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Mexico! - August 1, 2012
Stop by International House on August 1st to meet our international visitors from Mexico. This dynamic group of high school students is developing a campaign to teach and inform their peers about teen drinking. They hope to help other young people make responsible decisions regarding their consumption of alcohol.
Guests will also enjoy regional music and light refreshments.
You won’t want to miss this great opportunity for international learning and dialogue!
Teenagers are especially encouraged to attend.
Location: International House, 322 Hawthorne Lane, Clt, NC
Date:Wednesday, August 1 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more information call us at 704.333.8099, or email lprintz@ihclt.org
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Discover the world and experience new cultures without getting a passport or leaving home. International House is currently seeking families to host high school teens between the ages of 15 and 19 for the following programs:
Mexican Youth Ambassadors, July 20th- August 4th 2012
Click here for more info >>
Student leaders from Eurasia for the 2012 – 2013 academic school year (FLEX program)
Click here for more info >>
These programs are brought to you in partnership between the U.S. State Department and International House.
For more info on any of the above opportunities, contact Lara Printz, work: (704) 342-2248, cell: (205) 332-9695, or email: lprintz@ihclt.org
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A very successful summer Citizenship Tutoring Program (CTP) launched in May and wrapped up its final session on July 1st at International House. This new initiative blended International House’s longstanding English tutoring program with the summer series of citizenship classes. The result was a hybrid program that enabled students to cover more material in less time with the help of dedicated volunteer tutors.
Each year, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) welcomes approximately 680,000 new citizens during naturalization ceremonies across the United States and around the world. International House’s six-week citizenship class prepares immigrants and refugees eligible for U.S. citizenship for the USCIS exam.
Click here to read the entire article
Click here to view pictures of the program
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What the International House Legal Clinic Means to Me - by Elias Ramirez
 I came to the US as a teenager, and I have always been a good part of America. I work hard and have started my own business. I own my own home. I am married and have two children who are doing well.
But it looked like I would never even get a green card because of some unusual rules in immigration law. The law that had benefited my family could not benefit me. I was scared for myself and for my family. I came to International House, and we developed a plan. After several years of hard work, I now have my green card and am on my way to US Citizenship. I feel wonderful, like a different person. . . . Click here to read more >>
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 Mark your calendars now for the 28th Japanese Dance Festival in Charlotte brought to you by the Japanese Association in Charlotte and the Japanese Language School in Charlotte. Come and enjoy dance performances, a tea ceremony, Japanese food and crafts, and door prizes.
Location: Wells Fargo Atrium, 301 South Tryon Street, Clt, NC
Date: Saturday, July 28 from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more information call 704.333.2775
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International House would like to thank everyone who participated in our "Who's in the House?" event that took place on June 21st. The evening was once again filled with interesting dialogue, great entertainment and friendly people. A special thanks goes out to AfriBiz, UNC and NCBT for sponsoring the event.
CLICK HERE to view pictures of the event on Facebook
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From the Executive Director |
Recently, U.S. immigration laws and policies have been the center of media attention. First, there was the deferred action decision from the Obama administration to temporarily stop the deportation of immigrant youth who were brought to the country as minors. Then came the decision of the Supreme Court to strike down most of Arizona’s SB 1070 law. Both of these actions received mixed reviews from opposing factions, thereby handing no one side a clear victory.
The administration’s decision is a temporary “fix” with no clear process as yet for how it will be handled on the ground. And although the Supreme Court decision upheld the centerpiece of the Arizona law, the “show me your papers” provision, it also rejected measures that would have subjected illegal immigrants to criminal penalties for activities like seeking work.
Much remains unsettled. What is clear, however, is the need for the federal government to take action on the long-delayed issue of immigration reform. It is the job of the federal government, not individual states, to craft a bipartisan solution that is fair to immigrants and native-born citizens alike. The Obama administration’s temporary halt to the deportation of young immigrants who would qualify for relief under the DREAM Act was fueled by Congress’s refusal to take action on the matter. And, the Supreme Court’s split ruling on the Arizona law was likewise an acknowledgement that states cannot interfere with the federal government’s role in setting immigration policy. Writing for the majority, Justice Anthony M. Kennedy said, “Arizona may have understandable frustrations with the problems caused by illegal immigration while that process continues, but the state may not pursue policies that undermine federal law.”
Here in North Carolina, reaction to the Supreme Court decision has been mixed. Many of us who work with immigrants on a daily basis are concerned that the state legislature might adopt a “show me your papers” provision similar to that in Arizona and that this might open the door to racial profiling. Personally, I believe that it will also fan the flames of smoldering xenophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment. Recently, the Charlotte Observer reported that U.S. Agriculture Department Secretary Tom Vilsack, was in town to tout renewable-energy initiatives. Vilsak remarked that the agriculture sector depends heavily on immigrant labor. At least 50 percent of the food Americans consume “is picked, processed or packaged by immigrant hands,” he said.
He criticized those who favor large-scale deportations. “Shame on the people who use this to scare people for political advantage,” he said. Like many of us, he favors comprehensive immigration reform that would involve securing the border, having immigrants pay taxes, learn English and gain the ability to work with a permit.
Click here to read more>>
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International Book Club |
The International House book club will take a break over the summer and will not meet during the months of July and August. The next meeting of the Book Club will be on Monday, September 17, 2012 at 7 p.m. Everyone welcome!
The book to be discussed will be City of Falling Angels by John Berendt (414 pages) VENICE, ITALY
Click here to learn more about our featured books.
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Doorways - International Women’s Group
Doorways is a group of international women meeting on the first Wednesday of each month for social and cultural exchanges. These meetings typically take place at International House and feature different presentations from guest speakers.
If you are interested in Doorways, please contact Lakana at laklouk12@carolina.rr.com or Lara Printz at lprintz@ihclt.org.
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24th Annual International House Gala - October 6th
Please join us for an evening of Peruvian cuisine, dancing, entertainment, and Live and Silent Auctions at our 24th Annual Benefit Gala!
For Advance Reservations and Information, call 704.333.8099 or click here to make an online reservation. Corporate Sponsorships Available. Tickets are $150 per person. (A portion is tax-deductible)
Location: The Westin Charlotte
Date: Saturday, October 6, 2012
Time: Six-Thirty in the Evening - Black Tie Optional
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Recent Grants & Sponsorships ($2,500 & more) |
Sisters of Mercy Foundation of North Carolina - $35,000 for for the Immigrant Advocacy Program
Leon and Sandra Levine Foundation - $10,000 for the Immigrant Advocacy Program
Blumenthal Foundation -
$3,000 for the Immigrant Advocacy Program
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As this year’s Youth English Tutoring Program (YETP) hits the halfway mark, both tutors and students are learning more from each other than they expected. For six weeks during the summer, children of non-English speaking families at Albemarle Road and Merry Oaks Elementary Schools enjoy a free program designed to improve English fluency and comprehension. 