YouTube 
Facebook 
We Stand United in Support of Dean Deniosky Pena-Mora / Unidos en Apoyo a Dean Feniosky Pena-Mora
NOTED & QUOTED
For immediate release
** Press Advisory**
Contact: 646-250-2175
Feniosky Pena Mora (Photo by Eduardo Hoepelman)
The Dominican American National Roundtable and the National Dominican American Council join NYC Councilmember Ydanis Rodriguez, New York City community leaders, residents and students to stand together in support of Dean Feniosky Pena Mora and in opposition to the current effort to remove him from his position as Dean of the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science at Columbia University.
Since assuming the position of Dean in 2009, Feniosky Pena-Mora has demonstrated his talents as a Latino leader fully capable of leading the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science.
His list of accomplishments include:
1. Improved the Fu Foundation School of Engineering National ranking from 21 in 2009 to 15 in 2012.
2. Diversified both the faculty and student body by adding more women and minorities to the school.
3. Attracted and brought on board new faculty with high standards of excellence.
4. Increased the support for Columbia University Engineering Endowment.
COME AND BRING OTHERS TO SUPPORT!
What: Rally/ Press Conference denouncing removal of Feniosky Pena-Mora as Dean of Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science at Columbia University
When: Thursday, May 10, 2012 at 2pm
Where: In Front of Columbia University- 116th Street & Broadway in Upper Manhattan, NY
——–
Espanol
ACENTUACION OMITIDA
Para difusion inmediata
Contact0: 646-250-2175
UNIDOS EN APOYO A DEAN FENIOSKY PENA-MORA
Feniosky Pena Mora (Photo by Eduardo Hoepelman)
La Mesa Redonda Dominico Americana y el Consejo Nacional Dominico Americano se unen a Ydanis Rodriguez, Concejal de la Ciudad de Nueva York, líderes comunitarios, residentes y estudiantes de la Ciudad de Nueva York en apoyo al Decano Feniosky Penalty Mora y en oposición al esfuerzo para sacarlo de su posición como Decano de la Fu Foundation School of Engineering y Applied Science de la Columbia University.
Desde que asumió la posición de Decano en 2009, Feniosky Pena-Mora ha demostrado su talento como un líder Latino plenamente capaz de dirigir el Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science.
Su lista de logros incluyen:
1. Mejorar el ranking nacional de la Fu Foundation School of Engineering de 21 en 2009 a 15 en 2012.
2. Diversificar tanto la facultad como el alumnado añadiendo más mujeres y minorías a la escuela.
3. Atraer y enlistar nuevos profesores con altos estándares de excelencia.
4. Aumentar el apoyo a la Columbia University Engineering Endowment.
VENGA E INVITE A OTRAS PERSONAS A APOYAR!
Qué?: Rally / Conferencia de Prensa denunciando eliminación de Feniosky Pena-Mora como Decano de of Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science at Columbia University
Cuando?: Jueves 10 de mayo de 2012 a las 2 pm
Donde?: Frente a la Columbia University- 116th Street & Broadway in Upper Manhattan, NY
________________________
Background articles posted by DANR about Feniosky Pena-Mora
http://danr.org/tag/feniosky-pena-mora/
U.S. Senate Confirms Dominican from the Bronx as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States to the Republic of Uruguay
March 30, 2012 by DANR
Filed under Advocacy, Featured, Immigration, Press Releases
Washington, DC (March 30, 2012). The U.S. Senate confirmed attorney Julissa Reynoso, born in the Dominican Republic and raised in the Bronx, New York, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Oriental Republic of Uruguay in South America.
“This appointment in Uruguay, makes Julissa Reynoso the first Dominican to occupy the position of United States Ambassador in the history of this country; it is a further sign of our integration into the fabric of this society,” said Dr. Maria Teresa Montilla, President of the Dominican American National Roundtable. “To have a person with her professional background, character and humanity serving as U.S. Ambassador speaks well of the United States of America.”
Reynoso was nominated by President Obama on October 17, 2011.
She was born in January 1975 in Salcedo, Dominican Republic. In 1982, she emigrated with her family to the United States. Her U.S. immigration experience started in the South Bronx in New York City where she attended Catholic schools, and learned English.
Her high school guidance counselor encouraged her to apply to top schools. Reynoso earned a B.A. in Government from Harvard in 1997, an M. Phil. in Development Studies from the University of Cambridge in the U.K. in 1998, and a J.D. from Columbia University School of Law in 2001.
After law school, she clerked for Federal Judge Laura Taylor Swain of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York from 2001 to 2003, was a fellow at Columbia Law School in 2005, and practiced international arbitration and antitrust law at the New York law firm of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett from 2006 to 2009. She served as Deputy Director of the Office of Accountability at the New York City Department of Education in 2006, and was a part-time legal fellow at the Institute for Policy Integrity at New York University School of Law from August 2008 through July 2009, when she received her first State Department appointment.
Prior to her appointment, Reynoso served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Central America and in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs.
Reynoso has published widely in both Spanish and English on a range of issues including regulatory reform, community organizing, housing reform, immigration policy, and Latin American politics for both popular press and academic journals. She is a member of the Council of Foreign Relations.
For more information about her confirmation by the U.S. Senate, visit:
http://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/legislative/one_item_and_teasers/nom_confc.htm
La Mesa Redonda Propone Mapa Legislativo a Junta de Paterson, NJ
English
Washington, DC (30 de noviembre, 2011) .— En una audiencia pública llevada a cabo ayer 29 de noviembre del 2011 en el Passaic County Administration Building en Paterson, NJ, La Mesa Redonda Dominico Americana (DANR), la única organización sin fines de lucro, no partidista, con sede en Washington, D. C. abogando y representando los intereses socioeconómicos y políticos de los más de dos millones de dominicanos en los Estados Unidos, sometió un mapa de los seis barrios de Paterson a la Comisión Local de Redistribución de Distritos. DANR Proposed Ward Boundaries for the City of Paterson
Dr. María Teresa Feliciano, la Presidente de DANR presentó el mapa durante la primera audiencia de la Comisión, compuesta por los Comisionados de la Junta de Elecciones John Currie (D), Arthur G. Soto (R), Eugene Liss (R), y Lauren Murphy (D), así como también Paterson City Cleck Jane Williams.
