#employment-based immigration New York

[legallawsandrulesnyc]

Expert Guidance for Employment Visas: Finding the Right Immigration Lawyer in New York

Navigating the U.S. immigration system can be a complex process, particularly when it comes to securing employment visas. For individuals seeking to work in the United States, hiring an experienced immigration lawyer in New York is essential. These lawyers specialize in guiding clients through the intricacies of employment-based immigration, ensuring that all legal requirements are met and that applications are filed accurately and on time.

One of the primary roles of an employment visa lawyer in New York help clients determine which visa category best fits their situation. The most common types of employment visas include the H-1B for specialty occupations, the L-1 for intracompany transferees, the O-1 for individuals with extraordinary abilities, and the various EB visas (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3) for permanent residency based on employment. Each of these visas has specific eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and filing procedures. An immigration lawyer in New York can assess a client’s qualifications and recommend the most appropriate visa type, streamlining the application process.

In addition to helping clients choose the right visa, immigration lawyers also play a critical role in preparing and submitting the necessary paperwork. Employment visa applications often require detailed documentation, including evidence of the applicant’s qualifications, job offers, and sometimes employer sponsorship. Lawyers ensure that all forms are correctly completed and that supporting documents are properly organized and submitted to the appropriate government agencies. This close attention to detail is essential because even small mistakes can result in rejections or delays.

Another significant aspect of the employment visa process is responding to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and other inquiries from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These requests can arise if USCIS requires additional information to process an application. An experienced immigration lawyer in New York is skilled in addressing these requests, providing the necessary documentation and legal arguments to support the client’s case. This can be a decisive factor in securing visa approval.

Moreover, employment visa lawyers offer ongoing support throughout the visa process, including preparation for interviews, appeals in case of denials, and advice on maintaining visa status once it is granted. They are also knowledgeable about recent changes in immigration law and how these changes might impact their clients. This up-to-date expertise is especially important given the frequently evolving nature of U.S. immigration policy.

Choosing the right immigration lawyer in New York is crucial for anyone seeking an employment visa. It’s essential to find a lawyer with a strong track record in employment-based immigration, who is communicative, and who is committed to guiding clients through the entire process. A good lawyer will not only provide expert legal advice but also offer peace of mind, ensuring that clients are fully supported as they navigate the complexities of the U.S. immigration system.

In conclusion, securing an employment visa is a significant step towards working in the United States. With the help of a knowledgeable immigration lawyer in New York, individuals can navigate this process more smoothly and increase their chances of a successful outcome.

[johnnicelli]

Get US Citizenship & Immigration Lawyer in Manhattan, NY

Looking for expert legal assistance with US citizenship and immigration services in Manhattan, NY? Look no further than John Nicelli & Associates. Our experienced team of lawyers is dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of immigration law with precision and care. Whether you're seeking citizenship or need assistance with visa applications, trust us to provide comprehensive support tailored to your needs. Visit us - https://johnnicelli.com/immigration-law-in-manhattan-ny/citizenship-lawyer-in-manhattan-ny/

CALL US TODAY : 212-227-8020

[mariacallous]

American Jewish food is most typically defined as pastrami sandwiches, chocolate babka, or bagels and lox. But I am here to argue that the greatest American Jewish food may actually be the humble hot dog. No dish better embodies the totality of the American Jewish experience.

What’s that you say? You didn’t know that hot dogs were a Jewish food? Well, that’s part of the story, too.

Sausages of many varieties have existed since antiquity. The closest relatives of the hot dog are the frankfurter and the wiener, both American terms based on their cities of origin (Frankfurt and Vienna respectively). So what differentiates a hot dog from other sausages? The story begins in 19th century New York, with two German-Jewish immigrants.

In 1870, Charles Feltman sold Frankfurt-style pork-and-beef sausages out of a pushcart in Coney Island, Brooklyn. Sausages not being the neatest street food, Feltman inserted them into soft buns. This innovative sausage/bun combo grew to be known as a hot dog (though Feltman called them Coney Island Red Hots).

Two years later, Isaac Gellis opened a kosher butcher shop on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. He soon began selling all-beef versions of German-style sausages. Beef hot dogs grew into an all-purpose replacement for pork products in kosher homes, leading to such classic dishes as Franks & Beans or split pea soup with hot dogs. Though unknown whether Gellis was the originator of this important shift, he certainly became one of the most successful purveyors.

Like American Jews, the hot dog was an immigrant itself that quickly changed and adapted to life in the U.S. As American Jewry further integrated into society, the hot dog followed.

In 1916, Polish-Jewish immigrant Nathan Handwerker opened a hotdog stand to compete with Charles Feltman, his former employer. Feltman’s had grown into a large sit-down restaurant, and Handwerker charged half the price by making his eatery a “grab joint.” (The term fast food hadn’t yet been invented, but it was arguably Handwerker who created that ultra-American culinary institution.)

Nathan’s Famous conquered the hot dog world. Like so many of his American Jewish contemporaries, Handwerker succeeded via entrepreneurship and hard work. His innovative marketing stunts included hiring people to eat his hot dogs while dressed as doctors, overcoming public fears about low-quality ingredients. While his all-beef dogs were not made with kosher meat, he called them “kosher-style,” thus underscoring that they contained no horse meat. Gross.

The “kosher-style” moniker was another American invention. American Jewish history, in part, is the story of a secular populace that embraced Jewish culture while rejecting traditional religious practices. All-beef hotdogs with Ashkenazi-style spicing, yet made from meat that was not traditionally slaughtered or “kosher”, sum up the new Judaism of Handwerker and his contemporaries.

Furthermore, American Jewry came of age alongside the industrial food industry. The hot dog also highlights the explosive growth of the kosher supervision industry (“industrial kashrut”).

Hebrew National began producing hot dogs in 1905. Their production methods met higher standards than were required by law, leading to their famous advertising slogan, “We Answer to a Higher Authority.”

While the majority of Americans may be surprised to hear this, Hebrew National’s self-supervised kosher-ness was not actually accepted by more stringent Orthodox and even Conservative Jews at the time. But non-Jews, believing kosher dogs were inherently better, became the company’s primary market. Eventually, Hebrew National received the more established Triangle-K kashrut supervision, convincing the Conservative Movement to accept their products. Most Orthodox Jews, however, still don’t accept these hot dogs as kosher.

But over the last quarter of the 20th century in America, the Orthodox community has gained prominence and their opinions, and food preferences, hold more weight in the food industry.

The community’s stricter kashrut demands and sizable purchasing power created a viable market, and glatt kosher hot dogs hit the scene. Abeles & Heymann, in business since 1954, was purchased in 1997 by current owner Seth Leavitt. Meeting the demands of the Orthodox community’s increasingly sophisticated palate, their hot dogs are gluten-free with no filler. Recently, they’ve begun producing a line of uncured sausages, and the first glatt hot dogs using collagen casing.

Glatt kosher dogs can now be purchased in nearly thirty different sports arenas and stadiums. American Jews have successfully integrated into their society more than any other in history. So too, the hot dog has transcended its humble New York Jewish immigrant roots to enter the pantheon of true American icons. So when you bite into your hot dog this summer, you are really getting a bite of American Jewish history, and the great American Jewish food.

