#Newark Green Card Attorneys

[glorialawnyc]

Finding the Right Newark Immigration Attorney at the Law Offices of Gloria J. D’Souza, P.C.

Navigating the complex world of immigration law can be overwhelming. If you're in Newark and need assistance, finding the right immigration attorney is crucial. The Law Offices of Gloria J. D’Souza, P.C. are here to help.

Expertise in Immigration Law

The Law Offices of Gloria J. D’Souza, P.C. have extensive experience in immigration law. Whether you need help with visas, green cards, or citizenship, their team can provide the guidance you need. A skilled Newark immigration attorney from this firm can help you understand your options and the steps you need to take.

Personalized Legal Assistance

At the Law Offices of Gloria J. D’Souza, P.C., every client receives personalized attention. They understand that each case is unique and requires a tailored approach. Your Newark immigration attorney will work closely with you to build a strong case and ensure all your documents are in order.

Handling Complex Cases

Immigration cases can often be complicated and require thorough preparation. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Gloria J. D’Souza, P.C. are well-versed in handling complex cases. They have a track record of successfully representing clients in various immigration matters. Trusting your case to a Newark immigration attorney from this firm can make a significant difference.

Support through Every Step

The immigration process can be stressful and confusing. The Law Offices of Gloria J. D’Souza, P.C. provide support through every step of the process. From the initial consultation to the final decision, your Newark immigration attorney will be by your side, offering expert advice and support.

Know about the Newark Immigration Attorney by Law Offices of Gloria J. D’Souza, P.C.

The Law Offices of Gloria J. D’Souza, P.C. in Newark are known for their dedicated immigration services. This law firm is led by Gloria J. D’Souza, an experienced immigration attorney. Her team focuses on providing personalized legal help for people facing immigration challenges. They handle a wide range of cases, ensuring that clients receive comprehensive support.

One of the key strengths of this law firm is its deep understanding of immigration law. The team is well-versed in the complexities of U.S. immigration regulations and stays updated on changes that can impact their clients. This knowledge allows them to offer reliable advice and effective solutions for various immigration issues.

The services provided by the Newark Immigration Attorney cover many aspects of immigration law. They assist with family-based immigration, helping families reunite and stay together in the United States. They also handle employment-based immigration cases, working with individuals and companies to secure necessary work visas and permits.

In addition to these services, the law firm deals with asylum and refugee cases. They understand the sensitive nature of these situations and provide compassionate and thorough support to those seeking refuge in the U.S. Their goal is to help clients navigate the complex asylum process and achieve safety and security.

Deportation defense is another critical area of their practice. Facing deportation can be a frightening experience, and the team at the Law Offices of Gloria J. D’Souza, P.C. works tirelessly to protect their clients' rights. They develop strong legal strategies to contest deportation orders and strive to keep families together.

The law firm also assists with naturalization and citizenship applications. They guide clients through the process of becoming U.S. citizens, ensuring all requirements are met and helping them understand their rights and responsibilities as new citizens.

What sets the Law Offices of Gloria J. D’Souza, P.C. apart is their commitment to personalized service. Each client receives individual attention, with legal strategies tailored to their unique situation. The team takes the time to understand each client’s needs and goals, providing clear communication and dedicated support throughout the legal process.

Their reputation is built on years of successful case outcomes and positive client experiences. Many clients appreciate the firm’s professional approach, compassionate service, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing they are in capable hands.

Overall, the Law Offices of Gloria J. D’Souza, P.C. is a trusted choice for anyone seeking immigration help in Newark. Their expertise, dedication, and personalized approach make them a strong ally for those navigating the complexities of immigration law. Whether you need help with visas, family reunification, asylum, deportation defense, or citizenship, this law firm offers the support and guidance needed to achieve positive outcomes.

In conclusion

 If you are in Newark and need an immigration attorney, the Law Offices of Gloria J. D’Souza, P.C. are an excellent choice. Their expertise, personalized service, and commitment to their clients make them a trusted partner in navigating immigration law.

[creepingsharia]

New Jersey: Former Afghan Interpreter Indicted in Scheme to Smuggle Illegals from Afghanistan to U.S.

An Afghanistan citizen and United States Lawful Permanent Resident was indicted today for his role in a scheme to smuggle undocumented aliens from Afghanistan to the United States. 

Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito of the District of New Jersey, Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami, and Special Agent in Charge Brian Michael of HSI Newark, made the announcement.

