FEATURE: Who are the New Haitian Residents and Workers in Evansville and Why Are They Here
Who are the New Haitian Residents and Workers in Evansville/Vanderburgh County and Why Are They Here
WRITTEN BY JOE WALLACE
AUGUST 30, 2024
Background and Purpose
The program is a strategic component of the Biden administration’s broader immigration policies, which aim to create legal pathways for migrants from countries experiencing significant turmoil while curbing illegal crossings at the southern border. The initiative also reflects a cooperative arrangement with Mexico, which agrees to accept deportees who crossed the U.S. border illegally.
The focus countries, Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, are known for sending substantial numbers of migrants to the U.S. These nations typically do not accept deportees, complicating the U.S.’s ability to manage unauthorized immigration effectively. By allowing migrants to enter legally, the program aims to provide a humane alternative to risky, illegal border crossings.
Program Operations and Costs
The program permits up to 30,000 migrants monthly from the four countries. To qualify, migrants must have a U.S.-based financial sponsor who vouches for them, and they must fly into an American airport at their own expense, rather than crossing the southern border. Sponsors and migrants undergo rigorous screening by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Operating costs of the program involve expenses related to vetting procedures, administration, and support services. Although exact figures are not readily disclosed, the costs are substantial due to the high volume of entrants and the need for thorough vetting processes. The DHS has also recently implemented additional procedures to prevent fraud and exploitation.
Challenges and Criticisms
While the program has been praised for offering a legal pathway for migrants, it has also faced criticism, particularly from Republican lawmakers who view it as circumventing standard immigration laws. The suspension earlier in the month heightened concerns about sponsor fraud, with reports suggesting some sponsors used fake Social Security numbers or other fraudulent means to support applications.
An internal review by DHS found isolated instances of fraud among sponsors but no systemic issues. The agency responded by tightening vetting measures, including the requirement for sponsors to provide fingerprints and undergo more comprehensive financial checks.
Concerns also arose regarding sponsors profiting from the arrangement, as reports indicated the existence of online groups where sponsors offered their services in exchange for compensation. Despite these challenges, DHS maintains that the majority of cases have valid explanations, such as simple data entry errors.
Current Status and Outlook
Since the program’s inception, more than 520,000 people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela have been granted entry into the U.S. Many of these migrants have settled in states with existing immigrant communities, such as Florida, Texas, and New York, where they seek employment and stability. The program’s continuation will depend on its ability to maintain integrity, ensure thorough vetting, and manage the flow of migrants in a way that aligns with U.S. immigration policies.
Despite its challenges, the program remains a significant element of the U.S. strategy to address the humanitarian and political crises driving migration from these countries. By offering a structured and legal pathway, the Biden administration hopes to mitigate the risks associated with illegal crossings while upholding national security standards.
FOOTNOTE: This article was posted by the City-Council Observer without bias or editing.
This is a developing story. In future articles, the CCO will look at some of the challenges the migrants face in relocating to Evansville.
The issues of providing the migrants with an improved vetting process, meaningful education, liveable housing, good healthcare, and improved communication skills, as well as the need to receive a safe pathway for the migrants from third-world countries who relocate to America in search of a better quality of life.
This is an extremely complex and challenging government-created relocation program and will take time, money patience to address the major issues facing this government-created and sponsored humanitarian program.
DECLARATION OF “OPEN BURNING EMERGENCY” PUBLIC NOTICE
DECLARATION OF “OPEN BURNING EMERGENCY” PUBLIC NOTICE
AUGUST 30, 2024
The public welfare and safety during this unusually dry period and pursuant to the Indiana Code The Board of Commissioners of Vanderburgh County, ni order to protect the 10-14-3-29 and Chapter 8.12 of the Vanderburgh County Code of Ordinances, hereby unincorporated areas of Vanderburgh County and valid 24 hours a day. The ban shall proclaim an OPEN BURN EMERGENCY. This emergency shall be ni effect for all run for seven (7) days or until rescinded, whichever is earlier. The ban may be extended beyond seven (7) days by the Board of Commissioners.
