CLEAR legislation "would make civil immigration infractions — such as overstaying a visa — criminal violations. States that fail to pass legislation authorizing police to enforce immigration laws could lose federal funding for jailing criminal immigrants. Additional money would be allocated to states that embrace the program. And local police departments could be rewarded with the proceeds of assets seized from illegal immigrants, including homes, bank accounts and vehicles."



"In the past, immigration enforcement by local police has led to roundups that snared citizens as well as migrants, spawning lawsuits that took years to resolve. The track record of the current experiment is still open."



"Florida's program, with 35 officers, has been in place for a year and has led to 165 arrests, with no community complaints. The Florida agents were assigned to homeland security task forces and targeted document rings that were supplying false identification to foreigners."



"Ranking officers believe an understanding of immigration laws can help troopers carry out their duties under Alabama law."



"Before the immigration training, troopers said they were unsure what to do when they stopped someone they suspected of being an undocumented immigrant. Now they believe they have more options."



"Trooper Susanna Capps, a seven-year veteran, is a specialist in document fraud with the driver's license bureau. Last year, her division arrested 4,239 people trying to use false identification to get an Alabama license, the overwhelming majority of whom were U.S. citizens. Alabama does not grant driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants."

Davidson County gets federal Department of Justice grant to offset jail costs for undocumented criminal immigrants





$85,000 covers Davidson County's 32 inmates and 4,281 days in jail, according to report



State of Tennessee and Bedford, Coffee, Hamilton, Knox, and Maury counties also recipients

Thursday, November 13, 2003

Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) holds Founding Convention

Visiting Mexican econ professor and labor leader give NAFTA a failing grade

Wednesday, November 12, 2003

U.S. and Mexican administration officials meet in Washington; immigration on the agenda





National Immigration Forum urges comprehensive immigration reform; Federation for American Immigration Reform asks, "What's in it for us?"

Overton High conducts seventh annual diversity workshop

Tuesday, November 11, 2003

National Employment Law Project updates report on state laws affecting immigrant workers





"Many of the anti-immigrant proposals, both at the federal and state level, can be summarized as measures intended to make a broad range of entities enforcers of immigration law. This is clearly the case with measures to allow local police to enforce immigration law, but is true to a lesser degree for measures to restrict access to drivers’ licenses, and limits on enforcement and remedies available to the undocumented under labor laws. In this climate, there are many areas in which state and local governments can act to afford better access to work-related benefits and better protections under existing state labor and labor-related laws."

Border crackdowns create violent underworld, may have little impact on terrorism or immigration



Crackdowns deemed successful by U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-CO) (citing statistics from unnamed sources)

1.1 million veterans are Hispanic

Monday, November 10, 2003

Banks target Hispanics with different strategies, products: Bank of America, Bank One, Wells Fargo, Fifth Third, Provident, and US Bank

Workers arrested in immigration raid sue Wal-Mart, alleging discrimination and demanding unpaid overtime wages

Nashville Business Journal profiles Ramon Cisneros, President and CEO, Millennium Marketing and Publisher, La Campana

Flashback: NPR airs five-part special report "Educating Latinos"





part 1:

an education crisis



part 2:

bilingual education



part 3:

teacher shortage



part 4:

mothers and daughters



part 5:

assimilation experience



Report aired in November-December 2002.

Saturday, November 8, 2003

Tennessee statewide K-12 education report reveals Hispanic data



"'Tennessee is in pretty good shape,' Deputy Commissioner of Education Keith Brewer said, 'but certainly we have a lot of room to improve, and that's our goal for next year.'"



"Brewer said most schools would have to focus on low-income, special education and new immigrant students if they want to improve. 'Those are the three subgroups where we have the greatest work to do,' he said."



% of student body that is Hispanic2.7%
% of student body that is Limited English Proficient1.5%
% of Hispanic students who have been suspended6.5%
% of Hispanic students who have been expelled0.1%
Hispanic students met federal benchmark requirements in K-8 math?No
Hispanic students met federal benchmark requirements in K-8 reading, language arts, writing?No
Hispanic students met federal benchmark requirements in 9-12 English II?No
Hispanic students met federal benchmark requirements in 9-12 Algebra I?Yes

U.S. Education Secretary Rod Paige defends No Child Left Behind Act as answer to "achievement gap that is murdering ... Hispanic and disadvantaged children"

Hard work and persistence overcome language barrier on DuPont-Tyler Middle School football team





"Many on the team, including several Hispanic youths and one from Sweden, were rookies strapping on their pads for the first time ever."