Mujeeb Rahman Saify, 32, is an Afghanistan national who received a Special Immigrant Visa and became a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident in 2009, after serving as an interpreter for the U.S. military in Afghanistan.  Since 2009, Saify has resided in New York and Newark.  Saify was charged in the District of New Jersey with conspiracy to smuggle aliens to the United States, encouraging and inducing alien smuggling, and attempting to bring aliens to the United States. 

According to the indictment, between July 2016 through January 2017, Saify conspired with members of an Afghanistan and Pakistan-based smuggling network to smuggle two Afghanistan nationals to the United States.  The Afghanistan nationals did not have prior authorization to enter the United States and one had been denied a U.S. visa.  The indictment alleges that Saify made contact with the aliens and arranged meetings with the co-conspirators to discuss smuggling arrangements.  Further, according to the indictment, Saify received payment, gave instructions to the aliens to facilitate the smuggling venture, and he used email and phone communications to facilitate and coordinate the criminal operation. 

More via:  https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/aug/2/mujeeb-saify-afghan-translator-smuggling-border/

Authorities have publicly identified two migrants they say Mr. Saify was responsible for smuggling, including Wasiq Ullah Hedayat, the man flagged for security issued when he was encountered at the U.S. border in Texas. Like Mr. Saify, Mr. Hedayat was a translator for U.S. troops, but was fired in 2014 and was barred from even entering any U.S. base, according to court documents.

He later applied for a visa to the U.S. but was denied.

One of the migrants had applied to come to the U.S. before but had been denied a visa. It’s not clear if that was Mr. Hedayat or the other smuggled migrant, who was not named.

Prosecutors said Mr. Saify worked for a Pakistan-based smuggling network. He charged Mr. Hedayat $10,000 for his journey, while the other migrant, identified in court documents by initials A.H., paid $6,000.

Mr. Saify arranged for his customers to fly to Brazil, where they then made their way up Latin America to the U.S.-Mexico border, and attempted to enter.

In Mr. Hedayat’s case, that meant Brownsville, Texas, where he tried to gain admittance without a visa in January 2017. A judge found he had no right to enter and he was ordered deported.

For his part, Mr. Saify came to the U.S. from Afghanistan on what’s known as a Special Immigrant Visa, which is a program set up to help those who assisted U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan to be rewarded with a legal path to citizenship in the U.S.

The visa was supposed to be a lifeline for people whose lives were put in danger because they helped the U.S.

Mr. Saify was an interpreter helping American troops in Afghanistan and won his green card signifying permanent legal status in the U.S. in 2009.

----------------------------

The former Refugee Resettlement Watch blog writes that the SIV is a backgoor refugee program letting tens of thousands of Muslim refugees into the U.S. courtesy of the Trump administration.

Of the 56,411 we admitted almost 31,000 were resettled in America during the Trump Administration!

[dragoni]

Wait and see how systemic it was and how far up it goes! 

The FBI and New Jersey investigators have collected employment documents and information allegedly provided to immigrants not authorized to work by supervisors at President Donald Trump’s golf club in Bedminster, The Washington Post reported Saturday.

Newark attorney Anibal Romero told the newspaper that he turned over fake permanent resident green cards and fraudulent Social Security numbers that he said were given to one of his clients by managers at the Trump National Golf Club. He also handed over pay stubs given to another client, Romero said.

Romero, who represents five immigrants he says were undocumented when they worked for Trump’s New Jersey club, said he met with two FBI agents and investigators from the New Jersey state attorney general’s office last month. The federal agents said they were going to “coordinate” with the state investigators, Romero said.

NYtimes: Making President Trump’s Bed: A Housekeeper Without Papers

she [Victorina Morales] washed and ironed Mr. Trump’s white boxers, golf shirts and khaki trousers, as well as his sheets and towels. 

Everything belonging to Mr. Trump, his wife, Melania, and their son, Barron, was washed with special detergent in a smaller, separate washing machine

NYTimes: Trump Organization 2016

2018: Jim Petrus is the new COO

Business Insider has a mini bio of each

[immigrationlwyer]

  FIRST BE CAUTIOUS!! In case your abuser uses the same device you are using to search for help online, clear the history and make sure to use some other device to get help. In the worst-case scenario call 911 or another emergency line and wait for them in a safe place where your abuser can’t find or reach you.    To know more visit here https://abogadodelgado.com/    

[un-enfant-immature]

Dear Sophie: How can we sponsor H-1B transfers and extensions?

