News Updates
+ Downtown holiday parking promotion
 PARC is excited to announce their holiday parking program for the month of December. The program offers a special rate of $3 per day Friday-Sunday only purchased online and prepaid at parcdaypass.com.
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore Downtown Louisville this holiday season, while saving on parking!
The program covers the following PARC locations and destinations:
Jefferson Street garage – Whiskey Row
8th/Main Street garage – Museum Row
Market Street garage – Derby City Gaming, West Market Street corridor
Louisville Gardens garage – Jefferson Square (Tree/Light-up Louisville)
Seelbach garage – 4th Street Live/4th Street corridor
+ 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
Sign up to receive emergency alerts on your cell phone!
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
+ Join the holiday fun in Paristown-
FÊTE DE NOËL WINTER HOLIDAY FESTIVAL
 Open now through January 2, 2024
Start your newest holiday season tradition at Paristown’s annual Fête De Noël ("Festival of Christmas") Winter Holiday Festival, a 6-week winter wonderland featuring Louisville’s only authentic outdoor ice skating rink, photos with Santa, the Brent Street Holiday Market, trackless train rides and so much more. Skate, shop, eat and drink in the heart of Paristown starting November 2023.
+ Go see Lights Under Louisville
Now through January 1, 2024
Louisville Mega Cavern’s Lights Under Louisville returns with more than 40 themed displays, mapping projections, approximately 900 illuminated characters, 4 LED light tunnels, including a new 200-foot-long MEGA light tunnel, two laser sections, and nearly 6,000,000 points of light that will spread mega cheer and holiday spirit this season. Lights Under Louisville will take visitors on an immersive ride through more than one mile of cavern passageways as visitors drive through millions of dazzling lights, festive lasers, and even larger captivating light tunnels.
Lights Under Louisville begins this Friday at 6 p.m. then will be open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
1841 Taylor Ave., Louisville, Kentucky 40213
+ Visit A Christmas on Story Avenue
November 17 - December 31
|
Visit the Whirling Tiger in Butchertown for an over the top Christmas themed pop-up all season long! Along with specialty cocktails and plenty of festive fun, they will be announcing additional special, holiday events throughout the month.
Open at 6 p.m. each day. Hours are expected to extend the closer it gets to Christmas.
1335 Story Ave.
|
+Check out the Miracle on Market
November 21 - December 31
|
Miracle is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar that serves holiday cocktails in a festive setting. With kitschy holiday décor, professionally-developed cocktails and the nostalgic energy of the best office party you’ve ever been to, Miracle is sure to get even the grouchiest Grinch in the holiday spirit.
Miracle is open daily starting at 4 p.m. and closes at 12 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. No reservations are accepted, all seating is first come, first serve.
Along with cocktails, there will be food options, other beverages such as wine and beer, and non-alcoholic beverages. All ages are allowed until 9 p.m. each night. After 9, it's 21+ only.
732 E. Market St.
|
+ Head down to Tinsel Tavern
November 24 - December 31
Immerse yourself in this Holiday pop-up bar decked to the halls - literally, with floor to ceiling decor.
Featuring a festive food and drink menu that absolutely sleighs, multiple photo ops, featured events, and more!
Bar seating will be available on a first come first serve basis, optimal for drinks and socializing. In addition to visiting with an intimate group, guests have the option to reserve the space for private events, ideal for end of season holiday parties.
For private event inquiries, please email events@4thstlive.com.
Open daily from 4 p.m. until midnight starting Friday, November 24.
Tinsel Tavern collides with New Year's Eve Live! for an over-the-top holiday celebration to ring in 2024. Fourth Street Live!'s platinum ticket package unlocks access to a private party at Tinsel Tavern and all-inclusive premium drink package, private entrance with VIP red carpet experience, exclusive tastings, multiple photo opportunities, vendors, complimentary coat check, party favors, and a midnight champagne toast.
445 S. 4th St.
+ Attend Light up Louisville
 Saturday, December 2, 4:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
Light Up Louisville is a free, annual event that will kick off the holiday season in the city! We look forward once again to welcoming Louisville citizens to Downtown to welcome the REAL Santa Claus!
The Lots of Lights Parade brings holiday cheer to Jefferson Street, aka Santa Claus Lane, with dozens of brightly lit groups singing and dancing in the street!
+ Check out Bardstown Road Aglow
Saturday, December 2, 12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Highland Commerce Guild organizes the annual festive holiday event with the help of dozens of sponsors including Louisville Metro District 8 Councilman Ben Reno-Weber. Aglow will be held from noon to 10:00 p.m. along Bardstown Road, Baxter and Barret Avenues in the Highlands. More on Aglow's website.
+ 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.
+ Donate a toy today
 Sunday, December 15, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Americana will be hosting their Annual Winter Festival. They are accepting donations for the event until December 10th. Please consider donating an item for the children who will be attending this year!
|