Presidente Feliciano se dirigió a los miembros de la comisión sobre el aumento de la población Latina en la ciudad de Paterson y la necesidad de que el nuevo mapa de la ciudad refleje este cambio demográfico, como lo indica el Censo 2010.
Tambien testificaron Alba Mota, en representacion del Concilio Nacional Dominico Americano (Testimony of Alba Mota-Paterson, NJ), Yohany Mendez, Rhina Tavarez y Joel Martinez.
A continuación una transcripción del testimonio de Dr. María Teresa Feliciano, grabado por Latino Vision://latinovisiontv.com/:
Testimony of DANR President Maria Teresa Feliciano:
President of The Dominican American National Roundtable
Hearing of the Paterson Ward Commission
Passaic County Administration Building
401 Grand Street Paterson, NJ 07505
Tuesday, November 29, 2011, 1:00PM
Members of the Paterson Ward Commission:
On behalf of the Dominican American National Roundtable, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to address the Committee regarding the redistricting of Paterson’ Six Wards.
The Dominican American National Roundtable is a national organization founded in 1997 with the mission of representing and advocating for the educational, economic and civil rights of the over 2 million Dominicans in the United States. Including the large population of Dominicans in the City of Paterson, which ranks fifth, among the 10 largest Dominican populations in the United States.
We understand that the issue before this Commission is the redistricting of Paterson’ Six Wards, that demographic changes reported by the 2010 Census may be accurately reflected, communities of interest be kept together, and all Patersonians be properly represented.
This process must take place of course, observing the following state mandated guiding criteria:
Wards should be as compact as reasonably possible;
Contiguity must be striven for;
US Census Tract Boundaries must be respected wherever possible;
Physical Ward Boundaries such as rivers, railroads, major roadways, major land formations, etc. should be respected;
We request that the commission consider the following, in its quest to design maps that would lead to accurate representation of all Patersonians.
According to the 2010 US Census, there are 50.5 million Hispanics in the United States, composing 16 percent of the total population. Hispanics increased by 15.2 million (or 43%) between 2000 and 2010, which accounted for over half of the total population growth that occurred in the U.S. over the past 10 years. New Jersey is one of the states showing a large increase in Hispanic population, bringing it to –%. Paterson, specifically, lost 3,023 in its general population, but gained 4,767 Hispanics from 2000 to 2010.
The 2010 data regarding Hispanic residents revealed that the City of Paterson is currently 57.6% Latino, 31.7% Black, 12.6% White and 8.1% Other.
At the end of the redistricting process, the map of Paterson’ Six Wards must reflect its population.
In observing the current map of the city, it is of concern to see that the map of the 4th Ward effectively divides the Riverside, a community of interest, in the middle. It places ½ in the 3rd Ward and ½ in the 4th Ward.
We propose a map of the 4th Ward that will keep this community of interest together. A map that takes into consideration, and respects the following areas of service and interest:
1. Socio-economic status
2. Mail delivery routes
3. Recycling schedules
4. Transportation routes
5. Public works service schedules
6. Bunker Hill Special Improvement District
7. Zip codes (07524 & 07514)
As a result of changing the boundaries of the 4th Ward, and accommodating the changes in population, the remaining wards’ boundaries are also adjusted and submitted.
We look forward to working with the Committee to contribute in your effort to make sure that Paterson achieves a fair and constitutional redistricting.
Thank you,
Dr. Maria Teresa Feliciano, President
Dominican American National Roundtable
About DANR
The Dominican-American National Roundtable (DANR) is a non-partisan, non-profit corporation seeking to bring together the different voices of all people of Dominican origin in the United States. DANR is a national forum for analysis, planning, and action to advance the educational, economic, legal, social, cultural, and political interests of Dominican Americans. It aims to ensure for U. S. Dominicans the full exercise of the rights and freedoms guaranteed in the Constitution of the United States of America. With those objectives in mind, DANR is committed to enriching the quality of life in the United States by highlighting the contributions of Dominicans to the larger American society (www.danr.org).
DANR on the News: President Talks About Redistricting and DANR Goals for 2011 on Bronxnet
Dr. Maria Teresa Feliciano, DANR President.
Washington, DC (September 3, 2011).–Early this year, Bronxnet Community Television Network’s Host Daren Jaime sits down with Maria Teresa Feliciano, newly elected President of the Dominican American National Roundtable about redistricting and the goals for the DANR for 2011.
Interview is available online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMofjrmVAN8
Preliminary list of articles and tv coverage on DANR and its National Redistricting Project
Dr. Maria Teresa Feliciano, New President of the Dominican American National Roundtable. Message: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVy_t7yT1dw
http://hanleytimes.com/?p=7598
http://thepereznotes.blogspot.com/2010/11/nestor-montilla-on-perez-notes.html
http://primermomento.com/?p=91204
http://www.ny1noticias.com/content/128848/organización-promueve-talento-dominicano-en-el-congresoXX
http://quisqueyainternacional.net/blog/2011/09/02/dominicanos-fuerza-politica-latina-en-n-york/
http://ramonanibaltv.blogspot.com/2011/09/grupo-dominicano-contempla-ganancia-en.html
Daily News article -In line for nation’s 1st Dominican rep? by Frank Lombardi
http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2011/09/pro-dominican-redistricting-for-ny-14
The Dominican American National Roundtable & Its National Dominican American Council Join Coalition Opposing Alabama’s HB 56
August 13, 2011 by DANR
Filed under Advocacy, Immigration
Washington, DC (August 13, 2011).–The Dominican American National Roundtable has joined a coalition of more than 90 advocacy groups opposing Alabama’s new anti-immigrant law, HB 56, which would inflict widespread harm across the state and the diverse coalition of groups opposing HB 56.