Sophie Alcorn Contributor

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Sophie Alcorn is the founder of Alcorn Immigration Law in Silicon Valley and 2019 Global Law Experts Awards’ “Law Firm of the Year in California for Entrepreneur Immigration Services.” She connects people with the businesses and opportunities that expand their lives.

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A few words for DHS agents who have no intention of becoming immigration whistleblowers

Dear Sophie: How can I speed up getting a green card?

Here’s another edition of “Dear Sophie,” the advice column that answers immigration-related questions about working at technology companies.

“Your questions are vital to the spread of knowledge that allows people all over the world to rise above borders and pursue their dreams,” says Sophie Alcorn, a Silicon Valley immigration attorney. “Whether you’re in people ops, a founder or seeking a job in Silicon Valley, I would love to answer your questions in my next column.”

“Dear Sophie” columns are accessible for Extra Crunch subscribers; use promo code ALCORN to purchase a one- or two-year subscription for 50% off.

Dear Sophie:

I work in people ops at a startup. We have no experience with H-1B visas. We recently received applications for job openings from a couple of strong applicants who are on H-1B visas with other companies. What should we know about hiring an H-1B visa holder?

One of the job applicants will need to have her H-1B renewed next year. What should we know about filing for a renewal? Are H-1B transfers and renewals still possible given that H-1B visas are no longer being issued at consulates?

—Newbie in Newark

Dear Newbie,

Exciting that your company is hiring. Congrats! Yes, H-1B transfers and renewals are still possible. The only current restriction is that H-1B visas can generally not be issued to people outside the U.S. right now. They were halted through at least the end of 2020 under last month’s executive proclamation.

[suntechapps]

New Jersey Courts Latest Update Statewide Immigration Policies

Recently, the New Jersey Supreme Court updated the Statewide Judicial Policies conforming the New Jersey’s Immigrant Rights Directive. The New Jersey Supreme Court Directive stops the court officials from the collection of any information about the individual’s immigration status until and unless it is undeniably necessary. A lot of state’s court forms are to be updated for removing the immigration-related queries.

Also, the New Jersey Supreme Court Directive provides the statewide rules of to be expected for the “rare instances” in which the federal Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrest any undocumented immigrant. The Court do not define or provide any examples of what to be considered as a “rare instance,” relying only on the comments of John Tsoukaris, Newark’s ICE Field Office Director, at a meeting with the Judiciary members, that the ICE will diminish the arrest at court house.

The US Attorney’s Office is extremely proud to symbolize the enforcement of federal law keeping the interests of people of New Jersey in mind. The federal office is responsible for prosecution of the federal criminal laws for New Jersey, starting from the acts of terrorism to laws of public corruption, organized crime/gang activities, white-collar crime, internet-related crimes, or the drug importation through various New Jersey ports, and other criminal acts. Also, the Office is charged, through the Civil Division, with defending the agencies of the US, enforcing the regulatory agency authority, and recovering the funds from the violators of United States criminal, civil laws, and regulatory.

It is a chief, determined task that brings both the vast and experienced resources of Office’s Assistant U.S. Attorneys, along with some of the best federal investigating agencies and the agents found anywhere in the US- Internal Revenue Service,

Immigration and Customs Enforcement,

U.S. Customs and Border Patrol,

The Federal Bureau of Investigation,

U.S. Postal Inspection Service,

Drug Enforcement Administration,

Secret Service,

the U.S. Marshal Service,

Bureau of Tobacco, Alcohol, and Firearms,

The Defense Criminal Investigative Service.

The U.S. Attorneys and different supervisors cover the whole state – right from High Point to the Cape May Point effectively – enforcing the civil and criminal statutes of the US.

You can find various immigration attorneys from ilexlaw, who offer complete assistance regarding your case.  

Click Here To Find Judgement of Court

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[legaleaseus]

FAQs: What happens to my immigration appointment at this time of COVID-19 coronavirus?

What happens to my immigration appointment at this time of COVID-19 coronavirus? Can I travel during the pandemic? Will I become a public charge if I am sick and I use Medicaid?

These are just a few of many questions we have received from our clients regarding government response to COVID-19 and how it may affect their immigration case. We have listed below some frequently asked questions and answers, which we will update as we receive new information:

I am sick but I have an upcoming appointment with immigration. What should I do?

It is important to take care of your health especially at this time. If you are sick, you should see a doctor and get proper medical attention. If you have an immigration interview, biometrics appointment or court hearing, you should reschedule it until you are well enough to attend.

