Obama's proclamation on  National African American History Month

In the centuries since African Americans first arrived on our shores, they have known the bitterness of slavery and oppression, the hope of progress, and the triumph of the American Dream. African American history is an essential thread of the American narrative that traces our Nation's enduring struggle to perfect itself. Each February, we recognize African American History Month as a moment to reflect upon how far we have come as a Nation, and what challenges remain. This year's theme, "The History of Black Economic Empowerment," calls upon us to honor the African Americans who overcame injustice and inequality to achieve financial independence and the security of self empowerment that comes with it. (more)

Eric Owens and Laquita Mitchell portrayed the title characters in the San Francisco Opera’s 2009 production of Porgy and Bess.

Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess” Celebrates Its 75th Anniversary

Washington — The opera Porgy and Bess is now recognized as an American masterpiece, but when it was first performed in Boston and New York in 1935, it generated both controversy and acclaim.

Composed by George Gershwin — a white, Jewish New Yorker with Russian immigrant roots — Porgy and Bess is part of the international operatic repertoire. Several of its songs, particularly “Summertime,” have become classics. Yet since its premiere 75 years ago, the opera has been viewed by some critics as perpetuating racial stereotypes.

Set in a vibrant African-American community in Charleston, South Carolina, called Catfish Row, Porgy and Bess tells the story of a crippled beggar and the woman he loves. Their lives are touched by poverty, violence and, in Bess’ case, drugs. The work “was introduced as a folk opera, occupying a midway point between opera and Broadway musical,” according to John Edward Hasse, curator of American music at the Smithsonian Institution. (more)

A Haitian girl receives a prepackaged Meal-Ready-to-Eat in the Haitian village of Birey

U.S. Intensifies Efforts to Prevent Human Trafficking in Haiti

Washington — The State Department announced it is stepping up its efforts to prevent human trafficking — particularly of children — in post-earthquake Haiti.

The magnitude 7.0 earthquake that hit Haiti January 12 — and the strong aftershocks that followed — killed tens of thousands. Many children were separated from their families in the confusion, exposing them to a greater risk of being trafficked by the unscrupulous.

Even before the earthquake, the State Department’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons had been working with Haitian authorities to control human trafficking. According to the State Department’s most recent Trafficking in Persons Report, Haiti is a source, transit and destination country for men, women and children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and sexual exploitation. The report says several nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) working in Haiti noted that in 2008 there had been a sharp increase in the number of Haitian children trafficked for sex and labor to the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. (more)

U.S. Announces Removal of HIV Infection as an Ineligibility to Immigrate or Travel to the United States

Since 1987, HIV infection has been an inadmissible medical condition for obtaining a visa to travel to the United States.  As of January 4 of this year, however, the condition is no longer a disqualification of applicants for non-immigrant and immigrant visas.(more)

Changes in public window hours and new appointment system at Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement

As of January 4, 2010 the Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (DHS/ICE) public window will operate on an appointments only basis.  On this date, there will also be a change in the public window hours.  The public window will now be open on Mondays and Thursdays between 11:00 AM and 12:00 p.m. (and not 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. as before). 

The DHS/ICE public window facilitates matters pertaining to travel/transportation letters and voluntary deportation only.  Appointments can be made at anytime by sending an email to ICEKINGSTON@state.gov