The HOLA Journal Dec. - January 2010

JournalA Publication of Hispanas Organizadas de Lake y Ashtabula December 2009-January 2010 Vol. 6, Issue 1

English EditionEnglish EditionThewww.holatoday.orgwww.holatoday.org

2 / The HOLA Journal December 2009-January 2010

The HOLA Journal is published by HOLA, Hispanas Organizadas de Lake y Ashtabula, in both Spanish and English language versions. All articles are property of HOLA and cannot be reprinted or duplicated without permission.

Unless otherwise noted, all articles are written by Verónica Isabel Dahlberg.

From the Editor

HOLA’s mission is to improve

quality of life in the areas

of health, education, and

economic well-being through

advocacy, outreach and

relationship building among

Hispanics and non-Hispanics.

Hola!Hola!Staff of The HOLA Journal

Editor:Veronica Isabel Dahlberg

Translations:Heddy Herrera

Graphics, Layout andDesign:eWebInnovations

Creative Design Group

Advertisement Design:Danette Janecek

Contributing Writer:Camilo J. Villa

Copy Editing Assistance:Edward A. Sotelo

Photographs:Veronica Dahlberg

HOLA Board of Directors

Gladys Figueroa Stec

Victoria Saldivar

Lynn Tramonte de la Barrera

Peggy Wilkenson

Ángela Gonzalez Echeverri, PhD

Advertising Sales, Letters,or Inquiries Contact:

The HOLA JournalPO Box 3066Ashtabula, Ohio 44005-3066(440) 964 - 3372www.holatoday.org

3 / The HOLA Journal December 2009-January 2010

Sincerely,Verónica Isabel Dahlberg, Editor

Letters to the Editor

My husband and I just finished reading The Hola Journal in English (we attempted the Spanish version.) All we can say is WOW! What an AWESOME JOURNAL. You are truly blessed at what you do. I was hanging on every word of every article I read. I even went back over some articles to read them again. The seeds you are sowing will be reaped now and for many generations to come.

Thank you for making such a difference in NE Ohio and the world.

Sally BradleyAshtabula

Hola!I’m really excited and happy, just like my compatriots, Latinos and Americans who anxiously awaited this new edition, and which I have already begun to read. There is no doubt that the content is better every time. I am very proud of you because you look for ways that we, the immigrants, won’t have so many obstacles in our long pilgrimage, but also find ways to support talented people, artists, painters, poets, or simply people who have different points of view or other perspectives.

My deepest admiration and respect, and above all, continued and faithful reading of The HOLA Journal.

Hugo E.Painesville(Translated from the Spanish)

History of a Dream As a steady reader of HOLA, I’ve taken the liberty of writing this letter in the hopes it will be published, or at least read. This dream began 23 years ago when, just like millions of Hispanics, I decided seek my fortune in the United States with a sack full of wishes and a few pesos in my pocket. After many hardships, I succeeded in crossing by Tijuana and started working in the fields. That’s where I had the fortune of learning about one of the biggest Hispanic leaders this country has had, Mr. Cesar Chavez. He dreamt of uniting all farm workers and attaining better for them; but unfortunately he didn’t have time to fulfill his dream. After a year, destiny brought me to Chicago where after much effort I started to work. In those days, Hispanics were not united, with the exception of the Cuban and Puerto Rican communities. It was there that I got to know a young man named Luis Gutierrez. He had the dream of helping and uniting Hispanics. Today he is a Congressman from Illinois and continues with that dream. The years passed, 16 to be exact, and the communities grew into all the barrios that today make up the great city of Chicago. Lots of races, different ideologies, but several years ago they united into one group for a march for immigration reform. It was so beautiful to see everyone together. Then six years ago, my destiny brought me to Mentor, Ohio. And in these six years I’ve seen this community grow enormously in all aspects, but not in the most basic ones such as representation and unity. Unfortunately, in my humble opinion, this community is one of the most disunited and apathetic—we come together only when we need something urgently, or when the

migra is around town. But beyond that we could care less what happens to our neighbors, were not interested in what’s happening around us, in our schools, or with our local officials. It’s time we wake up and see for ourselves. Today there are some of us who can vote, but in five or 10 years all of our children will be able to vote. And who are they going to vote for—someone who doesn’t know anything

Continued on Page 11

We need Comprehensive Immigration Reform. HOLA is committed to working hard for this urgently-needed change. Reform is long overdue, and Congress must take immediate action to fix the broken immigration system. There is a national organization, Reform Immigration FOR America (RI4A), that is mobilizing Americans to push elected officials to vote for immigration reform in 2010. HOLA will be working closely with the national campaign. But we need the support of the community. This campaign may be the last chance we have in several years to get reform. So it’s time to get involved! We are proud of the many local leaders who have emerged as we’ve begun our efforts, some of which is detailed on pages 16 and 17. Experts know that Comprehensive Immigration Reform will create millions of new taxpayers, enhance national security by focusing enforcement and security measures on the most dangerous threats to our communities, and protect workers. It will help with economic recovery, keep families together and protect the due process rights of all.

Most importantly, comprehensive reform with a path to legalization would provide a $1.5 trillion boost to the American economy. It would generate an annual increase in U.S. economic output of at least 0.84 percent. This amounts to $1.5 trillion in additional Gross Domestic Product over 10 years. By contrast, mass deportation would devastate the economy. It would cost over $240 billion taxpayer dollars, take decades to achieve, and tear apart millions of American families. It would also result in $2.6 trillion in lost economic activity over ten years as we deport millions of productive workers, and consumers. It’s long past time for Congress to fix this problem. Democrats, Republicans, and Independents agree that comprehensive immigration reform is the solution for America. It has the support of local business and labor leaders, elected officials, civil rights leaders, and people of faith from diverse religious groups. But WE MUST WORK to make it happen. Please contact HOLA and join us! No more excuses. Work with us to pass Comprehensive Immigration Reform. It’s for the good of our community, our businesses, workers, families—it’s good for everyone. Only then we will truly have reason to celebrate a Happy New Year.

Cover art by Cleveland-based Ecuadorian artist

Rafael Valdivieso Troya

4 / The HOLA Journal December 2009-January 2010 5 / The HOLA Journal December 2009-January 2010

By Brittany LaGankeWilloughby South High School

Our Spanish Club’s participation in the Toys for Tots Christmas party was both rewarding and fun! We first heard about HOLA and the party through our club advisor Mrs. Visnick when she asked for volunteers for the party. Our club had been looking for ways to get more involved and give back to the local Hispanic community. Many of us signed up because it sounded like a fun way spend a Saturday afternoon while getting service hours (and practicing our Spanish speaking skills). The party definitely delivered on all levels. The kids were as sweet and easy to get along with as they were adorable. The parents were very engag-ing and hopefully impressed with out speaking skills. The staff and the people from HOLA were welcoming and helpful. We set up activity tables with games and different things for the kids to do like coloring, crafts, and board games. The kids seemed to enjoy themselves. Overall, it was a fun party and we had a great time. It felt good knowing that the kids were having a good

time and that we were contributing time to such a meaningful orga-nization. Our club will definitely be participating in future HOLA events and we look forward to continuing to be involved in the Hispanic community. It was a fun and truly gratifying experience.