See important alert from USCIS: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) wants to ensure the safety of those whom we serve and our employees. Please do not visit a USCIS office if you are sick or start to feel symptoms of being sick. We will help you reschedule your appointment, without penalty, when you are better. If you have an illness or are exhibiting symptoms, we recommend you cancel and reschedule your USCIS appointment.

For the safety of our employees and those that we serve, if you or someone with you appears ill or meets any of the conditions listed above, the officer may cancel your appointment or interview. We will assist you in rescheduling your appointment, without any penalty.

How do I reschedule my appointment?

Call the USCIS Customer Services Hotline at 800-375-5283 to reschedule by providing your receipt number and explaining the reason for your request to reschedule.

I have heard that certain USCIS offices are closed due to COVID-19. How can I find out about local office closures?

The USCIS has a dedicated webpage showing status offices whether they remain open or closed. As of the date of publication, all Field Offices are open. For those previously served by Fort Benning, GA field office, your case is now being handled at the Montgomery, AL field office; Fort Jackson, SC, your case is now at Greer, SC; and for those previously served by Fort Sill, OK, your case is now at the Oklahoma City, OK field office.

All Application Support Centers (ASC) are open with the exception of Fargo, ND which will be closed from 12 p.m. on March 18, 2020 through March 23, 2020 due to a temporary move. The ASC will reopen at 10 a.m. on March 24, 2020. 

All Asylum Offices are open. So, if you are well enough, you must attend your interview. However, effective March 12, all asylum decision pick-up appointments at the New York Asylum Office and the Newark Asylum office will be cancelled and decisions will be mailed.

I have a scheduled hearing at immigration court, but I am sick. I don’t want to be deported because I did not appear. What should I do?

If you do not have an attorney, you should contact the court clerk at immigration court where your case is being heard and explain your situation. Click here to get the contact information for the court hearing your case. You should also check if there are any updates regarding your court hearing by calling the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)’s 800 number: 800-898-7180 and entering your Alien Number (“A #”).

I have a scheduled check-in with my ICE Deportation Officer, but I’m sick. What should I do?

If you have a scheduled check-in with your Deportation Officer, you should contact them to inform them of your illness and to make the necessary arrangements to ensure that you continue compliance. Here is the contact information for ICE Field Offices. The Seattle Field Office is currently closed due to possible COVID-19 exposure. The office may be reached via email: Seattle.Outreach@ice.dhs.gov for any inquiries.

I am a U.S. permanent resident who is currently abroad. I have heard about the Trump European Entry Travel Ban. Will I be stranded overseas?

On March 11, 2020, the Trump Administration announced travel restrictions for foreign nationals who were physically present in the Schengen Area (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland) during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States. This travel restriction takes effect on March 13 at 11:29pm.

The following foreign nationals are exempt from the travel restrictions:

Lawful permanent resident (green card holder)

Spouse of a lawful permanent resident or U.S. citizen

Parent or legal guardian of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, provided that the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident is unmarried and under the age of 21

Sibling of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, provided that both are unmarried and under the age of 21

Child, foster child, or ward of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, or who is a prospective adoptee seeking to enter the United States pursuant to the IR-4 or IH-4 visa classifications

Those traveling at the invitation of the United States Government for a purpose related to containment or mitigation of the virus

Crewmembers or any alien otherwise traveling to the United States as air or sea crew

Diplomats with A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3 (as a foreign government official or immediate family member of an official), E-1 (as an employee of TECRO or TECO or the employee’s immediate family members), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-4, or NATO-6 (or seeking to enter as a nonimmigrant in one of those NATO categories)

Members of the U.S. Armed Forces and spouses and children of members of the U.S. Armed Forces

Select others whose entry would not pose a significant risk of introducing, transmitting, or spreading the virus or those whose entry would be in the interest of national security.

According to the Trump administration, those who are exempt will be directed to further screening upon arrival on U.S. soil.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR THOSE APPLYING FOR A GREEN CARD: If you are sick and in need of medical treatment, it is important to focus on getting the help that you need. If you are concerned about being found to be a public charge for use of Medicaid, for example, you should know that state-sponsored Medicaid is not included in the public charge determination - only state/federal cash assistance and federal public benefits.

Also, even if you have previously received public benefits, this does not automatically mean that you will be found ineligible for permanent residence. This is only one factor that USCIS evaluates in its totality of the circumstances determination.

