Where are the jobs?

Host Ray Suarez and guest panelists Algernon Austin, Marcos Vilar and Juan Carlos Benitez discuss why job creation remains low.

Surveys Show Latinos Favor Trump over Biden

Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump is more favored by Latinos over President Joe Biden in the next presidential election, polls say. The surveys indicate that Trump has eliminated the lead Biden enjoyed among Latino voters in the 2020 election.

According to the data of a poll by USA Today and Suffolk University that surveyed 1,000 likely voters in December, 39 percent Latino voters will support Trump, while only 34 percent said they will back Biden’s candidacy. The declining support of the Latino bloc for Biden may be a challenge for the Democrat who garnered a significant support from Latino votes over Trump in the 2020 election.

The survey added that 37 percent of voters under 35 years old prefer Trump over Biden, who had only 33 percent support from the respondents in that demographic group. The report also said that 20 percent of Hispanic and Black voters will choose neither Trump nor Biden but another candidate.

CNBC’s December survey of 1002 likely voters showed a similar result. The CNBC All-American Economic Survey report indicated that Trump was leading Biden by 5 points among Latino voters. The recent survey showed that Trump wiped out Biden’s 7-point lead in the same poll in October. Analysts say Latino policy makers have been critical of the way Biden handled border security issues. Biden’s reforms tried to tie stricter border security enforcement with foreign aid to Israel and Ukraine.

Benefits of American Immigration Lawyers Association Membership

In immigration law, adept navigation demands expertise and a robust support network. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) stands as a bedrock for legal professionals specializing in this field, also offering many benefits beyond mere networking.

Membership to this association provides access to the latest and most comprehensive information on immigration law. Members receive timely updates on policy changes, legislative developments, and procedural variations, ensuring they remain ahead in a field in constant flux.

AILA is dedicated to enhancing the professional development of its members. Through various conferences, seminars, and workshops, lawyers can hone their skills, stay informed about the latest legal strategies, and engage in discussions with experts.

As AILA members, immigration lawyers contribute to a collective voice that advocates for fair and just immigration policies. AILA actively engages with lawmakers and government agencies to shape legislation impacting immigration. Members have the opportunity to participate in these advocacy efforts, amplifying their influence and contributing to positive changes in immigration law.

Building a professional network is crucial in any legal field, and AILA provides fertile ground for interaction among immigration lawyers. Members can connect with peers, share experiences, and collaborate on challenging cases.

The Effects of Discrimination in the Workplace on Companies

Workplace discrimination refers to the unfair treatment of individuals based on specific characteristics. The disparity can occur during and after recruitment and during the firing process. Discrimination leads to several negative impacts on employers and employees.

In some cases, workplace discrimination negatively impacts employee physical and mental health. The effects include increases in blood pressure, headaches, stress, and depression. The latter often directly affects the body, with increased susceptibility to chronic stress, aches, and pains, and even risk of cardiovascular issues.

Discrimination at work also leads to economic costs for employers. The decline in mental and physical health among employees can lead to low input and productivity and increased requests for leave days and sick-offs. Each results in reduced revenue for the company. In some cases, low employee morale can lead to the loss of top talent, which affects output and competitiveness.

Moreover, discrimination in the workplace exposes the company to litigation and associated legal costs. The employer becomes liable for claims of discrimination. Although the penalties for non-compliance to set labor laws and anti-discrimination regulations vary, the consequences include fines, compensation and settlement, and sanctions.

Brand and reputation contribute significantly to a company’s success and, in some cases, survival. Some organizations will experience reputational hits that lead to product and service cancellations by consumers. It also affects lucrative engagements that may benefit the company, such as partnerships, investors, and grants.

Features of a New Markets Tax Credit Program

Traditionally, investors focus projects on areas with high income and a promise of steady cash flow. This often leaves out low-income communities. The federal government established the New Markets Tax Credit program (NMTC) through Congress to combat this imbalance. The goal is to attract private investment to low-income communities, both urban and rural, to improve the quality of life, foster development, and promote economic growth.

For a region to qualify for the program, a census tract should indicate a 20 percent poverty rate or no more than 80 percent Area Median Income (AMI). The AMI refers to the median point of income distribution in a region. This tiered metric, is used by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to determine qualification for low-income housing programs.

Investors who support qualifying projects in these areas receive tax credits of up to 39 percent of the original investment cost, claimable over seven years. The investor is required to commit funds to Community Development Entities (CDEs). These local corporations or partnerships act as intermediaries for providing credit and financial advice in low-income communities.