America proposes new rule for international entrepreneurs

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is proposing a new rule, which would allow certain international entrepreneurs to be considered for parole (temporary permission to be in the United States) so that they may start or scale their businesses here in the United States.
 
Read the advance version of the notice of proposed rulemaking: International Entrepreneur Rule. Once the notice of proposed rulemaking is published in the Federal Register, the public will have 45 days from the date of publication to comment. To submit comments, follow the instructions in the notice.

“America’s economy has long benefitted from the contributions of immigrant entrepreneurs, from Main Street to Silicon Valley,” said Director León Rodríguez. “This proposed rule, when finalized, will help our economy grow by expanding immigration options for foreign entrepreneurs who meet certain criteria for creating jobs, attracting investment and generating revenue in the U.S.”
The proposed rule would allow the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to use its existing discretionary statutory parole authority for entrepreneurs of startup entities whose stay in the United States would provide a significant public benefit through the substantial and demonstrated potential for rapid business growth and job creation.  Under this proposed rule, DHS may parole, on a case-by-case basis, eligible entrepreneurs of startup enterprises:

• Who have a significant ownership interest in the startup (at least 15 percent) and have an active and central role to its operations;
• Whose startup was formed in the United States within the past three years; and
• Whose startup has substantial and demonstrated potential for rapid business growth and job creation, as evidenced by:
  • Receiving significant investment of capital (at least $345,000) from certain qualified U.S. investors with established records of successful investments;
  • Receiving significant awards or grants (at least $100,000) from certain federal, state or local government entities; or
  • Partially satisfying one or both of the above criteria in addition to other reliable and compelling evidence of the startup entity’s substantial potential for rapid growth and job creation.

Under the proposed rule, entrepreneurs may be granted an initial stay of up to two years to oversee and grow their startup entity in the United States.  A subsequent request for re-parole (for up to three additional years) would be considered only if the entrepreneur and the startup entity continue to provide a significant public benefit as evidenced by substantial increases in capital investment, revenue or job creation. 
The notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register invites public comment for 45 days, after which USCIS will address the comments received.  The proposed rule does not take effect with the publication of the notice of proposed rulemaking.  It will take effect on the date indicated in the final rule when a final rule is published in the Federal Register.

Breaking News: Nigerian Passport processing holds Oct. 7 -9 in Columbus

The processing of the Nigerian International Passport in Columbus, Ohio has now been scheduled to hold on Friday, October 7 to Sunday, October 9, 2016.

The Secretary of the Nigerians in Diaspora, Ohio, Bukola Olaoye told TheNewAmericans that, ”we have been moved to next available slot, October 7 to October 9, 2016.”

The new date came as a result of the postponement from the previous scheduled dates of July 29 and 30 due to low response.

For registration, applicants are advised to go online for application forms at

https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/passport/epassport.

The Consulate Processing Fee of $100.00 US Post Office Money Order or Certified Bank Check be made payable to the Consulate General of Nigeria. Also $30.00 Check or Money Order made payable to NIDO OHIO.

Executive members of NIDOA, Ohio can be contacted for further information: -

    Teresa Edoja, President NIDOA Ohio (614)365-0162 or teresa.edoja@att.net

    Victor Nzimiro, Vice President NIDOA Ohio (614)259-7488 or vnzimiro@nidoaohio.org

    Bukola Olaoye, Secretary NIDOA Ohio (240)230-6586 or sirbuks07@yahoo.com

USCIS holds naturalization ceremonies at National Parks nationwide Aug. 25

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services will celebrate the 100th  anniversary of the National Park Service on August 25 by welcoming 450 new U.S. citizens during 16 naturalization ceremonies at national parks across the country.

These ceremonies are representational of the partnership between USCIS and NPS, and are a large step towards our goal of holding at least 100 naturalization ceremonies in national parks throughout this centennial year.

“As we celebrate the 100^th birthday of our National Park Service on August 25, 450 new Americans will also celebrate the fulfillment of their dreams of citizenship at some of our nation’s most historic sites,” USCIS Director León Rodríguez said.

“At USCIS, we believe that being an American means understanding and honoring our history and the places the National Park Service is charged to protect.  We look forward to continuing to welcome new U.S. citizens and protecting ‘America's Best Idea’ for the next 100 years.”