Since these are very recent developments, we don’t know as of yet how this will all be implemented in practice. The government stated that they will be issuing guidance soon. We are following this closely and will update this post accordingly. If you are affected by this development and would like to set up a consultation, please contact us, we are here to help! Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or Tumblr for up-to-date immigration news.

RELATED CONTENT:

FAQs: What is "public charge" and how does it affect green card applications?

FAQs: Taxes and your Immigration Status

What happens at a naturalization interview? What should I expect during my citizenship interview appointment?

Rasoulpour Torregoza is the law firm for immigrants, by immigrants. We are founded on the motto of LegalEase: we do away with the legal jargon and make law easy to understand, so you can focus on what’s important to you – going for your American Dream. Contact us at (888) 445-7066 or info@legalease.us. We are also on social media and on Skype: @LegalEaseUS. || www.LegalEase.us This website and blog constitute attorney advertising. Do not consider anything on this website or blog legal advice as the law is dynamic, particularly in the immigration field and nothing in this website constitutes an attorney-client relationship being formed. Set up a one-hour consultation with us before acting on anything you read here. Past results are no guarantee of future results and prior results do not imply or predict future results. Each case is different and must be judged on its own merits.

[nightmessiah]

The employment documents of related to immigrants who worked illegally at President Donald Trump’s golf club in New Jersey have been gathered by the FBI and state investigators, reports the Washington Post. The report is sourced to a Newark attorney who represents five undocumented immigrants that worked at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey. The lawyer says that in November he met with investigators from the New Jersey state attorney general’s office …

[tyylerjohn]

Immigration Attorney in New York and New Jersey October 01, 2018 at 08:49AM

The number of immigrants living in New Jersey has risen on the past few years. The USCIS Newark Field Office, located at 970 Broad Street, is one of the busiest […] The post How can a New Jersey Lawyers service my immigration case? — appeared first on Immigration Lawyers in US. October 01, 2018 at 08:46AM http://blog.lawyersinus.com/ https://www.facebook.com/yourGreenCard/ from Immigration Attorney in New York and New Jersey http://www.facebook.com/pages/p/2217534265132341 via Green Card Lawyer in New York and New Jersey

[un-enfant-immature]

Dear Sophie: How should I prepare for a green card interview?

Sophie Alcorn Contributor

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Sophie Alcorn is the founder of Alcorn Immigration Law in Silicon Valley and 2019 Global Law Experts Awards’ “Law Firm of the Year in California for Entrepreneur Immigration Services.” She connects people with the businesses and opportunities that expand their lives.

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Dear Sophie: What are my F-1 and other immigration options after graduation?

A pledge to unite international students and tech

Here’s another edition of “Dear Sophie,” the advice column that answers immigration-related questions about working at technology companies.

“Your questions are vital to the spread of knowledge that allows people all over the world to rise above borders and pursue their dreams,” says Sophie Alcorn, a Silicon Valley immigration attorney. “Whether you’re in people ops, a founder or seeking a job in Silicon Valley, I would love to answer your questions in my next column.”

“Dear Sophie” columns are accessible for Extra Crunch subscribers; use promo code ALCORN to purchase a one- or two-year subscription for 50% off.

Dear Sophie:

My employer sponsored me and my family for green cards. We’re expecting to get a green card interview scheduled soon. What should we expect and how should we prepare for our interview?

— Nervous in Newark

Dear Nervous,

Thanks for reaching out. Great to hear that you’re in the final stretch of the green card process! Fortunately USCIS is starting up in-person interviews again now that they have COVID-precautions in place. For more info, check out what to expect and how to prepare for a green card interview.

Before 2017, USCIS waived interviews for most employment-based green card candidates. But an executive order directing federal agencies to implement screening and vetting processes prompted USCIS to institute a green card interview for all candidates, including dependents.

USCIS offices just reopened to the public on June 4, after being closed for nearly two months due to COVID-19, so scheduling — or rescheduling — a green card interview may require a bit of a wait. Be aware that USCIS tries to schedule families together for their interview at the same time and location; however, this is not guaranteed. USCIS may waive the interview requirement for children 14 years old and younger.

Always inform your immigration attorney of any changes to your employment prior to or immediately after the interview, such as:

[muzaffar1969]

http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

WASHINGTON — A new report from the American Lung Association comes with a clear warning for the Trump administration and Congress: Continue America’s fight against pollution or jeopardize public health. 

On Wednesday, the ALA released its 18th annual “State of the Air” report, which found there’s been a “major improvement” in the nation’s overall air quality, crediting it to the success of the Clean Air Act in controlling pollution. Despite continued progress, however, a number of cities saw dangerous spikes in short-term particle pollution affected by climate change.