Nine amicus curiae (“friend of the court”) briefs were filed last week in the civil rights coalition lawsuit challenging the law in U.S. district court. The briefs demonstrate that the Alabama law interferes with U.S. diplomatic interests and encourages discrimination. Civil rights and education groups contend that the law will adversely impact victims of crimes, students with limited English proficiency, Alabama educators, and others. The law is set to take effect on September 1.
.
The coalition asked the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama last month to block the law from taking effect. The court has consolidated the coalition’s lawsuit with a lawsuit brought by the U.S. Dept. of Justice, which accuses the state of undermining federal immigration priorities, and a lawsuit filed by state religious leaders, which alleges that the law criminalizes their ability to worship by making it a potential crime to be a Good Samaritan to an undocumented immigrant.
.
HB 56 allows law enforcement officials to check individuals’ immigration status, makes it a crime to knowingly transport or house an undocumented immigrant, and requires school officials to determine the immigration status of students and their parents, among other provisions.
.
Amicus curiae briefs are legal briefs filed by individuals or organizations with a strong interest in a matter at issue. The briefs filed in Alabama focus on a number of issues related to the new law.
.
■ The following nations joined Mexico’s amicus curiae brief opposing the law: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay.
.
■ The following organizations signed a brief describing how the law will discourage the reporting of domestic violence and other violent crimes: Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Legal Momentum; ASISTA Immigration Assistance; the Victim Rights Law Center; Alianza Latina en contra de la Agresión Sexual (ALAS); American Friends Service Committee; Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Arte Sana; Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance; California Women’s Law Center; Break the Chain Campaign; Casa de Esperanza (Minnesota); Casa de Maryland, Inc.; Central American Resource Center; Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (CAASE); Coalition of Labor Union Women; Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking (CAST); Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Services, Inc.; Counsel of Mexican Federations in North America/Consejo de Federaciones Mexicanas en Norteamericana; Family Values @ Work Consortium; Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence; The Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault (IowaCASA); Kentucky Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights; Nancy Kelly; National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum; National Association for Chicana and Chicano Studies; National Association of Social Workers and the Alabama Chapter of NASW; National Coalition Against Domestic Violence; National Council of Jewish Women; National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health; National Women’s Law Center; Nevada Network Against Domestic Violence; New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs, Inc.; 9 to 5, National Association of Working Women; Raksha; South Asian Americans Leading Together; University of Cincinnati College of Law Domestic Violence and Civil Protection Order Clinic; Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence; Voces de La Frontera; Washington Empowered Against Violence (WEAVE); West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence; and Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault.
.
■ The following organizations signed a brief describing the law’s negative impact on individuals’ civil rights: the Alabama State Conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); Alabama Council on Human Relations; Alabama New South Coalition; the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund; Alabama NOW; Birmingham Peace Project; Dominican American National Roundtable; the National Dominican American Council; Equality Alabama; Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund; Hispanic Federation; Immigration Equality; Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law; the Montgomery Improvement Association; the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association; the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials; National Council of La Raza; National Employment Law Project; National Guestworker Alliance; National Immigration Law Project of the National Lawyers Guild; National Lawyers Guild; New Orleans Workers’ Center for Racial Justice; Sikh American Legal Defense & Education Fund; Society of American Law Teachers; Southern Christian Leadership Conference; Southern Coalition for Social Justice; and United States Hispanic Leadership Institute.
.
■ The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers signed a brief describing the threat posed to individuals’ constitutionally protected rights against prolonged detention, the fact that the law will deputize Alabama police officers as immigration agents in conflict with federal law, and the law’s overall negative impact in criminal justice matters.
.
■ The Alabama Education Association and the National Education Association signed a brief describing the law’s negative impact on Alabama educators, students, and families.
.
■ The following organizations signed briefs citing the law’s adverse impact on students who have limited English proficiency or are English language-learners: Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities, Hispanic College Fund; League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC); and Multicultural Education, Training & Advocacy, Inc. The brief asserts that HB 56 seeks to deter immigrant children from attending school because it requires educators to ascertain their families’ immigration status.
.
■ The Anti-Defamation League signed a brief describing the law’s impact on victims of hate crimes.
.
■ The following organizations signed a brief describing the law’s adverse impact on housing in Alabama: Central Alabama Fair Housing Center; Fair Housing Center of North Alabama; South Alabama Center for Fair Housing; and National Fair Housing Alliance.
.
■ The American Immigration Lawyers Association signed a brief describing how the law is incompatible with existing federal immigration law.
.
“The diversity of these amici briefs shows the staggering reach of HB 56 and the dire consequences its implementation would have on students, survivors of crime, and people of color all across the state,” said Linton Joaquin, NILC general counsel.
.
“We are pleased to see so many groups voice their opposition to a law that undermines the core American values of fairness and equality,” said Mary Bauer, SPLC legal director. “These briefs show this law will wreak havoc across the state and trample the rights of countless residents – regardless of immigration status.”
.
Cecillia Wang, director of the ACLU’s Immigrants’ Rights Project, said: “The outpouring of these briefs shows broad support for the lawsuits challenging this unconstitutional law. They condemn the Alabama law because it violates core civil rights and interferes with our government’s ability to protect our national interests on immigration and foreign relations.”
