Senate Votes to Restore Food Stamps
On Thursday, February 7, the Senate voted to protect the economic security of millions of Hispanic families by restoring food-stamp eligibility for millions of legal immigrants. The Senate also voted positively on the extension of jobless benefits for laid-off workers by providing an additional 13 weeks of benefits for those who need them. Since the beginning of the recession, some 1.3 million Latino workers lost their jobs. Efforts are being made to extend unemployment coverage to part-time workers, as well as to recent hires. The House will now consider the measures.

Mexican Immigrants Savings Grow
Mexican migrant workers have begun to open bank accounts, depositing approximately $50 million in California bank accounts. The increase is attributed to a recent decision by several major U.S. banks to offer accounts to Mexican migrants holding the special ID cards called matriculas offered by Mexican consulates. Since November, migrants deposited over $20 million in L.A. County alone. Wells Fargo became the first bank in 2001 to accept the cards for the purpose of deposits, interest collection, and checking and transfer funds. The matriculas are becoming increasingly accepted throughout the United States. In November 2001, San Francisco became the first U.S. city to officially recognize the cards as a form of valid identification.

Census Indicates Naturalizations Increased
On Wednesday, the Census released a report indicating that the trend of foreign-born residents who are naturalized citizens in increasing. The 70-page report analyzed various socio-economic factors of the nation's immigrant population, from income to education to home ownership. The data is based on a survey separate from the 2000 census. To access the report, contact the public information office at 301/457-3030. The report can be accessed at http://www.census.gov/prod/2002pubs/p23-206.pdf.

Ashcroft Plan Judicial Reforms
Attorney General John Ashcroft announced the reorganization of the board that hears immigration appeals in an effort to reduce a growing backlog of more than 55,000 cases. The reorganization plan will allow judges on the Board of Immigration Appeals - currently three-judge panels - to act alone in deciding the bulk of cases. Appellate judges will be prevented from revisiting the facts of a case unless there is a clear error by the lower immigration court. The size of the appellate board will be reduced from 23 judges to 11 judges. The move could endanger an already overburdened justice system by forcing judges to rubber-stamp decisions. Ashcroft's goal is to seek speedier deportations and reduce the amount of "de novo" reviews made by the appellate courts. LULAC members are encouraged to contact the DOJ to register their comments at 202/514-2001. For more information please refer to www.usdoj.gov.

Requests for Comments on Title VI for HHS
The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is republishing for comment policy guidance on Title VI's prohibition against national origin discrimination as it affects limited English proficient (LEP) persons. The guidance was effective August 30, 2000. Comments must be submitted on or before April 2, 2002. The Office of Civil Rights will review all comments and will determine what modifications to the policy guidance, if any, are necessary. If you wish to make comments sent them to Deeana Jang stating "Attention: LEP Comments." The address is 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Room 506F, Washington, DC 20201. Comments may also be submitted by e-mail at LEP.comments@hhs.gov. A copy of the guidance can be found at the following website under Health and Human Services Department, Notices. http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fedreg/a020201c.html