Roughly 125 million Americans — nearly 4 in 10 — continue to live in areas with dangerously high levels of pollution.

“This is simply unacceptable,” Harold Wimmer, ALA’s national president and CEO, said in a statement. “Everyone has a fundamental right to breathe healthy air. Our nation’s leaders must do more to protect the health of all Americans.”

The report, which covers data collected from 2013 to 2015, measures both particle pollution ― the tiny solid and liquid particles found in the air ― and ozone pollution, which is created when emissions from cars, power plants and other sources are exposed to sunlight. These widespread pollutants are associated with early death and a host of health problems, including cancer, asthma and developmental, reproductive and cardiovascular harm.

Along with providing a comprehensive look at the air Americans breathe, the 2017 report urges President Donald Trump, Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt and certain congressional lawmakers — who have acted quickly to roll back a number of key environmental protections — to support efforts to improve air quality, including fighting climate change by reducing carbon emissions from power plants.

Of course, that message may fall on deaf ears. Trump, Pruitt and many Republican lawmakers have denied the science of climate change. And late last month, surrounded by coal miners, the president signed an executive order to undo much of what his predecessor had done to rein in greenhouse gas emissions.

The new “report card” finds 125 million people, 39 percent of the population, live in 204 counties where they are exposed to high levels of either ozone or particle pollution. Although shocking, that’s roughly 25 percent fewer people than during the three-year cycle covered by last year’s report. (The 2016 report found 52 percent of the population, or 166 million Americans, were living in the 418 counties where they’re exposed to unhealthy levels.)

Janice Nolen, ALA’s vice president for national policy, told The Huffington Post that part of the decline is because 2012, a year with particularly high levels of pollution, is no longer in the three-year cycle covered by the report. But that’s not to downplay the continued improvement in air quality happening around the country. 

“One of the great things about doing this report for 18 years is we’ve seen the progress, especially in ozone,” Nolen said.

Twenty of the 25 cities with the worst ozone pollution saw a reduction in the number of high-ozone days, according to the findings. Furthermore, 15 of the top 25 cities most polluted by year-long particle pollution saw reduced levels. 

For short-term particle pollution, however, 15 of the 25 most-polluted cities tallied more days with spiked levels, a finding Nolen called concerning. Short-term particle pollution results from weather events like drought and wildfires, often made worse by climate change.

More than 18 million people live with unhealthy levels of all three — down roughly 10 percent from last year’s report. 

“The ‘State of the Air 2017’ report adds to the evidence that a changing climate [is] making it harder to protect human health,” the report reads. 

As has been the case in recent years, California dominated all three Top 10 lists for pollution.

Top 10 U.S. Cities Most Polluted by Short-Term Particle Pollution:

Bakersfield, California

Visalia-Porterville-Hanford, California

Fresno-Madera, California

Modesto-Merced, California

Fairbanks, Alabama

San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, California

Salt Lake City-Provo-Orem, Utah

Logan, Utah-Idaho

Los Angeles-Long Beach, California

Reno-Carson City-Fernley, Nevada

Top 10 U.S. Cities Most Polluted by Year-Round Particle Pollution: 

Visalia-Porterville-Hanford, California

Bakersfield, California

Fresno-Madera, California

San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, California

Los Angeles-Long Beach, California

Modesto-Merced, California

El Centro, California

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania/New Castle, Ohio/Weirton, West Virginia

Cleveland-Akron-Canton, Ohio

San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, California

Top 10 Most Ozone-Polluted Cities:

Los Angeles-Long Beach, California

Bakersfield, California

Fresno-Madera, California

Visalia-Porterville-Hanford, California

Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Arizona

Modesto-Merced, California

San Diego-Carlsbad, California

Sacramento-Roseville, California

New York-Newark, N.Y.–N.J.-Conn.-Pa.

Las Vegas, Nevada/Henderson, Arizona

Six U.S. cities recorded not a single day of unhealthy ozone or particle pollution, earning a spot on the report’s list of cleanest U.S. cities. 

Top Cleanest U.S. Cities (listed in alphabetical order):

Burlington-South Burlington, Vermont

Cape Coral-Fort Myers-Naples, Florida

Elmira-Corning, New York

Honolulu, Hawaii

Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, Florida

Wilmington, North Carolina

Nolen told HuffPost there’s been a shift in where the worst pollution problems are occurring. As actions have been taken to clean up coal-fired power plants and reduce vehicle emissions, air quality in the eastern half of the United States has largely improved, with a number of cities falling down, or even off, the list. In contrast, states in the West, plagued by wildfire smoke, have tallied worse air quality grades. 

