Upcoming Events
+ Boo at the Zoo 2024, Presented by Meijer
 When: October 3–6, 10–13, 17–20, 24–27 Nightly from 5–9 p.m.
Where: Louisville Zoo, 1100 Trevilian Way
Get ready for the sweetest party in town! Kids 11 and under can enjoy trick-or-treating, rides, and special attractions—all for one fantastic price.
A beloved Louisville tradition for over 40 years, Boo at the Zoo offers all the fun and excitement you love, without the scares. Tickets Required.
+ Youth Violence Prevention Training
 The Youth Violence Prevention Training is an in-person session aimed to inform participants of individual and collective efforts to reduce violence in Louisville. This can be a gateway to get involved with the Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods and other important partners working to curb violence.
When: Thursday, October 3 from 5-7 p.m.
Where: Southwick Community Center, 3621 Southern Ave.
Cost: Free
Parents and/or guardians may attend if they are transporting a participant. Youth-serving organizations are welcome to bring their program participants.
Experts will cover topics including CPR, Question Persuade Refer (QPR), Stop the Bleed, and Narcan training.
+ Free REACH Workshop Series Continues
  If you want to expand your business, or start a new one, the free REACH workshop series is an opportunity to learn valuable knowledge and insights from industry experts about running a successful business.
This is a chance to network with like-minded individuals, build relationships, share ideas, and explore potential collaborations.
The next REACH workshop is October 12 and will focus on marketing your business. Secure your spot by registering below.
+ AFLORAMOS: A Celebration of Latinx Heritage
 Join La Casita Center for AFLORAMOS during Community Day at the Muhammad Ali Center on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at 12 p.m. This event is free and open to the public!
Celebrate the Afloramos Exhibition, which showcases the incredible work of local artists from the Latinx community. In addition to the exhibition, enjoy a vibrant day filled with music, performances, salsa classes, crafts, face painting, and much more.
+ More Events in October:
Friday, October 18: Hispanic Heritage Festival & Community Health Fair
- What: Connect with the community while honoring Hispanic heritage, and a chance to learn more about health resources
- Time: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Where: Goodwill South Louisville Opportunity Center, 6201 Preston Hwy.
Saturday, October 19: Golden Goal Championship Tournament
- What: Chance to watch some soccer while connecting with Louisville's vibrant immigrant community. There will be a resource fair, food trucks, and live music.
- Time: 12-4 p.m.
- Where: William Harrison Park, 3232 Oleanda Ave.
Saturday, October 19: La Casita's Circle of Solidarity
- What: Fundraising event to support vital services and programs at La Casita. The night will feature live music, food, and dancing.
- Time: 6 p.m.
- Where: Bellarmine University's Frazier Hall, 2050 Alumni Hall Dr.
+ Nominations are open for the JFCS MOSAIC Awards
 The 2025 JFCS MOSAIC Awards are still months away, but the nomination process has started. This is a recognition of refugees and immigrants in Greater Louisville who are making an impact in the community. You have until October 15 to nominate qualified leaders, changemakers, and humanitarians!
+ Apply to become an Ambassador for the Office for Women
 The Office for Women Ambassadors is a six-month training program for women and gender-diverse individuals who represent the diverse communities across Louisville. Ambassadors will enhance leadership skills, and learn to serve as community liasions.
Requirements for applicants:
- 18 years or older
- Live inside Jefferson County
- Attend ALL Training Dates in 2025: January 16, February 20, March 20, April 17, May 15, and June 19, all from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Apply by November 15, 2024
+ Celebrate Your Voice: Student Poetry Contest for International Mother Language Day
 We are thrilled to announce a collaborative student poetry contest in partnership with the University of Louisville's College of Arts and Sciences that celebrates International Mother Language Day.
This is an opportunity for high school and first-year college students who identify as immigrants or refugees to express their unique voices and experiences.
We invite you to submit poems that capture the rich themes associated with your mother language or mother tongue.
Eligibility: High school and first-year college students who identify as immigrants or refugees.
Theme: Your mother language or mother tongue.
Submission Deadline: December 5, 2024
Questions: Contact Monica Lakhwani at monica.lakhwani@louisvilleky.gov
Louisville Welcomes Paul Humphrey as New Police Chief
 Paul Humphrey, a seasoned officer with 18 years of experience in the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD), has officially taken on the role of police chief. He was sworn in during a ceremony last week, marking the start of his leadership.
Having served in various capacities within the department, Humphrey is no stranger to the challenges of law enforcement in Louisville. His familiarity with the city's unique needs positions him to guide the department through its next chapter while reinforcing his commitment to public safety and community engagement.
Building Bridges:
Mayor Greenberg Engages with Neighbors at Americana
 Mayor Greenberg recently engaged with the South End community at the Americana Community Center, fostering an inclusive environment for open dialogue. During this gathering, he addressed pressing concerns related to crime and affordable housing, ensuring that residents could voice their questions and share their experiences.