Students from area high schools brought games and crafts for the kids. Photo by Veronica Dahlberg

Photos by Veronica Dahlberg

Thanks to the generous contributions of the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots and the participation of many volunteers,

hundreds of children enjoyed a cheerful holiday. HOLA held its 11th annual holiday party for kids on December 5th in two shifts to accommodate the hundreds of children receiving gifts. The party was organized under the leadership of HOLA Board president Gladys Figueroa Stec. In all, 437 children received toys, sporting goods, and played games, did crafts and met Santa at the family center at St. Mary’s Church in Painesville. HOLA is deeply grateful and would like to thank the following people and groups for their tremendous support volunteering for the event: Berkshire High School Spanish Club, Willoughby South High School Spanish Club, U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots, Marines Tim Sherman, Tim De Wolfe and Kristopher Cortes; LeeAnn DeWolfe, Norm Sigel (Santa) and

Julee Siegel; Carmen Ramos, Maribel Figueroa, Jeanne Rich, Linda Pinzone, Maria Padilla, Araceli Frausto, Dolores Llamas and her daughter; Ronnie Marquez, Heddy Herrera, Geoff Klein, Ken Grant, Grant Construction; Keith Rohrbaugh and Don Bach, St. Mary’s Church, Lakeland Community College, and the many others who contributed.

HOLA’s Annual Holiday Party Serves 437 Kids Volunteering for a “Feliz Navidad”

The U.S. Marine Corps Tim Sherman (left), Toys for Tots coordinator for the region, and U.S. Marine Tim DeWolfe, longtime “Santa” for HOLA. They presented HOLA with the Commander’s Award.

Volunteering for a “Feliz Navidad”HOLA’s Annual Holiday Party Serves 437 Kids


carrots and potatoes. “Those just aren’t crops that the Mexicans grow,” Cormack said. “But we need products that will make some money.” The added focus and planning on the types of crops planted will hopefully eliminate problems like the overwhelming amount of zucchini everyone was harvesting with no place to sell. “We made a lot of mistakes,” Frausto agrees. “And it was a lot of work; having to work on the garden after a long day at my job. But it was a really good project and should be a priority for this year. Just seeing my daughters’ happiness when they saw the first

watermelons growing made all the hard work worth it.” Project partners hope other communities will adopt the model, which has been getting a lot of attention among green and sustainable food groups. Even U.S. Congressman Steve LaTourette, who visited the site and met some of the families in August, was impressed. “I see a lot of projects that don’t work, so it’s wonderful to see one that does,” he said.

From L to R: Glenn Odenbrett (Western Reserve RC&D staff member), Jorge Reynoso, Adrian Achtermann (WRRC&D Council), John Niedzialek (WRRC&D Coordinator), Maurine Orndorff (Lake County Soil & Water Conservation District staff), Bob Zeitz (Lake SWCD Associate Board Member), Jeff Hyrne (Lake County Nursery President & CEO), Carolyn Kissel (RC&D Council Secretary), Dick Baker (Lake SWCD Board Member), Araceli Razo, Terry Cosby (State Conser-vationist for Ohio, Natural Resource Conservation Service).


Bruce Cormack, of Cormack Market Garden in Mentor, Ohio, a technical advisor for the project, instructs project partici-pants Jorge Reynoso and Gabriel Aguirre.

Congressman Steve LaTourette visited the market garden site on August 5th. Igancio Razo shows him the fruits of his labor.

Bruce Cormack demonstrates the use of a brand new roto-tiller to Jose Frausto.

The Razo sisters with some of the produce grown on their family’s one-acre plot.

Joining Forces to Harness Nature’s Bounty

one of the acre plots. “In my case, it gave me new horizons,” Frausto said. “The project gave me the desire and opportunity to succeed, doing something that I created with my own hands. It was beautiful also because I had the help of my wife and kids.” There were some unforeseen difficulties that became apparent

during the first year. The late start was a handicap, as was a lack of enough equipment, out-of-control weeds, and irrigation issues to work out. There was also lack of outlets for selling the large quantities of vegetables that were harvested. But this year, project partners expect better outcomes. “Now that we’ve had a year’s

experience, we’ll be able to prepare the soil and start earlier,” Cormack said. The plan is to construct “high tunnels” or greenhouses on the site to get vegetables to market sooner. And though the emphasis will still be on ethnic vegetables, the variety will expand to include products that are in high demand, like

Teresa Razo selling produce grown by her family at the Painesville Farmer’s Market.

Entrepreneurial Market Garden Project Completes its First Year

Joining Forces to Harness Nature’s Bounty

T he first year of the Hispanic Grower Project came to a close in November when

the garden’s five acres were plowed over in preparation for spring 2010. By all accounts, the project was a success, despite starting late in the growing season. Five growers, Igancio Razo, Jorge Reynoso, Jose Frausto, Israel Arrieta, and Gabriel Aguirre, transformed five fallow acres of soil into highly productive market gardens. But they did so with help from an increasingly expanding group of supporters. The project started as collaboration of the Lake County Soil and Water District, the Western Reserve Resource Conservation and Development Council, sustainable food advocate Parker Bosley, HOLA, Lake Erie College and Bruce Cormack of Cormack Market Gardens. An invaluable partner turned out to be Lake County Nursery. Jeff Hyrne, president and CEO donated the use of five acres on the nursery property, as well as irrigation and other services and equipment. Igancio Villa joined the team as a bilingual consultant, having spent most of his life farming and educating people about farming in his native Colombia. The Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Cleveland Foundation both provided seed money to get the project off the ground. It was a learning experience for all involved. “What I thought was the most fulfilling is that we started late with a lot of roadblocks and the families with a lot of hardships—there were the weeds, the bugs—and still the families were enthusiastic,” Bruce Cormack said. “To me it was so amazing what they were able to accomplish.” Cormack says there sheer amount of hard labor it takes to clear an acre per family by hand, and keep weeds under control as well as irrigate, would be discouraging for anyone. Jose Frausto and his family farmed

Araceli and Ignacio Razo plant their first seeds.


As of July 1, 2009, a new state law took effect requiring the use of headlights whenever drivers use their windshield wipers. The law had a six-month grace period, meaning officers issued warnings instead of tickets to offenders.

But the law requires you to start turning your headlights on now when driving in the rain.

Important: Recent Changes in Ohio Traffic LawThe grace period was included with this change, because it takes a period of time for people to really start fundamentally understanding and ingraining it in their driving behaviors.

The headlights requirement was one of several law changes included in the state transportation budget, approved by lawmakers and signed by Governor Ted Strickland earlier this year. The bill took effect in July.

Another provision increases interstate speed limits for vehicles over 8,000 pounds to 65 mph from 55.

Additionally, drivers are now required to move over when service vehicles with flashing lights (tow trucks, utility repair vehicles, etc.) are at work. Under prior law, they had to move over for emergency vehicles.

Important: Recent Changes in Ohio Traffic LawThe headlight provision is a secondary enforcement matter — officers can not pull you over for using your windshield wipers without headlights turned on but can issue citations for violations if you are pulled over for other infractions.

