Politics and Economics of IT

Final Advocacy Project

Request for Proposal - DCCTC

Direct Connect Technologies Inc.

Final Draft

CEO: Robert He

Lauren Backman

Wing Yee Vincci Kwong

Shirley Lau

Tony Luo

Roxana Martinez

Nurakmar Naim

Kingsley Odiase

Rafael Ortiz

Mohd Helmi Osman

Dan Squires

Andrea Trent

Neh-Yin Tseng

Table of Contents

  1. Abstractpage 3
  2. Backgroundpage 4
  1. Problem Definitionpage 7
  1. Proposed Solutionspage9
  2. Basic Idea
  3. Comments and Feedback
  4. Modified Version
  5. Conclusion / Concerns
  1. Technical Descriptionpage 19
  1. Implementation Planpage 26
  1. Resource Requestpage 32
  1. Bibliography / Works Citedpage 34
  1. Appendix A – Direct Connect CTC Organizational Chartpage 36
  1. Appendix B – Benefits of GroupWise 6page 41
  1. Appendix C – Possible Questionspage 43
  1. Appendix D – Additional Concerns from Hispanic Communitiespage 44

1. Abstract

In recognizing some of the difficulties forced upon new immigrants, Direct Connect Technologies Inc. proposes to establish a community technology center (DCCTC) that will aid immigrants by providing services that will satisfy their basic needs. The center will be designed to aid immigrants in coping with the difficulties of immigration through a two pronged approach to the problem: 1. Creating a set of social solutions that will help integrate them into American society and 2. Using information technology to educate and train them for the job market as well as using technologies to better their living standards. Goals for the project will vary according to the individual departments at the DCCTC. The social side will focus on such issues as teaching immigrants to understand and converse in English; accustoming them to their new surroundings; and helping them find places to live and work. The second prong, the technical side, will allow the immigrants to communicate cheaply with loved ones, gain access to various information technologies (primarily the Internet) and take basic classes in technical subjects. These solutions will allow for improved integration of newly arrived immigrants into American society and will benefit the lives of immigrants greatly.

2. Background

New York has always been known as a center for high immigration. The stories of early Europeans wanting to attain the “American Dream” have long inspired individuals, and have even been portrayed in movies such as, “The American Tale,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” and “Angela’s Ashes.”

This idea of gaining a better life in Americaisn’t outdated. Between 1989 and 2000, there was a change of 3,184,000 of foreign born citizens in the United States. (Statistical Abstract) Most of the growing immigrant populations are coming from Asian or Hispanic countries. These large numbers of immigrants from Asia and Hispanic countries are still increasing. According to the U.S. Census Bureau report, “Profile of the Foreign-Born Population in the United States: 2000” (Census Bureau, 2001, pg 17)

In 2000, 14.5 million of the foreign-born population living in the United States was born in Latin America, up from 8.4 million in 1990. This increase represented a continuation of the rapid growth in the foreign-born population from Latin America since 1960 when the figure was 0.9 million…. The foreign-born population from Latin America accounted for 51.0 percent of the foreign-born population in 2000.

In addition to that statement, the Census Bureau said:

In 200, 7.2 million of the foreign-born population living in the United States was born in Asia compared with 5.0 million in 1990. The increase reflects a pattern established shortly after 1965 when U.S. national originals quotas were abolished. In 1960, the foreign-born population from Asia stood at 0.5 million. During the 1970’s more than population tripled, and then in the 1980’s it nearly doubled to about 5.0 million people. By March 2000, the foreign-born population from Asian constituted 25.5 percent of the foreign-born population….

Direct Connect Technologies, Inc. also realizes that immigration today in the United States is much different. Because of the attacks of September 11, this country does not treat its immigrants as well as they have in the past. If there was fear in the United States of immigrants before the acts of September 11, it has only increased. Dozens of people suggest that “…there has been a tidal wave of bigotry since Sept. 11 against immigrants, especially non-European immigrants.” (Mask, 2002, pg. 6). Immigrants have had to fight even harder than in the past to attain equal status in America. "The goal is for people to not see immigrants as something different, even though they might look different from you or talk with an accent. They still have the same challenges of building a life, providing for their families and getting an education for their children." (Mask, 2002, pg. 6). Individuals in U.S. look for reasons why they don’t have job, or don’t have a good life. Because of the terrorist attacks, people have decided that immigrants are a huge part of their problems. Dale Asis, the director of Coalition of African, Asian, European and Latino Immigrants in Illinois is trying to change this. He, like those at Direct Connect Technologies, Inc., feel that we need to reach out to new citizens of American, and not be afraid. What immigrants need is help: help to find a job, a house, and friends. Asis says, “Immigrants are not terrorists,…There seems to be this growing thinking that immigrants are terrorists.” (Mask). Anna Crossling of the St. Louis Dispatch is also trying to fight an anti – immigration message. She writes,

So, from where did the terrorists come and what can we do to better protect ourselves from future attacks? In a nutshell, they all entered the United States through temporary rather than immigrant visa processes or they slipped into our country without documentation.