.
The amicus briefs are available from NILC upon request.
Mesa Redonda Dominico Americana y El Concilio Nacional Dominico Americano Se Unen a Coalición Contra la ley Anti inmigrantes HB 56 de Alabama
August 13, 2011 by DANR
Filed under Advocacy, Featured, Immigration, Press Releases
Washington, DC (August 13, 2011).– La Mesa Redonda Dominico Americana (DANR) y su Concilio Nacional Dominico Americano (NDAC) se unieron a una coalición de más de 90 organizaciones que se oponen a la Ley Anti-inmigrantes H56 de Alabama, que ocasionaría estragos en todo el estado y a la diversa coalición de grupos en oposición.
.
Nueve Amicus Curiae (“amigos del tribunal”) se presentaron la semana pasada en la demanda de la coalición por derechos civiles retando la ley en el U.S. District Court. Los documentos demuestran que la ley de Alabama interfiere con intereses diplomáticos de los Estados Unidos y fomenta la discriminación. Los grupos de derechos civiles y educación sostienen que la ley podría impactar negativamente las víctimas de crimen, los estudiantes con conocimiento limitado del inglés, los educadores de Alabama, y otros. La ley entrará en vigor el 1 de septiembre.
.
La coalición pidió a la U.S. District Court del Northern District de Alabama el mes pasado bloquear que la ley entre en vigor. El Tribunal ha consolidado la demanda de la coalición con la demanda del Departamento de Justicia de los Estados Unidos, que acusa al estado de socavar las prioridades federales de inmigración, y una demanda interpuesta por líderes religiosos, que alega que la ley criminaliza su capacidad para rendir culto al convertir en posible delito el ser un buen Samaritano a un inmigrante indocumentado.
.
La ley HB 56 permite a la uniformada investigar estatus migratorio de individuos, convierte en un crimen transportar o alojar en su casa un inmigrante indocumentado, y requiere que funcionarios escolares determinen el estatus migratorio de los alumnos y sus padres, entre otras disposiciones.
.
Amicus Curiae son documentos jurídicos con ponencias presentadas por individuos u organizaciones con un fuerte interés en el asunto de que se traten. Los documentos jurídicos presentados en Alabama se centran en una serie de aspectos de la nueva ley.
.
■ Las siguientes naciones se unieron al Amicus Curiae de Méjico en oposición a la ley: Argentina, Bolivia, Brasil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, República Dominicana, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Perú, y Uruguay.
.
■ Las siguientes organizaciones firmaron un documento describiendo cómo la ley procura desalentar la denuncia de la violencia doméstica y otros crímenes violentos: Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Legal Momentum; ASISTA Immigration Assistance; the Victim Rights Law Center; Alianza Latina en contra de la Agresión Sexual (ALAS); American Friends Service Committee; Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Arte Sana; Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance; California Women’s Law Center; Break the Chain Campaign; Casa de Esperanza (Minnesota); Casa de Maryland, Inc.; Central American Resource Center; Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (CAASE); Coalition of Labor Union Women; Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking (CAST); Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Services, Inc.; Counsel of Mexican Federations in North America/Consejo de Federaciones Mexicanas en Norteamericana; Family Values @ Work Consortium; Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence; The Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault (IowaCASA); Kentucky Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights; Nancy Kelly; National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum; National Association for Chicana and Chicano Studies; National Association of Social Workers and the Alabama Chapter of NASW; National Coalition Against Domestic Violence; National Council of Jewish Women; National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health; National Women’s Law Center; Nevada Network Against Domestic Violence; New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs, Inc.; 9 to 5, National Association of Working Women; Raksha; South Asian Americans Leading Together; University of Cincinnati College of Law Domestic Violence and Civil Protection Order Clinic; Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence; Voces de La Frontera; Washington Empowered Against Violence (WEAVE); West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence; y Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault.
.
■ Las siguientes organizaciones firmaron un documento describiendo el impacto negativo de la ley sobre los derechos civiles personales: the Alabama State Conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); Alabama Council on Human Relations; Alabama New South Coalition; the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund; Alabama NOW; Birmingham Peace Project; Dominican American National Roundtable; the National Dominican American Council; Equality Alabama; Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund; Hispanic Federation; Immigration Equality; Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law; the Montgomery Improvement Association; the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association; the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials; National Council of La Raza; National Employment Law Project; National Guestworker Alliance; National Immigration Law Project of the National Lawyers Guild; National Lawyers Guild; New Orleans Workers’ Center for Racial Justice; Sikh American Legal Defense & Education Fund; Society of American Law Teachers; Southern Christian Leadership Conference; Southern Coalition for Social Justice; y United States Hispanic Leadership Institute.
.
■ La National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers firmo un documento describiendo la amenaza que representa para las personas con derechos constitucionalmente protegidos contra detención prolongada, el hecho de que la ley deputiza a los policías de Alabama como agentes de inmigración, en conflicto con la ley federal, y el impacto negativo global de la ley en materia de justicia penal.
.
■ La Alabama Education Association y la National Education Association firmaron un documento describiendo el impacto negativo de la ley en educadores, estudiantes y familias de Alabama.
.
■ Las siguientes organizaciones firmaron un documento citando las consecuencias negativas de la ley para estudiantes con conocimiento limitado del inglés o aprendiendo Inglés: Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities, Hispanic College Fund; League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC); y Multicultural Education, Training & Advocacy, Inc. El documento establece que la ley HB 56 procura desanimar a los hijos de inmigrantes de asistir a escuelas porque exige que los educadores confirmen el status migratorio de sus familias.
.
■ The Anti-Defamation League firmó un documento describiendo el impacto de la ley sobre las víctimas de los crímenes de odio.
.