No person shall set, start, or attempt to set, or allow to continue, an open fire
within the County unless he or she has first obtained and has in his or her possession a jurisdiction over the area where the open fire is to be conducted. Any person deemed written permit from the commanding office of the fire department having primary guilty of a violation of this declaration, and upon conviction, shall be fined $500.
Justin Elpers,
President Of Vanderburgh County Commission
UE Basketball Standiut Harold Eugene “Buster” Briley’s Obituary
UE Basketball Standiut Harold Eugene “Buster” Briley’s Obituary
AUGUST 31, 2024
Harold Eugene “Buster” Briley, 83, of Evansville, passed away Monday, August 26, 2024 at the Linda E. White Hospice House. He was born April 7, 1941 in Madison, IN to the late William Briley and Della Katherine (Boss) Auxier.
Buster graduated from Madison High School where he played basketball, scoring 1,985 points, which is still the standing all-time record at the high school. He was an All Star basketball player and golfer at the University of Evansville. In 2014, Buster was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. Later, Buster owned an insurance company. He continued to be an avid golfer, scoring many holes-in-one. He was a member of Quail Crossing and Rolling Hills Country Club. Buster was proud to be an AA sponsor for 34 years. He was a city councilman at large for 12 years, and was very active in Evansville politics. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who had a personality larger than life.
Buster is survived by his wife, Mary Elizabeth Briley; ex-wife, Ruth Briley- Collins; daughters, Beth Ann Main, Kimberly Madrid (Brian Daniel) and Angela (Chris) Holliday; grandchildren, Kelsey Brooke Madrid, Sara Main, Sydney (Jake) Dallas-Main and Levi Holliday; sister, Wanda Dickman; nieces and nephews, Joe, Kevin, Michael, Shannon, Tracey, DeeDee and Chad.
In addition to his parents, Buster was preceded in death by his grandchildren, Kameron Blaine Madrid and Kyle Brandon Madrid; brother, William “Bill” (Anita) Briley; and nephew, Duane Dickman.
There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date. Ziemer Funeral Home East Chapel is handling the arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Linda E. White Hospice House, 611 Harriet St., Evansville, IN 47710.
The family extends their thanks to the families of Robert and Phyllis Traylor and David Mosby, as well as the staff of North Park Nursing Home and Linda E. White Hospice House for their kind and compassionate care of Buster.
U.S. Department of Energy Awards $100,000 Community Energy Innovation Prize to Circular Venture Lab, UE Center for Innovation & Change
U.S. Department of Energy Awards $100,000 Community Energy Innovation Prize to Circular Venture Lab, UE Center for Innovation & Change
EVANSVILLE, IND. (08/29/2024) In March 2024, Circular Venture Lab (CVL) and the University of Evansville’s Center for Innovation and Change (CIC) teamed up on the “IMPACTT – Technology Transfer for Impact Ventures” program. IMPACTT was chosen as one of ten initial winners in the 2024 Manufacturing Ecosystem Track of the U.S. DOE’s American-Made Community Energy Innovation Prize. The IMPACTT team was awarded $100,000 in prize money from the March partnership, allowing them to recruit students through the ChangeLab program that can help identify new uses for materials and products through CVL’s mentorship.
Since the March award, the team has made significant progress toward the goals of the grant, and garnered interest from students and stakeholders in Evansville and across the state. The IMPACTT team added the STARTed UP Foundation as a project partner for the second phase of the prize. Together, they detailed plans to launch an online technology transfer curriculum for Indiana High School students in early 2025. This progress impressed the review team at the DOE, who awarded another $100,000 in late August to implement the statewide program.
The DOE’s Community Energy Innovation Prize supports capacity building, innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development related to clean energy and climate for disadvantaged communities in accordance with the Justice40 Initiative. The IMPACTT team and other national winners will present their program accomplishments at the Finals event in December 2024.
Through the IMPACTT curriculum, participants identify, research, and critically analyze technology inventions and patents available for license through universities and U.S. federal agencies. Though specifically focused on technology transfer, the early entrepreneurship program has significant roles in economic, community, and manufacturing workforce development.
