mmigrants and their supporters rallied in Queens last month to mark the end of the Freedom Ride campaign to promote immigrants' rights. Organizers chose New York as their final destination because it is America's "first immigrant city" (Gotham Gazette). While some were pleased with the campaign's result, others felt that the rally failed to include enough community activists. Within a few weeks of the rally, federal officials arrested more than 250 undocumented workers at 61 Wal-Mart stores across the country. Four arrests were made in the New York City area, according to a spokesman for the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Newsday). The arrested workers, who worked as janitors for outside contractors, must go before immigration judges and could face deportation. Meanwhile, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved in late October a bill that that would grant legal status to high school students who are illegal immigrants. The "Dream Act" will apply to undocumented immigrants who complete two years of military service or two years of college within six years of graduating from high school (NY Times). In this November edition of The Citizen, we take a look at an effort to engage Arab immigrants in the political process; the resignation letter by the editor of El Diario after an article by Fidel Castro was killed; an illegal immigrant soldier; and immigrants' reaction to the Freedom Ride campaign. Articles from the Bengali, Chinese, Korean, Polish and Spanish press, including stories from the Independent Press Association's "Voices That Must Be Heard." Freedom Ride in New York From Gotham Gazette The nationwide campaign tour converged in Queens last month with a rally in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park attended by thousands of immigrants, politicians, church leaders and union representatives. Faster Naturalization From The World Journal “Bush, keep your words. Don’t let immigrants wait for too long!” said a sign held by one of the Chinese immigrants who had unexpectedly turned out in large numbers at the Queens rally. Whose Freedom, Whose Ride? From Akhon Samoy Freedom Ride organizers brought in some speakers who have minimal familiarity with immigrant workers' daily struggles while many activists were excluded, wrote a Bengali editorial. Confrontations At The End Of the Journey From El Diario Although the rally seemed to be under control, there were reports of various confrontations between organizers and the security company contracted for the demonstration, according to activist Jerry Dominguez. Non-Cooperating Attitude? From JoongAng While some immigrants attended freedom ride rally, some Korean immigrants, on the same day, chose to participate in the "Korean parade" in Manhattan. "This non-cooperating attitude brings worries for the people working to connect Korean the community with other ethnic groups," said a columnist. Sign Up To Get The Citizen As A Monthly E-Mail Enter your email address and full name in the form below. Name: Email Address: A Trip To The Consulate From Gotham Gazette Some South Asian immigrants who left their home countries for political reasons prefer to have no contact with their consulates, even when they should be seeking help. Others complain about the quality of services they receive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . El Diario Editor Resigns From El Diario "I have always believed in, and defended, liberty of expression … That incident was the last straw," wrote El Diario's editor after a decision by the newspaper's owners to kill an article by Fidel Castro. Mental Health From Joon Ang Economic downturn, said a counselor, pushes some Koreans to mental disorder as more are seeking psychological help. Greenpoint Speaks Polish From Nowy Dziennik A Polish speaker can get by in Greenpoint without using a word of English.   Recruiting Arab American Votes From Gotham Gazette Young Arab Americans are attempting to register new voters and mobilize diverse Arab groups to form a political bloc. “Looking around New York," one said, "Arabs have no presence in local politics." Non-Partisan Election From The World Journal Many Asian community leaders are urging voters to support Mayor Michael Bloomberg's proposal for non-partisan elections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Law Enforcement Jobs From JoongAng As certain job markets dry-out, law enforcement agencies’ heightened demand after 9/11, along with job benefits, attracts Korean Americans. Chinese Youth Gangs From The World Journal The recent assault of students in Brooklyn schools appears to be the work of Chinese youth gangs. Immigrant Soldier From Hoy The United States Army's announcement that it will allow an undocumented Mexican immigrant to stay within its ranks has created a national discussion. This website is brought to you by Citizens Union Foundation and is made possible by grants from the Charles H. Revson Foundation, the Independence Community Foundation, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, the Rockefeller Foundation, the New York Times Foundation and visitors like you.