■ Las siguientes organizaciones firmaron un documento describiendo los efectos negativos de la ley sobre la vivienda en Alabama: Central Alabama Fair Housing Center; Fair Housing Center of North Alabama; South Alabama Center for Fair Housing; y National Fair Housing Alliance.
.
■ La Asociación Americana de Abogados de Inmigración firmó un documento jurídico describiendo cómo la ley es incompatible con las actuales leyes federales de inmigración.
.
“La diversidad de los amici curiae muestra el enorme alcance de HB 56 y las terribles consecuencias que su aplicación tendría sobre estudiantes, victimas de crimen y personas de color en todo el estado,” dijo Linton Joaquín, Abogado de NILC.
.
“Nos complace ver tantos grupos expresar su oposición a una ley que socava los valores estadounidenses fundamentales de equidad e igualdad”, dijo María Bauer, directora jurídica de SPLC. “Estos documentos muestran que esta ley causará estragos en todo el estado y pisoteara los derechos de innumerables residentes -sin importar su estatus migratorio”.
.
Cecillia Wang, directora del Proyecto de Derechos del Immigrante de la ACLU dijo “la efusión de estos documentos juridicos muestran el amplio apoyo a la demanda de impugno de esta ley inconstitucional. Condenan la ley de Alabama porque viola los derechos civiles básicos e interfiere con la capacidad del gobierno de proteger nuestros intereses nacionales en materia de inmigración y relaciones exteriores.”
.
El amicus curiae esta disponible a petición del NILC.
.
Sobre DANR
La Mesa Redonda Dominico-Americana (DANR), fundada en el 1997, es la única corporación 501(c) (3) no-partidista, sin fines de lucro y con sede en Washington, DC, con la misión de investigar y abogar a favor del desarrollo y fortalecimiento socio-económico y político de los hispanos y dominicanos en los Estados Unidos de América y sus territorios, incluyendo Puerto Rico y las Islas Vírgenes Americanas.
.
Sobre NDAC
El Concilio Nacional Dominico-Americano (NDAC) es el órgano cívico de apoderamiento y participación de la Mesa Redonda Nacional Dominico-Americana (DANR) compuesto por más de 120 concilios locales operando en los Estados Unidos con la función de determinar la agenda nacional en la convención anual y abogar por la prosperidad e intereses de nuestras comunidades en áreas concernientes al desarrollo humano en general, incluyendo educación, desarrollo económico, salud, inmigración y apoderamiento político.
The Dominican American National Roundtable & Its National Dominican American Council Join Coalition Opposing Alabama’s HB 56
Washington, DC (August 13, 2011_.–The Dominican American National Roundtable has joined a coalition of more than 90 advocacy groups opposing Alabama’s new anti-immigrant law, HB 56, which would inflict widespread harm across the state and the diverse coalition of groups opposing HB 56.
Nine amicus curiae (“friend of the court”) briefs were filed last week in the civil rights coalition lawsuit challenging the law in U.S. district court. The briefs demonstrate that the Alabama law interferes with U.S. diplomatic interests and encourages discrimination. Civil rights and education groups contend that the law will adversely impact victims of crimes, students with limited English proficiency, Alabama educators, and others. The law is set to take effect on September 1.
The coalition asked the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama last month to block the law from taking effect. The court has consolidated the coalition’s lawsuit with a lawsuit brought by the U.S. Dept. of Justice, which accuses the state of undermining federal immigration priorities, and a lawsuit filed by state religious leaders, which alleges that the law criminalizes their ability to worship by making it a potential crime to be a Good Samaritan to an undocumented immigrant.
HB 56 allows law enforcement officials to check individuals’ immigration status, makes it a crime to knowingly transport or house an undocumented immigrant, and requires school officials to determine the immigration status of students and their parents, among other provisions.
Amicus curiae briefs are legal briefs filed by individuals or organizations with a strong interest in a matter at issue. The briefs filed in Alabama focus on a number of issues related to the new law.
■ The following nations joined Mexico’s amicus curiae brief opposing the law: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay.
■ The following organizations signed a brief describing how the law will discourage the reporting of domestic violence and other violent crimes: Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Legal Momentum; ASISTA Immigration Assistance; the Victim Rights Law Center; Alianza Latina en contra de la Agresión Sexual (ALAS); American Friends Service Committee; Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Arte Sana; Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance; California Women’s Law Center; Break the Chain Campaign; Casa de Esperanza (Minnesota); Casa de Maryland, Inc.; Central American Resource Center; Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (CAASE); Coalition of Labor Union Women; Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking (CAST); Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Services, Inc.; Counsel of Mexican Federations in North America/Consejo de Federaciones Mexicanas en Norteamericana; Family Values @ Work Consortium; Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence; The Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault (IowaCASA); Kentucky Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights; Nancy Kelly; National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum; National Association for Chicana and Chicano Studies; National Association of Social Workers and the Alabama Chapter of NASW; National Coalition Against Domestic Violence; National Council of Jewish Women; National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health; National Women’s Law Center; Nevada Network Against Domestic Violence; New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs, Inc.; 9 to 5, National Association of Working Women; Raksha; South Asian Americans Leading Together; University of Cincinnati College of Law Domestic Violence and Civil Protection Order Clinic; Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence; Voces de La Frontera; Washington Empowered Against Violence (WEAVE); West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence; and Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault.
■ The following organizations signed a brief describing the law’s negative impact on individuals’ civil rights: the Alabama State Conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); Alabama Council on Human Relations; Alabama New South Coalition; the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund; Alabama NOW; Birmingham Peace Project; Dominican American National Roundtable; the National Dominican American Council; Equality Alabama; Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund; Hispanic Federation; Immigration Equality; Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law; the Montgomery Improvement Association; the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association; the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials; National Council of La Raza; National Employment Law Project; National Guestworker Alliance; National Immigration Law Project of the National Lawyers Guild; National Lawyers Guild; New Orleans Workers’ Center for Racial Justice; Sikh American Legal Defense & Education Fund; Society of American Law Teachers; Southern Christian Leadership Conference; Southern Coalition for Social Justice; and United States Hispanic Leadership Institute.