"The language barrier caused some confusion at times, 'but we got through it,' Sawyers said. 'They're just a great bunch of kids. Win or lose, we were having a great time.'"



"Sawyers, who has coached middle school football for more than a decade, said his players learn some important lessons through football %u2014 discipline, teamwork and camaraderie, to name a few."

Hispanic Family Health Forum: November 14, 5:30pm



To be held at My Father's House, 318 South Margin St., Franklin

Moore Elementary: 4.3% Hispanic

Nashville Korean Presbyterian Church dedicates new facility, will also house Spanish-language mission

Friday, November 7, 2003

Association of American Medical Colleges reports Hispanic medical school applicants increased by 2% in 2003, but Hispanic attendees declined by almost 4%

Thursday, November 6, 2003

Grant to Nashville agencies funds diversity project



"The last event in the series, a forum on Diversity in the Workplace, is scheduled Nov. 10 from 1-4 p.m. in the auditorium of the Downtown Library. It focuses on Nashville’s immigrant population and how employers can fully integrate immigrants into the workplace."



"The forum will offer two sessions — Beyond the Language deals with cultural sensitivity, and Nuts & Bolts will give attendees specific guidelines for understanding various classifications, utilizing proper forms, and filing the appropriate paperwork."

Wednesday, November 5, 2003

Tennessee Supreme Court upholds ruling against employer who refused to pay illegal immigrant's worker's comp claim



JOSE SILVA v. MARTIN LUMBER COMPANY, ET AL., Direct Appeal from the Chancery Court for Putnam County, No. 2001-156, Vernon Neal, Chancellor, No. M2003-00490-WC-R3-CV - Mailed - October 1, 2003, Filed - November 5, 2003

Presentation of false work authorization documents was immaterial to employee's right to recovery; misstating legal status had nothing to do with injury.

Court cites already-existing law that "Illegal aliens are not excluded from coverage pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 50-6-106 entitled 'Employments not covered' which lists types of employees who are not entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits. ... The Tennessee Supreme Court has noted that, 'The ordinary and usual meaning of the word ‘employee’ is one who is employed by another and works for wages or salary without regard to whether the employment be legal or illegal.' Am. Sur. Co. v. City of Clarksville, 315 S.W.2d 509, 513 (Tenn. 1958). Further, the Tennessee Supreme Court has recognized that 'employment which has been obtained by the making of false statements- whether by a minor or an adult, is still employment; that is, the technical illegality will not of itself destroy compensation coverage.' Fed. Copper & Aluminum Co. v.Dickey, 493 S.W.2d 463, 465 (Tenn. 1973) (quoting 1A Larson’s Workmen’s Compensation Law, § 47.53, at 800)."

Rose Fitzgerald honored by Catholic Charities as Volunteer of the Year for Refugee and Immigration Services

Pinnacle National Bank forms community development division to loan money to businesses in low-income areas





"Rev. Neal Darby Jr., executive director of the Greater Nashville Black Chamber of Commerce, says several areas of Nashville - including North and South Nashville and the Jefferson Street commercial district - could benefit from the work of Pinnacle Community Development and other banks with non-traditional loan programs. 'One of the biggest complaints we get from minority business owners is that they don't qualify to go to banks,' says Darby. 'When they go, they're never given an opportunity to get loans to help their businesses.'"



"Capital Bank & Trust is focusing on assisting the Hispanic community with loan products for housing needs and is working with Southeast Community Capital to assist small businesses unable to access mainstream financial markets."

EEOC study: Hispanics account for 3% of legal professionals in private sector

NASHVILLE CITY PAPER PUBLISHES IN SPANISH



Articles from the English edition are translated into Spanish by software.

Tuesday, November 4, 2003

U.S. Attorneys Office confirms that Wal-Mart, and not just its cleaning services subcontractors, is accused of violating immigration laws

St. Thomas Hospital will build new Hispanic-focused health care clinic, doubling capacity of current facility

David Lipscomb University condenses English Language Learner (ELL) teacher licensing course into summer program

Monday, November 3, 2003

Fourteen-year-old Costa Rican preacher visits Nashville Hispanic congregations



On November 2, Alejandro Arias was at Iglesia de Dios Hispana de Nashville, or the Nashville Hispanic Church of God, on East Trinity Lane. Next week he will visit the First Baptist Church of Hendersonville Hispanic Worship Program and the largely African-American New Beginning Full Gospel Missionary Baptist Church in Gallatin.

