I'm a product of faith - Emmanuel Olawale

Emmanuel Olawale

First of all I want to thank the club for opening up this invitation for me to speak to you wonderful people this morning. I am honored to be here before you. I also want to thank Bill and Hanna Harrison, who have been so gracious to me.

I also want to commend you for your community service and the good works you are doing within the community. My first encounter with the Rotary Club was during my years in high school. I was a member of the Interact Club, the youth wing of the Rotary Club.

Through this wonderful club I learned about the guiding principles to consider while dealing with people; You have to ask yourself the questions:
1. Is it the Truth?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

I have adhered to these guiding principles as I journey through life because they are principles that foster justice and fairness.

It has been over twenty years since I came across these principles in high school in a different part of the world, in a different continent. Yet, as big as the world is, it is also so small because we are as connected as ever before.

Only just recently, I was at the Harlem Wizards game organized by this same club at Liberty High School when I came across a college classmate from New York, David Paul, who happens to be the Captain of the Harlem Wizards. We reconnected after over ten years. My son was so happy to be there and I was a proud father. Thank you for hosting that game. Here I am again, full circle talking to the adult version of the club that helped shaped me. It is indeed a big-small world.

By now, if you are wondering about the source of my unique accent and name, I am not going to send you to the local library. I am an American citizen of Nigerian descent.

My story is that of the American dream. This is reflected even in the title of my book: “The Flavor of Favor: Quest for the American Dream.”
My life story is a testament that the American Dream is not just a dream, it is not just a fantasy, but a tangible reality worthy of attainment by those willing to work hard in an environment that rewards hard work.

I am a first generation immigrant from Nigeria, who came to the shores of this great country in 1997, without a dime in my pocket, but with big dreams and determination to succeed in this great land of opportunity.

I was born in Nigeria into a working class family. My maternal grandfather, (the only living grandparent when I was growing up) was a farmer. I remember him riding his bicycle to his farm daily and cultivating the land with basic tools of farming.

My father had an equivalent of a high school diploma. He was a hard worker, who toiled to take care of his family until he died.

My mother had and equivalent of a sixth grade education. An education she obtained as an adult. She was not sent to school as a child because she was a girl. She worked as a janitor and petty trader in order to take care of her family.

However, my parents instilled in me the values of hard work and Christian values that have been my compass in my journey of life.

I remember my father drilling in me instructions of life, even before I was old enough to understand their meanings. He will say things like: “Life is not fair, so don’t compare yours to the lives of others.”
“God is not fair, but he’s just. He doesn't distribute his gifts equally.
“If not for hunger, most men would not get up in the morning.” “Sometimes, the harder a task is, the richer the reward, don’t be intimidated by hard tasks.”
“Excessive sleep is the recipe for poverty.”

These maxims of life’s instructions have come handy in my quest for the American dream.

I arrived in the United States at the age of twenty. After arriving, I was blessed to be housed for six months, after which I got my own place and began my quest to succeed.

I attended the City University of New York, College of Staten Island where I got my Bachelors in Communication, media studies and journalism.
I worked my way through college, working two full time jobs, while also attending school full time. I worked as a telemarketer, security guard, home health aide and retail store clerk. There were times during this period that I was juggling two full time jobs, one part time job and full time college classes.

In spite of my hectic work schedule, I graduated college in 3 years, on top of my class in May 2002.

That same year, I moved to Ohio to attend Capital University Law School. People often ask me, Why Ohio? Well, it just so happened that Capital University offered me the best scholarship when compared to dozens of other schools that offered me admissions. Also, Ohio’s cost of living is significantly lower than New York.

Lastly, I fell in love with Ohio on my first visit, especially when I visited the capitol: this is how I described it in my book, “As I walked past the state capitol, I saw a young man and woman holding hands, looking at the big circular seal on the concrete ground in front of the capitol, around the edge of the big seal was the state’s motto, engraved boldly, “WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE.” I smiled at these strangers, they waved at me, I walked confidently with assurance that I was in the state of Ohio to succeed, with God all my aspirations are possible, this thought filled my mind as the sun fades up in the sky and the darkness of the evening slowly blended with the coming night winds, breaking the humidity and blowing away any anxiety I may have harbored.”

