Plainfield's DACA Immigrants Protected
by the Supreme Court
Dear Friend,

Our great city is defined by the diversity of the residents that live here. We're proud of the differences within our communities that make us unique, and we celebrate the cultures that combine to weave our Plainfield family. The immigrant community makes up almost 50 percent of the population, and many of those came to this country years ago to work hard and give their children a better future to dream about. Those children, those dreamers, are now young adults who fervently want to honor their parents' sacrifices. They want to continue to live in this country, the country that raised them. They want to make a difference in the communities they call home. Yesterday, the Supreme Court ruled that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), the program that protects these dreamers from deportation, will not be ended as planned by the current administration.

In 2012, the Obama administration employed DACA to protect child immigrants from deportation in the United States. The program also opened many doors for child immigrants, giving them hope and a pathway to realize their dreams. Through the program, dreamers were able to receive work permits, drivers’ licenses, health care assistance, authorized in-state tuition rates, and some states even allowed for dreamers to receive financial aid and state professional licenses. DACA has permitted many child immigrants to integrate into this country fully, the only country they've known. 

When the Trump administration announced its plan to end DACA, it was traumatic for the seven hundred thousand (700,000) dreamers and their families that the program currently protects. If the plan succeeded, these dreamers, our friends, and neighbors, would have been eligible for deportation. These dreamers are a part of the fabric of this country’s culture. Their lives and dreams could have been taken away from them in an instant. Seven hundred thousand (700,000) dreamers would be deported to foreign countries that would be as alien as another planet to them. The proposal to deny dreamers of the promises made to them eight years ago was uncaring, anti-American, irresponsible, and insensitive.

What is this country, if not a home for people of different backgrounds to settle, make a living, and pursue their dreams? This is the very foundation on which our democratic tenets are based. What is the fate of this country if those who hold the highest offices find avenues to dismantle those dreams and homogenize our country, which thrives best when we embrace our diversity?

I understand the feeling of being a new immigrant in this country. I, too, have felt excitement and happiness because of the opportunities presented by my new homeland. I’ve also experienced doubt, anxiety, and worry; joy because of the future I envisioned ahead of me, and fear because of the hardships that minorities often endure. I empathize with dreamers and their parents who not only get discriminated against because of their background or skin tone but also, their immigration status. 

Our differences shape the way that we view our community, our city, and our state. Our needs dictate the expectations of our nation. As long as I am Mayor, I will always advocate for common-sense immigration reform, and I will support the rights of child immigrants and dreamers. I applaud the Supreme Court for putting humanity first and supporting the dreams of an entire generation.

Creating One Plainfield. One Future.
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
Nosotros Apoyamos a Los Soñadores

Querido Plainfield,

Nuestra gran ciudad se define por la diversidad de los residentes que viven aquí. Estamos orgullosos de las diferencias dentro de nuestras comunidades que nos hacen únicos, y celebramos las culturas que se combinan para tejer a nuestra familia Plainfield. La comunidad de inmigrantes representa casi el 50 por ciento de la población, y muchos de ellos vinieron a este país hace años para trabajar duro y darles a sus hijos un futuro mejor con el que soñar. Esos niños, esos soñadores, ahora son adultos jóvenes que desean fervientemente honrar los sacrificios de sus padres. Quieren seguir viviendo en este país, el país que los vio crecer. Quieren hacer una diferencia dentro de las comunidades que ellos llaman “hogar”. Ayer, la Corte Suprema dictaminó que DACA, el programa que protege a estos soñadores de la deportación, no finalizará según lo planeado por la administración actual.

En 2012, la administración de Obama empleó a DACA para proteger a los niños inmigrantes de la deportación en los Estados Unidos. El programa también abrió muchas puertas para los niños inmigrantes, dándoles esperanza y un camino para realizar sus sueños. A través del programa, los soñadores pudieron recibir permisos de trabajo, licencias de conducir, asistencia médica, tasas de matrícula autorizadas dentro del estado, y algunos estados incluso permitieron que los soñadores recibieran ayuda financiera y licencias profesionales estatales. DACA ha permitido que muchos niños inmigrantes se integren completamente en este país, el único país que han conocido.

