News Updates
+ Louisville will celebrate Certified Welcoming events the entire month of September
 In 2018, Louisville became the second city nationwide to be designated as a Certified Welcoming city. This designation was renewed in October 2022 after a rigorous review process of the city’s welcoming infrastructure. Louisville boasts a connected community that is welcoming to all to choose to make Louisville home, regardless of their place of origin. For this reason, the Office for Immigrant Affairs is dedicated to celebrating Louisville’s diversity through its programming. Every September, the Office for Immigrant Affairs hosts a series of inclusive events aimed at celebrating the city’s welcoming environment.
+ The New Little Havana: Why Cuban Migrants Are Moving to Kentucky
 By Miriam Jordan | Photographs by David Cabrera (New York Times)
The New York Times is exploring how America defines itself one place at a time. In Louisville, Ky., an influx of Cuban immigrants is offsetting a local population decline and bringing new rhythms to the city.
Cubans began trickling into Jefferson County in 1995, after the Clinton administration and the Castro government signed an accord to allow 20,000 Cubans annually into the United States through a lottery.
+ More than 80 immigrants become American citizens at Louisville's WorldFest
 Story: Alexis Matthews, WLKY | Photo: Jody Hamilton, Louisville Metro
As part of the four-day WorldFest in Louisville, dozens of immigrants became American citizens on Friday.
Reciting the oath of allegiance, Josefina Puga joined more than 80 immigrants who completed their journey to becoming American citizens. It's a moment 20 years in the making for Puga, who is from Mexico.
"She feels like the United States is a country where you're blessed when you have a lot of opportunities to progress," said a translator for Puga. "Unfortunately, in our country, it's not the same chances that we have to overcome, so she feels very blessed."
Blessed, hopeful and determined is how the new Americans felt during the ceremony.
It was held at the Muhammad Ali Center, overlooking the city's annual cultural festival, WolrdFest.
+ 'It shows he appreciates you': Nigerian king gives special recognition to Kentuckiana locals
 
Story: Taylor Woods, WHAS | Photos: Amos Izerimana, Louisville Metro
Twenty-three new chiefs marched in behind the king of Idera. He welcomed them into Idera and brought a taste of Nigerian culture to Louisville.
Several of them were recognized for their contributions to the Kentuckiana community; they are Angela Prewer-Johnson, Olufemi Akinnayajo, Oremeyi Kareem and Amos Johnson.
This kind of recognition is unique.
"This might be once in a 10 year and it is only given to those who are deserving, those who have worked hard," Prewer-Johnson said.
They represent all walks of life and careers who have made a significant difference through their service.
For example, Kareem, who is originally from Nigeria, runs a Louisville magazine that showcases Black excellence.
The Nigerian king recognized each chief with a crown.
+ Beecher Terrace breaks ground on fourth and final phase of $213.47 million mixed-income community
 Mayor Craig Greenberg joined government officials, Louisville Metro Housing Authority leaders and Beecher Terrace residents to break ground on the fourth and final phase of the $213.47 million Beecher Terrace revitalization project. Phase 4 will include 210 new apartment units and is projected to be completed in August 2025.
+ Come to the largest potluck in the city
 The Big Table Table is a welcoming event aimed at bringing people from all backgrounds together to share food and conversation. Each participant is asked to bring a dish, fruit, dessert, or non-alcoholic drink to share with at least eight people. Participants are encouraged to bring a dish that reflects something about them or their family, along with a recipe card. Tables, chairs, eating utensils and plates will be provided by event sponsors. Click below to register and learn more.
+ Sign-up for Employee Child Care Assistance Partnership (ECCAP) Program
 Kentucky has launched an innovative new program to assist working families with the cost of child care and help employers attract and retain talent. The Employee Child Care Assistance Partnership (ECCAP) helps employers meaningfully contribute financial assistance directly to employee child care costs by matching their contribution up to 100%, potentially doubling the value of their employer-provided benefit.