Logan Jenkins, Executive Director of Evansville’s Circular Venture Lab, states, “Understanding technology transfer and its importance to research and development in the U.S. is a critical skill for young entrepreneurs, early startups, and for corporate innovation teams. These concepts generally are not learned in undergraduate classes, let alone in high school. Our program allows students an early look at the process through engagement with universities and federal research labs, including the Department of Energy, NASA, and the Department of Defense. High School students prepared with a technology transfer background possess a unique skillset as they enter college, one that their fellow students likely will not have.”
UE’s Center for Innovation & Change now sits at the nexus of multiple transformative investments in this region. Evansville Promise Neighborhood, CVL Partnerships, High School Changemaker Challenge, and the recently announced $2 million dollar investment from Toyota in STEM education are all administered out of the CIC. This builds resources for early technology education in the Evansville region and across Indiana.” Executive Director Erin Lewis stated, “As Indiana’s only Changemaker Campus, we are focused on bringing these opportunities to those who normally don’t get to experience them. Thanks to these investments, all Hoosier kids – not just those with privilege or access to high tech schools – can receive an inspirational STEM education and access to mentoring from world class tech leaders.”
Don Wettrick, Founder and CEO of the STARTed UP Foundation, explains, “As a partner in the IMPACTT project, STARTedUP is thrilled to be part of the only high school technology transfer program in the nation. Through Innovate WithIN, we’re excited to offer new possibilities for students to learn about innovation and entrepreneurship. By partnering with Circular Venture Lab and the Center for Innovation & Change, we’re equipping educator fellows with the tools to inspire the next generation of innovators and drive economic growth.”
“We now have validation from our region, our state, and the U.S. Department of Energy for our early entrepreneurship training program,” said Jenkins. “In the next year, we will launch across the state, add value to fantastic early entrepreneurship programming, and provide a unique pipeline to multiple industries in Indiana.”
The Community Energy Innovation Prize is part of DOE’s American Made Program and is administered by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. People or businesses interested in partnering should contact Circular Venture Lab.
Don’t Miss Out on the Better Books Sale | Sept. 3-8
One of Willard Public Library’s most important fundraisers of the year—the Better Books Sale—is just around the corner! Join us from September 3-8, 2024, for a chance to discover a treasure trove of books and collectibles, all while supporting a great cause.
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, September 3 – Sunday, September 8, 2024
Time: During regular library business hours
Location: The Browning Gallery, Lower Level of Willard Public Library
This sale is a unique opportunity to add rare, antique, and special collection books to your library. We have a wide selection, including 1st Editions, High School and University Yearbooks, rare Stave Puzzles, and even Raggedy Ann and Andy Dolls! Whether you’re a serious collector or just looking for your next great read, there’s something here for everyone.
Pricing:
Tuesday & Wednesday: Regular Price
Thursday: Half Price
Friday through Sunday: Bag Sale
Payments can be made by cash, check, or credit card (with a $5 minimum). No library card is required to make purchases, and the sale is open to the entire community—so invite your friends and family!
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to support Willard Public Library and The Friends of Willard Library while finding unique items to cherish. We look forward to seeing you there!
HOT JOBS
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Volleyball opens 2024 season Friday in Puerto Rico
Volleyball opens 2024 season Friday in Puerto Rico
Aces set for three weekend matches
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – In a homecoming for many who are part of the University of Evansville volleyball program, the Purple Aces are set to open the 2024 season on Friday in Puerto Rico.
Friday’s opener will pit the Aces against Akron at 6:30 p.m. CT before a Saturday contest against the University of Puerto Rico – Rio Piedras. That match is set for a 6 p.m. CT start. Sunday’s final match versus Providence will begin at 3 p.m. CT.
Melanie Feliciano, Ainoah Cruz, Angelica Gonzalez Maltes, and Josdarilee Caraballo are natives of Puerto Rico. Evansville head coach Fernando Morales along with assistants Jonathan Vila and Michelle Nogueras are also from the island.
While this will be a special trip for those who call Puerto Rico home, the weekend tournament opens what is setting up to be a promising campaign for the Aces. Led by reigning Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year and All-American Giulia Cardona, UE returns a talented nucleus in the floor.