[noxexistant]

what is your delancey brothers backstory? we have stories from you based on it, but I'd love to hear what you actually think their story is!

(sorry if you've answered this before-)

i love this question more than anything, thank you so much

my backstory for the boys is blended from canon sources, actor backstories, and. divine intervention /j but mostly a lot of brainrot with birdy.

cw; abuse, violence, alcohol/drug abuse

first of all, their parents. morris delancey senior, their father, is a farmer from texas — the family moved out there just before he was born, led by da delancey’s own abusive dad, and he then moved back to new york when he was eighteen or so, hating the emptiness out west. back in new york, and in his twenties, he met fresh-off-the-boat irish immigrant maíre o’caelleigh — alone, and not quite sixteen yet, and charms her effortlessly with empty promises.

they have oscar first, unplanned and unwanted, when she’s sixteen and before the two of them are married — oscar, a bastard, is unable to be baptised and given his mother’s surname. they marry, live on morris sr’s farm together near soho, and two years later have morris, named for his father, their only legitimate child. baptised and raised catholic, and taught gaeilge by his mother despite morris sr banning either of them from speaking it, ashamed of his wife’s cultural identity and trying to strip her of it. morris is still influenced heavily by it, while oscar, who spends more time with his father, is more influenced by his father’s southernness.

oscar and morris grow up on the farm in the middle of nowhere, utterly alone aside from each other. it’s miserable. oscar is unwanted and a beacon of shame, a stain on his catholic parents’ names in the era, and morris doesn’t fare much better for long.

oscar is a healthy kid, strong and hardy and useful, but morris is sickly and complex, barely makes it through infancy. their parents’ love for their baby wears thin soon enough, and quickly oscar is the one left to look after and raise his younger brother against a backdrop of violence and neglect. morris is no longer shielded from their father’s abuse by oscar and maíre being his sole targets — and morris is a very easy target, even to their mother.

the farm, meanwhile, is not profitable. morris sr is not a good worker. they’re dirt poor and the farmhouse is rickety and cold, the land around them arid and useless, and da deals with this with drinking and gambling and drug habits — opioids, mainly, which he got onto after an old injury when they were prescribed by a doctor they could no longer afford. maíre is severely mentally ill, a mixture of hereditary afflictions and trauma and untreated postpartum issues. all of this contributes to the abuse the boys suffer and a general constant lack of safety. it instils codependency in the boys, understanding that they are the only safe people in the entire world — they’re all they have.

when morris is about eleven and oscar about thirteen, their mother dies by suicide in the farmhouse. a year or so later, the boys are herded into a carriage and brought to town by their father, who surrenders them to the refuge without so much as a goodbye, certainly without explanation. and that’s where the boys remain until oscar finally turns eighteen and ages out into their uncle wiesel’s reluctant employment, and finally manages to rescue morris as well — though not before plenty more damage has been done by morris’ understanding that oscar had abandoned him in there.

so, the codependency gets worse. the boys are already violent, shattered into sharp pieces by their father, but now wiesel and snyder work on sharpening them into weapons. they do as they’re told, because that’s their manner of survival, and oscar protects his brother with his life. they do terrible things because they believe the world in its entirety is terrible and cruel and violent, and their fear has made them selfish, only focused on their own safety because they believe that’s how the world works. and that’s approximately where canon begins!

so, that’s the sparknotes version of it all, approximately. if you’d like me to expound on any of this, pls absolutely ask

[todaysdocument]

"A Chicken in Every Pot" political ad and rebuttal article in New York Times

Collection HH-HOOVH: Herbert Hoover PapersSeries: Herbert Hoover Papers: Clippings File

This is the advertisement that caused Herbert Hoover's opponents to state that he had promised voters a chicken in every pot and two cars in every garage during the campaign of 1928. During the campaign of 1932, Democrats sought to embarrass the President by recalling his alleged statement. According to an article in the New York Times (10/30/32), Hoover did not make such a statement. The report was based on this ad placed by a local committee -- which only mentions one car!

A Chicken for Every Pot [handwritten] World[?] 30 October 1928 [/handwritten] The Republican Party isn't a [italics] "Poor Man's Party:" [/italics] Republican prosperity has erased that degrading phrase from our political vocabulary. The Republican Party is [italics] equality's [/italics] party -- [italics] opportunity's [/italics] party -- [italics] democracy's [/italics] party, the party of [italics] national [/italics] development, not [italics] sectional [/italics] interests-- the [italics] impartial [/italics] servant of every State and condition in the Union. Under higher tariff and lower taxation, America has stabilized output, employment and dividend rates. Republican efficiency has filled the workingman's dinner pail -- and his gasoline tank [italics] besides [/italics] -- made telephone, radio and sanitary plumbing [italics] standard [/italics] household equipment. And placed the whole nation in the [italics] silk stocking class. [/italics] During eight years of Republican management, we have built more and better homes, erected more skyscrapers, passed more benefactory laws, and more laws to regulate and purify immigration, inaugurated more conservation measures, more measures to standardize and increase production, expand export markets, and reduce industrial and human junk piles, than in any previous quarter century. Republican prosperity is written on [italics] fuller [/italics] wage envelops, written in factory chimney smoke, written on the walls of new construction, written in savings bank books, written in mercantile balances, and written in the peak value of stocks and bonds. Republican prosperity has [italics] reduced [/italics] hours and [italics] increased [/italics] earning capacity, silenced [italics] discontent, [/italics] put the proverbial "chicken in every pot." And a car in every backyard, to boot. It has[italics] raised [/italics] living standards and [italics] lowered [/italics] living costs. It has restored financial confidence and enthusiasm, changed [italics] credit [/italics] from a [italics] rich [/italics] man's privilege to a [italics] common [/italics] utility, [italics] generalized[/italics] the use of time-saving devices and released women from the thrall of [italics] domestic drudgery. [/italics] It has provided every county in the country with its concrete road and knitted the highways of the nation into a [italics] unified [/italics] traffic system. Thanks to Republican administration, farmer, dairyman and merchant can make deliveries in [italics] less [/italics] time and at [italics] less [/italics] expense, can borrow [italics] cheap [/italics] money to refund exorbitant mortgages, and stock their pastures, ranges and shelves. Democratic management [italics] impoverished [/italics] and [italics] demoralized [/italics] the [italics] railroads,[/italics] led packing plants and tire factories into [italics] receivership, [/italics] squandered billions on [italics] impractical [/italics] programs. Democratic maladministration issued [italics] further [/italics] billions of mere "scraps of paper," then encouraged foreign debtors to believe that their loans would never be called, and bequeathed to the Republican Party the job of [italics] mopping up the mess. [/italics] Republican administration has [italics] restored [/italics] to the railroads solvency, efficiency and par securities. It has brought rubber trades through panic and chaos, brought down the prices of crude rubber by smashing [italics] monopolistic rings,[/italics] put the tanner's books in the [italics] black [/italics] and secured from the European powers formal acknowledgment of their obligations. The Republican Party rests its case on a record of stewardship and performance. [full transcription at link]

[figpuddingprincess]

Blog #3 (2/13)

Historically and presently, how have Africans belonging to various countries of origin subverted colonialism and white supremacy in the New World?

