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Subscribe to PAKPAC E-Letter March 2009 |
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 PAKPAC Press Releases
Pakistani Americans condemn attack on Sri Lanka cricket team WASHINGTON DC: March 3rd 09 The Pakistani American Public Affairs Committee denounces the acts of terrorism and attack on the Sri Lanka cricket team players in We are highly concerned that such attacks are being perpetrated at an increasing frequency and the attackers were able to cause harm despite the “maximum security” that was being provided to the guests of The people of Pakistani-Americans to share insights on U.S. policy with legislators on February 26 As the U.S. increases its resource commitment in Afghanistan, South Asia remains a critical foreign policy issue for U.S. legislators and the Obama administration. Pakistan is a key U.S. ally in the region, having endured enormous economic, civilian, and military losses in the “war on terror” that have gone largely unacknowledged. Today, Pakistan faces a complex set of problems that must be addressed through nuanced policymaking.
The Pakistani-American community will gather on February 26, 2009 to offer its uniquely well-informed understanding of the current situation in Pakistan and the consequent imperatives of U.S. policy toward the country. Community members will share insights with their legislators to help make U.S. policies in South Asia more effective in securing American strategic interests and regional stability.
The discussion will highlight the importance of ensuring Pakistan’s economic stability through the unconditional passage of the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act and other forms of economic cooperation. We believe for this economic cooperation to have a meaningful impact, it should be increased to $3.6 billion per year. The need for a regional problem-solving approach will be highlighted, recognizing the interlinked challenges to stability across Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India and the centrality of the Kashmir dispute. Anti-American sentiment in the region will also be discussed, with community members diagnosing its causes and providing suggestions to help the U.S. win “hearts and minds”.
Dr. Saud Anwar, President of the Pakistani-American Public Affairs Committee, a key sponsor of the event, said, “It is critical that we avoid further mistakes in this volatile and important region. We need to make sure U.S. policies achieve our short-term objectives but focus at the same time on our long-term goals. These begin with stability in the region. As Pakistani-Americans, we feel we have a wealth of unique knowledge that might be useful for our lawmakers as they formulate these policies.”
Along with the Pakistani-American Public Affairs Committee, other sponsoring organizations include: Pakistani American Leadership Center (PAL-C); Pakistani American Congress (PAC); Association of Pakistani Professionals (AOPP); Association of Pakistani Scientists and Engineers of North America (APSENA); Council of Pakistan American Affairs (COPAA ); Pakistan American Chamber of Commerce Council (PACCC); Friends of Pakistan (FOP); The Pakistani American Council of Texas (PACT); Pakistani American Association of Connecticut (PAACT); and National Association of Pakistani Americans (NAPA).
Summer Internships Fellowships & Internship at White house: White House Fellowships White House Internships Program Date: May 22- Aug 14th 2009 The White House Internship provides an excellent opportunity to experience day-to-day life at the White House while working on a variety of tasks and projects. In addition to normal office duties, interns will supplement their learning experience by attending a weekly lecture series hosted by senior White House staff, help at White House social events, and volunteer in community service projects. Interns will be placed in a departmental office for their internship. Below is a list of departments in the Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President where interns could be placed. More information on the White House Internship Program, including application instructions, can be found at: www.whitehouse.gov/about/internships Internship at Capital Hill: A number of summer internship opportunities are available fro college students, you can find about these opportunities by contacting your local Senator or Representative. A listing of current openings is also available at http://www.senate.gov/visiting/common/generic/placement_office.htm  Viewpoint Comprehensive U.S. Policy Needed - Atlantic Council ReportPakistan faces dire economic and security threats that threaten both the existence of Pakistan as a democratic and stable state and the region as a whole, John Kerry and Chuck Hagel told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Given the tools and the financing, Pakistan can turn back from the brink. But for that to happen, it needs help now. Such a reversal demands far greater and more urgent support and assistance from the international community in general and the United States in particular. Pakistan’s assistance is to be based on focused policy changes and disciplined implementation by the Pakistan government, with adequate oversight to ensure that Pakistan can do the job. The report calls for a total of $4-5 billion above the (Biden)-Kerry-Lugar proposals is needed beyond the IMF and other loans from the U.S. and other sources. Of this, about $3 billion should go to the economic and social sectors directly. About $1 billion of fresh or redirected funds would go to security forces -both military and law enforcement. Of this $1 billion, approximately $200 million would be applied to recruiting, training, and deployment of an additional 15,000 police within the next six months who are essential to bringing long-term law and order to all of Pakistan. First, this report sounds the alarm that we are running out of time to help