On April 9, 2024, Mayor Craig Greenberg was joined by Amos Izerimaana, director, Office for Immigrant Affairs and Ambassador Nina Hachigian, the first U.S. Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy who was visiting Louisville for the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition Luncheon. In honor of her visit and the ongoing work being done to strengthen Louisville’s connection to people and communities around the world, the Mayor proclaimed April 9, 2024 as Global Engagement Day.
“Louisville is a Certified Welcoming city, one of the few across our country, because of our inclusive culture – and this is something to be incredibly proud of,” said the Mayor. “Global engagement happens every day and it is essential to supporting our people, our economy and our overall success as a city. It is an honor to continue this work with partners like Ambassador Nina Hachigian as we continue to make Louisville a safer, stronger, healthier and more inclusive place for people across the world.”
“We know that, when local leaders and citizens are internationally engaged, we are quicker to find effective ideas and practices that can resolve the global issues we face,” said Ambassador Nina Hachigan. “Most cities in the United States have not had a long, strong tradition of global engagement. However, today is a sign that this is changing. Mayor Greenberg is looking across border for practical ideas and new economic opportunities to put Louisville on the map and to promote shared values.”
“What happens globally matters in Kentucky – and today’s proclamation recognizing Global Engagement Day underscores Louisville’s commitment to American engagement on the global stage,” said USGLC Executive Director Jason Gross. “Cities and mayors, like Mayor Greenberg, are leading the way on why global stability matters for American stability here at home – from national security to climate change to global hunger to the opioid crisis. It’s why subnational diplomacy at the local level alongside investments in U.S. diplomacy and global development are critical to advance the security and economic interests of American families both in Louisville and across the United States.”
+ Community-informed Policy Development: Language Access in Louisville, Kentucky
In 2018, Louisville, Kentucky became the first Certified Welcoming community in the southern United States. With one in 10 county residents born abroad, leadership has built notable bipartisan support for immigrant and refugee services.
“People on both sides of the political aisle recognize that welcoming work is about all of us,” said Amos Izerimana, Director of Louisville’s Office for Immigrant Affairs.
Part of Louisville’s success in developing effective and inclusive policies has been to engage immigrant community members and cultivate local leaders. In 2017, a year before its official certification, city leadership developed the Global Louisville Leadership Academy. The free, six week training program is designed for foreign-born leaders in Louisville who want to empower and assist their communities. Participants gain an in-depth understanding of city resources while building relationships at the local government and community levels.
The Office for Immigrant Affairs recently had the pleasure of meeting a delegation from France to discuss language access. Monica Lakhwani, language access coordinator for the department presented to the delegation show casing all of the programs and access Louisville Metro Government has to offer. This delegation was a guest of World Affairs Council.
+ Commemorating National Arab American Heritage Month
In April 2021, President Biden declared April National Arab American Heritage Month to recognize the 3.5 million Arab Americans that exemplify “so much of what our country stands for: hard work, resilience, compassion, and generosity."
Dr. Faye Camahalan was born and raised in Cavite, Philippines, a province on the outskirts of Manila. She remembers applying for her tourist visa to the United States with no clear intention of remaining, her visa was actually denied the first time. During the second visa application, she took an interview letter from Indiana University Southeast (IUS). That application and interview turned into a work visa which has led to her citizenship and her stay in the United States.
+ Website Globalization Review Gap Analysis Service
U.S. Commercial Service offices in Louisville and Lexington are offering KY companies the Website Globalization Review (WGR) Gap Analysis. This service provides technical and strategic assessment of a business’s ecommerce sales channel efforts. This is a SEO diagnostic service designed to help you acquire more international consumers online.
+ CFPB Report Identifies Financial and Privacy Risks to Consumers in Video Gaming Marketplaces
Today, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a report examining the growth of financial transactions in online video games and virtual worlds.
The report explores how these platforms increasingly resemble traditional banking and payment systems, the lack of support that these platforms provide to consumers, and how these platforms assemble gamers’ personal and behavioral data.
✏️ 🎒 📚 ACT Test Prep Packs are now available at LFPL branches! ✏️ 🎒📚 Each pack contains pencils, highlighters, a scientific calculator, and much more to get test-takers prepped and ready for action. Visit one of the Library's 16 branches to pick up a pack while supplies last. Special thanks to Taco Bell Foundation for providing these ACT Test Prep packs.
The Offic for Immigrant Affairs now has an Instagram page! Add us @immigrantaffairslou to stay up to date on all things Immigrant Affairs!
+ Apply for the 2024 Sparking Change Mini-Grant
The Community Foundation of Louisville has launched its Sparking Change Mini-Grants Program. According to a release, the foundation will award three $1,000 grants each month supported by each of the foundation’s Fund for Louisville Action Areas: Louisville’s People, Louisville’s Prosperity, and Louisville’s Well-Being.