■ The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers signed a brief describing the threat posed to individuals’ constitutionally protected rights against prolonged detention, the fact that the law will deputize Alabama police officers as immigration agents in conflict with federal law, and the law’s overall negative impact in criminal justice matters.
■ The Alabama Education Association and the National Education Association signed a brief describing the law’s negative impact on Alabama educators, students, and families.
■ The following organizations signed briefs citing the law’s adverse impact on students who have limited English proficiency or are English language-learners: Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities, Hispanic College Fund; League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC); and Multicultural Education, Training & Advocacy, Inc. The brief asserts that HB 56 seeks to deter immigrant children from attending school because it requires educators to ascertain their families’ immigration status.
■ The Anti-Defamation League signed a brief describing the law’s impact on victims of hate crimes.
■ The following organizations signed a brief describing the law’s adverse impact on housing in Alabama: Central Alabama Fair Housing Center; Fair Housing Center of North Alabama; South Alabama Center for Fair Housing; and National Fair Housing Alliance.
■ The American Immigration Lawyers Association signed a brief describing how the law is incompatible with existing federal immigration law.
“The diversity of these amici briefs shows the staggering reach of HB 56 and the dire consequences its implementation would have on students, survivors of crime, and people of color all across the state,” said Linton Joaquin, NILC general counsel.
“We are pleased to see so many groups voice their opposition to a law that undermines the core American values of fairness and equality,” said Mary Bauer, SPLC legal director. “These briefs show this law will wreak havoc across the state and trample the rights of countless residents – regardless of immigration status.”
Cecillia Wang, director of the ACLU’s Immigrants’ Rights Project, said: “The outpouring of these briefs shows broad support for the lawsuits challenging this unconstitutional law. They condemn the Alabama law because it violates core civil rights and interferes with our government’s ability to protect our national interests on immigration and foreign relations.”
The amicus briefs are available from NILC upon request.
NOTED & QUOTED from NY DailyNews: In line for nation’s 1st Dominican Rep?
August 4, 2011 by DANR
Filed under Advocacy, Census, Featured, Immigration, News, Noted and Quoted
For a printable copy of the Daily News article -In line for nation’s 1st Dominican rep? by Frank Lombardi click here
Following is a transcript of Frank Lombardi’s article “In line for nation’s 1st Dominican Rep?” published today Thursday, August 4, 2011 by the New York Daily News.
In line for nation’s 1st Dominican rep?
by Frank Lombardi
UPTOWN POLITICS
Daily News NYDailynews.com
BRONX NEWS
Thursday, August 4, 2011 (page 40)
In these dog days of summer there’s not much urgency among uptown politicos about the impending redistricting of state legislative and congressional districts.
But that doesn’t mean there’s not much interest in what could happen, especially to the 15th Congressional District, which for 65 years has been represented by just two African-American men.
Incumbent Charles Rangel (D-Harlem) has held the seat for 40 years, ever since deposing Adam Clayton Powell Jr., who held the seat for 25 years, going back to 1945.
Though commonly referred to as the Harlem seat, and mistakenly believed by some to be a majority black district, the 15th CD’s demographics long ago tipped in favor of Hispanics, predominantly Dominicans in this case.
According to the 2010 Census, the Dominican population of Manhattan – which is largely concentrated in Rangel’s district -grew by 14% since 2000.
There are 155,971 Dominicans in the borough now, compared to 107,774 Puerto Ricans and 41,965 Mexicans. And the raw numbers distinctly show that if redistricting were strictly based on demographics, and not politics and incumbency, the 15th CD’s lines could be adjusted to provide a shot for electing the country’s first Dominican congressional representative.
Consider: the 15th CD’s population was 48% Hispanic in the 2000 Census, compared to 30.5% black, 16% white and 3% Asian. Based on the 2010 Census, the Hispanic share has decreased slightly to 46%, but the black population decreased even more, to 26.5%. The white share has increased to 21% and the Asian to 4%.
The are 125,824 more Hispanics than blacks in the 15th CD than 10 years ago. And by voting age population, Hispanics outnumber blacks nearly two to one.
Moving the district’s lines north into Dominican-populated sections of the Bronx, such as Kingsbridge, the percentage of Dominicans would grow considerably.
“The numbers are there to make the case,” said Jose Ramon Bello, the former executive director of the Dominican American National Roundtable (DANR), which advocates nationally for more than 1 million Dominicans.
Because of reapportionment tied to the new census, the state is losing two of its 29 congressional seats. One is likely to be eliminated upstate and the other in the city, which now has 13 districts. All surviving districts will have to be redrawn to encompass an average of 717,707 constituents, compared to 654,372 currently.
That means the 15th CD will have to grow, one way or another. Rangel, who intends to run for a 22nd term next year, has said he wants to keep his district within Manhattan.
The redistricting is to be completed next year before candidates file for the fall elections. Albany legislative leaders who normally control the process have largely ignored Gov. Cuomo’s call for an independent redistricting commission. Cuomo has vowed to veto any plan that prioritizes “partisan and incumbent interests,” which would force the courts to do the redistricting.
Hearings by the New York State Legislature Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment are underway, with one scheduled in each of the five boroughs next month.