Contemporary Hispanic Art on display at Madison Art Center through November 12



10/26/2003 to 11/22/2003

'M-F 10-4, SAT 10-6, SUN 1-4'

price: No Admission Fee

Madison Art Center presents 'These Days,' an exhibit of pottery by Sharon Massey, paintings by Dawna Coleman, and furniture and woodworks by Randy Cochran, plus a display of Contemporary Hispanic Art and works by the pottery Students of June Lusty. The artists' reception for all three exhibits will be held from 6:30 to 8pm on Saturday, November 8. Madison Art Center, 403 Gallatin Road, Madison

http://madison-art-center.com

macinfo3@bellsouth.net

Advisory Board of Fisk University Race Relations Institute dismissed en masse



Former board members say the institute was no longer a high priority for the university, that they were "out of the loop as to what, if anything, the institute was doing," and "had no input."

Saturday, November 1, 2003

Watkins College of Art & Design hosts free screening of Manito November 7





November 7

Watkins Theatre, 7:00-9:00pm

Free to the public

"Set, and vibrantly photographed, in the Washington Heights section of Manhattan, Manito is the fictional story of two days in the life of two Latino brothers, Junior and Manny. Employing techniques of cinema verite, the film vibrantly captures a neighborhood and the people who live there."

PR firm Dye, Van Mol & Lawrence add Spain firm SCR to network of affiliates

HCA donates $1.5 million to Siloam Family Health Center of Nashville, whose clients are 80% immigrant and refugee

Edmonson Elementary built to relieve overcrowding, still not at capacity. Hispanic population: 9 students, or 1.5% of student body

Friday, October 31, 2003

MTSU International Conference on Cultural Diversity ends today



Panelist: Don Flores, Editor and Vice President, El Paso Times

“Hispanic Presence in the Newsrooms: Why Should It Matter?”

Mr. Flores is recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Hispanics in the United States. In his position with the El Paso Times and through his proactive leadership of several national organizations, he empowers other journalists and news professionals of color. He was the president and publisher of the Iowa City Press-Citizen and currently serves on the Texas State University Board of Regents. He recently received the highly coveted Robert G. McGruder Award for Diversity Leadership and serves as the vice president of the Freedom of Information Foundation.



Thursday, October 30, 2003

Rev. Philip Beisswenger pastors white, African-American, and Hispanic congregations, heralded as model of unity





"There have been some combined services and programs for the three congregations. Last summer Eastminster had a bilingual vacation Bible school. And on Thursday nights, the English-speaking members practice their Spanish while the Hispanics practice their English."

Metro Human Relations Commission to begin Spanish-language communications in effort to reach Hispanic community





The Commission's mission is to "hear discrimination complaints" and "promote cross-cultural understanding."



The Commission will participate in a diversity meeting scheduled at the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on Nov. 14. The meeting is "a first step to organizing more diversity discussions in the south Nashville area, where much of Davidson County's international population lives."

Wednesday, October 29, 2003

General Accounting Office (GAO) says proposed U.S.-Mexico Social Security "totalization" agreement needs more study





The agreement, which would eliminate dual social security taxes and fill gaps in benefits for people who work in the two countries during their careers, had been on fast track



Conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation believes the agreement could benefit both nations if system were privatized



Read the GAO's Congressional report and testimony



Homeland Security committee told that fake documents work like a charm





"Using false driver's licenses and birth certificates, [GAO special investigations] agents traveling from Canada, Mexico, Jamaica and Barbados were able to enter the United States several times between July 2002 and May 2003 -- no questions asked."



"The same fake papers have allowed the agents to purchase firearms from licensed dealers in the states of Virginia, West Virginia, Montana, New Mexico and Arizona, Malfi said. "



"In April and May 2000, the investigators used false driver's licenses to obtain genuine passes to government buildings that contained the offices of cabinet secretaries."

Grandma Irene and friends share spooky Halloween stories in Spanish and English at the Southeast Branch of Nashville Public Library





Date: 10/30/2003

Time: 6:15pm

Cost: Free

Phone: 615-862-5871

Address: 2325 Hickory Highlands Dr., Nashville, TN

U.S. House votes to expand immigration background checks





Six-state pilot program already allows employers to check social security numbers and alien identification numbers with databases of Social Security Administration and Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services

Tuesday, October 28, 2003

City Paper letter faults politicians and employers for illegal immigration and warns of ignored long-term costs





"If the laws are not enforced, we do not resist. Who calls the IRS to seek reversal of a questionable deduction? Who stops a trooper to confess speeding? Why do we get mad when these illegals do the same thing?"