To help put this in the minds of all Americans, Direct Connect Technologies, Inc. wants to immigrants adjust to their communities, and to bring the communities to the recently arrived citizens. By looking at the history of immigrant’s wants and dreams, the history of the U.S.’s immigration itself, and the introduction to potential problems that immigrants face, Direct Connect Technologies, Inc. will identify the specific problems that must be tackled and how they can be solved effectively and whole heartedly.

Immigrants have been known to face difficulties when coming to America. Anh Bao Nguyen, a recent immigrant to the United States when interviewed, described a humiliating process of being strip-searched, questioned, and physically examined before he was allowed to enter the United States. When one becomes a citizen, one has to then find a job, a place to live, all without knowing English well. Mr. Nguyen said,

When I first arrived to the US, I did not know any English. It was pretty tough daily for me, since I had to communicate with others, and I did not know their language. (Nguyen, 2002)

These language barriers cause day to day problems for recent immigrants. Others have encountered similar problems.

I can still remember the first time when I went to the Price Chopper, there is an express check out. At that time, I don’t even know what express check out is, although I know all of the words. I’m not so familiar with the food and product in term of their English name. (Nguyen, 2002)

Beyond the language difficulties, there lies a cultural barrier that immigrants face when trying to be incorporated into American Society. Jane Havis, the Foreign Student Advisor from The International Student Service Office of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute clearly states, “My point is that beside what ever you are planning to do, understanding the US culture is important to for them to know.” (Havis, 2002) This cultural shift spoken of includes informing immigrants about everything from American slang, to driving rules.

By looking at the history of immigrant’s wants and dreams, the history of New York’s immigration itself, and the introduction of potential problems that immigrants face, Direct Connect Technologies, Inc. identifies the specific problem that must be tackled and how it can be solved effectively and whole heartedly.

3. Problem Definition

New York City has often been referred to as the capital of the world because of its densely packed and culturally diverse population. More than 8 million people reside in 309 sq miles of space. Among those 8 million, many are foreign born immigrants that come from Latin American, the Caribbean, and Asia with about 76.5 percent of the foreign-born coming from these areas. Many are here in search of a better life; more than 10,000 Chinese and Cuban nationals filed for asylum in 2001(U.S. Department of Justice). However, many are hindered by the language barrier, lack of education and/or working experience. Due to the lack of knowledge of their new environment, many immigrants reside in low-income and high-crime areas along with others who have just arrived to the country. Immigrants are forced to adapt to a culture through the harshest means.

Currently, New York City has a high immigrant population ranging from Asians to Hispanics. In 1998, New York admitted 7,677 individuals from Asia including: 1,229 immigrants from China, 319 immigrants from Vietnam, 78 from Hong Kong, 159 from Korea. New York also took in 5,108 immigrants from the Caribbean including: 6 from Cuba, 2,622 from Dominican Republic, 819 from Haiti. Other immigrants from that year are: 554 from Central America, 2,571 from South America, and 6 from Mexico. Total immigrants to New York in 1998 were 21,538. (1998 Statistical Year Book).

Immigration has dramatically increased the supply of unskilled workers in the United States. The poverty rate for immigrants is 50 percent higher than that of natives. In addition, the proportion of immigrant households receiving welfare is 30 to 50 percent higher than that of natives. According to the Bureau of Labor, employment participation rate for Hispanics, as of March 2002, is 67.2% and unemployment rate of 7.3%(United States Dept. of Labor). Many Chinese immigrants who work in Chinatownspeak little English and the going weekly wage in most industries was $350 before the terrorist attacks of 9-11. With these figures, one can easily tell that Hispanic and Asian immigrants are living a very hard life in the United States. A community technology center located in the heart of these immigrant communities will improve their lives greatly.

Many Chinese immigrants struggled to adapt to their new lives – each of the new arrivals purposely want to create a better life for their children. Middleclass people left prestige positions such as doctors, lawyers, engineers and university professors to pursue a greater good. But, because of the language barrier amongst many other things, their social statuses are hindered and they simply become people whom are unable to communicate and understand others. Many may feel isolated and increasingly depressed as days pass. Many are forced to work in restaurants and garment factories in heavily Chinese populated neighborhoods. Also, one must keep in mind that the tragic events of 9-11’s effect on the working community of Chinatown. Chinatown is only ½ mile from ground zeroand it accounts for 1% of the New York City workforce, many witnessed the crashing and collapsing of the towers while they were working on September 11th. According to a report done by Asian-American Federation of New York, a non-profit public policy group, nearly 7,700 workers - almost one quarter of Chinatown’s labor force - still remained unemployed 3 months after 9-11. $114 million of wages were lost due to garment factories closing their doors permanently, prolonged road closings, traffic restrictions, telephone and power outages, and increased security measures accelerated downturns in the many industries. For example, in Chinatown’s jewelry industry, which is one of the largest in the city, sales dropped over 50 percent (Asian American Federation, 2002, pg 1).

