News Updates
+ Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Affairs hires Dr. Monica Lakhwani as first-ever Language Access Coordinator
 The Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Affairs is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Monica Lakhwani as the city’s new Language Access Coordinator.
Dr. Lakhwani is a National Diversity Council Certified Diversity Professional (NDCCDP) with years of experience both in education and program development. She comes to Louisville Metro Government (LMG) from Jefferson County Public Schools where she served as the former Multicultural Specialist. Additionally, Dr. Lakhwani has worked with the U.S. Department of State, leading intensive English language projects at the international level. She is a Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity (SEED) trainer and has facilitated justice education cohorts empowering positive change.
“I am excited to be in this new role working with the Office for Immigrant Affairs and the community,” said Dr. Lakhwani. “A new role is not a new beginning; it is part of the journey and a new opportunity to create a new ending.”
+ Apply now to the International Rescue Committee
There are multiple job openings available with the International Rescue Committee. Click the link below to review open positions and to apply
+ Apply today for the Study Abroad Scholarship!
 If you are a student who is truly committed to creating a meaningful growth opportunity through an international experience, the David Hershberg Scholarship for Summer Study Abroad could be a great fit for you. This scholarship was established in memory of David Hershberg, a Louisville educator, mentor, and guiding force in the creation and development of the Louisville International Cultural Center (now the World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana).
This annual scholarship awards recipients at least $3,000 to be used to help defray the costs of international travel, lodging, and maintenance for at least 21 days of study or research outside the United States. Candidates are evaluated based on academic merit and by the importance of their proposed study/research abroad experience for their personal, intellectual, and professional career goals. Scholarship applications are now open to Kentucky and southern Indiana-based students.
+Applications now being accepted for The Global Louisville Leadership Academy
 The Global Louisville Leadership Academy, formerly known as Louisville Welcome Academy, is a free leadership training program sponsored by the Louisville Metro Government Office for Immigrant Affairs. The mission is to build the knowledge and networks of foreign-born leaders to increase their capacity and become key stakeholders to empower and assist their communities.
Deadline to apply is January 8, 2024. Information collected will not be shared outside of the Office for Immigrant Affairs.
+ Applications for LIHEAP cooling and water assistance program now open for Fall
 EARLY REGISTRATION FOR LIHEAP IS OPEN
Seniors and disabled people on fixed incomes can apply early for LIHEAP and MSD’s Senior Citizen Discount Program
The Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services (RCS) is offering pre-registration for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Fall Subsidy Component.
Income-eligible residents who do not meet the requirements for LIHEAP pre-registration (who are not elderly or disabled and on a fixed income) may still apply for LIHEAP benefits beginning Nov. 6, 2023. Appointments will be taken in advance starting Nov. 2, 2023, using automated scheduler at link below.
Pre-registration is for Jefferson County residents, within 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, who are 60 years of age or older, or are disabled and receiving a fixed income (Social Security, SSI, pension or Black Lung benefits).
Additionally, through partnership with the Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD), eligible residents will have the opportunity to apply for a discount on their water bill through MSD’s Senior Citizen Discount Program. Customers 65 or older with a gross annual household income of $35,000 or less, may be eligible to receive a 30 percent discount on the wastewater portion of their bill.
Residents who received assistance in 2022 under MSD’s Senior Citizen Discount Program do NOT need to reapply this year – their enrollment in the program will continue for 2023.
Eligible households can apply for one or both LIHEAP Subsidy and the MSD’s Senior Discount Program with one single appointment.
The toll-free automated appointment system is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to schedule an in-person appointment at one of seven locations. The automated scheduler will provide details about these locations as well as eligibility and required documentation.
LIHEAP Fall Subsidy Component, Early Registration Phase
How to apply: Jefferson County residents meeting eligibility can call the automated scheduler at 502-991-8391 or visit online at louisvilleky.cascheduler.com.
+ Sign up for LENSAlert
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Text "LENSAlert" to 67283
Policy Updates
+ USCIS proposes significant changes to the H-1B program
The H-1B program may undergo significant changes as early as October 1, 2024. The Department of Homeland Security U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently published a 94-page proposed rule to “modernize” the H-1B program.