"The targets of our wrath ought to be the employers who break these laws and the government workers who dole out unmerited privilege. Maybe we don't because they offer us cheap goods and drive down costs. We ignore the long-term effect on our wallets until it is too late."

Money sent to Mexico by family members in U.S. surpasses tourism and direct investment to become Mexico's second-largest source of income





"Oil remains No. 1."



Increase may be due to easier access to banks, or better tracking due to increased use of banks.

Benjamin Hooks, retiring from Tennessee Human Rights Commission, identifies law firms' minority participation as most sluggish in corporate sector

NASCAR to market to Hispanics

Liberty Elementary, with 121 Hispanic students comprising 27% of student body, is most diverse school in Williamson County





Met all ratings benchmarks in latest No Child Left Behind report



Pilot Spanish program targets both native English and native Spanish speakers

No Child Left Behind Act brings $3 million in federal funds and mandatory testing of ESL students





Testing of ESL students criticized as uninformative, may discourage teachers in immigrant-heavy districts

Monday, October 27, 2003

Conexion Americas is opening the doors to Hispanic home ownership

U.S. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi condemns Wal-Mart immigration arrests; calls for shift of focus to employers

Metro's downtown Sounds stadium proposal contemplates role for minority contractors

Rick Treviño balances country, Hispanic heritage in new album In My Dreams

Bredesen teacher pay equity task force recommends pay hike for teachers of students from low-income and immigrant families

Sunday, October 26, 2003

Hispanics victimized by tax preparers





Nolensville Road business "Servicio Latino" cited in affidavit filed with IRS



Victim hit with $14,000 tax bill; Conexión Américas helping with settlement discussions



"Undocumented immigrants can not only file taxes, they're encouraged to do so by the Internal Revenue Service."



"All Social Security withholding paid by undocumented immigrants remain in a Social Security Administration 'suspense account,' which stands in the billions of dollars. Lawmakers have not yet decided the fate of these funds."

Friday, October 24, 2003

Wells Fargo reports 250,000 new accounts opened with matriculas since November 2001





"Wells Fargo, the first financial services company in the country to accept the matricula card as valid identification for account openings, requires prospective customers to have two pieces of identification in addition to a U.S. Social Security number or an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN)."

No Hispanics on boards of Middle Tennessee's 10 largest state-chartered banks.



"Overall, latest census figures show the former eight-county Nashville metropolitan area is 74% white, 16% black, 2% Asian, 0.3% American Indian and Alaska native and 1% people of two races or more. Roughly 3.78% of that 1.27 million overall eight-county population said they were of Hispanic or Latino origin."

Cheekwood holds 4th Annual "Día de los Muertos Fall Family Celebration" this Saturday, October 25, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Thursday, October 23, 2003

Government selected the term "Hispanic" in 1975 committee

Immigration authorities arrest 300 in Wal-Mart cleaning crew raids



Search of executive office indicates government may be after Wal-Mart leadership; Tyson Foods just the beginning?

Just missed: Vanderbilt Association of Hispanic Students (VAHS) hosted Lalo Alcaraz author of the comic strip La Cucaracha on October 16, and Pat Mora Latina writer on October 22



Alcaraz's visit was reported in the October 23 edition of Nashville Today, where Alcaraz is said to focus on Hispanic issues because no other cartoonist does. Responding to criticism that he doesn't speak for Mexican-Americans, Alcaraz responded, "It's just mine. The old joke is that you get two Chicanos in a room and you get three opinions."



La Cucaracha comic

Spanish replaces French at David Lipscomb Elementary



The 2003-2004 academic year is the first time that all elementary students are studying Spanish. Teacher Robin Rosch, who was a missionary in Peru and has taught in Sumner and Davidson County for five years, emphasizes audio language skills, according to the October 23 Nashville Today.

October 23 Nashville Today features Metro Public Schools' multilingual Homework Hotline



Help is available at 298-6636 in Spanish, Arabic, Kurdish, and Laotian. The next language to be added is Somalian, due to high demand.

Attorney Ana Escobar withdraws as candidate for Metro General Sessions Court Judge

Wednesday, October 22, 2003

Chicago Tribune tracks Hispanic trends as revealed in recent Pew Hispanic Center study.



For the first time, second- and third-generation Hispanics account for most of the growth in the Hispanic population, replacing new immigrants, who fueled the growth in the past...



Immigrants' children and grandchildren who were born in the United States are American citizens. They are overwhelmingly people who speak fluent English, usually without a trace of an accent, and thus meld into the work world with few problems...



