+ Spanglish: The mix of Spanish and English is the world’s fastest growing linguistic hybrid
The below is an excerpt from a story by ElPIAS.COM
Though it is hard to know the exact number of people who speak Spanglish, it’s estimated that there are 35 to 40 million people in the United States...
...For [linguistic researcher and educational consultant, Dr. José] Medina, people who speak Spanglish have a “superpower”: translanguaging, or the ability to move fluidly between several languages. “We all have a linguistic repertoire, and our job is to utilize the parts of that linguistic repertoire that we need at different times. Translanguaging gives us the opportunity to understand that when we mix languages, it’s not incorrect. In truth, we are putting our knowledge on display at a high academic level because we can use both languages at the same time, something that not everyone can do,” he says.
+ Welcome the Office of Immigrant Affairs' new intern
Dannhi Nguyen is the summer policy intern for the Office for Immigrant Affairs. Dannhi is a sophmore at Pomona College and is studying studying political science. Dannhi is a proud Jefferson County Public Schools graduate from Manual High School. As the policy intern, she will play play a vital role in advancing our mission to promote understanding, collaboration, and positive change across borders. Welcome Dannhi!
+ Now hiring at La Escuelita Learning Hub
The La Escuelita Learning Hub is seeking to hire a director, as their current director, Daniela Gutierrez will be off to law school in the fall. They are seeking a Spanish/English-speaking director for its program, which provides educational and social/emotional learning support for immigrant children through an after-school program at Beechmont Presbyterian Church and supportive services for their families. La Escuelita can consider candidates that can work either full-time or part-time.
National Immigrant Heritage Month is celebrated in June to honor the history and cultures of immigrants to the United States and their contributions to the country.
In Louisville, we will be highlighting immigrant stories throughout the month with Metro TV.
<<LINK TO WHERE PEOPLE CAN FIND THE METROTV STORIES>>
+ 2024 Cultural Pass is open for fun
The 2024 Cultural Pass is your passport to creativity! Cultural Pass offers young people ages 0-21 and their families in the Greater Louisville area access to participate in arts and cultural activities provided by over 50 venues, free of charge, from now through August 4, 2024.
The Cultural Pass is designed to inspire, explore, and discover new experiences in our Greater Louisville community!
Sign up to receive emergency alerts on your cell phone!
Text "LENSAlert" to 67283
Policy Updates
+ 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.
+ USCIS Begins New Process for Paying Application Fees at a Field Office
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) 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.
USCIS receives most of its immigration benefit requests through a Lockbox or a service center. However, in limited instances, it 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. USCIS is 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.
Only one more event remain during this REACH session! Expert Business guidance + Spanish interpretation.
NEW REACH Topic: Shaking the Money Tree
Who can benefit: New or even long-established business owners who could tighten up their business processes or who need to establish consistent processes in how they operate (most of us, to be honest.)
This event is an ideal learning opportunity for individuals who want to gain a thorough understanding of what is involved in starting a business. The program will be conducted in a bilingual format, with presentations in both English and Spanish.
Additionally, workbooks will be available in Arabic, French, Somali, and Swahili to ensure accessibility for a wider audience.
+ Join the World Affairs Council (WAC) at any of their upcoming Summer Series events
June 12 - August 22, 2024
Join the World Affairs Council (WAC) at any of their upcoming Summer Series events! WAC's programming is crafted to cultivate global-mindedness and connectivity in Kentucky and surrounding regions. They focus on creating inclusive and accessible experiences that cultivate transformed leadership among youth, business and community leaders, and educators. Participate in WAC's events and become part of a community dedicated to fostering global understanding and belonging for all.
+ Join the Office of Planning Middle Housing Walking Tours
Saturday, June 15th, 3:00 P.M.
Join the Louisville Metro Office of Planning for a Middle Housing guided walking tour in Old Louisville. Discover various housing options available in the city for you and your family. The tour is conducted entirely in Spanish, and it's free. Space is limited; reserve your spot today!
Magnolia Park, 1407 S. 2nd St., Louisville, KY 40208
Please provide the following details to reserve a spot: First name, Last name, phone number, email, and number of people attending. call to register: Cathy Gomez - (502) 574-6502.
+ Celebrate Juneteenth with the Office of Equity and the Juneteenth Jubilee Commission
June 8 -19, 2024
For the fourth consecutive year, Louisville Metro Government (LMG) will coordinate and host Louisville’s official Juneteenth Jubilee Celebration to highlight the historical importance of Juneteenth. Mayor Greenberg announced this year’s theme is “Our Story, America’s Glory.”
The 2024 Juneteenth Jubilee Celebration runs from June 8 to June 19 and includes numerous events from Agape Day to Amplify Songs of Justice to The Journey Walking Tour. LMG is partnering with various organizations on these events, including the Frazier History Museum, (Un)KNOWN project, Waterfront Development Corp, the Jewish Federation of Louisville, Louisville National Pan-Hellenic Council, Dare to Care, the Kentucky Opera, the Muhammad Ali Center, and the Association for Teaching Black History in Kentucky.
For more information on the lineup of events,click here.
+ Come talk about it at the Language Cafe
Starting in July, come to one or all of our Language Cafe sessions! This is a perfect chance to pick up words/phrases in a new language and meet new friends. Each session date below is open to the community and hosted by various immigrant-owned coffee shops.
July 23 & 25: Safai Coffee at Logan Street Market, the Kitchen
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 celebrating Pride Month!
Grassa Gramma, 2210 Holiday Manor Center, 502-333-9595
El Mundo, 1767 Bardstown Road, 502-384-5633
Old Louisville Coffee Co-op, 316 W. Ormsby Ave.
Sis Got Tea, 976 Barret Ave., 502-694-2085
Register your business here HERE to add to the list of international businesses!
Image of the Week
Access Care hosted their World Fest Celebration, welcoming clients from diverse backgrounds and visitors alike. The event featured a delightful array of global cuisine, dance, live music, and engaging entertainment, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
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