The New Americans Campaign Becoming U.S. citizens is a dream for many immigrants in the United States. It is a pivotal moment where individuals not only secure the same rights and responsibilities as U.S.-born citizens but contribute to the vibrancy and strength of the nation. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) estimates 9.5 million lawful permanent residents (LPRs), also known as “green card” holders, are eligible to naturalize. While the road to becoming a U.S. citizen can be filled with challenges and complexities, the New Americans Campaign (NAC) stands at the forefront of this transformative journey. By bringing together community organizations and social services providers, the New Americans Campaign is creating a community of collaboration that not only makes this dream more achievable but also enriches the fabric of American society. The New Americans Campaign is a diverse nonpartisan national network of respected immigration organizations, legal services providers, faith-based organizations, immigrant rights groups, foundations, and community leaders. Since its founding in 2010, this collaborative effort has connected more than 606,000 eligible lawful permanent residents with trusted legal support and critical information that simplifies the naturalization process. Despite more than 9 million LPRs being eligible for U.S. citizenship, only 10 percent complete the naturalization process annually. The Campaign aims to increase the number of eligible LPRs that apply for citizenship through a network of local partners in more than 20 metropolitan areas that provide application assistance for free or at minimal cost. UnidosUS joined over 200 organizations from across the country at the NAC National Naturalization Practitioners’ Conference on October 11-14, 2023 in Houston, Texas. The NAC Conference is the only national conference dedicated exclusively to exploring best practices for promoting U.S. citizenship, preparing applicants for the naturalization application process, and encouraging civic engagement. The convening’s theme was “Rising Together: Mobilizing 9 Million on the Path to Citizenship.” Through panels, presentations, discussions, and on-site training, attendees learned from experts and leaders in the field of naturalization and connected with a community of providers. The conference ended with a naturalization workshop in a local community center, where attendees volunteered to support hundreds of aspiring U.S. citizens with the naturalization application process, free of charge. “Our annual conference brings together New Americans Campaign (NAC) partner organizations from around the country to discuss and share expertise on supporting people eligible to apply for naturalization,” stated the New Americans Campaign Director Lucia Martel-Dow. “Eligible immigrants often don’t know how to take that final step since our immigration system is a myriad of confusing forms and policies. Thus, building a network of trusted naturalization providers is crucial to meet the demand for services.” “The NAC Conference is always well organized, and the culture of the conference is very inviting. It is nice to hear from other people as to what they do and how they work in their community for the people wanting to naturalize,” shared Jacqueline Gonzalez-Vega, Program Manager (Immigration) and Department of Justice (DOJ) Accredited Representative at Redlands Christian Migrant Association, an UnidosUS Affiliate and NAC local partner in Florida. “I really enjoyed the session on collaborating with community partners for outreach and services. I did not know we could add pro bono opportunities to our state, county and local bar associations… I also did not know we could join AILA as a nonprofit and that they have a pro bono liaison.” UnidosUS is proud a national partner of the New Americans Campaign. “NAC partners are not only trusted community-based organizations whose assistance and expertise are sought out by permanent residents, but many of them have also developed strong partnerships with local and state elected officials and offices,” said Laura Vazquez, UnidosUS Director of Immigrant Integration. “NAC partners have worked with city and state officials to promote citizenship services. State and local governments have an opportunity to move the needle on naturalization by funding immigration legal providers. Actions taken right now will yield a lifelong benefit for the person naturalizing and at the same time of tremendous economic and civic benefits for the state and locality.” The work of the New Americans Campaign stands not only as a gathering of minds and experts but as a testament to the unwavering commitment to empowering and supporting those on the path to citizenship. The shared vision and dedication to this movement demonstrate that, through collaborative efforts and a united community, the path to U.S. citizenship is made more attainable
Nevada State AFL-CIO Welcomes Oakland A’s to Las Vegas
Today marks a historic moment as the MLB unanimously greenlights the relocation of the Oakland Athletics to the vibrant city of Las Vegas. The Nevada State AFL-CIO is thrilled to extend a warm welcome to the A’s as they embark on their new journey to make Las Vegas their new home. For the first 112 years of our city’s existence there were no major pro sports teams and in the last 6 years alone, our players have managed to pull off 5 series championship finals—3 of which we’ve successfully won. This significant milestone gives Las Vegas a golden opportunity to not only add winning championship titles, but to also do well for our community. Building a new stadium that meets the standards of a Major League Baseball team is a momentous undertaking that will utilize the construction and service trades for both the groundbreaking and the maintenance required. The Oakland A’s coming to Las Vegas is not just a sports story; it’s the chance to set a standard of economic growth that hardworking union members will benefit from. Among the standout initiatives the A’s have pledged are comprehensive benefits, paid time off, and ensuring a livable wage. The Athletics entered into a project labor agreement with the Southern Nevada Building Trades Unions to guarantee that the project would create good-paying union jobs for members, in addition to reaching a deal with Culinary Workers Union 226 to ensure that service workers who are employed by the stadium have the right to organize and negotiate union contracts. The Athletics are not coming to Las Vegas only to play ball, they are coming to Las Vegas to be exceptional members of our community and be an integral part of what makes Las Vegas home.