Submitted by Lieutenant Jim SivakOhio State Highway PatrolChardon Post Commander

New Law

When you turn on your wipers, turn on your lights, too.

Late on a Friday night this past summer, the streets in southern Lake County seemed almost

deserted. Trooper Ryan J. Fox of the Ohio Highway Patrol post in Chardon started his shift at 10 p.m. prepared for the type of events that troopers are used to handling: accidents, drunk drivers, speeders and disabled vehicles. And he’s trained to be alert for the unexpected. To be sure, it’s unsettling to wonder, Could this be a night when something goes terribly wrong? There’s really no way to know, and that is the danger law enforcement officers face every day. Riding along with the Ohio Highway Patrol is a way to create an understanding, albeit limited, of the functions of the job. But a civilian cannot really know what it’s like to risk your life every day at work. Rather, the purpose of this Ride-Along was to try to understand the day-to-day responsibilities of providing safety and security on the roadways, while balancing good public relations. The question of racial profiling always looms large: How do officers decide who gets stopped, who gets a ticket? Surprisingly, on these dark streets, it was impossible to see who is being pulled over until the trooper walks up to the driver’s window. Time and again, on this particular evening, periods of monotony spent cruising around were punctuated with traffic stops of a few erratic drivers. With the trooper’s spotlight trained on the vehicles, it was a surprise to discover that the majority turned out to be elderly citizens! That was a big revelation. There were no tickets issued on this Ride-Along, just a few questions the late night drivers answered satisfactorily to Trooper Fox. It was a quiet evening and into the early morning hours with no impaired

Ride-Along with the Highway Patrol

drivers or accidents, which was good news. But the fear factor was always present. Because of the unpredictability of potential danger—an irate driver with a gun, or a crime suspect wanting to avoid being caught—Troopers deserve our respect and support for they work they do. They are providing a valuable service keeping our roadways and our communities safe.

Ride-Along with the Highway Patrol

Trooper Ryan J. Fox


By Gladys Figueroa Stec

With the school year halfway over, you may be well into a routine getting your kids up early in the morning, preparing breakfast and seeing them off on the bus. For your children though, there may be insecurities they are not telling you about. Is your child is anxious or nervous when he goes to school? One of the factors that may cause your child anxiety is the school bully. It is important for every parent to know what bullying is about. Children may be victims of bullying because of their race, religion, family, appearance, lifestyle or social status.

There are different types of bullying. The most common type of bulling is verbal and physical bullying. Verbal bullying may include name

calling, the use of offensive language and insults. Children may face humiliation, emotional abuse and social isolation because the bully puts them down, calls them names, spreads rumors, and makes fun of them in private or in front of others.

Physical bullying can involve punching, pushing, kicking, hair-pulling or threats of physical harm to the student by coercion and intimidation. Racial bullying can be racial slurs, jokes and offensive gestures because of a student’s appearance and cultural traditions. Sexual bullying may involve sexually abusive comments and/or physical contact. Cyber bullying is the use of technology to send and/or spread hurtful, harassing and humiliating messages and images. Cyber bullies do this through email, text messages, internet chat rooms, instant messaging and social networking sites such as my space and facebook.

Talk to your

kids and teachers. Be aware of what goes on at school and outside of school. Let your child know that if there is a problem and if they are being bullied to let you know. It’s okay to report it to a teacher, a counselor and/or a school officer. Bullying can be classified as an assault, intimidation, stalking, menacing. The important thing is to report it to the authorities.

For more information on bullying you can go to the website for Stop Bullying Now! (Basta ya de Molestar!) by the US Department of Health and Human Services Administration: www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov and click on link for Espanol or call 1-888-ASK-HRSA. You may also contact Gladys Figueroa Stec, Victim Advocate, at 440-350-5792.

By Camilo J. Villa

The national census will be held in 2010, and Painesville city wants to make sure every-one in the city and nearby communities is counted. As part of its efforts, the city is forming a Complete Count Committee to focus on hard-to-reach groups, such as the elderly, homeless, and minorities, to increase their participation in the census. Since the Latino community is a large and growing part of the population, Painesville is making a special effort to ensure the Hispanic commu-nity is counted. Assistant City Manager and Community Develop-ment Director Doug Lewis is reach-ing out to groups such as HOLA to help spread information about the census, and to correct the myths and misconceptions associated with it. The purpose of the census is to apportion congressional representa-tion in the states, and to determine the allocation of federal funding. This is based on the population of states and regions, so it is ex-tremely important that an accurate count of all those who live in the area be counted. The government is required to count every individ-ual. And contrary to what is often believed, all information provided to census workers is strictly con-fidential, including name, citizen-ship, age. What is most important is population numbers. No personal information given to the census is shared with anyone, including other government agencies. The Painesville Complete Count Committee (PCCC) is in charge of making sure there is no fear and mis-understanding around the census so that when people in the Latino com-

munity receive forms in the mail, they understand the process. The PCCC want to reassure household

members that there is nothing to be afraid of, and if a census worker vis-its their home, any informa-tion shared at that point is also completely confidential. Painesville will be setting up special areas and locations, in partnership with organi-zations like HOLA, where residents can bring their forms in if they need help filling them out. In addition to making sure that everyone is counted, the census is an opportunity for individuals to get part-time employment.

The census is employing thousands of people across the state to work on the polling, and there is a special

need for bilingual workers. The pay starts at $13.00 an hour and is an excellent opportunity for people who speak English and Spanish to not only make money, but to help provide a very important service to the community. Hiring is happen-ing now, and more information can be found by calling toll-free 1-866-861-2010! By answering the census form questions, helping to spread correct information about it, or even working for the census, we can all do our part to help make the 2010

Census successful and beneficial to our community.

about us? We should organize ourselves and look for leaders amongst us, because they exist! All we have to do is give them the opportunity and believe in them. When you motivate yourselves to wake up and unite, as we did when we helped elect president Obama—because “the Hispanic vote elected him”—call me. In the meantime, let me keep dreaming and remembering the past when I saw great communities united. Ha! I’m getting old.