Cardona led the nation last season in kills per set, points per set, and attempts per set and will team up with Feliciano, who is a former All-MVC player back for her sixth season with the program. While Cardona paced the NCAA with 5.34 kills per frame, Feliciano was second on the team with an average of 3.64/set. Kora Ruff excelled in setting up the offense, totaling 1,039 assists in her sophomore season.
Madisyn Steele got the job done both offensively and defensively. Her average of 1.17 kills was third on the team while her totals of 24 solo blocks, 67 block assists, and 91 total blocks were all team highs in 2023. Another defensive star for UE last season was Ainoah Cruz. As a freshman, she paced the team with 4.49 digs per frame.
2024 UE Athletics Hall of Fame
2024 UE Athletics Hall of Fame
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2024 has been announced. The latest class includes Tim Ernst, Talmadge Vick Sr., Krista McKendree, and Daryl Buente.
On November 9, 2024, the Class of 2024 will be enshrined in a reception at the Evansville Country Club. A reception will take place at 6:30 p.m. that evening before dinner and the program begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are available now for $150 and include dinner and drinks along with the program. You can register now at www.uealumnionline.com/HOF24.
Tim Ernst – Men’s Soccer
Tim Ernst played a pivotal role in one of the most successful periods that UE Athletics and the men’s soccer program had ever seen. Ernst opened his career in 1987 and was named to the Soccer America Freshman All-America Team. In the four seasons Ernst was with the program, the Purple Aces earned four NCAA Tournament berths, three MCC Championships, and an appearance in the Final Four in 1990.
Ernst continues to rank in the top ten in program history in career goals (31), career assists (24), and single season assists (12 in 1990). The 2-time All-Mideast Region honoree garnered All-MCC accolades on three occasions. Ernst was the team captain of the 1990 Final Four squad and went on to play in the ISAA Senior Bowl in 1991. His career continued as he played for the Detroit Express indoor professional team for seven seasons.
Talmadge Vick Sr. – Football
One of the most talented football players to wear the Purple Aces uniform, Talmadge Vick Sr. was a pioneer, being one of the first African-American football players in program history. After opening his college career at Tennessee State A&I, Vick was drafted and served in the Army from 1952-55. Upon discharge, he attended UE and completed the 1958 season as the #$5 passer in the nation. Vick left the program holding numerous records including passing yardage, completed passes, completion, and longest touchdown pass (81 yards).
Following graduation, Vick had the opportunity to play at the professional level for the Chicago Cardinals, but chose to stay home and tend to his ailing father while serving as the head coach at Lincoln High School. He was the Chairman of the Really Concerned Citizens (RCC), which one a federal suit against the EVSC to desegregate each its schools. Vick went on to work for the EVSC for over 40 years as an administrator, teacher, coach, and counselor at all grade levels.
Vick was the recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash in 2005, which is the highest honor that can be bestowed by the Governor of Indiana.
Krista McKendree – Women’s Soccer
Krista McKendree put the Purple Aces women’s soccer program on the map in a playing career that spanned from 1998 through 2001. She led UE to three NCAA Tournaments (1998, 1999, 2001) and garnered All-MVC First Team honors in each of her four campaigns. McKendree was the MVC Player of the Year in 2000 after being named the league’s Defensive Player of the Year in the prior season.
She was chosen third team on the 2000 NSCAA/Adidas Women’s Soccer Division I All-America Team, becoming Evansville’s first All-American in women’s soccer. McKendree was chosen for the MVC Women’s Soccer All-Centennial Team in 2006. Following her playing career, McKendree served as the head coach for the Aces from 2008 through 2019 and led the program to a pair of MVC championships.
Daryl Buente – Equipment Manager
Daryl Buente was the Equipment Manager at UE from 1981 through 2019. He was the recipient of the 2011-12 John Sanders “Spirit of the Valley” Award and later earned the Athletic Equipment Managers Association Lifetime Achievement Award.
He began his time at UE as a student in 1968 before graduating in 1972. Buente was a student manager during his undergraduate work with the university. Throughout his career, Buente oversaw a large staff of student managers who assisted his work with all the Purple Aces athletics programs. His work included caring for equipment and uniforms at every home event, maintenance of certain UE playing facilities and much more.