Rep. Titus Announces Critical Funding for Southern Nevada Through EDA’s Build to Scale Program
Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01), Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management, announced $ 1.1 million for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) through the Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Build to Scale Program to drive growth and development in Southern Nevada. The Build to Scale program, part of the EDA’s commitment to strengthening regional economies, empowers startups and entrepreneurs through the Venture and Capital Challenges offering new sources of early-stage capital. Earlier this year, Congresswoman Titus advocated with the Economic Development Administration in support of applications submitted by UNLV for projects, including the “Accelerate Electric Nevada” and the “Scarlet Venture Fund” which will play vital roles in driving innovation in Nevada’s alternative energy sector and offer support, mentorship, and funding for startups. “As the Ranking Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee that oversees the Economic Development Administration, I am proud to have advocated for UNLV’s projects to expand access to early-stage funding for innovative clean energy companies and open opportunities for cutting-edge entrepreneurs. These projects align with our vision to diversify Nevada’s economy, combat the climate crisis, bolster workforce development, and promote economic growth,” said Congresswoman Dina Titus. “EDA is proud to partner with this year’s ‘Build to Scale’ grantees as they fuel regional innovation hubs and technology-based economic development strategies throughout the U.S.,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “Investing in scalable startups and expanding access to entrepreneurial capital will yield good-paying jobs, economic resiliency, and equitable growth in communities throughout America.”
Cortez Masto Highlights Support for Nevada’s Growing Battery Manufacturing and Recycling Industry
Today at a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) highlighted her work to support Nevada’s battery manufacturing and recycling industry and the good-paying jobs it creates. “Nevada is leading the nation in battery manufacturing and recycling,” said Cortez Masto. “We have the capacity to support the entire supply chain right in my home state. For example, Nevada has enough lithium to supply the world for 85 years. And in the last [eight] years, we’ve seen the clean transportation and battery industry create more than 7,400 new jobs in Nevada and deliver $13 billion of investment.” The Senator highlighted Nevada companies benefiting from her legislation and creating thousands of jobs, including American Battery Technology, Redwoods Materials, and others. Under Secretary Crane agreed, calling Nevada “a critical part in the critical mineral supply for batteries.” He also assured Cortez Masto the Department will remain invested in the battery supply chain and will continue to invest in emerging manufacturing industries in Nevada and across the country. Senator Cortez Masto has consistently worked to create good-paying clean energy jobs across Nevada. Since the start of her Innovation State Initiative, Senator Cortez Masto has been a proponent of renewable and sustainable energy, passing bipartisan legislation to promote Nevada’s mining and emerging battery industries and set up a sustainable critical mineral supply chain, and leading efforts in the Senate to create good-paying solar energy jobs. She wrote the battery manufacturing and recycling program that is funding numerous projects in Nevada. Last year, she helped cut through red tape to ensure Fulcrum BioEnergy’s new Sierra BioFuels Plant in Storey County could launch operations, protecting more than 100 permanent jobs.