The African diasporic consciousness of African Americans, African Caribbeans, black Britons developed as a result of being sought out by Europeans for the purpose of powering the imminent industrial revolution. In the article “The Revolution will be Digitized” by Everett, the author explains that in order to subvert rampant dehumanization and power structures opposed to their very existence, diverse Africans created independent communications through “paralinguistic and transnational communicative systems and networks” based on tradition, art, culture, and history against the atrocious circumstances of the context in which they were brought into. By developing these communities, diverse Africans were able to allay dislocation and fragmentation through art and solidarity in the context of Western slavocracies.

How does invisibility, in regards to whiteness, offer a sense of immunity and protection?

The invisibility, which is spoken about in the article “Race After Technology,” is the power of plainness that many privileged or majority groups experience, rendering them the “center” in which everything else is compared. For example, many white people assume a sense of normality in regards to their names in the United States, whereas people with “interesting” names (or rather, People of Color with “uncommon” or traditional names amongst their communities) are considered abnormal. 

How does the information within the article “Race After Technology” further illustrate the notion that technology and digital culture reflect the ideals and power structures present within our physical reality?

The Princeton study is only one example of this phenomenon. A group of students tested if certain technologies, in this case algorithms, hold and act upon the partialties on the basis of race that humans have expressed. Conclusively, the algorithm demonstrated the same biases found within our culture, associating white-sounding names with favorable adjectives and Black-sounding names with unfavorable ones. This phenomenon has been coined “the New Jim Code,” which is “the employment of new technologies that reflect and reproduce existing inequalities but that are promoted and perceived as more objective or progressive than the discriminatory systems of a previous era.”  

How do “codes” function to reinforce existing power structures and stunt social and political progress?

Codes function with power systems and hierarchies, determining the norms and standards of the physical reality we exist within. Historically and presently, these codes have played an integral role in the preservation of white supremacy and our own implicit and explicit biases. An example of coding in the twenty-first century is how the term “criminal” has come to be associated and used as a shorthand for folks from marginalized communities, such as poor people, immigrants, and Black people.

How is the concept of intersectionality relevant in digital culture, specifically?

The concept of intersectionality, which describes overlapping marginalized identities, such as Blackness, queerness, disabilities, or gender. Many issues as they apply to intersectionality get overlooked in the mainstream, as is the phenomenon where the public is significantly more educated on Black male victims of fatal police brutality than their female counterparts, who have been murdered in identical manners. The convergence of Blackness and womanhood means that in addition to the initial hatred that resulted in the murder in the first place, these cases are additionally not even accounted for in our collective imagination and public media.   

EVERETT, ANNA. “The Revolution Will Be Digitized: Reimaging Africanity in Cyberspace.” Digital Diaspora: A Race for Cyberspace, State University of New York Press, 2009, pp. 147–82. 

Benjamin, R. (2020). Race After Technology: Abolitionist Tools for the New Jim Code. Polity. 

TED. (2016, December 7). The urgency of intersectionality | Kimberlé Crenshaw. Youtube.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Rick McKee, Augusta Chronicle

* * * *

Dueling visions of the economy--one of them "unserious"

September 26, 2024

Robert B. Hubbell

To readers in the path of Hurricane Helene—our thoughts are with you! Please be cautious and stay safe!

Competing visions of the economy

On Wednesday, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump promoted their competing visions of the economy under their prospective administrations. Their visions could not be more different.

Kamala Harris offered a principled vision focused on helping the middle class and small businesses. She pledged to protect Medicare and Social Security, lower prescription drug prices, spur the construction of new homes, cut red tape for businesses, and increase worker employment opportunities by removing the artificial barrier of a college degree for skills-based jobs. She proposed to pay for her proposals by restoring the corporate tax rate to its pre-2017 level and increasing the tax rate on families earning more than $400,000 per year. See, e.g., AP News, Harris is to make her capitalist pitch while Trump pushes deeper into populism.

After Kamala Harris’s speech, her campaign released a series of bullet points that highlighted many of her proposals. I include them below to help her supporters educate others who may (mistakenly) claim that VP Harris has not articulated specific economic policies. In addition, I highly recommend this six-minute video by Jennifer Rubin that summarizes the specific policy proposals laid out by Kamala Harris compared to the “unserious” proposals by Donald Trump. See Jennifer Rubin, Green Room, Why Kamala's Economic Message Beats Trump (youtube.com).

In her speech, Kamala Harris made the following proposals:

Support domestic manufacturing in strategic industries through new America Forward tax credits (including small businesses)

Double the number of registered apprenticeships in America and help promote meaningful pathways to jobs that don’t require 4-year degrees

Stand up to countries like China when they threaten American workers by engaging in unfair trade practices

Crack down on counterfeit and unsafe goods from China to protect American small businesses and consumers

Invest in R&D for critical industries to ensure the United States maintains its lead

Support American-made products by enforcing Buy America requirements

Incentivize domestic processing of critical minerals for manufacturing

Protect affordable health care premiums (that were lowered by an average of $800 a year for millions of Americans)

Cap the cost of insulin at $35 for all Americans

Cap out-of-pocket prescription drug costs at $2,000 a year for all Americans

Lower prescription drug costs by accelerating Medicare price negotiations

Relieve medical debt for millions of Americans

Call on Congress to pass the first-ever federal ban on price gouging on food

Invest in building resilient food supply chains

Give small businesses, grocers, and growers the support they need, revitalizing a competitive marketplace to lower prices for consumers

The video of Kamala Harris’s speech to the Pittsburgh Economic Club is here: Vice President Kamala Harris on the Economy.

Kamala Harris later sat for an interview with Stephanie Ruhle of MSNBC that covered many of the same topics. The transcript of that interview is here: Transcript of Kamala Harris’ exclusive solo MSNBC interview.

In contrast to the specifics proposed by Kamala Harris, the unifying theme of Trump's economic vision is deporting ten million immigrants, which Trump promotes as a cure-all for home prices, energy costs, and the price of groceries. See, e.g., Opinion | Plan Beats No Plan - The New York Times (nytimes.com)

Trump proposes to cut taxes for the wealthiest taxpayers while imposing a national sales tax on all Americans in the form of punitive tariffs. See Business Insider, Trump's Mass Deportation Plan Could Wreak Havoc on the Inflation Fight - Business Insider.

Trump spreads fairy dust on top of his incoherent economic vision by promising to cap interest rates on credit cards and to give free IVF treatments any American who asks for such j See, e.g., WaPo Editorial, The one thing worse than high credit card rates is Trump’s plan to cut them. (This article is accessible to all.)

Trump has also proposed to eliminate tax on Social Security—a plan that will benefit many wealthy Americans who do not need the tax cut and will not help lower income Americans who pay no tax. As with most of Trump's proposals, they are stealth tax cuts for the wealthy.

But at the core of Trump's effort to be reelected by promising free ponies to everyone is his proposal to extend his existing tax cut for millionaires and billionaires. When all of Trump's tax-giveaways are combined, they will cost a whopping $9.7 trillion dollars. See American Prospect, Trump’s Tax Cut-A-Rama Total So Far: $9.75 Trillion.