Hispanic-Americans are becoming the largest minority group in the United States. But in 1999, only 63 percent of Hispanics, age 18 to 24, had completed high school, whereas the percentages of other groups were much higher. In 1999, 94 percent of Asians, 91 percent of whites and 84 percent of blacks had completed high school. "If our country stays on its current path, the low rate of Hispanic school completion means that a large segment of the country's soon-to-be largest minority group will be under prepared for employment," said Walter Secada, a University of Wisconsin education professor. According to the NationalCenter for Education Statistics, no single reason explains why Hispanic students drop out; however, pregnancy issues or pressure to work to support families are common. According to the Census Bureau, among adults 25 and older, 57 percent of Hispanic adults graduated from high school, compared with 84.9 percent of whites. These atrocious figures have resulted in an increase in the number of lower paying, part-time and low-skill jobs for Hispanics. Hispanics have median weekly earnings of only $402, Hispanics earned half of what whites did in 1998, with many stuck in low-paying jobs that offered little promise of advancement.

Hispanics in New York City were hit hard after 9-11; according to a survey conducted by CBS, 10 percent of the labor force have lost a job and 23 percent of those still working have lost income since September 11. Eight percent of Hispanics say someone in their household has lost a job or income (CBS News). In addition to educational problems, housing is a significant problem for Hispanics. Hispanic renters face severe problems of poor housing quality, inadequate neighborhoods, and rapidly increasing rents that far exceed increases in incomes. DCCTC can offer the hope of affordable, decent housing for Hispanic renters and turn the American nightmare of unaffordable housing into the American dream of affordable and decent homes for everyone regardless of race or nationality. (See Appendix D for more information about the Hispanic community and concerns.)

The Hispanic and Asian population in New York City is widespread, but a concentration of both groups lies in a specific place. Queens, NY has seen a tremendous increase in both of these groups in the past 20 years. In 1980, 263,548 Hispanic individuals lived inside of Queens. Ten years later, there was a 44.6% increase, making the Hispanic population reach 381,120. The Asian population has seen similar increases. In 1980, 96,653 lived in Queens, and ten years later there were 229,830 Asians creating a 137.8% increase. (Asian American Federation, 2002, pg. 1)

Still, both populations continue to grow in this area. For example, in 1997 the Asian population was clocked at 317,893 and still growing. (Asian American Federation, 2002, pg. 1) Because of these significant numbers, Direct Connect Technologies, Inc. must target this area of New York City as the site where the center will be placed. With the center up-and-running, new immigrants will be served as well as the overall community.

4. Proposed Solutions

Taking in account the obstacles and barriers of American society, Direct Connect Technologies Inc. is proposing the following remedies to ease the transition of immigration:

Personal Counseling Service

When an immigrant first arrives in the United States, he or she may feel an overwhelming sensation of confusion and culture shock since he or she is immersed in a completely different environment. As a result, immigrants often find themselves in a state of isolation, depression, and emotional frustration – all of which are curable psychological problems. By providing an outlet for communication and personal counseling at the DTC, we can help immigrants in one-on-one sessions or in small groups by providing comfort and advice. For the one-one-one counseling session, an appointment will be needed. Also, the schedule for the small group counseling service will be posted on the message board at our CCC at the beginning of each month. Schedules will also be available on the center’s web site.

In order to implement this program at the center, a part-time psychologist and several full-time social workers will be employed. The part-time psychologist will not only provide counseling service to the new immigrants, but will also provide guidance to the social workers who will concentrate on helping the new immigrant to solve their problems.

One of the more devastating problems face when first arriving to the United States is culture shock. Immigrants may feel overwhelmed and confused by their surroundings. This is because that their natural environment is immensely different from the United States’ fast-pace environment. Even if the immigrants had been taught English before coming into the U.S., words can be taken out of context. In the interview done on Jane Havis, she quoted, “Hey, what are you doing this weekend?” and then replied, “Ooh… nothing, just shoot in the breeze”. Because he misinterpreted the word ‘shoot’, he acted that way.” After this incident, the foreign exchange student decided to leave campus after fearing that old RPI students carry guns. By providing these services, immigrants will have an easier time getting accustomed to American culture.

There will be two types of Personal Counseling Services offered by Direct Connect: one on one sessions and group sessions. The counselors will help immigrants who share the same background as them because “the community center staff should be someone with the same background as the immigrant. Then this should be easier for them.” This way, the counselors can talk to the immigrants on how he/she dealt with a similar problems and how they dealt with culture shock. It is important that the immigrants have someone who they can come and talk about issues that they are currently facing.