The NPS has partnered with USCIS on promoting awareness and understanding of citizenship since 2006. Since the launch of the partnership, the NPS has hosted naturalization ceremonies for thousands of new Americans at sites across the country including on the rim of the Grand Canyon, on the Civil War battlefield at Vicksburg National Military Park, the base of Mount Rushmore, Ellis Island, and at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

“It is especially meaningful to celebrate our 100^th birthday with a series of naturalization ceremonies in national parks throughout the country,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “National parks tell the stories of notable people, great achievements, and monumental events that shaped our nation, our government, and our society. These magnificent places belong to all Americans and we invite everyone, especially our newest citizens, to Find Your Park.”

A source of pride and enjoyment for all Americans, national parks also provide an ideal setting for learning about the United States. Prospective citizens studying for the naturalization test can find answers to test questions such as “Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?” and “Name one problem that led to the Civil War” and “Name one U.S. territory” by visiting a national park.

USCIS’ activities for the celebration on August 25 will feature naturalization ceremonies at Grand Canyon National Park, the World War II Memorial, and Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine.

USCIS Director León Rodríguez will administer the Oath of Allegiance and join Gay Vietzke, superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks, in welcoming 40 new Americans at the World War II Memorial, while USCIS Deputy Director Lori Scialabba will administer the Oath of Allegiance and deliver congratulatory remarks to 20 new Americans at Grand Canyon National Park.

Deputy Secretary of the Interior Mike Connor will join Department of Homeland Security Deputy Assistant Secretary Sarah Morgenthau in welcoming 50 new Americans at Fort McHenry National Monument.

Other ceremonies on August 25 include events at:

• Biscayne National Park in Homestead, Florida.
• Fort Smith National Historic Site in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
• Big Thicket National Preserve in Kountze, Texas.
• Harpers Ferry National Historical Park in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.

With the 16 ceremonies on August 25, USCIS will have held 78 naturalization ceremonies in national parks so far this year.

IRS seeks Tax Volunteers

The Internal Revenue Service, IRS is looking for people to provide free tax help in 2017. “Become a tax volunteer and make a difference in your community,” IRS said in a statement.

The IRS sponsors the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. These two programs offer free tax help across the country for people with low-to-moderate incomes. This year, VITA and TCE volunteers prepared more than 3.7 million federal tax returns at no cost to families across the country.

According to IRS, the programs have the following benefits: -

Flexible hours. Volunteers generally serve an average of three to five hours per week. The programs are usually open from mid-January through the tax filing deadline in April. A few sites are open all year.

VITA and TCE sites are often nearby and need your help. Nearly 12,000 sites were set up in neighborhoods all over the country for this past filing season. They are often set up in community centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls and similar places. Chances are good that you can volunteer at a site near you.

No prior experience needed. You’ll receive specialized training and can serve in a variety of roles. If you are fluent in another language, you may be able to help those who speak that language.

Free tax law training and materials. Learn how to prepare basic tax returns and learn about all the tax deductions and credits that benefit eligible taxpayers.

Continuing education credits for tax pros. Enrolled Agents and non-credentialed tax return preparers can earn credits when volunteering as a VITA/TCE instructor, quality reviewer or tax return preparer. See the IRS fact sheet for more information on Continuing Education Credits.

Volunteers will join a program that’s helped millions of people file tax returns at no charge for more than 40 years, adding that,  ”your help will make a difference. It’s people helping people. It's that simple.”

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Additional information can be found on IRS.gov and type "tax volunteer" in the search box. "If you’d like to become a volunteer, you will need to submit your volunteer interest information on IRS.gov at IRS Tax Volunteers,” it said.

Ohio State auctions 300 vehicles

Nearly 300 vehicles will be up for bid on Saturday August 20 at the Ohio State surplus vehicle auction, the largest since August 2006.

The sale will feature a 2004 Bobcat Toolcat 4X4 Diesel Utility Work Machine and a 1994 Ford 9000 Rescue Unit.

Among the wide variety of other vehicles up for bid will be nearly 200 Ford, Dodge and Chevrolet sedans as well as nearly 100 vans, trucks and SUVs.

The auction will be held at the Ohio Department of Administrative Services, General Services Division headquarters, 4200 Surface Road, Columbus, 43228. The gate opens at 8 a.m. and the auction begins at 9 a.m.

The lot will remain open until 5 p.m. on the day of the auction.

Vehicles may be inspected between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. through Friday, August 19. Vehicles may be started only between 8 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. on Friday. All vehicles are sold “as-is” with no warranties. All vehicles must be paid for in full the day of the auction.

Cash, credit and debit cards (Discover, MasterCard and Visa) are accepted. There is a 3 percent service fee on all credit and debit card transactions. Temporary tags are no longer available at state surplus vehicle auctions.