The event was particularly significant for newcomers to the country, providing them with essential insights into local government operations and available services. By prioritizing community engagement and transparency, Mayor Greenberg emphasized his commitment to building a safer, stronger, healthier city for all residents.
Local Flavors, Global Inspirations:
Dining Around the World in Louisville
 Metro TV's Dining Around The World showcases local restaurants with international roots, offering authentic dishes that transport your taste buds across continents.
Our latest episode features El Monstruo, one of Louisville’s premier Colombian restaurants. Known for its generous portions and vibrant flavors, El Monstruo serves up home-cooked plates inspired by the culinary traditions of Antioquia. Don't miss this opportunity to explore diverse flavors and celebrate our local culinary scene!
October's Journey of Success:
Yung Nguyen
 “Giving back is something you can learn a lot from. In helping others, you help yourself and learn to have an appreciation for life.”
Yung Nguyen isn’t just an inventor or entrepreneur, but someone who loves his community and finds ways to give back.
Read more about Nguyen’s his Journey of Success, from Saigon to Louisville, by visiting the Office for Immigrant Affairs website.
Image of the Week:
Celebrating Diversity at the JCTC Multicultural Showcase
 The Office for Immigrant Affairs was delighted to take part in the recent JCTC Multicultural Showcase, a vibrant event celebrating the rich diversity within our community. This wonderful day offered community organizations the chance to share valuable resources and information with students and attendees.
Highlights of the event included the captivating music of YAPA, delicious food, and the students' cultural displays.
Policy Updates
USCIS Extends Green Card Validity Extension to 36 Months for Green Card Renewals
Effective Sept. 10, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) automatically extended the validity of Permanent Resident Cards (also known as Green Cards) to 36 months for lawful permanent residents who file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.
Extensions and Receipt Notices: Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card Lawful permanent residents who properly file Form I-90 to renew an expiring or expired Green Card may receive this extension. Form I-90 receipt notices had previously provided a 24-month extension of the validity of a Green Card.
USCIS has updated the language on Form I-90 receipt notices to extend the validity of a Green Card for 36 months from the expiration date on the face of the current Green Card for individuals with a newly filed Form I-90 renewal request. On Sept. 10, USCIS began printing amended receipt notices for individuals with a pending Form I-90 application.
These receipt notices can be presented with an expired Green Card as evidence of continued status. This extension is expected to help applicants who experience longer processing times, because they will receive proof of lawful permanent resident status as they await their renewed Green Card.
Evidence of Green Card If you no longer have your Green Card and you need evidence of your lawful permanent resident status while waiting to receive your replacement Green Card, you may request an appointment at a USCIS field office by contacting the USCIS Contact Center, and we may issue you an Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunications (ADIT) stamp after you file Form I-90.
For more information, visit our Replace Your Green Card page.
Address Change If your mailing address changes while your case is pending, please update it through your USCIS Online Account, if you have one. Read more at How to Change Your Address.
More Information Protect yourself from immigration scams. If you need legal advice on immigration matters, make sure the person helping you is authorized to give legal advice. Visit the Avoid Scams page for information and resources.
For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
U.S. Refugee Program arrivals increased significantly in August
The U.S. resettled 9,520 refugees in August - the second-highest monthly arrival total for Fiscal Year 2024. The eleven-month total of refugee arrivals for FY2024 is 84,271 refugees.
While the U.S. is not on track to reach its target of 125,000 arrivals in FY2024, the increase in pace bodes well as the end of the fiscal year approaches on September 30. If the U.S. were to resettle 9,520 refugees again in September, it would resettle 93,791 refugees for FY2024. To resettle 100,000 refugees, the U.S. would need to resettle 15,729 refugees in September.
It is fairly common to see the highest number of monthly arrivals in the last month of the fiscal year. Continuing this pace in September would mark the highest levels of resettlement in nearly three decades, with the U.S. last resettling 90,000 refugees in FY1995. Follow this link for more information from the Refugee Processing Center.
+ USCIS is now accepting applications for Parole in Place for eligible spouses and children of U.S. citizens
On August 19, USCIS began accepting applications for the new parole in place program for eligible spouses and children of U.S. Citizens. Eligible individuals must file the ONLINE form I-131F with USCIS along with supporting documentation to demonstrate eligibility and pay the $580 filing fee. There is no fee waiver available for Form I-131F.
Examples of supporting documents to demonstrate eligibility are listed in the General Questions section of the USCIS Frequently Asked Questions About Keeping Families Together webpage.
+ Sign up for LENSAlert in Multiple Languages
Sign up to receive emergency alerts on your cell phone!
Text "LENSAlert" to 67283
|