The DANR’s proposed redistricting of the 15th CD and several other city districts will be presented to the task force at those hearings, said DANR President Maria Teresa Feliciano. She stressed the intent is to “facilitate the creation of a district that reflects the changes in demographics.”
flombardi@nydailynews.com
ESTUDIANTES INMIGRANTES EN MARYLAND PROGRESAN CON UNA VICTORIA CLAVE PARA LOS DERECHOS CIVILES
April 14, 2011 by DANR
Filed under Advocacy, Immigration, News, Noted and Quoted
NOTE & QUOTED
Comunicado de Prensa: Para su publicación inmediata.
12 de abril, 2011
Contactar a Susana Flores, sflores@casamd.org 240-706-2624
ESTUDIANTES INMIGRANTES EN MARYLAND PROGRESAN CON UNA VICTORIA CLAVE PARA LOS DERECHOS CIVILES
CASA DE MARYLAND LE PIDE AL GOBERNADOR QUE FIRME LA LEGISLACION RAPIDAMENTE
Annapolis MD- Anoche la asamblea general de Maryland paso una legislación para darles a estudiantes indocumentados acceso a pagar la matrícula estatal, una medida que, si ratificada por el Gobernador O’Malley, haría que Maryland sea el 12avo estado en el país en pasar la reforma. La legislación 167 en el Senado le permite a estudiantes que han atendido al menos 3 años de secundaria en Maryland, recibieron un diploma de Maryland, atendido un colegio universitario comunitario en los últimos 4 años, luego una universidad de 4 años con su licenciatura de asociado, y que puedan comprobar que ellos o sus padres han declarado impuestos en Maryland para cada uno de esos años.
“Palabras no pueden expresar lo orgullosa que estoy de Maryland en este momento,” dijo Jackie, una estudiante activista del la secundaria High Point y líder del comité de jóvenes de CASA. “El gobierno federal aun no reconoce lo valioso que somos, pero hoy día la asamblea general de Maryland lo hizo, y ahora tenemos una oportunidad de probar que somos una buena inversión para el resto del país.”
SB167 paso ambas cámaras tarde anoche, después de un día de incertidumbres, en el cual las cámaras estuvieron ida y vuelta con distintas versiones de la legislación. La medida ha sido introducida durante 5 años, desde el 2002. En el 2003 fue aprobada por la asamblea general solo para que esta sea vetada por el Gobernador Ehrlich. En el 2007, una legislación similar también paso la cámara de representantes solo para ser detenida en el Senado.
“Esta victoria tiene muchos años haciéndose y cada año que esperamos estábamos perdiendo el talento de nuestros próximos cirujanos, trabajadores sociales, y profesores – habilidades y compromisos que ningún estado se puede dar el lujo de perder,” dijo Gustavo Torres, Director Ejecutivo de CASA de Maryland, la organización más grande del estado para los derechos de los inmigrantes. “Pero aun mas importante, este pase demuestra que en Maryland estamos comprometidos en confrontar de manera más humana las fallidas acciones federales sobre inmigración y otras crisis de derechos civiles, que las acompañan; reconociendo la dignidad básica de todas las familias inmigrantes.”
La legislación recibió apoyo político tempranero, de los ejecutivos de los condados Rushern Baker (Prince George’s) y Isiah Leggett (Montgomery), también de la ciudad de Baltimore. El gobernador O’Malley declaro desde el comienzo de la sesión que firmaría la legislación para hacerla ley, y la elección del primer senador Latino en el estado, Víctor Ramirez, el patrocinador de la legislación; con la condición que haya un apoyo en conjunto de la cámara que era lo que faltaba cuando mataron a la legislación en el 2007. Pero, la organización en el campo fue considerada por observadores políticos al igual que apoyadores, de ser la fuerza que logró la meta.
La campaña este año fue apoyada por una gran red de estudiantes, activistas inmigrantes, fe, derechos civiles, y lideres sindicatos, e instituciones educacionales. Activistas llegaron de colegios, incluyendo: Annapolis High School, Anne Arundel Community College, Baltimore City College, Baltimore City Community College, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Bladensburg High School, Broadneck High School (Annapolis), Chesapeake High School (Essex), Community College of Baltimore County, Digital Harbor High School (Baltimore), Dundalk High School, Glen Burnie High School, Goucher College, Hampstead Hill Academy (Baltimore), Highlandtown Middle School (Baltimore), High Point High School (Beltsville), Kennedy High School (Wheaton), Montgomery College, Morgan State University, Northwest High School (Pasadena), Owings Mills High School, Patterson Park High School (Baltimore City), SouthSide Academy (Baltimore), Springbrook High School (Silver Spring), Stevenson University, St. Paul Episcopal School (Brooklandville), Towson University, University of Maryland Baltimore County, University of Maryland College Park, y Wheaton High School.
Estudiantes se involucraron en actividades desde tocando puertas hasta urgir a residentes que llamen a legisladores claves, grupos que hacían llamadas telefónicas y faxes, presentaciones frente a potenciales aliados, y más. Juntos con el personal de CASA, jóvenes tocaron en 1493 puertas de constituyentes de legisladores claves, 53% de los cuales inmediatamente llamaron para solicitar que aprueben la legislación. El 7 de marzo, mas de 1000 personas inundaron Annapolis para la Noche de Acción de Inmigrantes, que se dedico a las voces de los estudiantes, donde participantes y políticos oyeron de un coro de motivados estudiantes de varios rincones de todo el estado. Finalmente, ola tras ola de estudiantes inundaron Annapolis para atender las múltiples audiencias que culmino con el drama sine dei, de todo el día.
Apoyo clave también fue proveído por Fundación de Afiliados Industriales de Áreas de Maryland (IAF): Accion en Montgomery (AIM), Baltimorenses Unidos en Desarrollo de Liderazgo (BUILD), y Personas Actuando Juntas en Howard (PATH), Conferencia de Católicos en Maryland, Asociación de Colegios de Maryland, y muchos más. Pueden encontrar una lista completa de aliados: http://bit.ly/hvzRQp. Estas organizaciones, junto con CASA, enviaron más de 45,000 emails, e hicieron miles de llamadas telefónicas, e hicieron presión política de los rangos más altos para asegurar el pasaje de la legislación.