Jose FraustoMentor, Ohio(Translated from the Spanish)

Census Reaches Out to Hispanics

Continues from Page 3

History of a Dream

Bullying is Harmful to ChildrenBullying is Harmful to Children


Simon Lozano of Guanajuato, Mexico and 35 of his compatriots did not obtain a visa

to enter the United States. But they landed with great fanfare in Detroit, where Americans are treating them with the utmost care, and attention to every detail, marveling at how well the Mexicans are put together. That’s because, well, Simon and his co-nationals are in fact dead; the shockingly well-preserved and mummified remains of miners, soldiers, farmers and children on loan from the Museo de las Momias de Guanajuato for an exhibit entitled, “The Accidental Mummies of Guanajuato.” The 10,000 square foot exhibition debuted at the Detroit Science Center in October and will run through April 2010, before touring six other cities. The mummies are about 100 years old and from the stunning colonial city of Guanajuato, where they were buried in crypts in a hillside cemetery. As the story goes, families of the deceased were required to pay an annual cemetery fee. As family members passed away, and fees went unpaid, cemetery workers would remove the remains and store them in a warehouse. The well-preserved state of the mummies soon became a source of local curiosity, and a museum was built around them. Scientists believe that hot weather warmed the crypts and dried out the bodies. The Museo de Las Momias is a source of pride for many Mexicans, attracting millions of visitors, but the mummies have never been seen in the United States. One of the mummies, Simon Lozano, is a distant uncle of Ray Lozano of the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, who was happy to see his ancestor in the exhibit, said Detroit Science Center President Kevin Prihod. “For some cultures this would be abhorrent,” Prihod said. “But it

Rare and Shocking!Invasion of the Mexican Mummies

is consistent with Mexican culture and their reverence of the dead.” Dr. Eduardo Romero Hicks, Mayor of the city of Guanajuato, agrees. “Death has been part of the culture of Mexico, and in particular of Guanajuato for centuries. Our Mummy Museum represents our way of acknowledging the everyday citizens that once walked our streets, whose bodies have transcended generations because of a natural process,” he said. Prihod had

Forensic experts from the University of Quinnipiac are conducting a series of tests on the mummies to determine cause of death. Photo courtesy of the Detroit Science Center.Standing in front of the entrance to the crypt with its decorative skulls,

recreated for the exhibit, from left to right: Mexican Consul Jacqueline Moran, John Castillo, Detroit Science Center President Kevin Prihod, Mexican Consul Vicente Sanchez, Armando Labra, J. Abel Sanchez. Photo by Veronica Dahlberg.

known about Day of the Dead, but not much else about Mexican perception of death. “We’ve all developed a great appreciation for the Mexican culture,” he said. “I think that’s one of the plusses for us, exposing non-Mexicans to that aspect of the culture.” Forensic experts from Quinnipiac University are studying the remains, doing DNA testing and trying to determine cause of death. In addition, a local hospital is running some of the

mummies through a series of CAT scans and endoscopies in the interest of medical science. “Certainly we’ve found evidence of pregnancies, osteoporosis, tuberculosis, a whole bunch of things. It’s fascinating,” Prihod said. “Very little is known about them. Most are from the late 1800s and early 1900s. They were unclaimed. We know their actual names. We know a little of their history.” Another goal of the exhibit, which combines science, history and cultural anthropology, is to inspire Latinos to become interested in science. “The Hispanic community is not well represented in attendance at the Science Museum,” Prihod says. “So we were looking for content that would attract Hispanics. Our mission is to get people to pursue careers in science, engineering and technology.” Visitors to the state-of-the-art exhibit will view the mummies, learn about life and culture in Guanajuato100 years ago, and learn about modern-day forensic technology. There will be four interns from Southwest Detroit to interpret for Spanish-speaking visitors, and a variety of educational materials available.

Photo courtesy of the Detroit Science C

enter

Rare and Shocking!Invasion of the Mexican Mummies

An Andorian. STAR TREK THE EXHIBITION debuted at the Detroit Science Center in Feb. with the world’s most comprehensive collection of authentic Star Trek ships, set re-creations, costumes and props from 5 television series and 10 films over the last 40+ years. For more info on the Detroit Science Center visit their website. Photo by Veronica Dahlberg

For more information visit www.accidentalmummies.com.


By Linda Silakoski, Esq.

There are many people who claim to “help” or “represent” immigrants. Sadly, too many people take money from immi-grants, but don’t do the neces-sary legal work properly. As a result, unsuspecting people end up in immigration court, and often deported from the United States. Why? Because they trusted the wrong person with their immigration situation.

Often notarios and “immigration consultants” in the United States advertise services and give legal advice which they are not quali-fied to provide. Notarios are not attorneys, and usually do not have specialized immigration training. By giving legal advice and completing immigration forms, notarios and immigration consultants frequently are in-volved in the unauthorized prac-tice of law, which is a crime.

Do not be fooled by fancy advertising or big offices. Only licensed attorneys and “accred-ited representatives” recognized by the Board of Immigration Ap-peals can practice immigration law, give legal advice or repre-sent people in immigration court.

Unfortunately, there are also some unscru-pulous attorneys who also take advantage of people. If you need legal advice about immigration, want to file for a visa, a green card or citizenship, or if you must go to immigration court, talk to an experienced immigration attorney.

■ promise or guarantee you legal results, like a green card, for which you were not eligible

■ promise “special treatment” from the government for a fee, or because he “knows someone”

■ ask you to sign blank forms■ tell you to sign forms written in a

language you do not understand ■ say it is okay to lie to Immigration or

make a misrepresentation on a form

If your attorney does any of the above, consider hiring a different attorney!

When you are choos-ing someone to help with your immigration case, watch out for anyone who uses the following scams:

■ Files applica-tions for you for programs that do not currently ex-ist, such as a legalization or amnesty pro-gram.

■ Takes money from you to “hold a place” for you, so your case is first in line “when the law changes.”

■ Charges a total price for all services up front, and then demands more

Don’t Waste Money on Bad Immigration AdviceDon’t Waste Money on Bad Immigration Advicemoney to continue doing the work.

■ Charges low-income immi-grants extremely high fees for immigration services and then does absolutely nothing for them.

Before seeking help on your immigra-tion case, call and ask whether the person is licensed to practice law, and if they practice immigration law. Im-migration matters are too important to trust to anyone except an experienced immigration attorney!

Note: This article is not legal advice. It is for educational and informational purposes only. If you know of someone who needs legal advice, advise him/her to consult either a licensed at-torney or an accredited representative from a BIA recognized agency.

If you feel depressed, it’s best to do something about it — depression doesn’t just go away on its own. In addition to getting help from a doctor or therapist, here are 5 things you can do to feel better.Exercise. Take a 15- to 30-minute brisk walk every day — or dance, jog, or bike if you prefer. People who are depressed may not feel much like being active. But make yourself do it anyway (ask a friend to exercise with you if you need to be motivated). Once you get in the exercise habit, it won’t take long to notice a difference in your mood. Breathing exercises and meditation can also help people with depression feel better.Nurture yourself with good nutrition. Depression can affect appetite. One person may not feel like eating at all, but another might overeat. Proper nutrition can influence a person’s mood and

energy. So eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and get regular meals (even

if you don’t feel hungry, try to eat something light, like a piece of fruit, to keep you going).Identify troubles, but don’t dwell on them. Try to identify any situations that have contributed to your depression. When you know what’s got you feeling blue and why, talk about it with a caring friend. Talking is a way to release the feelings and to receive some understanding. If there’s no one to tell, pouring your heart out to a journal works just as well. Once you air out these thoughts and feelings, turn your attention to something positive. Take action to solve problems. Ask for help if you need it. Feeling connected to friends and family can help relieve depression.Express yourself. With depression, a person’s creativity and sense of fun may seem blocked. By exercising

your imagination (painting, drawing, doodling, sewing, writing, dancing, composing music, etc.) you not only get those creative juices flowing, you also loosen up some positive emotions. Take time to play with a friend or a pet, or do something fun for yourself. Find something to laugh about — a funny movie, perhaps. Laughter helps lighten your mood.Look on the bright side. Depression affects a person’s thoughts, making everything seem dismal, negative, and hopeless. If depression has you noticing only the negative, make an effort to notice the good things in life. Try to notice one thing, then try to think of one more. Consider your strengths, gifts, or blessings. Most of all, don’t forget to be patient with yourself. Depression takes time to heal.

