+ May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage month!
We're celebrating Asian American Heritage month! Join us in recognizing the rich cultures, traditions and contributions of Asian Americans to our diverse society. Let;s honor their achievements and the vibrant tapestry they weave into the fabric of Louisville, America and the world!
+ Journeys of Success: Moon-he Biak
Moon-he Baik was born in Seoul, Korea and briefly lived in Hong Kong as a teenager. Baik’s primary language is Korean and English is her second language, which she learned after coming to the United States. In Korea, Baik majored in interior design which has helped guide her journey in the United States.
Help us congratulate Vivian Marin, program manager on her first incredible year with the Office for Immigrant Affairs! The department would not be what it is today without her hard work and dedication!
We want to thank her for the energy and care she puts in everyday...Happy Anniversary, Vivian!
Vivian is from Panama, enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and dancing.
+ 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.
+ Apply for Community Foundation of Louisville Grants
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.
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
+ 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 will go into effect on April 1, 2024. Applications and petitions postmarked after this date must include the new fees or USCIS will not accept them.
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.
NOTE: This form will be affected by the fee increases discussed above. 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.
Streamlined Process for Initial EADs 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. NOTE: this announcement only applies to individuals who have been formally deemed refugees by the United States government. This does not apply to all new arrivals.
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.
+ Updated Parole period for Ukranian citizens
Effective February 27, certain Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members who were paroled into the U.S. on or after February 11, 2022, will be able to apply for a new period of parole - also known as re-parole, for up to two years. This form of parole comes as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and the extraordinary circumstances in Ukraine continue to exist today. Eligible applicants should submit form I-131 with the appropriate filing fee through a USCIS online account. Once approved for re-parole, Ukrainians can then apply for an initial or renewal EAD with USCIS. https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/uniting-for-ukraine/re-parole-process-for-certain-ukrainian-citizens-and-their-immediate-family-members
+ 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.
+ Department of Homeland Security Extends Temporary Protected Status for several countries
On December 13, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) re-registration periods for individuals from the following countries: El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua and Sudan. Re-registration periods have been extended from 60 days to the full designation extension period for each country. Existing TPS beneficiaries from these countries should re-register during their respective country’s re-registration period.
El Salvador is currently open and now runs through March 9, 2025;
Haiti is currently open and now runs through Aug. 3, 2024;
Honduras is currently open and now runs through July 5, 2025;
Nepal is currently open and now runs through June 24, 2025;
Nicaragua is currently open and now runs through July 5, 2025;
Sudan is currently open and now runs through April 19, 2025.
Events
+ The 150th running of the Kentucky Derby
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Story by the Bleecher Report
The Kentucky Derby is celebrating a milestone this year, as Saturday's race will mark the 150th running of the illustrious event at Churchill Downs. And it has the potential to be an exciting one.
The 20-horse field is filled with plenty of colts who have a legitimate chance to cross the finish line first. The group is led by betting favorite Fierceness (5-2), but plenty of others could end up winning this year's Derby.
Here's the lineup for the 2024 Kentucky Derby, followed by a breakdown of the favorites to win as well as several sleepers to keep an eye on.
This year you can join us at Fourth Street Live for family fun, music and food! This year we will have five multicultural food trucks, multicultural vendors and community resources, fortune telling/palm readers. Also in attendance will be special art, poetry, music and dance performances by the Jefferson County Public School's Hispanic Student Union (HSU) from Seneca High School and Latino and Hispanic Student Organization (LAHSO) from duPont Manual High School. All of this will be in addition to the Mariachi band, Salsa 11-piece Band, Latino DJ, zumba, and kids events offered have each year!
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.
Learn how to develop marketing strategies for your business
The University of Louisville Cancer Research Center is looking for participants for a focus group discussion led by women from their research team. Questions asked will relate to your understanding of breast cancer screening recommendations and about issues that make it challenging to get a mammogram. Finally, you will be asked to complete a brief survey related to mammograms and health behaviors.
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, organanization, 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 close to Churchill Downs:
Register your business here HERE to add to the list of international businesses!
Image of the Week
Many gathered this week for the Angeles Pitch competition at Story Louisville! The Office of Immigrant Affairs was joined by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and many other community partners!
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