Surplus property auctions provide the general public an opportunity to purchase quality goods at reduced prices and enable the state to recoup a portion of its initial investment.

Miscellaneous property and vehicle auctions generated more than $6.3 million during Fiscal Year 2016.

Public auctions are the last step in the state's surplus program. State agencies declare property as surplus because it is either damaged or at the end of its life cycle for government use. In addition,
property may include items seized by law enforcement officials as well as items surrendered to the TSA by airline passengers during security screening.

The property is then made available to other state agencies, state higher education facilities, tax-supported agencies, municipal corporations and other political subdivisions of the state, including public schools. Remaining property is sold at the public auctions.

Protecting our Rivers and Future, Bacteria Need all the Trees by the Stream Banks

The utilization of organic matter from tree logs, fallen twigs, dead roots and leaves by bacteria as food has revealed a wealth of information about the roles of these tiny bugs in energy and nutrient recycling, but it continues to perplex and intrigue the scientists who analyze this complex interactions.

Researchers like Philips Akinwole (right) have been studying dissolved organic matter and microbes interactions for more than two decades in the White Clay Creek (Stroud Water Research Center).

Most scientists agreed that part of tree leaves and root exudates are sugars, organic acids and amino acids, that is, labile parts of the trees are readily used as energy and nutrients by microbes. But the part of the tree composed of phenolic, lignin, cellulose or similar complex polymers, that is, the ‘hard’ (non-labile) part of organic matter has long been considered recalcitrant (hard to eat) to bacterial utilization.

Researchers from the University of Alabama, Stroud Water Research Center (Avondale, PA) and Michigan State University have been thinking out of the box. These researchers have been examining the incorporation of terrestrial organic matter into microbial biomass by incubating stream sediment in recirculating mesocosm (bioreactor) with natural stream water to which labeled tree tissues leachate (extracts) were added. The tree tissues leachate consists of both labile and non-labile parts of the organic matter.

“The goal of our study was to elucidate microbes within stream sediments that actively utilize terrestrial organic matter, thereby controlling energy flux to higher trophic levels and to downstream reaches,” says Dr. Philips Akinwole, whose main PhD work at the University of Alabama focused on this National Science Foundation funded innovative project. “It was generally accepted that most of the turnover of dissolved organic carbon is accomplished via the metabolism of a small pool of labile component of the total dissolved organic matter. We argued that this interpretation may not be entirely correct, and there is increasing evidence that bacteria can grow efficiently on non-labile substances,”

In 2009 and 2010, in collaboration with Stroud Water Research Center, Dr. Akinwole collected stream sediments from forested White Clay Creek and placed them in recirculating bioreactors. To determine the microbes actively using stream water dissolved organic matter, streambed sediments placed in bioreactor chambers were amended with Carbon-labeled organic matter and incorporation into microbial fatty acids was examined.

Elucidating the actual microbial groups that utilize recalcitrant organic matter was done for the first time by carbon isotope analysis of the microbial fatty acids at the Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry Laboratory, Michigan State University.

The research team found out that consistently labeled fatty acids occurred in bacteria often associated with aerobic or facultative anaerobic metabolism (e.g. Firmacutes, Acidobacteria, Nitrospirae, etc). In addition, incorporation into microeukaryotic fatty acids suggested that protozoans consumed bacteria that utilized ¹³C-labeled dissolved organic matter. “Our data support the hypothesis that streamwater terrestrial dissolved organic matter is utilized by stream bacteria, and substantially contributes to the energy flow in aquatic ecosytems,” says Dr. Akinwole.

For policy makers, this study has important implications for protection of forested streams where much of the organic matter is derived from the surrounding terrestrial ecosystem.

As organic matter from trees is an important source of carbon and energy for stream microbes, any human activity (such as deforestation) that disrupts or accelerates the delivery of terrestrial organic matter to streams may need regulation.

“It becomes very difficult to predict with any certainty what’s going to happen with too much or little organic matter in streams, which is why an advanced experiment like this is so important,” says Dr. Akinwole.

 A key message for policy makers is that interactions between aquatic and terrestrial systems are complex systems; active management of forested streams and rivers is going to be a crucial part of nations’ strategies for keeping a lid on anthropogenic activities along riverine banks.

 Researchers like Akinwole have been studying dissolved organic matter and microbes interactions for more than two decades in the White Clay Creek. What they’ve learned has important implications, not only for the future of streams, but also for the biggest problem facing our planet; climate change, because deforestation could release millions of tons of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.