For example, if an employer commits $100 per month to their employees' child care expenses, the state may match that contribution up to another $100, giving employees a total of up to $200 in child care assistance. All funds from the employer and the state are paid directly to eligible child care providers, who are included in this database. Various program restrictions apply. To learn more, view the Kentucky Chamber's ECCAP resource page here, visit Kentucky's ECCAP program page here, or send inquires to PartnershipChildCare@ky.gov
+ Register for free English and life skills classes
 Kentucky Adult Education (KYAE) provides free adult education services consisting of GED® preparation classes, family literacy programs, certification in job-related skills to increase employability and productivity, college preparation, and English as a second language (ESL). Through KYAE, Kentuckians can gain reading, math, and communications skills that place them on a path to higher education and training and earn certifications to advance in their careers. For more information click the button below.
+ Applications for LIHEAP cooling and water assistance program now open
The Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services has begun accepting applications for the 2023 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Summer Subsidy Cooling Component and the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). These federally-funded programs are designed to help offset the cost of higher utility bills. Applications will be accepted through Sept. 22 or until funds are depleted.
Applicants for the LIHEAP Summer Subsidy and LIHWAP program must be residents of Jefferson County with a household income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines (e.g. for a household of four, the gross monthly income cannot exceed $3,750). The LIHEAP Summer Subsidy component provides households a one-time benefit ranging from $50 to $250 depending on income levels and housing category. Residents can apply regardless of the status of their utility bills. The benefit amount is paid directly to the electric vendor (i.e. LG&E). The LIHWAP program also provides a one-time benefit ranging from $50 to $100 depending on income levels.
Jefferson County residents wishing to apply must schedule an appointment utilizing the automated appointment system. Appointments can be scheduled by phone by calling 502-991-8391 or online at louisvilleky.cascheduler.com. The toll-free service is currently open and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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+ Sign up for LENSAlert
Sign up to receive emergency alerts on your cell phone!
Text "LENSAlert" to 67283
Policy Updates
+ USCIS has completed second random selection from prior submitted FY24 H-1B cap registrations
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has selected additional H-1B cap registrations from previously submitted electronic registrations (including for beneficiaries eligible for the advanced degree exemption) using a random selection process. They have notified the prospective petitioners with selected registrations that they are eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition for the beneficiary named in the selected registration.
+ DHS announces family reunification parole processes for Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras
The new school year for Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) began on Wednesday, August 9, 2023. The calendar is downloadable for parents and guardians in many languages.
If you need more information, contact JCPS directly (502) 485-6250 or askstudentassignment@jefferson.kyschools.us
Nationals from Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras with U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family members can be considered for parole on a case-by-case basis for up to three years while they wait to apply to become a lawful permanent resident. Qualifying beneficiaries must be outside the U.S., meet all requirements, including screening and vetting and medical requirements, and must not have already received an immigrant visa.
+ Temporary Protected Status designations for El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal and Nicaragua reinstated and extended for 18 months
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rescinded the 2017 and 2018 terminations of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations of El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua and extended these four reinstated TPS designations for 18 months.
TPS beneficiaries under the four designations must re-register to maintain their TPS during the 18-month extension. Eligible individuals are those who arrived in the U.S. before the following continuous residence dates: Feb. 13, 2001, for El Salvador; Dec. 30, 1998, for Honduras; June 24, 2015, for Nepal; and Dec. 30, 1998, for Nicaragua.
+ Redesign of Green Cards and Employment Authorization Document
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) began issuing redesigned Permanent Resident Cards (Green Cards) and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) to improve security. The new Green Card and EAD designs contain improved technology and designs meant to further secure the documents. Current cards remain valid until their expiration date unless otherwise noted. Green card holders are encouraged to apply for the new cards.
+ Guidance for Adjustment of Status applications
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated their guidance in their policy manual to clarify that both asylees and refugees must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least one year when their Adjustment of Status is adjudicated. This new physical presence requirement supersedes the old rule which stated that asylees and refugees must have been physically present in the U.S. for one year at the time they file their adjustment of status application.
Events
+ Downtown Drive-In with the Cinebus
Select Fridays through October 20
The Downtown Drive-In is an outdoor movie night series, taking place at Brown-Forman Amphitheater on select Friday nights through October.
Movies will begin at sundown, with the amphitheater open an hour before to allow guests to grab their spot in the theater. The event will include snacks and beer for purchase from local brewer Ten20 Craft Brewery and lemonade by Amiracle Ade Company. Movie-goers are also welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs to the viewing.
