Christine Mui, Author at Sampan

Christine Mui

Business March 5, 2021 0

Business and university leaders speak immigration reform and economic recovery during New England Immigrant Business Summit

Following the White House’s announcement of a sweeping bill that would overhaul the current immigration system for millions, a broad coalition of New England businesses, higher education and political leaders gathered to discuss the advancement of immigration reform measures on Friday, Feb. 19. Harvard University President Lawrence Bacow and Exelon Chairman Emeritus John Rowe were among the dozens of speakers to attend the New England Business Immigration Summit. The event, cohosted by the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, aimed […]

Features February 19, 2021 0

Amidst new state initiatives, bilingual senior home residents reflect on overcoming vaccine hesitancy

For weeks, a coalition of local organizations and medical professionals have urged Governor Charlie Baker to prioritize the state’s minority and immigrant communities during COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Further slowing vaccination efforts, vaccine hesitancy stemming from historical health inequities persists among eligible seniors in those communities. Two Chinese residents of the Brown Family House, who received the COVID-19 vaccine as part of Phase 1 of Massachusetts’ rollout plan, spoke to Sampan about the experience and why they overcame their vaccine hesitancy. […]

Features February 5, 2021 0

H1-B workers on 4 years of Trump and new administration change

As the Biden administration works to reverse Donald Trump’s immigration policies, H1-B workers reflect on their experiences during the last four years and share hopes for the changes in store and their future in the country. From the start of his term, the Trump administration has tightened up on the skilled worker visa program, framing changes under the guise of protecting American jobs. In 2017, the former president called the H1-B program a “theft of American prosperity” and vowed to […]

A purple train, like the commuter rail trains that will experience MBTA service cuts

Boston January 22, 2021 0

First of MBTA service cuts, reduced weekend train service, to start Jan. 23

Weekend train service will be slashed for all but five commuter rail lines as part of the first MBTA service cuts to go into effect next week. Beginning Jan. 23, the commuter rail will only offer weekend service on the Newburyport/Rockport, Framingham/Worcester, Fairmount, Providence, and Middleborough lines. Trains will be added to the Middleborough, Fairmount, and Newburyport/Rockport lines to fill in previous service gaps and maintain more consistent train intervals. The service cuts were approved last month by the MBTA’s […]

Business January 8, 2021 0

Trump Signs Stimulus Bill for Second Round of PPP

Some long-awaited financial assistance for small businesses is coming after President Trump signed the new $900 billion dollar stimulus bill into law on Sunday, December 27. The relief package allocates $284 billion dollars to a new round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and sets aside funds for businesses in low-income and minority communities. The arts and entertainment industry, shuttered live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions will have access to $15 billion in grants. Aid measures also address […]

COVID-19 pandemic hiring practices changes

Boston December 18, 2020 0

Digital divide widens for minorities and women with virtual pandemic hiring practices

As hiring practices adapt during the pandemic, the turn towards virtual interviews and skills assessments has exacerbated the accessibility barriers that low-income and minority applicants face. A survey conducted by job listings website Indeed.com found that out of 500 employers across 16 sectors and 12 cities, more than four in five employers have started virtual hiring during the pandemic. Yet, far fewer, 26%, found the virtual hiring process effective, with 22% believing the shift was the right way forward, while […]

Boston November 20, 2020 0

Scammers revamp old tricks using COVID-19 as a twist during pandemic

Fraudulent rental listings, a COVID-19 clinical study that pays upwards of $1,000, consultants offering services to those confused by COVID aid programs, a government agency asking for a refund of an “accidental” overpayment — these are some of the most popular schemes that fraudsters have taken advantage of during the pandemic to target people’s financial worries in 2020. Indeed, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported losses from scams have climbed to nearly $117 million during the first six months of […]

Arts November 6, 2020 0

Beyond neighborhoods and generations: ‘Lantern Stories’ continues illuminating Chinatown’s past, present, and future

More than a month after its initial installation, crowds of Chinatown natives and tourists alike are still gathering in Chin Park on The Greenway to see “Lantern Stories.” The public art project by artist Yu-Wen Wu captures the culture, immigration history, and continued resilience of Boston’s Chinatown community in each of its 31 UV-printed colorful lanterns. The concepts for the lanterns’ featured images were conceived in a collaborative, dynamic process. Wu spoke to local residents, community organizers, and businesses about […]

Boston November 6, 2020 0

Anti-Asian sentiment and lack of space disincentivizes Chinatown outdoor dining

By Christine Mui and Jun Li Outdoor dining in Boston has flourished during the last few weeks despite COVID-19 rates steadily rising, but one neighborhood seems to have been left behind. Restaurants in Chinatown, where the pandemic’s economic impacts hit first and hard, have stayed reluctant to make the switch to outdoor dining, choosing to stick to takeout only instead. Approval for outdoor dining requires obtaining temporary extension of a premise permit from the Licensing Board for the City of […]

Boston October 16, 2020 0

Mayor talks flu season, eviction moratorium, immigrant services

Mayor Walsh reaffirmed his support in favor of the preliminary injunction blocking U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) fee increases, during an immigrant-serving media roundtable on Thursday, October 1. He also provided updates on housing stability and COVID-19 cases, as flu season starts. The roundtable was hosted by the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement (MOIA) and facilitated by its director Yusufi Vali, with guest presentations from Rita Nieves, Interim Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission, and Katie Forde, […]

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