Cuando la administración Trump anunció su plan para terminar con DACA, fue traumático para los setecientos mil (700,000) soñadores y sus familias que el programa protege actualmente. Si el plan tuviera éxito, estos soñadores, nuestros amigos y vecinos, habrían sido elegibles para la deportación. Estos soñadores son parte del tejido de la cultura de este país. Sus vidas y sueños podrían haber sido quitados en un instante. Setecientos mil (700,000) soñadores serían deportados a países extranjeros que serían tan extraños como otro planeta para ellos. La propuesta de negar a los soñadores las promesas que les hicieron hace ocho años fue indiferente, antiestadounidense, irresponsable, e insensible.

¿Qué es este país, si no es un hogar para personas de diferentes orígenes para establecerse, ganarse la vida y perseguir sus sueños? Esta es la base sobre la cual se basan nuestros principios democráticos. ¿Cuál es el destino de este país si aquellos que ocupan los cargos más altos encuentran vías para desmantelar esos sueños y homogeneizar nuestro país, que prospera mejor cuando adoptamos nuestra diversidad?

Entiendo la sensación de ser un nuevo inmigrante en este país. Yo también he sentido emoción y felicidad debido a las oportunidades que presenta mi nueva patria. También he experimentado dudas, ansiedad y preocupación; alegría por el futuro que imaginé delante de mí, y miedo por las dificultades que las minorías suelen soportar. Siento empatía con los soñadores y sus padres, quienes no solo son discriminados por su origen o tono de piel, sino también por su estado migratorio.

Nuestras diferencias dan forma a la manera en que vemos nuestra comunidad, nuestra ciudad y nuestro estado. Nuestras necesidades dictan las expectativas de nuestra nación. Mientras sea alcalde, siempre defenderé una reforma migratoria de sentido común y apoyaré los derechos de los niños inmigrantes y soñadores. Aplaudo a la Corte Suprema por poner a la humanidad primero y apoyar los sueños de toda una generación.


Creando un Plainfield, un Futuro
Alcalde Adrian O. Mapp
Supreme Court Ruling on DACA Program
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or DACA is a  United States immigration policy  that allows some individuals with unlawful presence in the United States after being brought to the country as children to receive a renewable two-year period of  deferred action  from  deportation  and become eligible for a  work permit  in the U.S. 

DACA does not provide a path to citizenship for recipients and it is estimated that there are between 690,000 to 800,000 DACA recipients based on August 2018 data.

TODAY June 19th is Juneteenth Day!
HAPPY JUNETEENTH!

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free.

This was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation - which had become official January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.

Today we HONOR, RECOGNIZE and CELEBRATE those who came before us!

From Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, The City Council and Administration
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
CONGRATULATIONS 2020 Graduates!
2020 has proven to be a year of uncertainty for all of us and unfortunately our children have been heavily impacted. From being home schooled, no sports, no hanging with their friends to no proms or graduations.

Join Mayor Adrian O. Mapp on Monday, June 22 at the Plainfeld High School beginning at 6:00pm to recognize and support our graduating seniors. Let's show them that they are important and special to their COMMUNITY - to PLAINFIELD!
Updated Demographic COVID-19
Data for the City of Plainfield
COVID-19 data compiled as of June 17, 2020 and reflects demographic percentages of positive cases and deaths in the City of Plainfield. Below is the current breakdown of COVID-19 cases:

- 2214 positive cases to investigate
- 1444 recovered persons
- 3273 under quarantine
- 2173 out of quarantine
- 140 positive cases at 3 nursing homes
- 51 total deaths at nursing homes

The following information is for postive COVID-19 statistics on demographics of gender and race.

Gender Data:
  • Females - 1052
  • Males - 1151
  • Total - 2203

Racial Data:
  • Black/African American - 363
  • Hispanic/Latino - 1399
  • Asian - 4
  • White - 60
  • American Indian - 1
  • Other - 11
  • Unknown - 365
  • Total - 2203
The following information is for deaths due to COVID-19 based on demographics of gender and race.

Gender Date for COVID-19 Deaths:
  • Male - 61
  • Female - 46
  • Total - 107

Racial Data for COVID-19 Deaths:
  • Black/African American - 39
  • Hispanic/Latino - 39
  • White - 20
  • Unknown - 9
  • Total - 107
Important Update 
Cooling Center Available on June 22nd
Plainfield Must be COUNTED!
Complete the 2020 Census
It Will Shape Our Future for 10 Years
Why the CENSUS is Important to the City of Plainfield?
If our residents do not participate in the 2020 census our community will lose valuable federal funding for programs and resources that our residents depend on.