While in law school, I also worked my way through law school, and passed the bar in the top percentile in 2005.

I started my career as a lawyer as a junior associate by a personal injury firm, Malek & Malek where I was thrown into the fire of litigation the next day after I got my license to argue before the Court of Appeals. I was filled with trepidation, but I survived it. Within five months, I had my first jury trial. After that, trying cases became as constant as air. I became the main litigator of the firm as I tried several cases before jurors and judges.

After working with this firm for 4 years, I decided to start my own practice. I wanted to reach out to the community, I wanted to give back to a country that has given so much to me. I wanted to be a part of the solution and not the problem. So I started my own practice in 2009 from my house in the midst of the recession. People thought I was crazy because my wife was working towards her Masters at the time and not working. But, I survived and I am glad I took the bold step.

My practice is as diverse as my background and gifts. I represent clients from various walks of life, with diverse issues and before various courts. I handle cases in traffic court, municipal court, immigration court; Court of Common Pleas, Court of appeals, board of immigration appeals and administrative courts and agencies.

Whatever my clients' problems are, those are my specialties, whether it's misdemeanor, felony, civil cases, business, immigration, domestic, church-related or taxes. I am a Jack of all trades, Master of All.

My youngest client is less than a week old and my oldest client is over eighty.

I have been selected twice as a Super Lawyer, an honor reserved for only about 2.5% of lawyers in a state. I have been awarded several professional and academic awards.

Apart from providing legal services to my clients, I also give back to the community that has given so much to me. My wife and I annually organizes back to school supply drive to benefit impoverished students; my firm also organizes free legal seminars and instructional sessions.

My wife, Jummy and I moved to Delaware County in 2006 and have established our home here ever since. We have two children, Favor, 7 year old boy and Lily, 19 month old girl.

I am here today not just because of hard work, but because of the grace of God. I am here because of the opportunities made available to me by the American dream, made available to me by patriots and freedom-lovers who have shed their blood. I am here because of a system that rewards hard work.

I am here today not because I am a super hard worker, but because I have a support system, a combination of faith and people.
I am here today because of people like Jummy, my wife, who has been my strength and support from time immemorial; because of my parents who built the foundation upon which I was able establish a future.

My story is still unfolding. Even though I have a very humble beginning, I am blessed and honored to be a candidate for judge of the Court of Common Pleas in Delaware County in this coming elections.

I am a product of faith and I know that the content of our thoughts, determines our lot.
So, I have developed courage and faith such that when others say "No you can't," I say "Yes, I can." Where others see impossibility, I see ample potential. Where some see "Hell No!" I feel "Heaven Yeah!" Where some say "You can't do it," I experience, "It is doable, done!" Where others say "I can't because...," I say, "I will, in spite of..." Where others see undefeatable giant, I see a beast on its knees begging to be tamed. Where the pessimist see insurmountable mountain, I see a vantage point of advancement towering over the plains.

God bless you. God bless the Rotary Club. God bless Delaware County. God bless the United States of America
( Emmanuel Olawale, who is contesting for the position of a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in Delaware County, Ohio in November this year delivered this speech to the Olentangy Rotary Club.)

Central American Immigrants in the U.S.

By CIS July 2014

Since the recent surge in Central American immigrants crossing the southern border illegally, many have had questions about the Central American community in the United States. News accounts indicate that, in recent months, some 290,000 illegal immigrants (primarily from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador) have been settled, or will soon be settled, by the federal government.¹ Listed below are some basic socio-demographic statistics for immigrants in the United States from these countries.
The figures below are for both legal and illegal immigrants from the public-use files of the 2012 American Community Survey, collected by the Census Bureau:

• Population Totals: In 2012 there were 2.7 million immigrants from El Salvador (1.3 million), Guatemala (880,000), and Honduras (536,000) in the United States. Combined, the immigrant population from these three countries has grown 234 percent since 1990.
• The Top-10 States of Settlement: California Texas, New York, Florida, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Georgia.
• Illegal Immigrants: Department of Homeland Security estimates indicate that about 60 percent of immigrants from these three countries (1.6 million) are in the United States illegally.²
• Language: Of immigrants from El Salvador, 70 percent report they speak English less than very well; for immigrants from Guatemala, it is 72 percent; and for immigrants from Honduras, it is 69 percent.
• Home-ownership: Of households headed by Salvadoran immigrants, 41 percent are owner-occupied, as are 28 percent of Guatemalan households, and 29 percent of Honduran immigrant households. The corresponding figure for natives is 66 percent.

