The New York Times
July 21, 1991, Sunday, Late Edition – Final
Trade in Fake Documents Thrives In Neighborhoods of Immigrants
BYLINE: By MARVINE HOWE
SECTION: Section 1; Part 1; Page 25; Column 1; Metropolitan Desk
This article gives us insight into the document fraud that plagued multiple illegal immigrants residing in Jackson Heights back in the 1990. The problems range from receiving completely fraudulent or bogus documents to failing to receive documents paid for in advance (bogus agents ask for money upfront and, of course, never send the documents). The irony, though, is that the number of cases involving immigration fraud greatly increased with the passage of the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, “which made it illegal to hire undocumented workers”; this seems logical- since illegal immigrants found it more difficult to find work as of 1986, they would have to somehow obtain working papers, a situation that made many illegals easy prey for fraudulent schemes. The mayor had set up a program to fight against fraud, which would do so by educating the public on fraud and on how to report their cases. However, the problem persisted because many illegals feared that reporting fraud would reveal their status as illegal immigrants, which could possibly lead to deportation.
Daily News (New York)
May 26, 2002, Sunday
JACKSON HEIGHTS IS HEART OF MELTING POT Dreams fulfilled in city’s most diverse community
BYLINE: By WARREN WOODBERRY Jr. DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
SECTION: SUBURBAN; Pg. 6 SPOTLIGHT ON JACKSON HEIGHTS
This article stresses the advantages that Jackson Heights’ diverse community has to offer, from its openness to new immigrants and ideas, to its convenient location near the major hubs of activity in NYC, notably Manhattan The diversity (the “melting pot”) is the neighborhood’s selling point, with visitors and residents alike flocking to the various restaurants and businesses featuring food and products from multiple cultures, including Indian and Hispanic cultures. In addition, the article states that business thrives due to the neighborhood support for “mom-and-pop” shops.
The rest of the article focuses on the history of Jackson Heights, and on its importance as a major transportation hub. According to the information listed, before WWII, black and Jewish people were forbidden from living in Jackson Heights, a sharp contrast to the open nature of the community today. Jackson Height’s characterization as a transportation hub stems from the fact that it “used to be the first train stop from Manhattan”.
Daily News (New York)
March 23, 2011 Wednesday
SPORTS FINAL EDITION
SHE’S WALKED IN SHOES OF AT-RISK IMMIG YOUTH
BYLINE: BY ALBOR RUIZ
SECTION: SUBURBAN; Pg. 42
This article describes lawyer Mercedes Cano’s goal to help out the at-risk immigrant youth. As she was an illegal immigrant youth herself, she feels the drive to offer her services that much more strongly. The project, she says, will see whether any illegal immigrant youth can qualify for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS); if they do qualify, often because of family issues or tragic conditions in the home country, then they will have the ability to live as permanent residents. As many of these youth do not themselves take the chance to find out if they can live legally or not, the project will give them the chance to acquire legal residence status.
As a teenager, Cano ended up as a homeless, illegal youth, living on the streets. Despite the conditions, she still managed to work three jobs while working towards a college degree, eventually graduating cum laude in 1996. Now, Cano is continuously applying for grants and scholarships, but requires the public’s support in order to really get the project off the ground.