Did you know?
For every 100 people not counted, a community loses an estimated $1.2 million annually in federal funds. Please think about that for a moment.

Plainfield's current response rate is 52.1%. If our current population is approximately 50,000, then we will lose $2,868,000 (based on 23,950 residents not counted) for programs like:

·        Schools and Education
·        Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
·        Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
·        Unemployment Insurance Compensation
·        Social Security
·        Medicare and Medicaid Programs
·        Department of Veterans Affairs Benefits

The census only takes a few minutes to complete and there are 3 options:
1.    Online at www.2020census.gov
2.    By phone at 844-330-2020 for English and 844-468-2020 for Spanish
3.    By mail. Just complete and place in the mailbox - no postage needed
We must each do our part and encourage our friends and neighbors to do the same. We are in this together. The 2020 census doesn't just COUNT , it makes a DIFFERENCE .
Let's #MakePlainfieldNJCount.
Si nuestros residentes no participan en el censo de 2020,
nuestra comunidad perderá valiosos fondos federales para programas y recursos
de los que dependen nuestros residentes.

 ¿Sabías? Por cada 100 personas no contadas, una comunidad pierde aproximadamente $ 1.2 millones anuales en fondos federales. Por favor, piense en eso por un momento.
La tasa de respuesta actual de Plainfield es 52.1%. Si nuestra población actual es de aproximadamente 50,000, entonces podríamos perder $ 2,868,000 (en base a 23,950 residentes sin contar) para programas como:

 · Escuelas y educación
 · Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria (SNAP)
 · Programa Especial de Nutrición Suplementaria para Mujeres, Bebés y Niños (WIC)
· Compensación del seguro de desempleo
· Seguridad Social
· Programas de Medicare y Medicaid
· Beneficios del Departamento de Asuntos de Veteranos

El censo solo tarda unos minutos en completarse y hay 3 opciones:
1. En línea en www.2020census.gov
2. Por teléfono al 844-330-2020 para inglés y 844-468-2020 para español
3. Por correo. Simplemente complete y colóquelo en el buzón de correo - no se necesita franqueo
Todos debemos hacer nuestra parte y alentar a nuestros amigos y vecinos a hacer lo mismo. Estamos en esto juntos.
El censo de 2020 no solo COUNT , hace una DIFERENCIA . Vamos a #MakePlainfieldNJCount.
Candid Conversations about Census 2020
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp and former boxer Hector Camacho Jr. sat down have an open discussion on the importance of the 2020 Census, how it affects the immigrant population, and what it means to our community.
A group of Plainfield's Community Leaders discuss the concerns about the census that affect our residents. The discussion is moderated by Leah Dade, Executive
Director of SSYC.
Summer Meals Program Begins
on Monday June 22
COVID-19 Relief | Daily Lunches
Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) Small Business Emergency Relief Fund
The goal of the UEZ Small Business Emergency Relief Fund is to provide assistance to small businesses who may be experiencing hardship throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic. Small businesses play a significant role in the success of our Urban Enterprise Zone and our City as a whole.

Businesses may receive between $3,500 up to $10,000 from the City of Plainfield to assist with payroll, administrative overhead costs, and other operational components that may have been impacted as a result of closure during this time.

El objetivo del Fondo de Ayuda de Emergencia para Pequeñas Empresas de UEZ es proporcionar asistencia a las pequeñas empresas que puedan estar experimentando dificultades durante la pandemia COVID19. Las pequeñas empresas juegan un papel importante en el éxito de nuestra Zona Empresarial Urbana y nuestra Ciudad en gen-eral.

Los empresas pueden recibir entre $3,500 y hasta $10,000 de la Ciudad de Plainfield para ayudar con la nómina, los costos administrativos generales y otros componentes operativos de las empresas que podrían haberse visto afectados como resultado del cierre durante este tiempo. 

CLICK Here for applications and additional information.
Plainfield COVID-19 Testing Procedure
Community Support for the
City of Plainfield COVID-19 Relief Fund
The City of Plainfield has established a Covid-19 Relief Fund to assist Plainfield residents who are experiencing financial hardship during this pandemic. 