The figures below are for both legal and illegal immigrants from the public-use files of the March 2013 Current Population Survey, collected by the Census Bureau:

• Educational Attainment: 54 percent of Guatemalan immigrants (ages 25 to 65) have not graduated high school. The figure for Salvadorans is 53 percent, and for Hondurans, 44 percent. The corresponding figure for native-born Americans is 7 percent.
• Welfare Use: 57 percent of households headed by immigrants from El Salvador use at least one major welfare program, as do 54 percent of Honduran households, and 49 percent of Guatemalan immigrant households. Among native households it is 24 percent.³
• Poverty: 32 percent of Honduran immigrants and their young children (under 18) live in poverty; as do 31 percent of Guatemalan immigrants and their children and 28 percent of Salvadoran immigrants and their children. The corresponding figure for natives and their children is 14 percent.⁴
• Health Insurance: 47 percent of Guatemalan immigrants and their young children (under 18) do not have health insurance. The figure for both Salvadoran and Honduran immigrants and their young children is 41 percent. The corresponding figure for natives and their children is 13 percent.⁵
• Share Working: 77 percent of immigrants from El Salvador (ages 25 to 54) have a job, as do 74 percent of Guatemalan immigrants and 73 percent of Honduran immigrants. The corresponding figure for natives is 76 percent. (CIS - Center for Immigration Studies)

Border Patrol Arrests Man with $830K Stashed in Dashboard

Columbus, OH. Border

The incident occurred at approximately 2 p.m. when agents patrolling Interstate 15 stopped a 2010 Dodge Journey.  The 54-year old Mexican national driver was unable to answer routine questions consistently.

A K-9 sniff of the man’s vehicle resulted in a positive alert, agents then brought the vehicle to the I-15 checkpoint to conduct a more thorough search.  At the checkpoint, agents put the vehicle on a lift and discovered a hidden compartment behind the dashboard.  The compartment contained 61 bundles of cash.

In total, the bundles contained $830,060 in U.S. currency.  The man was arrested and charged with bulk cash smuggling.  Agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration took custody of the suspect and the money.  The vehicle was seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.

To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on corridors of egress away from our Nation’s borders.
Patrol agents arrested a man who had hidden large quantities of cash behind his SUV’s dashboard.

Work Permit Fee Eliminated for Musicians Playing in Bars and Restaurants

Foreign artists entering Canada to perform in a bar or restaurant can now do so without the need to apply for and receive a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Previously, an LMIA, as well as the associated fee of $275 per individual, was needed for artists performing in this capacity.

The decision to subject foreign artists performing in bars and restaurants to the LMIA requirement came under criticism by music fans and industry experts. Although the decision was made in an effort to protect Canadian jobs, critics argued that it simply deprived Canadian fans of the chance to see their favorite bands.
Moving forward, musical and theatrical artists and groups, as well as their essential support crew, can tour without a work permit even if they are playing bars and restaurants. Larger acts were already subject to this work permit exemption, and will not be affected.
Work permits (as well as LMIAs, when necessary) will still apply to individuals who are:

• Working on the production of a film, television, or radio broadcast;
• Not performing in a time-limited engagement; or
• Entering an ‘employment relationship’ (for instance, a musician regularly employed by an establishment) with a Canadian employer