The grant cycle for this application will close on the 15th of each month. Grant recipients will be chosen and notified by the 22nd of each month. If an applicant applies after the 15th deadline, they will be considered for the following month’s grant application cycle. For questions regarding this grant opportunity, contact the Community Engagement team at communityengagement@cflouisville.org
Interested in becoming a local resource for international exchange groups? Other opportunities to engage with delegates include attending mixers and forums, or hosting a dinner or homestay. If you are interested, get in touch with Madison Brooks, the Exchange Program Manager, at madison.brooks@worldkentucky.org for more information.
+ Sign up for LENSAlert in Multiple Languages
Sign up to receive emergency alerts on your cell phone!
Text "LENSAlert" to 67283
Policy Updates
+ Streamlined Process for Initial Employment Authorizations for Refugees
On March 12, 2024, USCIS announced a streamlined process that will help Refugees entering the United States receive their work permit shortly after they enter the country.
Under U.S. law, refugees can start working as soon as they arrive in the U.S. but need an employment authorization card to prove they are able to work. To get this work permit, refugees must fill out an application and submit it to USCIS.
The new streamlined process will be fully automated and will not require refugees to submit an application for a work permit. Instead, USCIS will create a digital work permit for each refugee. Once the refugee enters the United States, USCIS will adjudicate and deliver the work permit within one to two weeks.
This change will put work permits in the hands of refugees significantly quicker than the traditional process.
+ USCIS Fee Rule Reminder
Earlier this year, USCIS released afinal rule announcing changes to its fee schedule. The new rule creates different pricing structures based on method of filing (paper v. online) for certain applications and expands the eligibility for a fee waiver for certain applications.
New fees went into effect on April 1, 2024. Applications and petitions postmarked after this date must include the new fees or USCIS will not accept them.
Fee changes for common applications include:
DACA: Current Fee: $495; New Fee: $555 (online) OR $605 (paper)
Employment Authorization: Current Fee: $495; New Fee: $470 (online) OR $520 (paper)
On April 1, 2024, the application to apply for citizenship will be updated to reflect two important changes:
An option to request an original or replacement Social Security number (SSN) card and update one’s immigration status with the Social Security Administration without having to visit an SSA office.
A third gender option, “X,” defined as Another Gender Identity. Individuals who applied for citizenship prior to this change may request to update their gender on or after April 1, 2024.
Anyone filing an application for citizenship starting April 1, 2024, should use the most recent version of this form to avoid any potential delays in the processing of their case. The most recent version of this form can be found online atUSCIS.
+ Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for eligible Palestinians
On February 14, 2024, President Biden announced and authorized Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for eligible Palestinians. This announcement means that for the next 18 months, eligible individuals will not be deported to Palestine. Around 6,000 Palestinians are eligible to benefit from DED designation nationally. The main eligibility criterion for DED for Palestine is continuous residency in the U.S. since February 14, 2024. Other eligibility criteria related to public safety and national security. Individuals with questions about eligibility criteria should consult with an immigration attorney. DED announcements often coincide with suspension of certain requirements related to F-1 visas (student visas), designed to make it easier for students to comply with the requirements of their visa. Students who have questions about whether these changes might affect their F-1 visa should reach out to their campus contact or consult with an immigration attorney. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/02/14/memorandum-on-the-deferred-enforced-departure-for-certain-palestinians/
+ USCIS Begins New Process for Paying Application Fees at a Field Office
We will start requiring most applicants, attorneys, and accredited representatives to pay the fees for forms filed at a field office by mail or remotely, instead of in person at a field office.
What You Need to Know We receive most of our immigration benefit requests through a Lockbox or a service center. However, in limited instances, we may receive a USCIS form through a local USCIS office. To file a form or pay a fee at a local office, applicants, petitioners, and requestors must schedule an appointment in advance with the USCIS Contact Center and physically visit a field office to make certain application fee payments. We are changing that process.
Beginning Feb. 1, 2024, there will be three methods for paying fees to USCIS for field office filings:
By mail with credit or debit card. Applicants, petitioners, or requestors may mail a check or Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, to the field office and no longer need to make an appointment and appear in person.
Emergency Form I-131 filings. Applicants submitting Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, with an emergency advance parole request must still apply in person, after making an appointment through the USCIS Contact Center, with their form packet (including any applicable payment and supporting documentation) and pay their application fee by credit card with Form G-1450 or check at the field office once approved.
The World Affairs Council will be launching the Great Decisions Discussion Series, based on the Great Decisions Briefing Books from the Foreign Policy Association. As America's largest discussion program on world affairs, this series offers a dynamic platform for understanding and addressing the most critical global issues facing the nation. The program model is comprehensive, involving thought-provoking analyses from the Great Decisions Briefing Book, watching the enlightening video series, and actively participating in Discussion Groups.