Cortez Masto Hosts Las Vegas High School Mariachi Joya at the U.S. Senate
Today, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) celebrated the close of Hispanic Heritage Month by hosting Las Vegas High School Mariachi Joya at the U.S. Senate and presenting them with a Congressional Record Statement honoring their cultural contributions to the U.S. The ensemble played for Senator Cortez Masto, Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), and Nevadans in the United States Senate, before touring the U.S. Capitol. “My grandfather used to play the guitar for me and my sister when we were little, and I know musical ensembles like Mariachi Joya are so important to families across our state and the country. That’s why I’m proud to bring these students to our nation’s capital to highlight our Latino community and our impact on this country,” said Senator Cortez Masto. Composed of 20 young Latino artists playing the guitarron, violins, and trumpets, Mariachi Joya is known as America’s premiere mariachi youth ensemble. It has been recognized by the Grammy Awards and performed virtually for the President’s Inauguration. They are part of a growing Mariachi student program in Southern Nevada, where the first high school mariachi program started in 2002 with only 250 students and expanded to 7,000 students today. “We’re so grateful to Senator Cortez Masto for opening the halls of Congress to our young students and allowing them to showcase their talent,” said Stephen Blanco, Las Vegas High School Mariachi Joya Director. “Mariachi music is a longstanding tradition in our Latino community, and it helps our young students build key skills to follow their dreams. The kind of support the Senator provides makes a great difference in their lives.” A third generation Nevadan, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto is the first and only Latina in the U.S. Senate. She is leading the charge in Congress to build the National Museum of the American Latino, which would recognize and commemorate the history and achievements of Latinos in the U.S.
Inaugura Alcaldesa Goodman nueva Subestación de Policía en plena Fremont Street Experience
La Alcaldesa Carolyn G. Goodman, acompañada del Sheriff Kevin McMahill, así como el Presidente de la Fremont Street Experience , Andrew Simon, inauguraron oficialmente la nueva subestación de policía localizada sobre la Fremont Street en pleno Downtown. En el lugar se encontrarán agentes del Departamento de Policía Metropolitana, a los Marshall y personal de seguridad del lugar, brindando así un lugar al que pueden acudir los visitantes del distrito en busca de asistencia y apoyo. El evento de inauguración al que también asistió la Concejal por el Tercer Distrito, Olivia Díaz marcó un logro significativo en los esfuerzos continuos para fortalecer la seguridad y la tranquilidad de los visitantes al sector.
Educational Sessions For Students And Teachers Featured At The 2023 Las Vegas Book Festival
The annual Las Vegas Book Festival returns Saturday, Oct. 21, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with workshops and sessions for students and educators. The free event is held downtown at the Historic Fifth Street School, 401 S. Fourth St., and is open to all ages. This year’s festival headliners include “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” author Terry McMillan, bestselling author and terrorism/counter-terrorism/extremism consultant Malcolm Nance, “Fourth Wing” author Rebecca Yarros and Reese’s Book Club pick Ana Reyes. At noon, popular children’s authors Daria Peoples and Ken Lamug will lead an exciting game of draw-off moderated by Nikki Bylina-Streets. Middle-grade readers can hear from authors Shelly Brown, Michael Leali, Lindsey Leavitt, Chad Morris and Lakita Wilson at 1:15 p.m. The festival is offering continuing education workshop opportunities for educators including: Those interested in receiving up to eight hours of continuing education credit must register for workshops online. Graphics for these sessions are available here. A full schedule of festival activities is available online. For updates and more information on the book festival, visit www.lasvegasbookfestival.com. Keep up with festival news on Facebook and X (#VegasBookFest). Produced by the city of Las Vegas, Nevada Humanities and The Mayor’s Fund for Las Vegas LIFE, the Las Vegas Book Festival also is supported by media sponsors, including the Las Vegas Review-Journal/Las Vegas Sun, Audacy Radio and The CW/News 3. For updates and information, visit lasvegasbookfestival.com.