Canada: New Rules for Dependent Children Soon to Take Force

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As a result of recent regulatory amendments, starting 1 August 2014 the Canadian government will redefine who can immigrate to Canada as a ‘dependent child’. From that date onward, the definition of dependent children will be narrowed to individuals 19 years of age or younger. Currently, the age cutoff for dependent children is 21 years of age.
This change has major ramifications for individuals applying for Canadian immigration with their families.
Who is a Dependent Child?
In the context of Canadian immigration law, a dependant child is not only the biological or adopted offspring of an applicant, but must also meet certain criteria. Previously, children could be considered dependant if they were either:

• Under the age of 22 and not married or in a common-law relationship;
• Reliant on the financial support of their parent(s) before turning 22 and unable to support themselves due to a mental or physical condition; or
• Reliant on the financial support of their parent(s) and studying as a full-time student since before 22 or since becoming a spouse or common-law partner.

What’s Changed
With the new definition of “dependant child” coming into force, the Government of Canada will now reduce the age of dependency to 19.  This means that, after August 1, in order to be considered a dependent child for the purposes of immigration, an individual must:

• Be under 19 years of age; and
• Be neither married nor in a common-law relationship

It is important to note that children over 19 will no longer be considered dependents if they are participating in full-time studies. However, children who are 19 years and older and unable to support themselves because they suffer from a mental or physical condition can still be considered dependant.
The processing fee for all dependant children will now be $150.
Government Rationale
 Economic stability is a major area of concern for Canada. As a result, the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act is designed to maximize the benefits of immigration on the Canadian economy. Attracting immigrants that have the greatest chances of achieving economic success in the labour force is thus a central goal.
The Government of Canada claims that, after extensive research, it has found that  younger dependent children, between ages 15 and 18, achieve more economic success and adapt more easily to the Canadian labour market than those that are older (between 19 and 21).
Dependent children account for a full one-third of immigrants admitted to Canada each year. Such high numbers contribute in part to Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s uphill battle in keeping immigration processing times as low as possible.  The department reasons that the upcoming changes will reduce processing times for visa officers who currently work long hours certifying claims of full-time school enrollment for older dependent children.
Fraudulent school attendance records are also common sources of problems that delay processing. The changes take school enrollment out of the equation altogether, thus simplifying the process for both applicants and visa officers.
Applying for Immigration with Dependent Children
The changing definition of “dependent child” has significant consequences for prospective immigrants to Canada. If one or more of their children are no longer considered a dependent child and cannot accompany them, many potential immigrants may choose not to come to Canada. However, the regulations do not go into effect until August 1, so there is still time to benefit from the current rules. Individuals hoping to immigrate with children over the age of 19 must apply before this date in order to ensure that their children will be considered for immigration to Canada. It is important to note that this change will not be applied retroactively to applications submitted before August.
“One of the greatest benefits of becoming a Canadian permanent resident is that not only do you get this coveted status, but so do your dependents,” said Attorney David Cohen. “In just a few short weeks, many families will learn that their young adult children are no longer able to join them on their Canadian journey. They will have to act fast to either submit their applications before the rules go into play, or to explore other options for their loved ones to immigrate.”
It is important to note that there are over 60 Canadian immigration programs, and that children who are no longer classified as dependent may be eligible to immigrate through a different program. In addition, they may be eligible to come to Canada as international students or temporary foreign workers. However, for many families the most straightforward option is to include any and all eligible individuals on a single immigration application.

Australia: Six months’ jail for identity fraud

A Vietnamese man was handed a six-month jail sentence in the Melbourne Magistrates Court June 28 after he was prosecuted for using three false identities to apply for and obtain permanent residence and fraudulently obtain and use a genuine Australian passport.

A Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) spokesman said the sentence sent a strong warning to those engaging in migration-related fraud.
Van Son Nguyen, a convicted drug trafficker serving a seven-year sentence, was also convicted on charges s.234(1)(b) of the Migration Act 1958, s.10(1)(a) of the Passports Act 1938 and s.11 of the Statutory Declarations Act 1959.
DIAC’s facial comparison specialist identified that the photographs of Mao Lay, who had altered his date of birth, Saing Nguyen and Van Son Nguyen matched.