© 1995-2010. The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. Reprinted with permission. For more ar�cles like this, visit KidsHealth.org or TeensHealth.org.

Teen Health:5 Ways to Fight Depression


On May 19, 2009, members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC)

held a roundtable discussion in Washington D.C. to lay out their strategy for achieving Comprehensive Immigration Reform. Invited were 50 national leaders in the immigrant rights movement. It was here that Congressman Luis Gutierrez (D-IL), Chair of the Immigration Task Force, outlined his principals that were later integrated into the long-awaited immigration reform bill introduced on December 15, 2009: the Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America’s Security and Prosperity Act (H.R. 4321). Gutierrez and the CHC had clearly done their work building a solid and diverse coalition of Congressional allies from the Asian Pacific American, Black and Progressive caucuses, such that the bill was introduced with over

Community Mobilizes for Another Try at Immigration Reform Community Mobilizes for Another Try at Immigration Reform

90 House democrats as co-sponsors. Recalling President Obama’s promise to Latinos to work on immigration during his first year in office, Gutierrez said: “We have waited a year; the time for action is now,” adding, “Every American will benefit from this bill, from the heightened national security, from the commitment to family unity, from the common-sense approach to jobs and our economy.” To raise awareness about the upcoming fight for immigration reform, a rally was held Oct. 13th on the south lawn of the Capitol building in Washington D.C. Thousands of people came from around the country to hear a call to action from Gutierrez and other leaders. HOLA brought a group of 61 people from Ashtabula and Painesville to the event.

Irene Velasquez, a mother of

three from Ashtabula, was one of the participants who went to D.C. “I wanted to go and support all of the people who have been taken from (Ashtabula),” she said, “so that we don’t have to live in fear all the time. We wanted to be a part of immigration reform.” She said it was a learning experience. “Because we’re afraid of driving, we only know Ashtabula. So it was nice to have new experiences and meet people who are dealing with the same thing.” In order to announce his plans to a wider audience, Gutierrez held

an historic conference call on November 18, with over 60,000 listeners nationwide. HOLA hosted three listening parties, one in Ashtabula and two in Painesville with over 100 attendees total. Then at a press

conference on December 15, Gutierrez announced the introduction of his immigration reform bill. “It is the product of months of collaboration with civil rights advocates, labor organizations, and members of Congress. It is an answer to too many years of pain —mothers separated from their children, workers exploited and undermined security at the border— all caused at the hands of a broken immigration system. This bill says ‘enough,’ and presents a solution to our broken system that we as a nation of immigrants can be proud of,” Gutierrez said. In Ohio, representatives Marica Fudge (D-11), and Dennis Kucinich (D-10) signed on as co-sponsors to the bill. Nevertheless, experts say Gutierrez’ bill won’t go far. Rather, a bill is expected in the Senate from Sen. Chuck Schumer, and in the House from Zoe Lofgren. Meanwhile, a national campaign effort comprised of every major church denomination, business and labor unions, and civil rights groups is underway to ensure the president can sign a new law by May.

All photos by Veronica Dahlberg

Immigration Roundtable, May 19, 2009, Rayburn House Office Bldg. From left to right: Rep. Silvestre Reyes (TX-16); Rep. Jared Polis (CO-2); Rep. Nydia Velasquez (NY-12); Rep. Luis Gutierrez (IL-04) Rep. Joe Baca (CA-13).

Oct. 13th rally on the south lawn of the U.S. Capitol. 61 people from Lake and Ashtabula attended. The banner was made by Ashtabula artist Israel Arrieta in 2007, for the marches in Painesville after the raids. Women of HOLA at the Oct.13th rally in Washinton D.C.

HOLA staffer Camilo Villa and Dolores Llamas, of Painesville, register a voter.

At the Oct. 13th rally, making a poster with the names of people who were placed into detention or deportation .

Listening to Rep. Luis Gutierrez’ historic conference call on November 18th in Painesville.


HOLA hosted a press conference on October 28 at People’s Missionary Baptist Church

in Ashtabula, with African American faith leaders and members of the Latino community to decry heavy-handed immigration enforcement tactics that were dividing local families. Several residents described in painful detail the toll that civil immigration law enforcement has had on hard-working families, including legal residents and U.S. citizens. Speakers described the damage such enforcement has done to the community’s relationship with local law enforcement and public safety, and called on Congress and the President to pass real, comprehensive immigration reform as soon as possible. For the past year, men, women and

Families Decry Heavy-Handed Enforcementeven children in Ashtabula and Lake Counties have been turned over to the U.S. Border Patrol by police, leaving scores of local families—including U.S. citizen children—in distress. The actions have not just affected undocumented workers; legal residents and even U.S. citizens of Hispanic origin have also been detained and forced to prove their legal status. At the event, Reverend German Womack welcomed the crowd and opened the event with a prayer. He told the families who are facing separation: “We stand in unity with you and your struggles, and support you as you fight to remain with your families in the United States.” Elder Steve Sargent of Hiawatha

Church of God in Christ, and a leader in the Ashtabula NAACP, said: “I’m a strong

advocate for immigration reform and I think it should be

at the forefront of the agenda for this Administration. You can’t

treat people like animals when they have not acted like animals.

We are going to fight all the way to Washington to get this done.”

Joanne Dautartas, a resident of

Geauga County whose future son-in-law was facing deportation, described the heartbreak her family was facing. Peter Dautartas, Joanne’s husband, said: “Our country spends billions of dollars advancing human rights in other countries, but we turn our heads when it comes to families right here in Ohio. We need to restore some humanity to our immigration laws.” Over the past several months, the increase in deportations has created a crisis in the community and left scores of families without their primary breadwinners. HOLA has worked for years to build positive relationships with local law enforcement but fears some agencies and some officers are destroying community trust and alienating Latinos by attempting to enforce civil immigration laws. “When members of the community lose trust in local law enforcement, they are afraid to report crimes, and the entire community is less safe,” HOLA executive director Veronica Dahlberg said. “This is not a policy that benefits public safety. We need police to focus on fighting crime, and we need Congress and the President to keep their promise to pass comprehensive immigration reform.”

From left to right: Painesville Police Chief Gary Smith, volunteer Steve Molinski, and Rev. Twon Billings are reaching out to the Latino community in Painesville. Molinksi volunteers one or two days a week through the Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program, started by President George Bush. He checks on vacant houses, helps with extra watches on certain areas, walks and greets people and business owners downtown, handles parking complaints. The three also hope to diffuse potential school bullying or fighting issues among black, white and Latino youth. Photo by Veronica Dahlberg

Families Decry Heavy-Handed EnforcementWELCOMEWELCOME



Ceramic hands as captured in Frida Kahlo’s deathbed photo, and other period items relating to the artist are displayed in the hotel’s lobby.