The 2024 series features a curated selection of eight topics chosen by a panel of experts. They include: Mideast Realignment, Climate Technology and Competition, Science Across Borders, U.S.-China Trade Rivalry, NATO's Future, Understanding Indonesia, High Seas Treaty, and Pandemic Preparedness.
World Affairs Council lobby, 223 S.5th St.
The upcoming dates for the entire series are as follows:
Climate technology and competition - April 23rd
Science across borders - June 12th
U.S. -China trade rivalry - August 14th
NATO’s future - September 11th
Understanding Indonesia- October 9th
High Seas Treaty - November 13th
Pandemic preparedness - December 11th
All discussants are required to read and actively participate in the facilitated discussions. If you are interested in facilitating any of the series, please contact: contact@worldkentucky.org.
The Great Decisions Briefing book can be purchased from WAC during registration, and picked up at our office.
The Office for Immigrant Affairs, Louisville's Office of Economic Development, and Kentucky Small Business Development Center in Louisville invite you to participate in a small business workshop. Learn how to manage finances for your small business.
Accounting/Budget, Cash Flow Management, Managing a Business
The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce is excited to partner with the KFC Yum! Center for the historic Bad Bunny Concert. As an NPRCC partner or member, you have access to elevate your concert experience with premium seating for the concert. For more information and to take advantage of this opportunity, please email Quaja at qwimbleduff@kfcyumcenter.com
This is a free networking event. Connect with industry leaders, exchange insights and build valuable relationships. Come learn about Louisville Thoroughbred Society and connect with their members at this free fun evening event offering complimentary professional headshots, drink specials, and live music.
Louisville Thoroughbred Society, 209 E. Main St. #209
April 24, 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm (various starting times)
Enjoy an evening of Spanish charm at Cured Restaurant and Salumeria Paella Night. The Paella will be cooked in the Rose Patio at Cured Restaurant and Salumeria by guest Chef Gustavo Perez, who has won National Awards in Paella cooking. Guests are welcome to visit the Paella station throughout the night. The ticket includes a glass of wine and cost is $55.00. Tickets can be purchased on Open Table link below.
+ Join the Office for Immigrant Affairs and community partners in our language access community forum
Thursday, April 25, 4:30 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.
Join our very own Monica Lahkwani, language access coordinator, Kelly Walton, U of L Health, Alisa Pfine, Catholic Charities, Livan Lima, JCPS and Aida Gary Administrative Office of the Courts for a language access community forum in honor of Language Access month about meaningful access. Moderated by Amina Shale, Executive Director of More Than A Smile Foundation. Light refreshments will be served.
Join 4th Street LIVE! and other local sponsors for a free family fiesta celebrating Cinco de Mayo! There will be live music, dancing and activities for the entire family!
Fourth Street Live!
+ Come to Gazebofest at Waterfront Park
May 25 - 26, time TBD
Jack Harlow has just announces GAZEBO Festival, a music festival at Louisville’s Waterfront Park. The line-up also includes James Blake (DJ Set), Omar Apollo, PinkPantheress, Vince Staples and more.
The two-day event will feature 26 acts on two stages and highlight some of Louisville’s local food and culture. The Waterfront Park location uniquely marries the energy of downtown Louisville with more than 85 acres of green space on the Ohio River. Tickets for the festival will go on sale Friday, March 8, 2024 at 10 a.m.
The Global Louisville Directory is an interactive online tool that connects the community with institutions, businesses, organizations, and services that speak their language and have a higher understanding of cultural competency structures that reduce anxiety for foreign-born consumers and increase their level of comfort to thrive as a valued resident of Louisville.
Click HERE to register your business, organization, or service on the Global Louisville Directory.
Global Lou Highlights
There are many authentic restaurants owned by Louisvillians who brought their delicious cuisine to our city. Each week, we highlight some of the great restaurants and grocery stores that celebrate our city's diversity. Here are some restaurants to try:
Schwarma Guys, 5401 Indian Oaks Cir., 502-755-0974, Shawarma Guys
Addis Grill, 109 S. 4th St., 502-581-1011, Addis Grill
The Charcoal Restaurant, 2805 N. Hurstbourne Pkwy. #100, 502-749-8888, Charcoal Restaurant
Register your business here HERE to add to the list of international businesses!
Image of the Week
+ Deputy Mayor Barbara Sexton Smith has decided to re-wire, not re-tire! She has been the fearless leader for many of our departments within Mayor Greenberg's team since he took office. We will miss you deputy mayor!
Hi, you are receiving this email because we added you to our mailing list as a valuable partner and member of the community. You can unsubscribe anytime by clicking on the subscriber services link. Please do not reply to this account since we won't be able to see your emails. You can contact us at: immigrantaffairs@louisvilleky.gov