Pakistan change its present course toward increasing economic and political instability, and even ultimate failure. The urgency of action has been brought home by the terrorist attacks in Mumbai in late November that set Pakistan and India on a dangerous collision course. Simply put, time is running out for stabilizing Pakistan’s economy and security. Second, this report provides a conceptual framework, strategy, and specific actions that are needed to begin the long process of bringing peace, prosperity, and stability to Pakistan and to the region. The issue is not Pakistan alone or Pakistan and Afghanistan. The issue is broader and is inextricably linked with India, the Gulf, and Pakistan’s other close neighbors. As a senior Pakistani military officer told us: “If Pakistan fails, the world fails.” Third, this report outlines the possible short-and long-term consequences of inaction: some of these, such as the breakup of the country, civil war or an all-out war with India, could be catastrophic for the country, for the region, and for U.S. interests. Despite its current economic hardships, the United States has poured hundreds of billions of dollars into Iraq and many billions into Afghanistan in the past. However, it has been relatively miserly in its assistance for Pakistan where the stakes are far larger and more important to long-term American interests. The U.S. also needs to urgently close the “Trust Deficit” between it and Pakistan, with greater exchanges of high-level visits, closer military, intelligence, and economic cooperation. And it needs to pass the (Biden)-Kerry-Lugar bill as soon as possible to begin the flow of more resources to Pakistan. Read Complete Report
Rashid Shaikh – Candidate for Selectman, Shrewsbury, MA PAKPAC supports Rashid Shaikh for his bid to be Selectman for Shrewsbury, MA. Rashid Shaikh is a global lean operations and change management leader known for creating sustainable competitive advantage with “Back End branding”, lean structures and with uniquely designed “Total Value System” that ensures operation excellence at significantly reduced system cost. PAKPAC Board members support his bid and ask the community to join in and help Rashid improve his town. Please contribute to his campaign. http://www.electshaikh.com/contribute.html
PAKPAC has more openings for active community members to join in and become Board of Directors. Email Nomination@pakpac.net Pakistani American Public Affairs Committee Board of Directors
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United We Achieve - Report on Pakistan Advocacy Day on the Hill A wonderful achievement it was. Major Pakistani American organizations came together for Pakistan Advocacy Day on the Hill on Thursday, February 26, 2009 in an impressive display of unity and discipline. It certainly would not have been possible without demonstrating faith in each other’s abilities and trust in each other’s leadership. Read complete report On February 25, an orientation dinner session was organized for the national Pakistani American leadership in the U.S. at the Hyatt hotel, Washington, D.C. The main issues to discuss on Pakistan Advocacy Day on the Hill were: Pakistan’s role and the effect on the people of Pakistan in the war on terror, recommendations on long-term Pakistan-USA relations, and the USA’s role in facilitating a strong Pakistan-India relationship. The organizations that coordinated the event included the Pakistani American Public Affairs Committee (PAKPAC), the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA), the Pakistani American Leadership Center (PAL-C), the Pakistani American Congress (PAC), the Association of Pakistani Professionals (AOPP), the Association of Pakistani Scientists and Engineers of North America (APSENA), the Council of Pakistan American Affairs (COPAA), the Pakistan American Chamber of Commerce Council (PACCC), Friends of Pakistan (FOP), the Pakistani American Council of Texas (PACT), the Pakistani American Association of Connecticut (PAACT), the National Association of Pakistani Americans (NAPA), and the Pakistani American Community at large. In all 64 meetings were held with Congress and Senate representatives, including 20 personal visits with congressional representatives and senators at the breakfast and lunch receptions at the Rayburn House Building. . One after another, the elected leadership of both houses who spoke at the reception recognized and praised Pakistan’s sacrifices and its contribution to the stability of the region and the security of the United States. Senator Bob Casey, Chair of the Committee on South Asia, spoke frankly about Pakistan-U.S. relations. He highlighted that Pakistan’s stability is vital to U.S. interests. “We know you want us to get this policy right.” He acknowledged and agreed with the expectations of Pakistani Americans present. He added that the U.S. should not only be concerned with the “security situation but also the sense of the people and the pride and passion for their country.” He concluded, “We wish to see Pakistan continue to grow and thrive.” Senator Menendez, in his direct but polite manner, pointed out, “I think that 12 billion dollars later we have seen that we put individuals over institutions.” He underscored the value of strong democratic institutions in Pakistan. He said, “We (often) strengthen the hands of the Pakistani governments, not the people.” Patrick Murphy from Pennsylvania, who was one of the first congressmen to endorse Obama when Obama was behind in the polls, spoke about the theme of the event, “Enhance the Partnership.” He shared with Pakistani Americans his view on providing more aid to Pakistan: “We need to make Pakistan our priority.” He urged Pakistani Americans to do more. “Write to the newspapers, letters to the editors and your elected officials. Realize the exchange between the hard power and the soft power,” he said. Congressman Eric Massa from Corning, N.Y., further emphasized the urgency for Pakistani Americans to actively participate in the American political system. Speaking in a blatantly honest but sincere manner, he explained “how it works in Washington, D.C. At the end of the day, don’t leave here without a series of actions. Otherwise, it was just a nice trip to Washington.” Objectives of the Event In a follow-up conference call of coalition of organizations, it was decided to hold such events every six months, next event is tentatively planned for Oct'09. Between now and the next meeting we urge members of all organizations to stay engaged with their Congressperson and keep reminding them of the topics that were discussed;