And his plan to pay for that whopping number is a national sales tax that will result in trade wars and cause a recession. See Fortune, (8/16/2024), Trump’s promised tariffs could spark trade war, inflation, expert warns.

Pollsters and pundits frequently say that the economy is the most important issue in the 2024 election. If that is true (and I do not believe it is), then the competing visions offered by the candidates on Wednesday should remove any doubt that Kamala Harris is the only rational choice for president in 2024.

Congress passes three month continuing resolution on budget

An occurrence that used to be a big deal now happens almost without comment by the media. On Wednesday, the House passed a three-month continuing resolution with the majority party (Republicans) providing a minority of the votes needed for passage. As on two prior occasions, Democrats provided a majority of the votes necessary to pass a continuing resolution, even though Democrats are the minority party in the House. See The Hill, Senate sends bill to avert government shutdown to Biden's desk (thehill.com)

Prior to Mike Johnson’s election as Speaker, that almost never happened. Now, it is a regular occurrence—and Democrats are acting as the adult in the room. Democrats are well-positioned to take over control of the House in November—and can begin to impose regular order on House proceedings once again. It will be good to leave this nightmarish period of Republican non-rule in the House.

Clearing up misconceptions about “certification” of election by Congress

I hear regularly from readers who are worried that Speaker Mike Johnson will prevent the “certification” of the electoral college ballots for the 2024 election. A headline on Wednesday in Talking Points Memo promoted another such email from a reader. See TPM, Now Mike Johnson Is Hedging On Whether The Election Will Be Certified.

Let me try to clear up the misimpression that Mike Johnson has any role in “certifying” the results of the 2024 election. He does not.

First, Congress will “count” (not “certify”) the electoral college ballots on January 6, 2025.

Hold that date firmly in mind: January 6, 2025.

Mike Johnson is Speaker of the 118th Congress, which ends on January 3, 2025, at 11:59 a.m.

When the 118th Congress ends on January 3, 2025, Mike Johnson’s role as Speaker terminates.

At 12:00 noon on January 3, 2025, the 119th Congress will begin, and its first act will be to elect a Speaker. The Clerk of the House serves as the Presiding Officer during the vote for Speaker. See CRS, Electing the Speaker of the House of Representatives: Frequently Asked Questions.  Democrats will likely have a majority in the 119th Congress and will elect Hakeem Jeffries as Speaker.

Three days later, on January 6, 2025, the electoral college ballots will be opened and counted in a joint session of Congress presided over by the President of the Senate—Vice President Kamala Harris (whose term does not end until January 20, 2025). Hakeem Jeffries will be the Speaker of the House when the electoral ballots are counted on January 6, 2025.

As you can see, Mike Johnson will NOT be Speaker of the House when the electoral college ballots are counted and he will NOT be presiding over the joint session of Congress on January 6, 2025—Kamala Harris will be presiding, regardless of who “wins” the election.

And to refute another conspiracy theory with no basis in fact, Mike Johnson cannot refuse to “swear in” newly elected members of Congress, thereby (allegedly) preventing a new Democratic majority from being seated for the count of electoral ballots. Mike Johnson will no longer be Speaker when the 119th Congress begins at 12:00 noon on January 3, 2025, and cannot refuse to “swear in” newly elected members.

As noted above, the Clerk of the House serves as the presiding officer until a new Speaker is elected. “Members elect” of the 119th Congress will already have their “voting cards” issued to them by the Clerk so they can vote to elect the new Speaker. See CRS, The First Day of a New Congress: A Guide to Proceedings on the House Floor .

With that as background, I hope you can see why the TPM headline is misleading in suggesting that Mike Johnson has any role in “certifying” the count of electoral ballots on January 6, 2025. (“Now Mike Johnson Is Hedging On Whether The Election Will Be Certified.”) Mike Johnson will have no role in counting the electoral ballots other than as a member of Congress with a single vote on objections to the count.

[Robert B. Hubbell Newsletter]

[clairebenblog]

Visa, Work & Housing: Essential Tips for Moving to USA

Moving to USA is a dream for many, offering boundless opportunities and a chance for a fresh start. However, planning such a significant transition requires careful research and organization. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore essential aspects of relocating, including visa requirements, navigating the job market, finding housing, managing finances, understanding healthcare, integrating into American culture, and knowing your legal rights. Whether you’re planning a temporary stay or a permanent move, these insights will help you prepare for a successful transition.

Before embarking on your journey, understanding the visa process is crucial. The USA offers a variety of visa options to accommodate different purposes of stay.

Navigating the visa application process can seem daunting, but breaking it down into manageable steps can simplify the journey:

Determine Your Visa Category: Identify the visa type that aligns with your purpose of moving to USA.

Prepare Your Documents: Gather necessary paperwork such as passports, financial records, educational certificates, and employment history.

Complete the Application: Fill out the appropriate visa application forms and pay the required fees.

Schedule an Interview: Most visa types require an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Wait for Approval: Visa processing times can vary, so it’s important to apply well in advance of your planned move.

Staying informed about the latest updates in immigration policies is essential, as changes can impact eligibility and processing times.

One of the biggest challenges when moving to USA is finding employment. With the right preparation, you can tap into the vast opportunities available across various sectors.

Research High-Demand Sectors: Industries such as technology, healthcare, finance, and engineering frequently seek skilled workers from around the globe. Look for sectors that match your expertise and qualifications.

Utilize Job Portals and Networks: Websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor can be invaluable in finding job listings and networking with professionals in your field.

Consider Regional Opportunities: Job markets can vary greatly by region. Metropolitan areas like New York, San Francisco, and Austin offer dynamic opportunities, while smaller cities may provide a lower cost of living and a tighter community network.

Before starting a job, ensure that you have the correct work authorization. Many employment-based visas, such as the H-1B, require sponsorship by an employer. Be proactive in discussing sponsorship options during your job search.

Understanding workplace culture can enhance your professional integration. Common practices include punctuality, clear communication, and a focus on results. Embracing these cultural norms can lead to smoother interactions with colleagues and supervisors.

Finding the right place to live is a vital component of your relocation plan. Whether you choose to rent or buy, being well-informed will help you avoid common pitfalls.

Research Neighborhoods: Start by researching neighborhoods that align with your lifestyle, work location, and budget. Consider factors such as safety, access to public transportation, and proximity to amenities.

Understand Rental Agreements: Familiarize yourself with lease terms, tenant rights, and the responsibilities of both landlords and tenants. It’s essential to read the rental contract thoroughly before signing.

Budgeting for Rent: The cost of renting can vary widely. Create a budget that accounts for monthly rent, utilities, and other living expenses to ensure financial stability.

If you’re arriving without a permanent address, short-term housing options like serviced apartments, extended-stay hotels, or temporary rentals can provide a comfortable stopgap. These arrangements offer flexibility while you search for long-term accommodation.

A well-planned financial strategy is crucial for a smooth transition to life in the USA.