“The department continues to develop specialised capabilities in the areas of facial recognition, document examination and fingerprint analysis to assist with the investigation of fraud offences as well as maintaining the integrity of the migration program,” the spokesman said. “This includes the expansion of biometric collection points and sharing of data with partner countries and government agencies.

“These developments have led to several recent successful prosecutions against people found to have used false information, including identity details, as part of visa application processes.
“Over the past 12 months, eight individuals have been successfully prosecuted for offences relating to identity fraud used to subvert immigration channels. These cases have resulted in numerous convictions federal offences under the Migration Act, Criminal Code Act and Foreign Passports Act.”
Where DIAC becomes aware of fraud, the matters are fully investigated, resulting in both criminal and administrative penalties. A person who uses a false identity to obtain a visa and/or Australian citizenship will be considered for criminal investigation or revocation of citizenship. A person who provides incorrect information to the department in relation to a visa application may have his or her visa cancelled.
The department works closely with other government agencies, both federal and state, to assist in the identification and prosecution of these people.

Meanwhile, arrangements are being made for the removal from Australia of 23 illegal workers located during an immigration compliance operation in South Australia.

​A spokesman for the Department of Immigration and Citizenship said officers were acting on tip-offs to the department that people were working illegally at a property near Paringa in South Australia’s Riverland.

The group is comprised of Malaysian nationals and includes 18 men and five women; 22 were unlawful non-citizens (meaning their visas had expired) and one was working in breach of visa conditions.

The spokesman said there is a legal obligation on employers, including owners of businesses, to ensure people they hire are all legally able to work in Australia.

“They cooperated fully when our compliance officers located them,” the spokesman said. “Investigations into the circumstances of the employment of the illegal workers are continuing.
“Employers should be aware it is a criminal offence to knowingly or recklessly allow a person to work illegally or to refer an illegal worker for work.”

New infringement notices and civil penalties introduced on June 1 range from $3060 to a maximum $76 500 per illegal worker. Previously only warning notices could be issued for offences, or criminal sanctions imposed.

“Penalties imposed under this new regime will act as a real deterrent. Checking whether a potential employee is entitled to work in Australia is a simple process, and businesses doing the right thing have nothing to fear from these regulations,” the spokesman said.
The Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) service is available to employers to check the relevant identification details of prospective employees, with their consent, to quickly confirm if they are eligible to work in Australia. People with information about illegal workers or visa overstayers are encouraged to call the Immigration Dob-In Line on 1800 009 623.
“In 2011-12, almost 2000 people were caught working illegally in Australia, 77 per cent of whom have since been removed from or left the country. A further 1600 illegal workers were found to the end of March this year,” the spokesman said.
This latest operation follows the location of seven Vietnamese illegal workers near Bundaberg in Queensland.

CBP seizes counterfeit World Cup Apparel in Puerto Rico

Columbus, OH. With a high demand for the 2014 FIFA World Cup related apparel, some dishonest vendors sought to capitalize on the event’s popularity, infringing on various trademark holder’s rights and revenues.

On Tuesday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) San Juan Field Operations officers seized a consignment of counterfeit soccer team delegation uniforms.     The shipment arriving from Hong Kong to the San Juan Air Cargo facility, contained boxes of soccer t-shirts and shorts that were destined to an address in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

 “The trade in these illegitimate goods is associated with smuggling and other criminal activities, and often funds criminal enterprises”, stated Area Port Director Juan Hurtado.  “Protecting intellectual property rights (IPR) remains a CBP priority.”

Further inspection revealed that the uniforms of the fake Brazilian, Italian and Argentinian national teams violated the IPRs of Puma, Adidas and Nike.

CBP protects businesses and consumers every day through an aggressive IPR enforcement program. CBP targets and seizes imports of counterfeit and pirated goods and enforces exclusion orders on patent-infringing and other IPR goods.

During FY 2013, CBP field operations conducted more than 164 seizures related to IPR violations, with a domestic value of approximately $1.9 million.

Trade in counterfeit and pirated goods threatens America’s innovation economy, the competitiveness of our businesses, the livelihoods of U.S. workers, the economic security of our country, and in some cases, the health and safety of consumers. 