“We are concerned when we see steps by the [Trump] administration, for example, to try to weaken or roll back steps to reduce emissions from oil and gas,” Nolen said, adding that those tools are needed “to reduce the pollution that’s coming from some of the sources that still continue.” 

The larger message for the Trump administration, Nolen added, is the Clean Air Act is working to improve air quality.

“We want to make sure the administration knows that and understands that,” she said. “It is crucial that we have the Clean Air Act in place — working strong and enforced and funded — in order to make it happen.”

The ALA report urges Trump, Pruitt and other government leaders to “stand up for public health.” It also takes issue with a number of the administration’s actions, including rolling back the Clean Power Plan and a proposed 31 percent cut to the EPA’s budget, and vows to fight for reductions in carbon dioxide emissions.

Much like his boss, Pruitt is no environmental steward. As attorney general of Oklahoma, Pruitt sued the EPA more than a dozen times, including to overturn rules limiting air pollution from power plants. 

Last week, during a visit to a Pennsylvania coal mine that was recently fined for violating environmental laws, Pruitt dismissed concerns from environmentalists who he said think that in a push to increase coal, oil and gas production, he and others are “compromising outcomes with respect to our environment.” 

“Let’s look and think what the past administration achieved,” he said. “Almost 140 million people in this country live in non-compliance right now with respect to air quality.” 

“We’re going to improve the environment in this country, protect our water, protect our air, but at the same time do it the American way — grow jobs, and show the world we can achieve it,” he added.

Of course, what Pruitt fails to recognize is that were it not for the Clean Air Act and other regulations, many more Americans would be breathing filthy air. 

View the full 2017 “State of the Air” report here. 

-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.

April 19, 2017 at 09:28AM http://ift.tt/2oTMbXR from Chris D'Angelo http://ift.tt/2oTMbXR

[tragicbooks]

12 amazing ways ordinary Americans turned out against Donald Trump's 'Muslim ban.'

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The Trump administration's executive order barring citizens of seven predominately Muslim nations from entering the United States was met by a stunning wave of anger and mobilization across America.

As stories about green card holders being pulled off planes bound for the U.S., families with children being handcuffed, and an Iraqi translator who had served the U.S. military being detained in New York began to surface across social media, people moved quickly to make their voices heard. The backlash was led by ordinary citizens outraged at the order's apparent targeting of Muslims, lack of compassion for refugees, and impact on families who have lived in the United States for years.

1. A spontaneous protest erupted at JFK airport in New York City.

Photo by Stephanie Keith/Getty Images.

Thousands of people stood outside JFK Terminal 4 in the bitter cold as travelers and taxi drivers drove by honking their support.

2. The protests quickly spread to airports around the country...

Demonstrators at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. Photo by Joshua Lott/Getty Images.

Demonstrations broke out in Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Atlanta, Washington D.C., Raleigh, Portland, and elsewhere.

3. ...and onto the streets.

Protesters march in Seattle. Photo by Jason Redmond/Getty Images.

4. Lawyers turned out in force, working around the clock on behalf of the stranded travelers.

Immigration attorneys spent the weekend sitting on the floor working to challenge the order and free those who had been detained at customs.  

LITERALLY on the ground. Volunteer lawyers are working pro-bono on a Saturday preparing habeus corpus petitions for detainees at JFK. http://pic.twitter.com/ddUeQBi7AY

— NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) January 28, 2017

Some were organized by immigrant rights groups, but many came on their own, brandishing signs offering "free legal help."

5. New York City cab drivers stopped picking people up from JFK in solidarity.

A defiant taxi workers union announced a last-minute work stoppage from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday night, in protest of the ban.

"Our 19,000-member strong union stands firmly opposed to Donald Trump's Muslim ban," the union's official statement read. "As an organization whose membership is largely Muslim, a workforce that's almost universally immigrant, and a working-class movement that is rooted in the defense of the oppressed, we say no to this inhumane and unconstitutional ban."

Beautiful statement from the deeply principled and brave NYC taxi workers alliance @NYTWA #NoMuslimBan #NoBanNoWall http://pic.twitter.com/nSBXPtuCnE

— Anjali Kamat (@anjucomet) January 28, 2017

6. And after Uber tried to undercut the strike, a movement sprung up to urge people to delete the app.

Whether intentional or not, the ride-sharing company dropped its surge pricing on trips from JFK just as the strike was kicking off.