The US tax system can be complex, especially for new residents. Familiarize yourself with both federal and state tax regulations. It’s often wise to consult with a tax professional who specializes in expatriate or immigrant tax matters to ensure compliance and optimize your tax situation.

Healthcare is a critical consideration when moving to USA, where the system differs significantly from other countries.

Moving to USA is not just about logistics — it’s also about embracing a new culture and building a supportive community.

Being aware of your legal rights and responsibilities is vital for protecting yourself and ensuring a smooth transition.

If you encounter any legal challenges or have questions about your rights, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice. Numerous organizations offer legal assistance to immigrants, helping you navigate any complexities that arise during your transition.

Moving to USA is a life-changing decision that offers countless opportunities. With careful planning and the right information, you can navigate the visa application process, secure employment, find the perfect home, and integrate into American society with ease. Remember, thorough preparation — from understanding visa requirements and building a professional network to managing finances and embracing new cultural norms — will pave the way for a successful transition.

By following these essential tips, you’ll be better equipped to handle the challenges and seize the opportunities that come with moving to USA. Whether you’re starting a new career, pursuing further education, or seeking a fresh start, this guide aims to empower you with the knowledge and confidence needed to embark on your American journey.

Taking the time to research and plan each step not only minimizes stress but also maximizes your potential for success. Embrace the adventure, stay informed, and remember that every step you take brings you closer to making your American dream a reality.

[kalantarovimmigrationlawyer]

Green Card Lawyer Helps Clients to Move to the USA

A Green Card enables non-citizens to live and work indefinitely in the United States through various channels, such as family funding, employment-based visas, asylum, and refugee status. A skilled green card lawyer can offer problem-solving, representation, application preparation, and individualized legal consultation. A renowned law firm in Long Island, New York, provides services like naturalization and citizenship, adjustment of status, employment-based immigration, and family-based immigration.

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Why Immigrate to the USA Top Reasons to Move to America

The United States has long been a top destination for immigrants seeking better career opportunities, high living standards, and world-class education. Whether you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur, the USA offers numerous benefits for immigrants. Here’s why you should consider Move to USA:

1. Strong Economy & Job Opportunities

The USA has one of the largest and most diverse economies in the world. With industries like technology, healthcare, finance, and engineering booming, immigrants can find excellent job opportunities and high salaries. Many multinational companies, including Google, Apple, and Microsoft, actively hire international talent.

2. High-Quality Education System

The USA is home to the Ivy League and top-ranking universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and Yale. Whether you’re a student or planning for your children’s future, the world-class education system provides access to advanced research, scholarships, and career opportunities.

3. Pathways to Permanent Residency & Citizenship

The USA provides several pathways to permanent residency (Green Card) and eventually citizenship. Programs like employment-based immigration (EB-2, EB-3), family sponsorship, and the Diversity Visa Lottery make it possible to settle in the country long-term.

4. High Living Standards & Healthcare

The USA offers an excellent quality of life with modern infrastructure, a stable economy, and access to high-quality healthcare. Cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago offer vibrant cultural experiences, while places like Texas and Florida provide affordable living options to Move to USA.

5. Business & Investment Opportunities

Entrepreneurs and investors can expand their businesses in the world’s largest economy. Visa programs like the EB-5 Investor Visa and L-1 Visa for business transfers allow immigrants to start businesses and create job opportunities.

6. Technological & Innovation Hub

The USA is a global leader in technology, science, and innovation. Immigrants in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) have access to high-paying jobs, research grants, and startup opportunities.

7. Cultural Diversity & Freedom

With a melting pot of cultures, the USA is welcoming to people from all backgrounds. Freedom of speech, religion, and equal opportunities make it a desirable place for immigrants to thrive.

8. Social Security & Benefits

Once immigrants obtain permanent residency (green card), they can enjoy benefits like: ✅ Social Security & Retirement Benefits ✅ Unemployment Insurance ✅ Access to Public Education & Healthcare Programs

9. Family Sponsorship & Dependent Visas

If you move to the USA, you can sponsor your family members to join you. Spouse visas, dependent visas, and family reunification programs help immigrants build a secure future for their loved ones.

10. Travel Freedom & Global Recognition

Holding a Green Card or US Passport gives you visa-free or easier access to multiple countries, making international travel and global networking much easier with VJC Overseas.

Final Thoughts

The USA continues to be a land of opportunities, offering immigrants a better career, education, and quality of life. If you're considering moving to the USA, VJC Overseas can help with visa applications, Green Card processing, and career guidance. Contact us today for expert consultation!

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Choose Family Immigration Attorney In New York

When navigating the complexities of immigration law in New York, trust the expertise of John Nicelli & Associates, your premier destination for family immigration attorneys in New York. Our dedicated team understands the importance of keeping families together, providing comprehensive legal assistance tailored to your specific needs. With our experienced family immigration attorneys in New York by your side, rest assured that your case will be handled with professionalism and compassion. Choose John Nicelli & Associates for reliable immigration solutions. Visit us - https://johnnicelli.com/immigration-law-in-manhattan-ny/family-immigration-lawyer-in-manhattan-ny/

[lawofficeofalenashautsova]

How a New York Immigration Lawyer Can Help You Navigate the U.S. Immigration System

Many individuals who are seeking to immigrate to the United States are often overwhelmed by the complexities of the U.S. immigration system, but with the help of a skilled New York Immigration Lawyer, you can successfully navigate this intricate process and achieve your goals. You may be trying to obtain a visa, apply for a green card, or pursue citizenship, but without the right guidance, you can easily get lost in the bureaucratic maze. This is where an experienced immigration lawyer comes in – to provide you with the expertise and support you need to overcome the challenges of the U.S. immigration system.

You need a New York Immigration Lawyer because the immigration process can be fraught with difficulties, from filling out complex application forms to attending interviews and court hearings. A lawyer can guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that you comply with all the requirements and regulations. Whether you are applying for a family-based visa, an employment-based visa, or seeking to adjust your status, a lawyer can help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your immigration case. They can also represent you in court, if necessary, and advocate on your behalf to ensure that your rights are protected.

An immigration lawyer can help you with specific cases, such as family-based immigration, where you may be trying to bring a loved one to the United States. They can assist you with employment-based immigration, where you may be seeking to work in the U.S. or hire foreign workers for your business. They can also help you with adjustment of status, where you may be seeking to change your immigration status or apply for a green card. Additionally, they can handle special cases, such as asylum applications, deportation defense, and waivers, where you may be facing unique challenges or complications.

Hiring a New York Immigration Lawyer is necessary because legal representation can significantly increase your chances of success in immigration matters. With an experienced lawyer by your side, you can avoid common pitfalls and mistakes that can lead to delays or even denials. For example, according to the American Immigration Lawyers Association, applicants who are represented by a lawyer are more likely to have their cases approved than those who go it alone. When choosing an immigration lawyer, you should consider factors such as their experience, client reviews, and success rates to ensure that you find the right person to handle your case.