The relief fund is designed to provide assistance to families and individuals who need help in the areas of Rent, Mortgage, Utilities and other necessities related to Covid-19. 

Click Here to view application and requirements. Completed applications should be sent to COVID19fund@plainfieldnj.gov or may be dropped off at the Mayor's Office at City Hall.
La ciudad de Plainfield ha establecido un Fondo de Ayuda COVID-19 para ayudar a los residentes de Plainfield que experimentan dificultades financieras durante esta pandemia.

El fondo de ayuda está diseñado para brindar asistencia a familias e individuos que necesitan ayuda en las áreas de alquiler, hipoteca, servicios públicos y otras necesidades relacionadas con COVID-19.

Haga clic aquí para ver la solicitud y los requisitos. Las solicitudes completas deben er enviado a COVID19fund@plainfieldnj.gov o puede ser dejado en la Oficina del Alcalde en el Ayuntamiento.
City Hall - COVID-19 - Modified Schedule
Skip the Trip to City Hall - Do Business Online!
PMUA: Standard Waste Collection
Schedule in Effect
The Importance of Wearing a Face Mask During COVID-19 Outbreak
The CDC is recommending that everyone wear a face mask or cloth covering when they go out in public along with continuing social distancing and other preventive measures.

 A cloth face covering is not intended to protect the wearer, but may prevent the spread of virus from the wearer to others. This would be especially important in the event that someone is infected but does not have symptoms. A cloth face covering should be worn whenever people must go into public settings (grocery stores, for example). 
CLICK Here for more information
Proper Disposal of Face Masks
and Gloves
Resource Road Map - Navigating
Through COVID-19
Click HERE to access the links in the above document.
COVID-19 Resource Guide
The situation with the Coronavirus changes rapidly and we want to ensure that you are aware of all resources available to you. Please click on the below button for a COVID-19 resource Guide
Emergency Food Providers & Resources
UNION COUNTY: Union County Hosts
PRIDE IN PLACE June 22 - 26
UNION COUNTY - The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to announce the 2020 PRIDE IN PLACE virtual series of events to celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month beginning Monday, June 22 through Friday, June 26.
 
Online registration is required for each event at ucnj.org/lgbtq.
 
“The Freeholder Board is proud to host events that celebrate all identities in one of the most diverse counties in New Jersey,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella . “Here in Union County we stand firm in our resolve to support the LGBTQ community through advocacy, awareness and action.”

The week kicks off at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 22 with Drag Queen Story Hour hosted by Harmonica Sunbeam. The hour will be packed with children’s stories, sing-along songs, and a rainbow craft. All participants are invited to dress up in your own fabulous costume.

PRIDE IN PLACE will also feature four special events each evening beginning on June 23: 
Bring your best LGBTQ history and pop culture knowledge to the Zoom gathering on Tuesday, June 23 at 7:00 PM for LGBTQ Trivia Night (PG). Kick off the night with a strong mix of LGBTQ themed and pop culture factoids. Picture rounds, music rounds, plenty of random facts and interesting tidbits – show off what you know or just be the one to whip out the perfect winning answer.
 
On Wednesday, June 24 at 7:00 PM, zoom in for an inclusive Beauty Queen Makeup Demo with Bella Rococo at Emilia’s, sponsored by WellCare Health Plans. Makeup artists will explore products, shades and techniques with step-by-step guidance from lips to lashes for different skin tones and textures.
 
On Thursday, June 25 at 7:00 PM, Union County’s first openly gay Freeholder Rebecca Williams will moderate the Violence and Justice in the LGBTQ Community panel discussion with guest panelists that offer a perspective from law enforcement, to New Jersey civil rights and the work of LGBTQ equality from an advocacy organization’s perspective. Participants will have an opportunity engage in the conversation and ask questions of the panelists during the live stream.
 
The final evening event will take place on Friday, June 26 at 6:00 PM with a Pasta Party (cooking demo) featuring pasta drag queen Cissy Walker. Learn how to make delicious, fresh pasta and enjoy a drag show from the ultimate Pasta Queen no matter where you are! Cook along with Cissy at home, or simply tune in for a festive night of entertainment.
 