In response, hundreds took to Twitter to shame the company and announce they'd be dropping the service from their phones.

Lyft donates $1mil to ACLU while Uber doubles down on its support for Trump. #DeleteUber

— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) January 29, 2017

The company's CEO later issued a statement, pledging financial support to its drivers stranded overseas and urging the Trump administration to allow U.S. residents to return home.

7. Veterans raced to the airport rallies to support their Iraqi comrades.

After hearing that an Iraqi interpreter had been stopped at the border, Jeffrey Buchalter, who was injured in Iraq, drove two hours from his home in Maryland to protest for the first time in his life.

"This is not what we fought for, having been in Iraq and working with these interpreters..." Buchalter told the L.A. Times. "Knowing their culture and how they view America, for me, it was a way to send a message to them: What they believe America was, it is. It's the greatest place in the world.”

8. Google co-founder Sergey Brin quietly joined the protests.

Brin, whose family fled the Soviet Union in 1979, explained his presence at the SFO rally to a Forbes reporter saying, "I'm here because I'm a refugee."

Google cofounder Sergey Brin at SFO protest: "I'm here because I'm a refugee." (Photo from Matt Kang/Forbes) http://pic.twitter.com/GwhsSwDPLT

— Ryan Mac (@RMac18) January 29, 2017

9. The ACLU saw a massive influx of donations — and massive doesn't really even begin to describe it.

The American Civil Liberties Union led the legal charge against the order, declaring the ban unconstitutional and discriminatory. Between Friday and Sunday, the organization took in over $24 million — roughly six times its typical annual haul in donations.

10. And the ACLU's lawyers delivered a temporary victory against the ban late Saturday night.

The ACLU brought their case to a federal judge who issued a partial stay of the executive order, preventing the deportation of visa holders who had already landed in the U.S.

The stay was announced on Twitter by the ACLU's National Voting Rights project director.

Nationwide injunction - no one can be removed - govt must provide list of names of ppl affected

— Dale Ho (@dale_e_ho) January 29, 2017

And praised by director Anthony Romero as an assembled crowd cheered him on.

Refugees will not be deported.

VICTORY: ACLU blocks Trump's unconstitutional Muslim ban. WATCH: ACLU Executive Director Anthony D. Romero coming out of the court where the ACLU argued their case.

Posted by ACLU Nationwide on Saturday, January 28, 2017

11. Crowds cheered as families were released from airport detention centers.

UPDATE: Organizers announce that all families they know of have been released from detention #SFO #muslimban http://pic.twitter.com/YcHDol1ILi

— Sana Saleem (@sanasaleem) January 30, 2017

12. Most importantly, ordinary people spent their weekend helping ordinary people.

That's what happened to Rutgers University fellow Mohsen Omrani, who tweeted his story from Newark airport.

Great story. This great lady was infront of me at the security line, and she just apologized for not being fast in line. -1 http://pic.twitter.com/ZqJDl0ahju

— Mohsen Omrani (@Mohsen_Omrani) January 29, 2017

Told her it is not her fault and she said it probably is and just broke in tears. It was so sensational to see such an amazing person -3

— Mohsen Omrani (@Mohsen_Omrani) January 29, 2017

She said she will wait in Newark to make sure I go through. These amazing people affirm your faith in humanity. 🙏from bottom of my heart -5

— Mohsen Omrani (@Mohsen_Omrani) January 29, 2017

When I came out she was standing right outside the door. Have contacted @ACLU already and ruffled some feathers with the officers. -7

— Mohsen Omrani (@Mohsen_Omrani) January 29, 2017

She is definitely my hero of the day. Thank you Barbara. You are the reason why this country is so great. Stay amazing. -9 http://pic.twitter.com/DaK27ZtclU

— Mohsen Omrani (@Mohsen_Omrani) January 29, 2017

By the end of the weekend, the protestors and resisters' efforts paid off — proving once again there is power in numbers.

In addition to the rulings in federal court — the New York ruling was soon joined by a similar, more expansive one in Boston in addition to rulings elsewhere, including Virginia and Washington state — the administration appeared to back off the most controversial portion of the order, allowing green card holders to enter.

For now, much of the executive order still stands, as the challenge moves its way through the courts. But with the victories in court and on the streets, thousands of regular Americans sent a clear message to its new president: If you want to close our country's doors, you have to come through us.

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[glorialawnyc]

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