Welcoming guests in the lobby restored to its original grandeur.

Designer Rodrigo Flores prepares a vintage Mexican Art Deco dress for a display for the grand opening.

Mexico City designer Rodrigo Flores and his assistant were unpacking vintage

Mexican treasures in the lobby of the Hotel Geneve, in the city’s Zona Rosa District a day before the hotel’s grand opening. Strewn about were boxes containing colorful beaded handbags, military items once owned by Porfirio Diaz, vintage French soaps and perfumes, and elaborate ornamental hair combs worn by the women of Mexico’s elite during the Victorian era. The items would be ensconced in glass cases in the lobby and hallways of the hotel—a grand

Inside a long-abandoned 180-year-old mansion in Mexico City where once treasured symbols of high society lay covered in dust to be unceremoniously disposed of.

A dusty old set of spats and a top hat capture the fashion of the Porfirian era.

Discovering the Real Mexicorelic of that period—which opened in 1907, and was recently renovated to its original glory.

The Hotel Geneve is just one of many projects being undertaken

in Mexico to revive interest

in tourism there. In May of 2009, Mexican President Felipe Calderon announced a new campaign, “Vive

Mexico,” with the Secretary of Tourism (SECTUR) to counteract negative images generated by the border crime crisis. Tourism is one of the most important industries in Mexico. Revenue generated by tourists reached $13.2 billion in 2008. The recent H1N1 scare may have also scared some tourists away. But the country successfully handled that crisis with its quick and decisive response. The yellowed pages of the hotel’s original ledgers chronicle the love Americans had for travel at the turn of the century: visitors from Philadelphia, New York, Berekely and Boston were guests there. Famous

guests included Charles Lindbergh, Marlon Brando and world leaders. Every detail was renovated to create

an atmosphere of historic charm. Stepping off the lively street in Zona Rosa into the Hotel Geneve lobby is to be transported back in time. The rooms are pristine and luxurious, with antique flourishes, fireplaces, book cases, wood paneling. Designer Rodrigo Flores finished readying the hotel for its grand opening party, setting up displays of vintage gowns, and other objects d’art. Many of the items come from his personal collection, which he obtains as an

antiques buyer and collector. For two years he’s been cataloging, selling and discarding the items inside a 180-year-old Mexico City mansion, abandoned when it’s last occupant died of old age. The contents of the home, covered in thick dust, are frozen snapshots of different periods: very old metates for grinding corn were stored under a counter, Mexican clay

pots in every shape, and rustic woven baskets mingled with elaborate Victorian tea sets, candelabras and a dandy set of spats with a top hat. Just around the corner, past the small cafes, boutiques and taquerias, in the neighborhoods residential area, a young wedding party poses for pictures next to high stone walls dripping with colorful bougainvillea. Mexico City is layers upon layers of history. Each street—each rock it seems—has not just one story, but many.

For travel deals to Mexico, visit www.ofertasvivemexico.com

Discovering the Real Mexico

One of the colonial-style restaurants in the hotel was awash in red light during the grand opening party for representatives of Mexico’s hotel and tourism industry.

Roberto Slim, left, (nephew of Mexican magnate Carlos Slim), of the Oster Group, which owns the Hotel Geneve, and Mexico City designer Rodrigo Flores.


Team Northeast Ohio (Team NEO) held its 3rd annual State of the Region meeting on September 24th at the Skyline Hotel in Independence, Ohio. The event raised awareness of some positive successes in the 16-county Northeast Ohio region. Over 200 business and community leaders heard presentations by the mayors of Akron, Canton, Youngstown and Cleveland. Several businesses were also recognized for bringing jobs and innovation to the region. The meeting was hosted by Chris Conner, Chairman and CEO of the Sherwin Williams Company, and moderated by Thomas A. Waltermire, CEO of Team NEO.

Working Together for a Stronger Region

At the State of the Region meeting: From left to right, Akron Mayor Don Plusquelic; Canton Mayor Bill J. Healy II; Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams; and Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson. Photo by Veronica Dahlberg

Working Together for a Stronger Region

For more information about the Team NEO business attraction network, visit www.clevelandplusbusiness.com


The broken-down house at 2266 E. 86th street is just one of thousands of abandoned and foreclosed homes in Cleveland. But during a sheriff’s sale in February of 2009, people began to discover the historic significance of this hidden treasure and its place in the history of the Harlem Renais-sance. It is here where, in a small attic room, Langston Hughes, the acclaimed African American, writer, poet, and playwright lived alone during his junior and senior years at Central High School, from 1917 to 1919. His mother and stepfather had gone to Chicago to find work. But perhaps even more obscured than Hughes’ significant history in Cleveland, is Hughes’ history in Mexico. Langston Hughes’ father had moved to Toluca, Mexico, to escape overwhelming racism in the U.S., and had lived as a successful factory owner there. During his Central High School years, Hughes went to Mexico to visit him on at least two occa-sions. It was during one of those train rides from Cleveland to Mex-ico that Hughes wrote one of his most famous poems, “Negro Speaks of Rivers.” In fact, the young Hughes lived in Mexico for a year after graduating from high school and returned there several times, writing of Mexican life for a number

Langston Hughes (1902-1967): A Cleveland to Mexico Connection

of publications. But it wasn’t until 2001 that African American stud-ies scholar Dr. Maceo Dailey discovered the existence of an unpub-lished book manuscript entitled “Boy of the Border,” found amongst Hughes’ papers stored at the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Yale Univer-sity. Dailey, director of African Americans Studies at the University of Texas at El Paso, and his wife Sondra Banfield Dailey launched Sweet Earth Flying Press and obtained permission to publish the manuscript. Like his boyhood home in Cleveland,

“Boy of the Bor-der” was a

rare find. It was writ-

ten as a children’s book between 1939 and 1941 as Hughes way of capturing his love for the Mexican people

and culture. “It was exciting to find the book,”

Banfield Dailey said. “It has all the elements of Mexican life. I

just love the multi-cultural aspect of it. He really had a love for Mexico.

I think that’s something most people don’t know.” The book is about a 12-year-old Mexican boy, Miguel Del Monte, who herds wild broncos from Mexico to Los Angeles during the Mexican Revolution. Banfield Dailey studied Hughes’ letters and papers

associated with the original manuscript, which Hughes wrote in partnership with his friend, Arna Bontemps, another highly regarded poet and novelist of the Harlem Renaissance. “When he put together the outline of the

book, the protagonist and his fam-ily were peasants,” Banfield Dailey explains, “But Langston said No, don’t make them peasants, that’s so stereotypical. He was very aware of portraying a realistic and positive im-

Langston Hughes’ former home at 2266 E. 86th St., in Cleveland, which was sold at a sheriff’s sale in February. Hughes left from here several times to visit Mexico. Image reprinted with permission from Christopher Busta-Peck. www.clevelandhistoy.blogspot.com.