In collaboration with Waterfront Development Corporation, the film series is hosted at Waterfront Park’s Brown-Forman Amphitheater, 1301 River Road. The event is free to the public with free parking available at Waterfront Park’s Tan and Turquoise lots.
The Downtown Drive-In schedule:
- September 8: Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark (PG)
- September 22: Up (PG)
- October 20: Hocus Pocus (PG)
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+ Welcoming Week is September 8-17
 Through Welcoming Week, organizations and communities bring together neighbors of all backgrounds to build strong connections and affirm the importance of welcoming and inclusive places in achieving collective prosperity.
+ Come to Newcomer Academy open house
 Tuesday, September 12, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Come and see what your kids do in class! Visit the classrooms, meet the teachers and learn more about what Newcomer Academy does. Translators will be available!
Newcomer Academy, 3741 Pulliam Dr.
+ Join the International Job Fair
 Saturday, September 16, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Discover your career possibilities and get connected top local employers!
Americana World Community Center, 4801 Southside Dr.
+ Be a guest at the Latin Music Awards
 Saturday, September 16, 8:00 p.m.
Experience the biggest night of Latin music in Kentucky!
Live performances, awards, red carpet, salsa dance and over 60 artists will be nominated. Don't miss it!
Bourbon Hall, 116 W. Jefferson St.
+ Walk a Mile in my Shoes Migration Simulation
 Friday, September 22, 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Now more than ever students are needed who are culturally competent and globally engaged. Walk-A-Mile in My Shoes is designed to do just that.
What Happens During a Simulation:
Students playing the role of immigrants and refugees receive new cultural identities representing one of the region’s six main immigrant populations. These small family groups travel together through the simulation where they will encounter the hardships that are common to migrants and refugees.
The experience begins with participants fleeing their home country and encountering an obstacle course at their “national border." Those who successfully enter the new country will then proceed to a holding area, where they will be interviewed to determine their states or they will move directly into a Refugee Camp, where they will face the following challenges; registering their family as refugees at the UNHCR tent, getting a health examination at a medical tent, obtaining and purifying water, securing food at distribution area and learning a new language. For questions or more information, email angela@paths2peace.org
+ Free summer movie nights at Iroquois Amphitheater
 Select Wednesdays through September
Louisville Parks and Recreation has added 12 free movie nights to this year’s event calendar.
The Free Summer Movie Season includes the following titles and dates:.
- September 13: Pokémon: The First Movie-Mewtwo Strikes Back (G) 8 p.m.
- September 20: Godzilla (NR) 7:30 p.m.
- September 27: The Rocky Horror Picture Show (R) 7:30 p.m.
For a full list of events, visit www.iroquoisamphitheater.com.
+ Attend Building Bridges to Global Markets
 Thursday, September 21, 8:30 a.m.
The U.S. Commercial Service’s Building Bridges to Global Markets brings no-cost, in-person exporting expertise to your community. Addressing issues most common to diverse businesses seeking international sales expansion, this series of events will introduce reliable contacts, accurate information, and ready-to-use resources that will place you firmly on the road to exporting success.
Free to attend, but registration required by September 15
Moonshine University, 801 S. 8th St.
+ Sign up for Violence Prevention Ambassador Training
 September 23 | 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The One Love Louisville Ambassador Training is free and in-person, and lunch will be served. Hear from experts as they cover a range of topics including Firearm Safety, Question Persuade Refer (QPR), Stop the Bleed, and The Public Health Approach to Violence. This training, which has been attended by over 900 people since its inception in 2017, aims to inform participants of individual and collective efforts to reduce violence in Louisville. For many of the participants, this is a gateway to get involved with the Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods and wonderful partner organizations working to curb violence in our community. If you have ever wanted to get plugged in to this work, the Ambassador Training is a great place to start.
+ Shop Asian Night Market
 Saturday, September 30, 7:00 p.m.
Asia Institute – Crane House is proud to feature cuisine and entertainment from all over Asia; while highlighting the cultural aspect of the cuisine itself, it is also a prime opportunity to highlight the entrepreneurs and small business owners in the local community who are of Asian heritage. This event is free and open to the public.
This event will be located at 4th Street Live!
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