"For me, being of Salvadoran descent and speaking Spanish are important for me," said Marcos Villatoro, a professor of English at St. Mary's College in Los Angeles. "But for my kids it is a shadow in the house. They know it is there, but they kind of ignore it..."



"One of the great ironies of the changing demographics in the United States is that, as the Hispanic population grows, it becomes quickly assimilated and, in a sense, becomes less visible," said Janet Dudley-Eshbach, president of Salisbury University in Salisbury, Md...



"The new generation of American-born Hispanics are becoming such a part of the cultural fabric that the Hispanic name is losing its `edge' as a foreign name," he said. "The same thing, from a cultural standpoint, is happening to the Hispanic surname. For example, Cameron Diaz, Christina Aguilera, even Jennifer Lopez, are hardly thought of as `Latin bombshells.' They're just considered attractive, successful women who happen to be Latin..."



Dudley-Eshbach said a recent study by the American Council on Education found that about 32 percent of Hispanics attend college. "As this percentage grows," she said, "Hispanics will increasingly be perceived as intelligent, hardworking and sophisticated..."



The political ramifications remain difficult to determine. Hispanics--like the rest of the population--come in many political stripes.

Volunteers bring young Guatemalan shooting victim to Nashville for medical treatment

Cartoonist Ted Rall: "Republicans have it right: close the borders"

Exoneration of policemen accused of Hispanic abuse haunts acting Metro Police Chief Deborah Faulkner's bid for top spot

Ousted Fisk president sought more Hispanics

Hispanic homebuyers tell H.U.D. they were sold homes at inflated prices

Nashville Scene profiles Marcela Gomez

Nashville Scene questions role of race in General Sessions selection

Hispanics rejected more often than whites for mortgages; disparity worsening

Latino Reading & Learning Center opens

No Hispanics on Nashville's 40-member Metro Council

IABC to host Marcela Gomez-Heinlein, president and founder of Nashville-based Hispanic Marketing Group, for November 13 speech, "Targeting the Hispanic Market"



The Nashville chapter of International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) presents guest speaker Marcela Gomez-Heinlein, president and founder of Hispanic Marketing Group, at its monthly meeting. Cost is $20 for members, $30 for non-members, $15 for students. For reservations and more information, visit www.iabc-nashville.com or contact Kristi Gooden at 248-8202 or kgooden@kvbpr.com.

Hispanic elderly less likely to enter retirement homes

Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce's Southern Area Business Council to spruce up Nolensville Road area

Heritage and Woodland middle schools are teaching Spanish in engaging ways.

Overcrowding at Crockett Elementary in Brentwood not due to Hispanic immigration: only 9 students, or 1.3% of the student body, are Hispanic.

Attorney Gregg Ramos will begin his one-year term as President of the Nashville Bar Association on Tuesday, December 9, 2003. Gregg will be the first minority president in the NBA's 171-year history.

Attorney Ana Escobar ranks second in Nashville Bar Association rating of candidates for Davidson County General Sessions Judge.

Nebraska state court judge Ronald E. Reagan orders a father not to speak the "Hispanic" language to his daughter.

Anne Hull wrote an excellent four-part series in the Washington Post about immigrant life, as seen through the eyes of Atlanta residents Cisco, Nallely, Amy, and Adama.



The Tullahoma (TN) Herald-Chronicle also has a less impressive but nonetheless informative series about the impact of immigrants in the area, and the fact that locals are noticing and even helping.

Tuesday, October 21, 2003

Memphis Muslim leader Dr. Nabil Bayakly's immigration deportation hearing is Monday, October 27, in Memphis.



Dr. Bayakly has always held a valid visa and did not have any difficulties with his immigration status until he registered with the INS under the Special Registration Act targeted at Muslim men. The hearing will be held at 8:30am in Immigration Court, on the 4th floor of the federal building, 167 N. Main, located across from City Hall. Contact TIRRC for more details on Dr. Bayakly or the hearing.

Failure of courts to follow new Tennessee rule on court interpreters likely to cause trial errors similar to those experienced by the deaf community.

Washington Post explores, and Samuel Francis deplores, implications of "Hispanic" and "Latino" labels.

Samuel Francis laments mass immigration and blames it for forcing whites out of communities

The Tennessee Foreign Language Institute wins Best (and Most Unheralded) Learning Resource in the Nashville Scene Best of Nashville 2003 awards.

Hispanic homeowners get bad deals

Bill O'Reilly opines that border patrol works better than law enforcement

Conexion Americas wins Best New Entrepreneurial Venture in Nashville Scene's Best of Nashville 2003 awards

U.S. Census Bureau releases Brief on language use and English-speaking ability in U.S.

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