age of a minority group, when minority groups were not portrayed in that way.” The effort to publish Hughes’ long-lost manuscript has not only been a labor of love for the Daileys, but also a way to bring attention to Hughes’ international scope and influence. “Although considerable attention has been fo-cused in recent years on the role Hughes played in twentieth-century American literature, virtu-ally no interest has been directed toward his

influence in the broader sphere of international black literature,” Dr. Dailey said. “The purpose of this book is to bring his writings on the His-panic world and Haiti together with an essay tracing his influence and literary contacts in the Spanish-speaking world and the Caribbean....it is ironic that at the time [a few month after Hughes’ death] he was more widely known in

Langston Hughes, ca. 1924 Image reprinted with permis-sion from Yale Collection of American Literature, Beinecke

Rare Book and Manuscript Library.

the Hispanic world than in the country of his birth.” Hughes died in 1967 from cancer, at the age of 65. But his important legacy continues to enlighten and civilize humanity around the world.Boy of the Border is available by contacting Sweet Earth Flying Press LLC. www.sweetearthflyingpress.com

“He was very aware of portraying a realistic and positive image of a minority group”

Langston Hughes (1902-1967): A Cleveland to Mexico Connection


Catalina Labra Hernandez was so overcome with emotion that she couldn’t speak when

she received a phone call on August 20 from Sabado Gigante, a popular TV variety show. “I recognized the number on the caller ID and had to hand the phone to my son,” Labra Her-nandez said. It was a producer calling to tell Catalina that her daugh-ter was a finalist for a youth tal-ent compe-tition. They needed to be in Miami for a rehears-al and taping in two days. Her appearance on Sabado Gigante was no small accom-plishment for a young girl from Yougstown, Ohio.Karen Eaz Labra, 12, is a student at Austintown Middle School, in the Youngstown area, and has been sing-ing since she was six years old. An aunt had submitted a tape of Karen to the show for a singing contest. Karen was one of three finalists out of 2000 entries. “I was really, really excited. As soon as I heard the call I started to cry,” Karen said. Her three older brothers, ages 22, 20 and 19, quickly pooled their money together to cover the expenses for the trip, which included plane fares and hotel fees. Catalina, a single parent, had been laid off from her factory job since January, where she worked the midnight shift for five years making auto parts. Karen was born in Nayarit, Mexico, and came to Ohio when she was three years old. Back in Mexico,

Karen Eaz Labra,12, was one of three finalists in a singing competition airing September 12 on Sabado Giagnte. Photos courtesy of Labra family.

Youngstown Girl Dreams of Stardomthe news of the phone call spread quickly. “My grandfather used to be in a band in Mexico and he never thought he would have a grandchild on a TV show,” Karen said.

She never had any formal teaching or a

music instructor. “I watched my

cousin Adrian sing ‘Como Quien Pierde Una Estrella’ by Alejandro Fernández and I really liked how he sang it

so I learned how to sing

it,” Karen said. She practiced

performing in Youngstown-area

Mexican restaurants. “After that, I sang for my brother’s birthdays, and quinceañeras, festivals,” she said.In the Mexican fiesta cir-cuit, word spread of this talented young singer, thanks to the help of her uncle, Armando Labra, an advocate in the local La-tino community. In 2006, she was invited to Chi-cago to sing for a regional Mexican fiesta. Though her repertoire includes mainly Mexican stan-dards, her middle school friends make requests too. “The song they always want me to sing is I will Always Love You by Whitney Houston,” Karen said. “They’ve never really heard mariachi ex-

Youngstown Girl Dreams of Stardom

Recognizing that every home should be filled with books, HOLA hosted its first ever Literacy Day on August 5, 2009. Over 68 children and their parents registered to participate in reading circles, and receive free books and prizes. Parents in attendance listened to a presentation on the importance of literacy and reading to your children. Hundreds of children’s books were donated by members of the Fairmount Temple Anshe Chesed

Volunteers from left to right: Gladys Figueroa Stec, Maribel Figueroa, Jeanne Rich and Lydia Ortega.

Future leaders: Loaded up with books and ready to go!

Parents listen to a presentation by Jennifer Williams of Painesville City Schools, on simple ways to encourage reading in their children.

Volunteer Carol Darr reads to a group of children. Volunteer Nora Kancelbaum reads to the children.

Big Turnout at HOLA’s 1st Annual Literacy Day Big Turnout at HOLA’s 1st Annual Literacy Day

in Beechwood. Several cases of new books in English and Spanish were also provided by the Mexican Consulate in Detroit, through their literacy program. Volunteers helped sort the books into age-appropriate categories, and children were allowed to choose the books that appealed to them. If you would like to donate used children’s books in good condition, or help us by organizing a book drive for children’s books, please contact HOLA at (440) 964 - 3372. We are looking for books

and volunteers to continue this important program. Photos by Veronica Dahlberg

cept when they come to my house. They like it, it’s just that they’re not really used to it, so I try to teach them.” Karen enjoyed her first plane ride ever to Miami and competed for the show on Sabado Gigante which aired September 12. Though she did not win the contest, she knows that it will open doors for her and possibly launch her career. “I tried to pretend I was famous and stuff. It was my dream,” Karen said. “My hope is to go to college and become a singer and my dream is to have a humongous house and my whole entire family living together.”


On June 1, Miles, an alpaca, greeted guests at HOLA’s fundraiser at Luisa’s Mexican Grill, in Geneva,

Ohio. Over 80 people attended to hear keynote speaker Connie Schultz, HOLA’s guest of honor, and to support HOLA’s mission. Schultz is a Pulitzer-prize win-ning columnist for the Cleveland Plain Dealer. She surprised everyone when her husband, US Senator Sherrod Brown, ac-companied her to the event. Schultz spoke about the need for people to inform them-selves of current issues and a responsibili-ty to speak out against injustices whenever they can. She also spoke of the growing angry tone in American discourse, and asked that people not be afraid to add their comments when they read newspapers online. Both Connie Schultz and Sen. Sherrod Brown graciously spent time talk-ing to attendees afterwards and had dinner with everyone.

Fun, Food and Music at Fundraiser


HOLA Board President Gladys Figueroa and guest of honor Connie Schultz

Fun, Food and Music at Fundraiser

US Senator Sherrod Brown with Lydia Ortega and Gladys Figueroa

From left to right: Janet Switzer, State Rep. Debbie Newcomb, and Susan Allhouse

From left to right: Rev. German Womack, People’s Baptist Church, a guest, George Wilson, Ashtabula NAACP, Pastor Steve Sargent, Hiawatha Church of God, Gene Turner, AFL-CIO Retirees Council.

Mary Taylor-Brooks and musicians performed a first-rate set of original music.

Owner Debbie Sistek and staff at Luisa’s Mexican Grill served up a dazzling array of delicious home cooked dishes buffet-style including several different salsas, guacamole, beef and chicken fajitas, chorizo and quesadillas, and much more. Guests were entertained by the talented Mary Taylor-Brooks, a singer/songwriter from Mentor, Ohio. Taylor-Brooks wrote an original song just for the event, capturing the hard economic times and the need to support people in need. Taylor-Brooks and her musicians wowed the crowd with their passionate and heart-felt performance. Incred-ible to have such talent locally!Chuck Von Hof, president of the Lake County Nursery

Growers Associa-tion, donated potted roses to raffle, and Galeria Quetzal in Cleveland donated a Mexican wall hanging. Thanks also to John Nied-zialek for donating sports tickets, and to HOLA Board member Lynn Tra-monte for donating a margarita basket.HOLA is grateful

to all who took time from their busy schedules to attend the fundraiser. The money that was raised went towards publishing costs for The HOLA Journal. Gracias!