In summation, navigating the U.S. immigration system can be a daunting task, but with the help of a New York Immigration Lawyer, you can overcome the challenges and achieve your goals. You can book an appointment with Alena Shautsova Law Offices, located at 2908A Emmons Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11235, United States, by visiting their website at https://www.shautsova.com/. By working with an experienced immigration lawyer, you can ensure that your immigration case is handled with care and expertise, and that you receive the best possible outcome. So why wait? Contact a New York Immigration Lawyer today and take the first step towards achieving your American dream.

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How a New York Immigration Lawyer Can Help You Navigate the U.S. Immigration System

Many individuals who are seeking to immigrate to the United States are often overwhelmed by the complexities of the U.S. immigration system, but with the help of a skilled New York Immigration Lawyer, you can successfully navigate this intricate process and achieve your goals. You may be trying to obtain a visa, apply for a green card, or pursue citizenship, but without the right guidance, you can easily get lost in the bureaucratic maze. This is where an experienced immigration lawyer comes in – to provide you with the expertise and support you need to overcome the challenges of the U.S. immigration system.

You need a New York Immigration Lawyer because the immigration process can be fraught with difficulties, from filling out complex application forms to attending interviews and court hearings. A lawyer can guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that you comply with all the requirements and regulations. Whether you are applying for a family-based visa, an employment-based visa, or seeking to adjust your status, a lawyer can help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your immigration case. They can also represent you in court, if necessary, and advocate on your behalf to ensure that your rights are protected.

An immigration lawyer can help you with specific cases, such as family-based immigration, where you may be trying to bring a loved one to the United States. They can assist you with employment-based immigration, where you may be seeking to work in the U.S. or hire foreign workers for your business. They can also help you with adjustment of status, where you may be seeking to change your immigration status or apply for a green card. Additionally, they can handle special cases, such as asylum applications, deportation defense, and waivers, where you may be facing unique challenges or complications.

Hiring a New York Immigration Lawyer is necessary because legal representation can significantly increase your chances of success in immigration matters. With an experienced lawyer by your side, you can avoid common pitfalls and mistakes that can lead to delays or even denials. For example, according to the American Immigration Lawyers Association, applicants who are represented by a lawyer are more likely to have their cases approved than those who go it alone. When choosing an immigration lawyer, you should consider factors such as their experience, client reviews, and success rates to ensure that you find the right person to handle your case.

In summation, navigating the U.S. immigration system can be a daunting task, but with the help of a New York Immigration Lawyer, you can overcome the challenges and achieve your goals. You can book an appointment with Alena Shautsova Law Offices, located at 2908A Emmons Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11235, United States, by visiting their website at https://www.shautsova.com/. By working with an experienced immigration lawyer, you can ensure that your immigration case is handled with care and expertise, and that you receive the best possible outcome. So why wait? Contact a New York Immigration Lawyer today and take the first step towards achieving your American dre

[bllsbailey]

Killing of Border Patrol Agent Goes in a Very Strange and Unsettling Direction

Border Patrol Agent David Maland

was killed Monday during a traffic stop in Coventry, Vermont, about 20 miles from the Derby Line - Rock Island Border Crossing. Initial details were sparse but strange. According to reports, the traffic stop led to a shootout in which Maland and a "German national in the country on what the FBI called a current visa was killed, and an injured suspect was taken into custody and is being treated at a local hospital." The incident was a bit out of the ordinary. One doesn't think of rural Vermont as a place where shootouts occur with federal agents and on the risk spectrum of "aliens likely to be shooters," Germans are somewhere over to the far lefthand side.

The German was Felix Bauckholt.

Bauckholt's still live LinkedIn profile says he worked in the New York office of Tower Research Capital, the high frequency trading firm. Tower Research didn't respond to a request to comment on Bauckholt's recent employment status, but the alleged expiry of his visa suggests he may no longer have been working there.  Tower Research Capital is a high frequency market maker and prop trading firm that operates high speed trading strategies. US government data suggests that two people at Tower Research have had H1B visas renewed this year: a head of data on a base salary of $350k and a quant trader on a base salary of $165k. It has 1,200 employees in total.  Bauckholt's LinkedIn profile says he joined Tower in October 2021 after two years at Radix Trading. He also completed a Jane Street internship in 2018. Jane Street interns now earn around $20k a month. Bauckholt graduated from Canada's university of Waterloo with a bachelor's in mathematics. In 2014 and 2015 he appears to have won gold and bronze prizes respectively in the International Mathematics Olympiad. 

He was accompanied by a 21-year-old woman named Teresa Youngblut. She was wounded in the shootout and was charged on Friday with complicity in the killing.

The FBI arrest affidavit is where it starts to get weird.

On Tuesday, January 14, an employee of a hotel in Lyndonville, Vermont, contacted law enforcement when Bauckholt and Youngblut checked in. What drew attention was that they acted strange, and "they appeared to be dressed in all-black tactical style clothing with protective equipment, with the woman, later identified as Youngblut, carrying an apparent firearm in an exposed-carry holster."

Based on that encounter, Vermont State Police and Homeland Security Investigations personnel tried to initiate a “consensual conversation,” but neither wanted to go along with that ploy. They told the police they were in the area looking for land to buy.

The encounter was sufficiently out of the ordinary to draw surveillance because on Sunday, January 19, they were spotted walking in Newport, VT, and Youngblut was packing.

The document said law enforcement personnel had earlier been surveilling the pair between 11:30 a.m. and 2:35 pm at a Walmart in Newport, Vt. “They observed Baukholt enter the Wal-Mart at approximately 1 :00 pm and came out with what was later confirmed by Wal-Mart employees to be two packages of aluminum foil,” the affidavit said. The document said Youngblut stayed in the Prius in the driver’s seat while Baukholt entered the store, and that when “Baukholt returned to the vehicle, he was seen removing sheets of foil and wrapping unidentifiable objects while seated in the passenger seat,” and he was also seen making at least one phone call.

This is how the shootout unfolded.

"On January 20, 2025, at approximately 3:00 pm, an on-duty, uniformed United States Border Patrol (USBP) Agent initiated a stop of a blue 2015 Toyota Prius Hatchback with [a] North Carolina license plate... to conduct an immigration inspection as it was driving southbound on Interstate 91 in Coventry, Vermont," read an FBI criminal complaint obtained by Fox News.  "The registered owner of the vehicle, Felix Baukholt, a citizen of Germany, appeared to have an expired visa in a Department of Homeland Security database. Youngblut was driving the Prius, and Baukholt was the lone passenger in the Prius," it continued.   "Between approximately 3:00 pm and 3:15 pm, agents reported gunshots at the scene," the affidavit said. "Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Cameron Thompson was notified of the incident and responded to the scene of the stop, arriving at approximately 3:35 pm. He spoke with two of the Border Patrol Agents involved in the incident. They described that both Baukholt and Youngblut possessed firearms and that Youngblut drew and fired a handgun toward at least one of the uniformed Border Patrol Agents without warning when outside the driver's side of the Prius."  "Baukholt then attempted to draw a firearm. At least one Border Patrol Agent fired at Youngblut and Baukholt with his service weapon," the affidavit also said. "The exchange of gunfire resulted in Border Patrol Agent Maland, Youngblut, and Baukholt all sustaining gunshot wounds. Baukholt was declared deceased at the scene as a result of his injuries."  Maland also died after being taken to a local hospital for emergency care, while Youngblut is currently receiving care at a facility in New Hampshire, according to the affidavit. 

