brandon.kroos@austintexas.gov
October Immigrant Affairs Update
 
LOCAL UPDATES
 
At the end of September, we partnered with Waterloo Greenway, Austin Public Library, and the League of Women Voters - Austin to host a naturalization ceremony on their beautiful park grounds in honor of Welcoming Week. This was the first of what we hope will be many ceremonies hosted at Waterloo Greenway in the future! 
In preparation for the citizenship clinic we're hosting on October 21, we've hosted two information sessions where community members can learn more about their eligibility to apply for naturalization as well as the information and documents required for the application. Read on below for more information about our third and final information session, as well as for the details regarding the citizenship clinic.
FINAL INFORMATION SESSION
Thursday, October 12 @ 6:30 PM - 7:00 PM 
Ruiz Library Branch - 1600 Grove Blvd, Austin, TX 78741
 
Join us for our final information session leading up to our citizenship clinic later this month! During the information session, attorneys from American Gateways will discuss what documents and information you need to prepare in order to complete the N-400 application for naturalization. The attorneys will also be able to answer questions about your specific eligibility. More information posted here.
 
The session will be held in Spanish, with interpretation provided in English. If you require ASL or additional interpretation services, please contact Rocío Villalobos at 512-974-7972 or via email rocio.villalobos@austintexas.gov. 
 
If you are unable to attend this final information session, you can view a recorded session in English here. (Passcode: y7%m.E&w)
 
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CITIZENSHIP CLINIC
Saturday, October 21 @ 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Asian American Resource Center - 8401 Cameron Road, Austin, TX 78754
 
The first 75 participants will receive FREE one-on-one assistance to complete the N-400 application for naturalization. Visit the tables at the resource fair to learn more about programs and services for immigrant communities. You can also practice your citizenship interview with USCIS!
STATE & NATIONAL UPDATES
  • Governor Abbott has announced the third special session agenda, which focuses on education, border security, public safety, and ending COVID restrictions.
  • A federal appeals court ruled that the buoy barrier can remain in place at the U.S.-Mexico border. The 1,000-foot-long string of buoys, separated by serrated saw blades and supporting a submerged mesh net, has floated in the middle of the river next to Eagle Pass since July, sparking protests from the Mexican government and migrant advocates alike. 
  • A federal judge has ruled against DACA again, reaffirming the decision to shut down the program to new applicants. This decision could ultimately lead to the termination of the DACA program, leaving thousands of undocumented youth in legal limbo without the ability to apply for work authorization, drivers licenses, and other protections that the DACA program offers.    
  • Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI), the American Immigration Council, and the UCI School of Law Immigrant Rights Clinic recently released a joint report confirming U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) presence at racial justice protests in the summer of 2020 following George Floyd's murder. 

  • The Biden administration has launched a national campaign to encourage all eligible migrants to apply for work permits as soon as possible. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will now send regular email and text reminders to migrants who are eligible for work authorization in the U.S. but have not yet applied. This includes asylum seekers and anyone who entered the country under one of Biden’s humanitarian parole programs. 

  • The Biden administration is moving forward with a plan to build a new section of the border wall in Texas. It's waiving more than two dozen federal environmental laws to add 20 miles to the barrier, including the Clean Air Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and Endangered Species Act.
UPCOMING EVENTS
 
Tuesday, October 12 @ 6:00 PM CST
Language and Resistance: Decolonizing Hispanic Heritage Month
 
Hispanic Heritage Month originated in the US as an effort to mark the anniversaries of the independence of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Chile. It celebrates the achievements and contributions of people originating from the Latin American region, home to many indigenous peoples currently and before European colonization.
 
Its name forces us to see the history and culture of communities with roots throughout the Americas with a European, "Hispanic" frame of reference, erasing the experiences of indigenous peoples and their constant and present struggle against colonization.
 
Join us in a conversation about the colonial history of Latin America, how those ideals continue to dominate today, and how indigenous-led and serving organizations are taking care of their communities. Register here.
Friday, October 20 @ 5:00 PM CST
Little Amal Comes to Austin!
Huston-Tillotson University - 900 Chicon Street, Austin, TX 78702
 

Amal has just arrived in Austin and is running late for a dance class. But before she can start, she needs a quick health check-up with the Interfaith Action of Central Texas. Once she gets the go ahead, she’s ready to join a beautiful welcoming dance with Ballet Austin. In partnership with Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT), Austin Refugee Roundtable, Huston-Tillotson University, and Ballet Austin.

 

 

Little Amal is the 12 foot puppet of  a 10 year old Syrian refugee child at the heart of The Walk. She has become a global symbol of human rights, especially those of refugees. Between 9/7/23 - 11/26/23, Amal is journeying 11,000 miles across the United States and Mexico in one of the largest free public festivals ever created. 40 towns and cities from Boston to San Diego and 6 cities from Tijuana to Tapachula will create 100+ free public events to welcome her.
Sunday, October 22 @ 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM CST
Refugee Hiring and Community Resource Fair
North Austin Muslim Community Center11900 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78753
 
Gii is delighted to be organizing a job and resource fair for refugees! We will have potential employers, including organizations like CapMetro and Hyatt, information about free and low-cost community resources, snacks and beverages, and entertainment for families and children. 
Monday, October 23 @ 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM CST
Immigrant Services Network of Austin monthly meeting
 
Join ISNA for our next monthly meeting! ISNA is a working group of diverse community stakeholders and immigrant service providers operating together to coordinate efforts, increase public awareness, and inform policy to better serve our immigrant communities.
 
Tuesday, October 24 @ 1:00 PM CST
How Education Institutions and Community-Based Organizations Use Home Visits to Strengthen Connections with Newcomer and Immigrant Families
 
Home visits are a valuable tool for both school educators and community-based organizations in their efforts to make lasting and meaningful connections with new immigrant families and individuals.
 
Brought to you in partnership with the Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL), you will gain valuable insights from a panel of expert leaders from both education and community-based organizations who will share their experiences in working through challenges and creating best practices that resulted in effective solutions and programs. Register here.
Wednesday, October 25 @ 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM CST
Equity Action Team Meeting
Street-Jones Building: 1000 E 11th Street, 4th Floor Conference Room

 

The next EAT meeting will be Wednesday, October 25th at the Street-Jones Building. We will hear from and learn from residents and organizations in Montopolis and learn more about how we can support their efforts. Register here for the EAT meeting.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
 
OTHER RESOURCES
Get Your Enhanced Library Card Today!
 

We are excited to share that the Enhanced Library Card pilot program has officially begun! This has been a successful collaboration between Austin Public Library, the Equity Office and several other city departments and community organizations. Stop by one of the three pilot locations and get yours today and help us spread the word within your communities. 

  • Little Walnut Creek Branch, 835 W. Rundberg Ln
  • St. John Branch, 7500 Blessing Ave.
  • Southeast Branch, 5803 Nuckols Crossing Rd.
 
If you're interested in having APL's mobile outreach team issue enhanced library cards at your upcoming event, please complete this form.
brandon.kroos@austintexas.gov
brandon.kroos@austintexas.gov
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