Green Card Stories Website Launched

The newly launched Green Card Stories website takes you beyond the book.

Check out the newly launched Green Card Stories website that takes you beyond the book. It features upcoming events related to the book and the individuals included in the book. You can view photos and read and excerpt of the book. See what others are saying about Green Card Stories. Find out more about purchasing a book or donating a copy to your public library or school, Member of Congress, non-profit organization, etc. Stay up to date on current immigration topics through the Green Card Stories blog. Visit the websites of individuals featured in the book. Get involved with immigration organizations or assist immigrants in your community through our list of immigration advocacy organizations. Educate yourself on immigration policies and procedures on featured government websites. Or just enjoy some good books or movies related to immigration with our recommended reading list and filmography.

Green Card Stories at Screening of Tony & Janina’s American Wedding in Minneapolis

Green Card Stories was very well received at the screening of  Tony and Janina’s American Wedding in Minneapolis on November 10.

The screening of Tony & Janina’s American Wedding by the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota on November 10 was a huge success! We are proud to partner with the filmmaker, Ruth Leitman, to share this tragic story of a family being torn apart by immigration. People from all backgrounds shared with Laura Danielson how they’ve been deeply impacted by immigration: from friends and family of deported individuals, to couples separated due to visa requirements, to religious workers who assist refugees. These personal experiences reinforce the need to spread the word and emphasize how immigration impacts U.S. citizens. A foundation of the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota has agreed to match any sales of the Green Card Stories book prior to December 10. If you are interested in purchasing the book before it’s released to the public, you can Buy Now on this site.

Green Card Stories in the Media in 2011

Two of the four collaborators for Green Card Stories, Laura Danielson and Stephen Yale-Loehr, are prominent immigration lawyers who are often consulted on current immigration topics. Many of the individuals featured in the book are also honored for their contributions in the United States.

The BNA Daily Labor Report covered the “Immigration Reform in an Election Year: Impact on Businesses and Individuals” panel that included Stephen Yale-Loehr on December 2, 2011. The article covers a range of issues in the current immigration discussion, including the EB-5 investor visa program, the H-1B temporary visa cap and the unlikelihood of any legislative changes in the upcoming year. Mr. Yale-Loehr referred to Green Card Stories commenting that “Many of the success stories are from people who would never get a green card in today’s environment of zero tolerance.”

Laura Danielson was a panelist on Minnesota’s KFAI Radio TruthToTell program on November 21. A variety of current immigration issues in Minnesota were addressed in the hour-long segment. The immigrant groups covered ranged from dairy workers in rural areas to highly skilled engineers to Liberians under temporary protected status. Ms. Danielson commented on the large number of immigrants in the scientific fields that come to the United States for their education but cannot navigate the complicated immigration process to remain permanently. She also reminded listeners to remember their immigrant pasts, whether they are first or fourth generation immigrants. Many of those who support stricter immigration laws often have a personal connection that puts them in conflict.

Laura Danielson was quoted in a Finance and Commerce front-page article on the potential increase of foreign investors in Minnesota. While the surrounding states have set up centers to facilitate investment, Minnesota has been behind in attracting foreign investors. Ms. Danielson commented on the large number of Chinese and South Koreans looking to invest in the United States and receive their Green Card in order to send their children to college in the United States. Minnesota is a great destination with an already large Chinese population and economically depressed areas that could benefit from the investment.

Laura Danielson was quoted in the Twin Cities Pioneer Press on a Somali singer’s cancelled concert due to immigration delays. Aar Maanta had to cancel his headlining concert at Minneapolis’s Cedar Cultural Center due to a delay in his visa processing. Ms. Danielson stated that she understands it to have been a background name check. She stated, “He is the only one in the group with a Muslim name, which is more likely to trigger a hit in the government database.” Visa delays have been an increasing problem for individuals with Muslim names.

Stephen Yale-Loehr was quoted in the September 29, 2011, edition of the Wall Street Journal. In an article about a federal judge’s upholding of key parts of a new Alabama law aimed at stopping illegal immigration, Mr. Yale-Loehr noted, “Judge Blackburn seems to believe it’s not a crime for an undocumented immigrant to solicit work but it is a crime for an undocumented person to do business with the state. The Supreme Court needs to decide this issue once and for all.”

Stephen Yale-Loehr was quoted in the International Business Times on September 30, 2011: “Because of the proliferation of state immigration laws, we need resolution from either the Supreme Court or Congress… Right now, for example, it is very hard for national employers to know what they can or cannot do in various states.”

Stephen Yale-Loehr was featured on a one-hour radio talk show on WAMU on September 28, 2011, about the EB-5 immigrant investor program.

Farah Bala was nominated for a Barrymore Award for her performance in ‘Around the World in 80 Days.’ Check the Outstanding Leading Actress in a Play category here.

Green Card Stories Events of Note in 2011

Green Card Stories was presented at various events in 2011.

Stephen Yale-Loehr presented on the panel, “Immigration Reform in an Election Year: Impact on Businesses and Individuals” in New York City on December 2, 2011 and described how Green Card Stories is a part of the larger discussion regarding immigration.

The American Immigration Council honored Gulnahar Alam, a featured individual in Green Card Stories with the New York Immigrant Achievement Award on December 1, 2011.

Stephen Yale-Loehr spoke on two panels at the NAFSA Region X conference on November 7, 2011 in New York. The two panels were “Have Visa (or Not), Will Travel” and “Green is the Color of Hope: Navigating the Terrain of Permanent Residency.”

Two copies of Green Card Stories were raffled at the Islamic Speakers Bureau Awards Dinner on October 29, 2011. Soumaya Khalifa is featured in the book and is the founder and Executive Director of the Islamic Speakers Bureau in Atlanta, GA.

On October 21, 2011, Saundra Amrhein gave a presentation on Green Card Stories at the AILA Central Florida Chapter Conference, where it was well received by the attendees.