Community Action Needed Monitor new laws passed that may impact you Representative Jose Serrano of New York has introduced the "Child Citizenship Protection Act" (H.R. 182), which would allow Immigration Judges to consider the best interests of U.S. citizen children of those placed in deportation proceedings. Such legislation is needed to ensure that familial ties are recognized for those facing removal from the United States. Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard of California introduced the "Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act" (H.R. 1215), which would codify humane and enforceable standards for immigration detention facilities. The current lack of binding regulations governing immigrant detention conditions has led to lack of counsel, separation from family members, and inadequate medical attention. Community members are urged to contact your member of Congress and ask them to support these vital pieces of legislation that will benefit our community. Immigration USCIS Meets Another Milestone in Eliminating FBI Name Check Backlogs U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that, working in close partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the backlog for FBI name checks pending more than six months has been eliminated. This is the fourth milestone met by the agency as part of its joint plan with the FBI to completely eliminate the backlog of pending name checks. Just 16 months ago, more than 349,000 name checks were pending; of that, nearly 150,000 had been pending for more than six months. All USCIS requests pending for six months or more as of February 28, 2009, have now been responded to by the FBI’s National Name Check Program (NNCP). USCIS and FBI are on schedule to meet the next two goals: all name checks requests pending longer than 90 days to be completed by May 30, 2009 and, by the end of June 2009, the FBI will complete 98 percent of USCIS name check requests within 30 days and process the remaining two percent within three months. USCIS Adds Passport Data in E-Verify Process for Foreign-Born Citizens U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) incorporated Department of State passport data into the E-Verify employment authorization program. This enhancement is already reducing the incidences of mismatches among foreign-born citizens. If the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or the Social Security Administration (SSA) is unable to immediately confirm a citizen’s work eligibility, USCIS can now check State Department records prior to issuing a TNC. Premium Processing Service Expanded for H-1B Visa holders U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will expand Premium Processing Service for designated Forms I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) to include alien beneficiaries who have reached, or are reaching, their limitation of stay in H-1B nonimmigrant status. Currently, only certain alien beneficiaries who are in H-1B nonimmigrant status at the time of filing may request premium processing for Form I-140. Beginning March 2, 2009, USCIS will accept Form I-907 (Request for Premium Processing Service) for alien worker petitions filed on behalf of alien beneficiaries who, as of the date of filing the Form I-907: § Are the beneficiary of a Form I-140 petition filed in a preference category that has been designated for premium processing service; § Have reached the sixth-year statutory limitation of their H-1B stay, or will reach the end of their sixth year of H-1B stay within 60 days of filing; § Are only eligible for a further H-1B extension under section 104(c) of the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-first Century Act of 2000 (AC21); and § Are ineligible to extend their H-1B status under section 106(a) of AC21. PAKPAC Committees Activities Missing Pakistanis Committee Mahleqa Samdani and PAKPAC BOD met with State Department Official at Pakistan desk to highlight the case of missing individuals in Pakistan, and how this situation is adversely impacting US-Pakistan relationship. Additionally Mrs. Samdani met with US legislators and Ambassador Haqqani urging them to act and resolve this issue at the earliest. Future Activities
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The Pakistani American Public Affairs Committee (PAKPAC) is a nationwide, membership based, non-profit lobbying organization registered with the United States Federal Government. PAKPAC’s mission includes advancement and strengthening of U.S.-Pakistan relations. It is organized to be a unified voice on issues and concerns common to the Pakistani American community. PAKPAC’s focus includes an active environment to foster greater political and civic engagement amongst the Pakistani Americans. PAKPAC is also focused on collaborating with other regional and national Pakistani American organizations to ensue increased efficacy and reduced duplication of the stated goals. PAKPAC along with our affiliates is working to serve as a watch dog for inaccuracies and bias in media coverage about Pakistan and Pakistani Americans. We are also involved in educating media groups, journalists, politicians, academicians and members of think tanks about views of concern and importance to the Pakistani American community |
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