Councilwoman Updates in the City of Las Vegas
Dear Friend, Thank you for following our updates at City Hall. September was exceptionally busy, and I don’t foresee a slowdown for October with many events around the city. We have community events, Access City Council features, and news stories you won’t want to miss. Please follow our social media to catch our weekly Small Business Saturday and Adopt-A-Pet episodes.My office is always here to help and update you on Ward 2 and City of Las Vegas topics. If you have any questions, please get in touch with my office (702) at 229-2420 or Ward2@lasvegasnevada.gov. Victoria SeamanCouncilwoman, Ward 2
Cortez Masto y Rosen anuncian más de $31 millones en nuevos fondos para las fuerzas del orden público y servicios a las víctimas en Nevada
Las senadoras Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) y Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) anunciaron más de $31 millones en nuevos fondos federales para que los departamentos de policía, los tribunales, las organizaciones sin fines de lucro y las tribus de Nevada apoyen programas de seguridad pública y servicios a las víctimas. Cortez Masto y Rosen han votado consistentemente para financiar estos programas, y la lista completa de fondos del Departamento de Justicia (DOJ) obtenidos por las senadores está disponible AQUÍ. “Para mantener seguras a las familias de Nevada, debemos asegurarnos de que nuestras autoridades locales tengan los fondos y el apoyo que necesitan para combatir el crimen, hacer responsables a los perpetradores y apoyar a las víctimas”, dijo la senadora Cortez Masto. “Siempre apoyaré a nuestra policía y apoyaré su trabajo para mantener seguras a nuestras comunidades”. “Los agentes del orden son los héroes que mantienen segura a Nevada”, dijo la senadora Rosen. “Me enorgullece ver que estos fondos llegan a Nevada para mantener seguras a las familias, las pequeñas empresas y las comunidades trabajadoras. Siempre trabajaré de manera bipartidista para apoyar los programas de seguridad pública y servicios a las víctimas”. Las senadoras Cortez Masto y Rosen han sido firmes defensoras en el Senado de nuestros agentes de policía. Cortez Masto lidera el trabajo bipartidista anual para asegurar fondos para el programa de subvenciones Byrne JAG, la principal fuente de financiación de la justicia penal en el país. Sus proyectos de ley bipartidistas para combatir la crisis del suicidio policial y proporcionar recursos de salud mental a los agentes de policía han sido promulgados por presidentes de ambos partidos, y está luchando para combatir la actividad ilegal de drogas y proporcionar más fondos a los pequeños departamentos de policía.
Rosen Pushes for Crack Down on Fraudulent Business Impersonation
Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen signed a letter led by Congresswoman Susie Lee (D-NV-03) calling on Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan to adopt a rule to crack down on business impersonation fraud and enact new protections for small businesses in the wake of a concerning uptick in this type of fraud. Business impersonation fraud causes significant economic losses in Nevada and across the country. The letter highlights the damage already caused by business and government impersonators—estimated at $2.6 billion in economic losses in 2022 alone, for a nearly 50-percent increase over 2021. Particularly for cities like Las Vegas, which has been the top trade show destination, rampant impersonation fraud threatens the success of trade show venues and the many small businesses that rely on them. According to the Consumer Technology Association, which owns and produces the annual Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas, their customers reported at least 70 incidents of fraud via email solicitations alone in 2021, 2022, and the month leading up to CES 2023. “Too many businesses in Nevada and other states across the country have felt the economic and reputational damage impersonation fraud can cause,” wrote the Members. “The proliferation of impersonation fraud has proven especially damaging to the face-to-face business events industry, as impersonators have more and more regularly sought financial gain by advertising for fake exhibitions, trade shows, and other business events. This targeted fraud threatens to put a damper on an industry that has long been a driving force for economic growth—for event organizers, host venues, and surrounding communities.” “In order to protect this critical industry that’s under great threat, as well as to support associated small businesses and consumers in Las Vegas and beyond, there can be no delay at the FTC in rolling out a strong rule to stem this economic damage,” they continued. “We encourage you to act with all due haste to adopt and implement a finalized rule and to lead the Commission in moving swiftly to combat impersonation fraud and to provide relief to small business owners nationally.” The full letter can be found here.