The "immigration stop" took place while the vehicle was headed away from the Canadian border, so it is starting to look like a pretext as several Border Patrol agents were involved. 

According to the affidavit, agents had secured a .40-caliber Glock 23 “on or near” Youngblut after the shootout, while a .380-caliber M&P Shield firearm was secured “on or near Baukholt after the incident.” The affidavit said the evidence is “consistent with Youngblut having fired the .40-caliber Glock 23 at least twice from the driver’s side of the Prius, one or more Border Patrol Agents returning fire with at least seven 9-millimeter shots, and then agents clearing the Glock 23 40-caliber and M&P Shield .380-caliber pistols, resulting in the described casings and cartridges being on the ground.”

The inventory from the affidavit indicates that Youngblut fired at least two times, but there is no evidence that Baulkholt fired.

After the shootout, agents recovered a bewildering array of stuff.

After the fatal shooting, authorities seized a number of items from the Prius, including a ballistic helmet; a night-vision-goggle monocular device; a tactical belt with holster; a magazine loaded with cartridges; two full-face respirators; 48 rounds of .380-caliber jacketed, hollow-point ammunition; a package of shooting range targets, some already used; two handheld two-way radios; about a dozen electronic devices and multiple electronic storage devices; documents containing identification, utility, lease, travel, and lodging information related to several states; and “an apparent journal” found with Youngblut’s identification papers, the affidavit said.

What does it all mean? 

It seems that Youngblut was the leader of the two. She had the real gun, and she initiated the firefight. I'm sure her being from Washington is not related, but when you hear "all-black tactical style clothing with protective equipment" in connection with that state, it is hard not to think of Antifa. How did Baulkholt get sucked into the plot? The guy was a math genius earning a boatload of money until it seems he got fired and his visa was suspended. 

If one were looking for a plausible scenario, it would be that the pair planned some sort of one-way mission against the Border Patrol station to make an anti-Trump statement, but your guess is as good as mine.

[sociologyontherock]

James Thomas Ernest Baker (1974-2024)

By Stephen Harold Riggins, Victor Satzewich, Chris Martin, Dean Lundrigan, and Debbie Brown

Dr. James Thomas Ernest Baker, age 49, of Paradise, NL, passed away on June 13, 2024 in St. John’s. He taught in the departments of sociology and political science at Memorial University, having completed BA, MA and PhD degrees at MUN. Born in 1974 in Carbonear, Jamie is remembered for his passion for politics, Newfoundland and Labrador history, and student rights. His research about ethnicity, immigrants and refugees, as well as young people, was a testament to his commitment to social justice. 

The highlight of his academic career was being awarded a two-year Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship. Banting postdocs are awarded annually in the social sciences to only two dozen recent PhDs and they are very lucrative. Jamie received $140,000. He chose to spend those years at McMaster University, where he was supervised by Victor Satzewich, an internationally-recognized authority on the Ukrainian diaspora.

After completing a BA degree as a double major in political science and history in 2001, he was awarded a MA in political science in 2006. As a graduate student, he was actively involved in student life through the Graduate Student Union. This included being elected VP Academic and serving on several important university committees. In 2003, he was elected to serve as vice-chair of the Senate Committee on Course Evaluations. He was also quite involved in residence life at Memorial, serving as the last President of the Burton’s Pond Student Association and the first President of the Cabot Court Student Association. 

He published two articles, based on ideas in his MA thesis, in prestigious academic journals (National Identities and Studies in Ethnicity and Nationalism). Few MA students are able to achieve this. The topic was Newfoundland identity. “As Loved our Fathers: The Strength of Patriotism among young Newfoundlanders” is about the difference between patriotism and nationalism and the difference between a real and a potential ethnic group. It required sensitivity when the public feels they have a stake in these debates. The other article is “A Newfoundland Ethnicity?.” It is indeed strange that Newfoundlanders might constitute an ethnic group when no sociology textbook, to my knowledge, describes them in these terms. The MUN department in its nearly 70-year history has never been successful in retaining come-from-away faculty with long-term interests in race and ethnicity. It is not a surprise that a Newfoundlander successfully raised the issues of what might be learned about ethnic identity in a region which remains dormant in terms of nationalism. Jamie had thought deeply about these topics. 

Unlike many professors who do not trust the media, Jamie was not afraid to talk to journalists: CBC news, NTV news, The Independent, and The Telegram. A reporter for The New York Times (June 2, 2017) even contacted him to hear his insights into the meaning of the term “Newfie.” Jamie argued that the term was not always derogatory. The meaning was context dependent because the degree of status attached to the word depended on speaker and audience. 

He applied to study for a PhD in sociology in 2007, about a year after he began working at the Association for New Canadians (ANC). He did not want to leave Newfoundland and turned to sociology because Memorial did not then offer a PhD degree in political science. His academic experience as a PhD student was fundamentally shaped by his employment at the ANC. His activity in the bureaucratic apparatus of multiculturalism gave him an unusual background for a Newfoundlander his generation. At the ANC he held the office of Researcher and Assistant Program Development Officer and was a key person writing the grant proposals which were essential to the survival of the ANC. His switch in majors eventually paid off, although it delayed his career by one year. 

His PhD dissertation completed in 2014, and which I supervised, was titled “Defending the Indefensible? The Use of Argumentation, Legitimation, and Othering in Debates in the Canadian House of Commons 2010-2022.” The method, which he first learned from my courses, was the kind of critical discourse analysis practiced by socio-linguists such as Teun van Dijk and Norman Fairclough. I will let Jamie explain the politics. “While the Conservative government contends that Bill C-11: The Balanced Refugee Reform Act and Bill C-31: Protecting Canada’s Immigration System Act are aimed at refugee reform and designed to target ‘criminal middlemen,’ I argue that their approach is actually aimed at restricting refugee asylum, despite the fact that it is an internationally recognized treaty right…. While contemporary Canadian political ideologies differ significantly, opposition parties nonetheless unintentionally reproduce the Conservative worldview regarding asylum seekers. The Conservative defense is not only fallacious, untenable, and prejudicial but designed to portray asylum seekers as criminals, fraudsters, and security threats.” 

Looking at his publication record in the attached bibliography, a number of things need to be considered. Teaching at MUN and working for the ANC meant that for a significant part of the year – many years – he held down two full-time jobs. He suffered from the disease of obesity which limited his mobility and shortened his life. I remember hearing him say several years ago that he did not expect to live to be old. His dissertation was completed during one of the worst periods since the 1970s for young academics to obtain tenure-stream teaching positions. He applied for permanent employment at universities from St. John’s to Winnipeg. Like many former students of his generation with PhD degrees in hand, his inability to land a tenure-stream position was difficult to accept, but he apparently did not dwell on the problem. Towards the end of his life he made sacrifices to help his mother whose health was declining rather than putting his career first.

Victor Satzewich: I feel privileged to have been able to both work with Jamie on his Banting Post-doctoral Fellowship at McMaster University and to get to know him on an interpersonal level. We talked regularly after he returned to Newfoundland and was devasted to learn of his passing earlier this year.

