Jersey City, NJ – The International Institute of New Jersey will hold its ninth annual American Dream Celebration (ADC) on Thursday, June 28, from 4:00 to 8:30 PM at St. Peters College in Jersey City.  The event will feature the Institute’s first symposium on immigration policy, an awards tribute honoring individuals who have advanced the immigrant experience, and a reception celebrating their achievements.  Since 1918, the International Institute has been the gateway of resettlement for, and provided support services to, hundreds of thousands of immigrants who have since arrived in New Jersey.

The Symposium will illuminate what is arguably the most compelling civic issue of 2006 and provide informed, balanced perspectives regarding immigration reform bills now being considered on Capitol Hill.  A panel of experts on immigration policy and immigration law will focus on the critical issues underlying the immigration debate. What will be the impact of the bill on immigrants, on the people and organizations who work on their behalf, on businesses, and on New Jersey as a community?  How will the lives of New Jerseyans, both foreign-born and native-born, be changed by the legislation? What is at stake from the economic, social, and dynamic viewpoints?  Lavinia Limon, President and CEO of the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (Washington, DC) will moderate the Symposium panel.  Joining her on the panel will be: Partha Banerjee, Executive Director, New Jersey Immigration Policy Network, Newark; Bob Braun, columnist, Newark Star-Ledger; Lori Nessel, Associate Professor and Director, Immigration and Human Rights Clinic, Seton Hall University School of Law, Newark; and Anthony Siliato, Partner, Meyner and Landis, Newark.

The International Institute’s Award Tribute will honor four extraordinary individuals for their contribution to the American immigrant experience.  This year’s American Dream Award will be presented to Upendra J. Chivukula for achieving high distinctions in many areas of professional and political endeavor, including serving as the first Asian-Indian American elected to the New Jersey State Assembly.  The International Institute’s Golden Door Award will be conferred to two individuals who exemplify distinguished contribution to American Society through community involvement --- Dr. E. Obiro Addo, minister and community leader for African immigrants; and Mr. Ahmed Shedeed, Arabic community leader.   Robert Braun, columnist for the Newark Star-Ledger, will receive the Rachel Davis Dubois Human Relations Award for enhancing respect for diversity and tolerance through his coverage of the immigration experience in his weekly column. 

Some 250 friends, clients, supporters of the Institute will attend the American Dream Celebration and Symposium, including advocates of immigrants in the social service and health professions; faculty and students interested or enrolled in multicultural studies, immigration policy, or other related government affairs curricula; government professionals, including those from social services, immigration agencies, criminal justice and the court system, and anti-trafficking; immigration law professionals; managers and executives in human resources, employment training and development.   Tickets for the symposium, awards tribute, and cocktail reception are $50; $25 for students.  To register for event, visit www.IINJ.org or call 201-653-3888, ext. 129.

About the International Institute of New Jersey.  As it has for 88 years, the Institute opens a new world of possibilities for immigrants by providing social services and resettlement services, legal assistance on immigration and citizenship matters, English instruction, interpreting and translation, employment training, and individual and family counseling. The Institute also provides an array of services to refugees and other groups of immigrants through its Anti-Trafficking Program, Refugee School-Based Services, and Survivors of Torture Program.   In addition to helping immigrants navigate the conventions of American life, the Institute conducts conferences and trainings that bring new information about immigrants to leaders in the corporate, health care, government, law enforcement, education, and social service sectors.  The Institute advocates for public policies that ensure the fair and equitable treatment of immigrants and refugees. The Institute’s staff, board, and constituents believe that immigration is a key engine of the American economy and an inspiration for the American way of life.