6. News Bytes:

Workers’ safeguards strengthened by New York law

The New York Times reports that Governor David Paterson signed into law strong protections against wage theft.  The law will take affect in April and strengthens penalties against employers who steal workers’ pay and protects whistleblowers from retaliation.  According to a report by the National Employment Law Project, lost wages total more than $18.4 million a week in New York City, where some employers in the restaurant, retail, and construction business pay below the minimum wage and fail to pay overtime.  Whereas under previous law employers found to have stolen workers’ wages had to only repay a 25 percent penalty, under the new law employers can face penalties up to 100 percent.  In addition, it adds a $10,000 penalty for employers who fire or threaten workers who speak out.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/14/nyregion/14wage.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

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Immigrants make paths to suburbia, not cities

The New York Times reports that census data from the last decade shows that immigrants are settling in greater numbers in small towns and suburbs rather than in major cities.  In Los Angeles County, for example, the number of foreign-born residents remained largely unchanged from 2000 whereas outside of Atlanta, Georgia in Newton County it quadrupled over that same time period. 

The American Community Survey was conducted using samples taken from about one in ten Americans between 2005 and 2009.  The survey claims that last decade’s booming housing industry and the availability of jobs in industries such as construction and the food business contributed to the increase of immigrants in rural and suburban areas. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/15/us/15census.html

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Important notice for naturalization applicants

USCIS reports that as of January 5, 2011, some civics test answers will change due to the recent federal elections.

Answer civics test questions 20, 23, and 47 using the answers below:

Question 20:  Who is one of your state’s U.S. Senators now?

Answers will vary.  Give the name of one of your state’s U.S. senators who will serve in the 112^th Congress beginning January 5, 2011.

Question 23: Name your U.S. Representative.

Answers will vary.  Give the name of your U.S. Representative who will serve in the 112^th Congress beginning January 5, 2011.

Question 47: What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now?

(John) Boehner

USCIS requests more info on EB-5 termination

The Victorville Daily Press (CA) reports that city officials are hopeful that a USCIS request for further documentation is a good sign that the city might be allowed to continue raising funds through the EB-5 visa investor program.  The request came in responses to Victorville’s appeal of USCIS’s decision to terminate the city’s program.  The city hopes to use the program to fund a waste treatment plant.

http://www.vvdailypress.com/news/uscis-25104-victorville-info.html

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Texas wants to provide wealthy Mexican investors with investor visas

Hispanically Speaking News reports that the City of McAllen, Texas has applied to USCIS to become a regional center for the EB5 investment program.  The McAllen Economic Development Corporation and the McAllen City Commission hope to attract wealthy Mexican investors to come to the city and apply for U.S. citizenship.

http://www.hispanicallyspeakingnews.com/notitas-de-noticias/details/texas-city-wants-to-bring-in-wealthy-mexican-investors-provide-investor-vis/3980/

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