The National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) is one of the U.S. government's key weapons in the fight against criminal counterfeiting and piracy.

Working in close coordination with the Department of Justice Task Force on Intellectual Property, the IPR Center harnesses the tactical expertise of its 21 member agencies to share information, develop initiatives, coordinate enforcement actions and conduct investigations related to intellectual property theft. Through this strategic interagency partnership, the IPR Center protects the health and safety of the American consumer and the U.S. economy.

Obama to take executive action on immigration

President Barack Obama with Vice President Joe Biden(l)

By Tom Cohen and Cassie Spodak, CNN

Columbus, OH. -- It's their fault, President Barack Obama said Monday in blaming Republican inaction on immigration reform for escalating problems including a surge of undocumented children crossing the border from Mexico.

At a hastily scheduled Rose Garden appearance, Obama said the top House Republican -- Speaker John Boehner -- told him last week that the chamber's GOP majority will continue blocking a vote on a Senate-passed immigration bill.

In response, Obama said he was starting "a new effort to fix as much of our immigration system as I can on my own, without Congress."

Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson and Attorney General Eric Holder will "identify additional actions my administration can take within my existing legal authorities, to do what Congress refuses to do and fix as much of our immigration system as we can," the President said.

"If Congress will not do their job, at least we can do ours," he said, adding he expected the recommendations by the end of summer and would act on them without delay.

"The failure of House Republicans to pass a darn bill is bad for our security, is bad for our economy, is bad for our future," Obama said. "America cannot wait forever for them to act."

Obama's statement sought to vilify Republicans for the failure to get congressional approval for immigration reform, an issue important to his base.

"Pass a bill. Solve a problem. Don't just say no on something that everybody agrees needs to be done," he said, repeating his contention that a bill would win bipartisan approval if Boehner allowed it to come to a vote in the House.

Don't just say no on something that everybody agrees needs to be done.
President Barack Obama

Conservative Republicans oppose the Senate plan passed last year with support from both parties support because it includes a pathway to legal status for immigrants living illegally in the United States.

They also fear that such a reform measure would bolster already strong Democratic support among Hispanic Americans, the nation's largest minority.

For his part, Boehner said Monday that Republicans don't trust Obama to enforce laws they might pass.

"Until that changes, it is going to be difficult to make progress on this issue," he said in a statement after Obama spoke. "The crisis at our southern border reminds us all of the critical importance of fixing our broken immigration system."

"Sad and disappointing"

He continued, "It is sad and disappointing that -- faced with this challenge -- President Obama won't work with us, but is instead intent on going it alone with executive orders that can't and won't fix these problems."

Boehner noted that previous executive action by Obama to halt deportations of some undocumented children led to the current border crisis by "giving false hope to children and their families that if they enter the country illegally they will be allowed to stay."

In his statement, Obama announced he was ordering a shift in security resources to border regions, and he promised the additional action he can take "without Congress but within his existing authorities to fix as much of our broken immigration system as we can."

The President also sent Congress a letter asking that legislators work with him on providing additional money and leeway to deal with the situation on the southern border.

On Sunday, an administration official told CNN the money -- which could exceed $2 billion -- would go to securing appropriate space for the detention of children but also stemming the tide of immigrants.

The government hopes to increase its ability to investigate and dismantle smuggling organizations as well as quickly return children and adults to their home countries if they do not qualify for asylum, according to that official.

So far, the federal government has struggled to process and accommodate the influx of illegal human traffic but specifically the spike in children.

U.S. authorities estimate that between 60,000 to 80,000 children without parents will cross the border this year in what the White House is calling an "immediate humanitarian crisis."

Earlier in June, the White House announced a plan to spend millions in a government-wide response by sending aide to governments in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador to help with crime and violence prevention.

In mid-June, Vice President Joe Biden also spoke with leaders in the three countries as well as Mexico about working together to promote security.

Biden's objective was to emphasize that adults arriving with their children in the United States don't meet the requirements for a policy that defers deportation for children brought to the United States before June 15, 2012.

Obama also spoke with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto about the issue and has warned families who see the dangerous trip as the best option for their children.