Para coordinar entrevistas con estudiantes, organizaciones, y mas, contactar a Susana Flores, al 240-706-2624 o sflores@casamd.org.
DANR Hosts Redistricting Training in Massachusetts
April 4, 2011 by DANR
Filed under Advocacy, Census, Featured, Immigration, Postings, Press Releases
Washington, DC (April 5, 2011).- The Dominican American National Roundtable, its National Dominican American Council and the Massachusetts Political Organization Oiste? held a training on redistricting on Saturday April 2, 2011, 11am-2pm at Northern Essex County Community College. This free training was one of many being hosted across the nation by the DANR to empower the Dominican and Latino communities to take a participatory role in redistricting, “the process of drawing US district line and impacting our electoral district distribution” a process that happens every 10 years after the release of the US Census.
John Garcia, Esq., Redistricting Manager from LatinoJustice, PRLDEF, and Jose Bello, Consultant of DANR National Redistricting Project, conducted the training where over a dozen members from Lawrence, Boston and Lynn learned about the possibilities of redesigning districts lines in MA that can be representative of the Latino Vote!
The enthusiasm and clear motivation of the attendees resulted in pondering the design of five maps, all with close to or above 50% Latino population. These maps will be revised and proposed to the members of Massachusetts Joint Committee on Redistricting for their consideration.
“We encourage and motivate all interested individuals to join this process so that our voices can be heard!,” said Clarisa Abreu, a DANR State Vice President in MA.
“This is the way Democracy is drawn,” said Maria D. Moreno, State Vice President/National Board Member of the Dominican American National Roundtable. ”Join the discussion and attend the statewide hearings to support Latino representation in our state.”
Massachusetts Redistricting Hearing Calendar
Mar.16 Completed 1:00 PM Gardner Auditorium
Mar.26 10:00 AM Van Sickle Middle School
http://www.malegislature.gov/Events/EventDetail?eventId=13&eventDataSource=Hearings
Apr.11 Confirmed 6:00 PM Clark University
http://www.malegislature.gov/Events/EventDetail?eventId=15&eventDataSource=Hearings
May.2 Confirmed 6:00 PM Massasoit Community College
http://www.malegislature.gov/Events/EventDetail?eventId=17&eventDataSource=Hearings
May.14 Confirmed 10:00 AM Joseph Lee Elementary School
http://www.malegislature.gov/Events/EventDetail?eventId=49&eventDataSource=Hearings
May.16 Confirmed 6:00 PM New Bedford Public Library
http://www.malegislature.gov/Events/EventDetail?eventId=21&eventDataSource=Hearings
May.31 Confirmed 6:00 PM Greenfield Community College
http://www.malegislature.gov/Events/EventDetail?eventId=23&eventDataSource=Hearings
Jun.6 Confirmed 6:00 PM Quincy High School
June.11 Confirmed 10:00 AM Pittsfield City Hall
http://www.malegislature.gov/Events/EventDetail?eventId=51&eventDataSource=Hearings
Jun.13 Confirmed 6:00 PM Lawrence High School
http://www.malegislature.gov/Events/EventDetail?eventId=24&eventDataSource=Hearings
Jun.18 Confirmed 10:00 AM Framingham State University
http://www.malegislature.gov/Events/EventDetail?eventId=64&eventDataSource=Hearings
Jun.20 Confirmed 6:00 PM Lynn City Hall
http://www.malegislature.gov/Events/EventDetail?eventId=14&eventDataSource=Hearings
Jun.27 Confirmed 6:00 PM Cape Cod Community College
For more information contact DANR VPs & MA representatives Maria D. Moreno, 617-272-6250 mmoreno@danr.org or Claritza Abreu, 617645-1129 claritza.abreu@comcast.net
Forum “Dominicans are Black too”
Washington, DC. In an effort to continue promoting the importance of racial self-awareness, the Dominican American National Roundtable and Howard University’s Department of World Languages and Cultures held an open forum titled “Dominicans are Black Too” in the evening of Friday, November 19, 2010 in Washington, DC.
From left, Dr. James Davis, Dr. Irma Nicasio, Prof. Alejandro Benjamin, Dr. Clement Akassi, Mr. Peter Fontanez and Hon. Marcos Devers.
The forum took place during DANR’s Leadership Summit held at the National Press Club, the U.S. Capitol and the Blackburn Center at Howard University, one of the country’s leading private universities founded in 1867.
Panelists discussed race matters and “Blackness” considering, particularly, the ethnic, racial and migratory experience of the people from the Dominican Republic. They shed light on the fact that over 80 percent of the Dominican population is of African descent and grappled with the question: “Is being black a sense of pride or shame for Dominicans and Dominican Americans?”
Panelists include, Dr. Irma Nicasio, a sociology Professor at the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo and advisor to the President of the Dominican Republic Dr. Leonel Fernandez Reyna; Sociologist Alejandro Benjamin, Professor, Bergen Community College of New Jersey; Mr. Fred Price, from Medgar Evers College of The City University of New York and researcher of the African legacy in the Dominican Republic; Peter Fontanez from New York Hispanic Americans and Migrants Association, Dr. James Davis, Chair of Howard University’s Department of World Languages and Cultures and Dr. Clement Akassi, Spanish and French Professor, Director of Graduate Studies at Department. Dr. Akassi is also a researcher on African Diaspora Studies in Hispanophone, Lusophone and Francophone World.
Hon. Marcos Devers, MA State Representative at the DANR's Race Relations Forum at Howard University.