By Camilo J. Villa

In their book Immigrant, Inc., Cleveland based immigration at-torney Richard Herman and Plain Dealer reporter Robert Smith discuss the contribution that immi-grants make to the economy of the United States, and to society in gen-eral. Herman was motivated to write this book from a lifelong interaction and experience with immigrants: he lived in Russia, works with immi-grants every day in his law practice, and is married to an immigrant from Taiwan. In his life and work, Her-man said, “I saw something special in the immigrant spirit and work ethic, sense of family, and commit-ment to thrift, which is certainly something that America needed.” Herman, and Smith, who is also

Immigrant Contributions Boost Economy Local Authors Say

Richard Herman(seated) and Robert Smith, authors of Immigrant Inc. Photo courtesy of Richard Herman.

married to an immigrant, decided to embark on a ratio-nal and calm examination of the impact of immigration on the United States, far from the emotional diatribes of pundits such as Lou Dobbs. Herman says they found that, as a coun-try, America is not welcoming to new immigrants, regardless of their legal status. With so much focus and anger centered on the idea that immigrants take American jobs, the fact is immigration across the board is an economic stimulus. Herman points out that many of the major companies in the United States that employ thousands of people across the country, were founded by immigrants: Google, Intel, and eBay, to

name just a few. According to Herman, the best way for the Unit-ed States to recover from economic downturn is to become more welcoming of immigrants. “We need, as a society, to change our idea of what it means to be an immigrant,” Her-man said. “What images come to mind when we think immigrant? Crime, illegality, disease. Instead we need to look at what immigrants really bring to the country: motiva-tion, ingenuity, entrepre-neurship, and a strong be-lief that America really is the land of opportunity.” And what about undocumented immi-grants? They are the perfect example of why Herman believes we need real immigration

reform. “If you’re undocumented you have a huge liability from day one. You have all these barriers. You can’t legally get a job, higher educa-tion, borrow money... That’s why we need at minimum the DREAM act.” Regardless of legal status, immigrants share the value of wanting to succeed in the United States. Herman likes to tell the story of Dan Arvizu, Direc-tor of the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory, whose parents were undocumented immigrants from Mexico. His father was sworn in as a citizen on a navy boat heading to the Philippines, after volunteering for World War II. The bottom line, according to Herman and Smith, is that instead of ostracizing immigrants, and seeking to reduce the flow, the United States should welcome them, encourage immigration, and, in the words of Google Senior Adviser Omid Kordestani, an immigrant from Iran, learn to “Think like an immigrant.”

Immigrant Contributions Boost Economy Local Authors Say


If you would like to advertise your services, HOLA is now offering classified ad space.

Looking for employees? Try placing a classified ad. All ads appear in both the English and the Spanish versions of the HOLA Journal. Your ad will be translated for free!

Rates are $10 per line, with a minimum of three lines.

Contact HOLA at 440.964.3372.

got something to SELL?

ADVERTISEThe

CALL FOR RATES! (440) 964-3372Journal

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RELATIONSHIP MANAGER (LOAN REPRESENTATIVES)

We are looking for a flexible, hardworking professional dedicated to customer service. This individual will be assigned to the PAINESVILLE, OHIO branch to develop and use skills to as a Loan Representative/ Relationship Manager to serve the community financial needs.

You will go through our comprehensive training program to learn Dollar Bank products, services and systems.

Successful candidates will be fluent in Spanish and English, and share our excellence in customer service philosophy.

Candidates must have demonstrated exceptional leadership, communication, and problem solving skills with strength in building relationships.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

♦ Fluent in Spanish and English

♦ Knowledge of Lake County and sur-rounding areas

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Dollar Bank Is An Equal Opportunity Employer

During the president’s now infamous healthcare speech, the country expressed shock and disapproval at South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson’s loud outburst when he shouted “You lie!” But Latinos nationwide were shocked at something else during the speech: the president used the term “illegal immigrant.” As a presidential candidate, Obama had always used the term preferred by most Hispanics, “undocumented immigrant.” As the debate heats up over healthcare and immigration reform, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) has re-issued its call for media to stop using the term “illegal” or “illegals,” which it denounces as offensive and dehumanizing. In order to shed more light on the issue, HOLA Journal editor Veronica Dahlberg moderated a panel discussion on the topic at an event organized by the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Cleveland Pro Chapter. Dahlberg was recently elected to the SPJ Cleveland Pro Chapter. The panel discussion held on

Is “Illegals” a Dehumanizing Term?

From left to right: Dr. John Flores, professor at Case Western Reserve University; David Leopold, president of the American Immigration Lawyers Assn; Robert Smith, Journalist for the Cleveland Plain Dealer, and Julia Preston, national immigration correspondent for the New York Times. Photo by Veronica Dahlberg.

September 29, featured Julia Preston, national immigration correspondent for the New York Times, Robert Smith, veteran journalist of the Cleveland Plain Dealer and David Leopold, president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. “Simply put, the term “illegal alien” has no basis in the law,” David Leopold said. “In the vast majority of cases it is not a crime to be in the US without proper documentation. To describe undocumented immigrants

as “illegal” dehumanizes them and feeds into the propaganda of the anti-immigrant restrictionists whose goal is to spread hatred and fear rather than offer real solutions to fix our broken immigration system.” The panel discussion was held at John Carroll University in partnership with the Tim Russert Department of Communication and Theatre Arts. SPJ is “dedicated to the perpetuation of a free press as the cornerstone of our nation and our liberty.”

“We continue to see ‘illegals’ used as a noun seeping from the fringes into the mainstream media, and in turn, into the mainstream political dialogue,” said NAHJ Executive Director Iván Román. “Using these terms not only distorts the debate, but it takes away their identities as individuals and human beings.

When journalists do that, it’s that much easier to treat them unfairly and not give them an equal voice in the controversy.” NAHJ prefers using the term “undocumented immigrant” or “undocumented worker” rather than the term “illegal immigrant” which several media outlets have adopted. As the U.S. tackles immigration

reform in the future, NAHJ believes that responsible, fair, and non-simplistic coverage of this complex issue is in order. The words used can be part of the problem or can contribute to fair coverage and a fruitful public debate. For more information visit www.nahj.org

Statement from the National Association of Hispanic Journalists

Join HOLA!HOLA is working on several community projects. Whether you speak English or Spanish or both, there are many ways to get involved! Our doors are always open during office hours for visitors or for more information about volunteer oppor-tunities or the work that we do.

Our office is located at:

Victoria Place on the Park Suite 200

Painesville, OH 44077

Office hours: Monday and Thursday 11-4

Tuesday 12-7

Mail can be sent to:PO Box 3066

Ashtabula, Ohio 44005-3066

Or visit our website at www.holatoday.org

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The HOLA Journal Dec. - January 2010