Jamie’s post-doctoral work involved a comparison of the experiences of refugee youth in Hamilton and St. John’s, with a particular focus on the routine, everyday slights, or microaggressions they experienced in the two cities. His project was not only theoretically and empirically interesting insofar as the two cities have very different immigration histories and community dynamics, but was also very timely given the widespread interest in Canada in irregular border crossers and the various challenges associated with broader refugee resettlement and integration. One of the things that impressed me the most about Jamie and his approach to his research was how he hit the ground running once he found out he was awarded the Banting. He already had strong community connections in St. John’s via his work with the Association for New Canadians, and he immediately began to cultivate relationships with the key gatekeepers in the settlement sector in Hamilton. Shortly after he arrived in Hamilton, we met with members of the Immigrant Services team at the YMCA of Hamilton, Burlington and Brantford. It did not take long for James to bring the Youth Engagement workers on board with his research project to help him identify participants to interview for the project. I think he impressed everyone at the table with his sensitive approach to how he wanted to collect data and interview refugee youth.

While at McMaster, Jamie taught courses dealing with Social Problems where he was particularly interested in encouraging students to connect abstract theoretical and conceptual issues to real world concerns and issues, and to their expressions in popular culture. Jamie took a thoughtful and deliberate approach to how he organized his courses, assignments, and interactions with students. He had high expectations of his students, and was not afraid to explain to students how they could improve on their writing and analysis skills. Jamie was an incredibly kind and conscientious citizen when it came to his work and his colleagues. Always generous with his time, he had his eye on enhancing the collective good of the organization he was part of. To me, this was clearly most evident in his commitment to his work with the Association of New Canadians.

I loved both our in-person and long-distance chats over the phone. With similar senses of humour, we found many opportunities to laugh at the same absurdities about life in general, the immigration system and the academic world. It so happened that our mothers were ill at the same time and so we also shared many moments of grief, despair and worry. But even in those difficult moments, Jamie always found a way to offer comfort and a kind shoulder to lean on. I miss my dear friend and colleague immensely.

Chris Martin and April Lee: We are all going to miss our dear friend Jamie very much. Friends for nearly fifteen years! Jamie gave me one of my first academic jobs doing research through the Association for New Canadians, brought me along on conferences, and helped me to write early publications. He showed the way through completing a PhD by determination, resiliency, and not taking crap from anybody. He worked hard and was proud of his accomplishments. He was funny and kind but saucy and totally sarcastic! He was also thoughtful and never missed a call on big occasions over the years, a reliable friend and someone you felt would always be there. 

In the early years we would all get together and play board games on weekends, something which I know he always looked forward to. He was very competitive. During the pandemic, our little group of Ontarians and Newfoundlanders would play Jackbox Games late into the night, relishing in who could say the most outlandish or ridiculous responses to the questions. Jamie was particularly good at being silly when it came to these games! These are times I know we all treasured. 

I feel very lucky that Jamie was there for me throughout my own academic journey. In some ways, we were both a bit of the same fish out of water in that world and it made all the difference to have such a big and strong personality to help me through. Love you Jamie.

Dean Lundrigan: Jamie and I were friends for over ten years, meeting through our mutual friend Chris. We quickly became good friends, playing weekly board games and bonding over our “Leafs-Habs” rivalry. Jamie never forgot an important date and was often the first to congratulate you on a major milestone. He was a true beacon of honesty and sincerity, never shying away from the truth, even when it was hard to hear. His candid nature was a gift, reminding us of the value of authenticity in our lives.

I will miss his infectious laugh and larger than life personality. I will especially miss our coffee chats on the rock, where laughter and deep conversations flowed freely. Rest in peace, dear friend. You will be deeply missed. 

Debbie Brown: Jamie was my supervisor for two years at the Association for New Canadians. We shared the rush of getting the proposal completed, the submit button clicked, the reports finished, and the joy of seeing the project in full swing. We also shared laughter over animal photos and 80’s rock quotes. His quips and funny email responses sometimes made me laugh out loud in my office. Since leaving the ANC, Jamie and I have been working on a music project which celebrates immigrant musicians who have found home in Newfoundland and Labrador. It is a project that not only creates awareness of the many sounds that weave together to make up the diverse musical tapestry of the province, but also fosters a sense of belonging. Creating a sense of community has always been important to Jamie and me and it was great to stay connected through this passion. 

Jamie, I didn’t get the opportunity to play the songs for you. That leaves a heaviness in my chest. When this album is finished, this music will be lifted up so that its vibration meets with the vibration of your energy in the trees and rivers and evening breezes. I hope I will see that for a moment the stars are a little brighter and know you are content. Shanti. Peace, peace, peace, Jamie.

If you are interested in hearing the album (“Global Music: Volume 1”), check it out on streaming platforms like Spotify.

Thanks to Caul’s Funeral Home, St. John’s, which provided some of the information appearing in this article.

Bibliography

Baker, James Thomas Ernest, “Requiem for a Nation: Identity and the Nationalist Question among Young Newfoundlanders,” MA thesis, Memorial University, Department of Political Science, 2006.

-- “‘As Loved our Fathers’: The Strength of Patriotism among Young Newfoundlanders,” National Identities, 2012, 14(4), 367-386.

-- “Building an Inclusive Society: Post-secondary Youth Perspectives on Immigration, Multiculturalism and Racism in Newfoundland and Labrador” (with Amanda Bittner). St. John’s, NL: Leslie Harris Centre of Regional Policy and Development, 2013.

-- “Just Kids? Peer Racism in a Predominantly White City,” Refuge: Canada’s Journal on Refugees, 2013, 29 (1): 75-85.

-- “A Newfoundland Ethnicity? The Political Implications of Post-confederation Nationalism in Newfoundland,” Studies in Ethnicity and Nationalism, 2014, 13(1), 74-100.

-- “Defending the Indefensible? The Use of Argumentation, Legitimation, and Othering in Debates in the Canadian House of Commons 2010-2022.” PhD dissertation, Memorial University, Department of Sociology, 2015.

-- “The Manifestations of Prejudice in Everyday Life: An Examination of Racial Microaggressions, Ethnophaulism, and Integrated Threats as Observed by White Post-secondary Youth in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.” St. John’s, NL: Leslie Harris Centre of Regional Policy and Development, 2017.

-- “Beyond the Looking Glass: White Youths’ Observations of Racial Microaggressions.” Sociological Inquiry, 2017, 87 (2): 362-384.

-- “Newfie as Ethnophaulism: The View of White Youth Attending Memorial University,” Sociology on the Rock, issue 14, 2018.

James Baker, Chris William Martin, and Jonathan Price, “Becoming ‘Nagarikharu’: Unsettled Lives and Identity Formation among Bhutanese Refugees,” in After the Flight: The Dynamics of Refugee Settlement and Integration, ed. Morgan Poteet and Shiva Nourpanah, 1–20. Newcastle, UK: Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2016.

Baker, James, Jonathan Price and Kenneth Walsh, “Unwelcoming Communities: Youth Observations of Racism in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.” Journal of Youth Studies, 2016, 19 (1): 103-116.