“This series of Pride in Place virtual events is especially important to the LGBTQ community, where many people may be vulnerable to feelings of isolation during this period of separation and social distance,” said Freeholder Rebecca Williams, who is liaison to the LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee . “Pride events continue to bring awareness to LGBTQ inequalities and issues that impact quality of life. On the 50th anniversary of the first Pride Parade, this Freeholder Board is proud to host events that make Pride accessible to everyone in their homes while we observe COVID public health guidelines.”
 
PRIDE IN PLACE will also include lunchtime activities. During the week of June 22 through June 26, from 12:00 Noon until 1:00 PM, the Freeholder Board will host the PRIDE Lunch and Learn series, consisting of conversations with nonprofit organizations and community groups serving the LGBTQ community.

The PRIDE Lunch and Learn series is a town hall-style event that includes an overview of the mission and work of the presenting organization, and an opportunity for viewers to ask questions.

The schedule is as follows:
Monday, June 22 : New Jersey Inclusive Curriculum discussion with Garden State Equality
Wednesday, June 24 : Know Your Rights discussion with the NJ State Division of Civil Rights
Friday, June 26 : Creating Welcoming and Inclusive Safe Spaces (for students and colleagues) discussion with New Jersey Safe Schools Coalition

Additional details will be posted to ucnj.org/lgbtq.
 
All throughout PRIDE IN PLACE, community members are invited to participate in Pride at Home by visiting ucnj.org/lgbtq for a list of activities to do any time at home, including a chalk the walk with pride throughout your community, color the different LGBTQ flags or design your own, or complete any of the activity pages available online.

The week of June 22-26 also features Union County’s “One County with Pride” celebration. Throughout the events and activities of the week, participants are invited to submit photos and videos (30 seconds or less) of the ways in which they are celebrating Pride to the Office of LGBTQ Affairs (dnewbury@ucnj.org).

Submissions that are emailed by Sunday, June 28 will be considered for a video compilation posted to Union County social media and website, and distributed to local media outlets.
 
Union County’s PRIDE IN PLACE virtual series of events is organized by the Office of LGBTQ Affairs under the Department of Economic Development. The Office of LGBTQ Affairs was established by the Freeholder Board in 2018 and is the first and only county government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey.
 
The Office of LGBTQ Affairs provides a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and serves as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action on current and emerging issues that impact the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals.
 
For more information about the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, contact Danni Newbury, Coordinator, at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org or visit ucnj.org/lgbtq.

FROM THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE:
Governor Murphy Signs Executive Orders Allowing for Limited In-Person Instruction
at Institutions of Higher Education and
Trade and Training Schools Beginning July 1
TRENTON  -- Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 155, which will allow in-person clinical, lab, and hands-on programming at institutions of higher education to resume as of July 1, 2020 with enhanced health and safety protocols. Executive Order No. 155 will also allow trade and training schools to reopen on July 1 provided specific health and safety polices are in place. As part of this process, the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education has issued Restart Standards for all New Jersey Institutions of Higher Education that can guide the reopening and assist institutions as they prepare for next steps.

“As we move forward in our restart and recovery, these institutions will play a huge role. They are where our future workforce is being created,”  said Governor Murphy . “While New Jersey continues to face the impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, I am pleased that we are able to take this step forward for our students and educators.”

“Sustained positive public health trends have allowed New Jersey to enter stage two on the road back to our ‘new normal,’ and after a period of uncertainty, we are pleased to be at a point where we can safely begin restarting campus operations for students, faculty and staff,”  said Dr. Zakiya Smith Ellis, Secretary of Higher Education . “An equitable restart of operations must be done carefully through an iterative, staged process that balances the desire to move forward with concerns for public health. We know many students prefer learning in-person, particularly those who experience hardship and whose home environments are not conducive to online education. As we seek to ensure appropriate measures are in place so educational activity can continue, the health and safety of the entire campus community will remain our priority.”

In order to open, institutions under the purview of the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) must submit plans that demonstrate how they will follow criteria delineated in guidelines to be released by OSHE today. Those plans are due to OSHE 14 days before the institution intends to implement the plan by bringing students and staff back to campus. Trade and training schools, which are outside of OSHE’s purview, are subject to a similar set of health and safety protocols.

To read Executive Order No. 155, click  here .

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One Plainfield. One Future
Volume 7 - Issue 25
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