+ Department of Labor Report Highlights Severity of Child Labor in the US and Worldwide
The Department of Labor recently released a report examining 131 countries’ efforts to abolish child labor in 2022 and the obstacles those efforts face. The report highlights, in part, the vulnerability of migrant children in the United States working for little pay in industries that are especially unsafe for children and notes an alarming 69% increase in unlawful work by children since 2018.
+ Global Talent Chamber Network Convening Discusses How Immigration Is a Solution to Workforce Challenges
As the national workforce shortage persists, businesses across the country are seeking solutions to address workforce needs and fill open positions. Many Chambers of Commerce have continued to present a solution: modernizing an outdated immigration system to better meet the needs of the local, state, and national economies.
+ Biden's Emergency Funding Proposal Seeks 14 Billion for Immigration System From Congress
The Biden administration renewed its request for emergency supplemental funding for border management. This new $14 billion request represents more than a $10 billion increase from the administration’s original proposal and includes a sizeable investment in areas of the immigration system often overlooked. Nevertheless, despite several positive requests, the president’s proposal still relies on increased detention and enforcement to address migration at the border.
+ Spotlight on the Economic Contributions of TPS Holders
The Biden administration extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to some 472,000 Venezuelan migrants in the United States. Doing so provided welcome humanitarian relief—thousands of men, women, and children have fled violence and natural disasters and find themselves without a home—but it also ushered in the possibility of notable economic gains for U.S. communities.
+ DHS announces family reunification parole processes for Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras
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
+ Get in the spirit with Kosair Christmas Wonderland of Trees
 Come daily to see the decorated trees and wreaths at Kosair Shriners – Louisville. Purchase tickets for trees drawing from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or at daily event through November 18. The tree drawing will be at 8:00 p.m. on November 18.
Daily events include:
• Thursday, November 16 – Karaoke from 6:00-9:00 p.m.; free
• Friday, November 17 – Murder Mystery Dinner at 6:30 p.m.; $30 per person
• Saturday, November 18 – Pancake breakfast with Santa from 9:00-11:00 a.m.; free
• Saturday, November 18 – Evening dance with Uptown Band from 6:00-10:00 p.m.; $15 per person
For more info call 502-585-8412 or 4120 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40218.
+ Attend Celebrating Our Neighborhood event
 Wednesday, November 15, 6:30 p.m. and Thursday, November 16, 6:30 p.m
Louisville is home to over 53,000 internationally-born residents, representing countries and communities from all over the globe, with more newcomers arriving each day. In this new event series, the Louisville Free Public Library, in partnership with Kentucky Refugee Ministries and Americana World Community Center, will celebrate the history and culture of our immigrant and refugee populations.
Details of the events are available at the link below.
+ Attend the College Readiness Fair
 Saturday, November 18, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Join Adelante’s College Fair on Saturday, November 18, from 10:00 a.m. to noon, at Adelante’s headquarters (4801 Southside Dr., Louisville, KY 40214).
This is your chance to meet representatives from various colleges who will set up booths to share all the fantastic info about admissions, scholarships, programs, and more.
Adelante also invites you to support them by volunteering at this amazing event. Tey are looking for Spanish interpreters who can help make the day even more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. If interested, email them at volunteer@adelanteky.org
+ Get screened at the Goodwill Health Expo
 Saturday, November 21, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Goodwill will be hosting a Health Fair at the Goodwill South Louisville Opportunity Center on November 21 at 11 a.m. This event is free and open to the public in general. They will have flu vaccine, Covid vaccine, health screening, dental screening and much more.
+ Attend the JCPS School Choice Event
 There will be a community application event held at the Goodwill Opportunity Center, 6201 Preston Highway 40219 on December 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Please attend to learn more about school choices and get assistance with submitting applications. Interpreters will be available. Please call Office of School Choice at 502-485-6250 if you have any questions.
+ Become a One Love Louisville Ambassador
 Saturday, December 9, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
The One Love Louisville Ambassador Training is a free, in-person training scheduled for December 9th, 2023. They will meet from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Spalding University in the Republic Bank Academic Center, located at 981 S. 3rd St, and lunch will be served. You will 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.
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