The Presence of Governmental Organizations in the New York/New Jersey
Area
by Matt DeLuca, Anita Changur, Jennifer Gross, Christine Haddad, Mike Woessner,
Mike Jacobson
The Russian Consulate and Trade Representation of the Russian Federation
are extensions of the Russian Embassy, which is located in
Washington, D.C., and the Russian Government. The consulate assists Americans
in obtaining visas for travel, business, or education. They
also
provide legalization
of documents for any American or American business. The Trade
Representation is a delegation for the Russian Government.
They safeguard and
represent all interests in all details of external economic
activities, which include
trade partnerships and investment cooperation. The Trade Representation
is also willing to help Government-sponsored Russian businesses
starting out in the United States and U.S. businesses that
are having troubles in
Russia. The Polish Consulate in New York serves residents of Connecticut,
New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Maine, Massachusetts,
New Hampshire, and Vermont. It offers consular services, including
passports
and visas, legal services, ranging from adoption to divorce, and
serves as a contact point between people living in the New York area and both
the Polish Embassy in Washington D.C. and the government in Poland.
The German government has established nine consulates throughout the United
States. Each serves as an extension of the German Government, providing
services to the people of the United States. While the Consulate
performs
virtually the same tasks such as obtaining a German passport, visa,
answering questions about citizenship, the German Consulate in New York was
investigated
further.
The French Consulate in New York protects “the people and the goods”.
The Consulate comes to assistance in the event of difficulties:
flight, loss of goods and documents, serious illness, arrest, political
disturbances,
natural disasters. The Consul himself manages the French community
- He is an officer of registry office: he transcribes the acts
establish by
the local authorities concerning French resident or of passage,
draws up recognition, birth certificates, of marriage, death and establishes
possibly
the health certificates and of transfer in France. The consulate
can also establish notarial acts such as procuration for purchases
and
sales in
France, marriage contracts, donations, wills, acceptances of successions.
The consulate delivers the national charts of identity, the passports,
the passes and facilitates the first steps to regulate the problems
of nationality. It deals with the military questions: census of
young people for the national service, exemptions, files of pensions.
Belgian Consulates are an extension of the Belgian Embassy and the government of Belgium. The Belgian Embassy is located in Washington, D.C but the Belgian government has established Consulates in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. The Embassy and consulates provide Belgians living in the United States with the best possible consular services. They assist Belgians with obtaining visas, passports, legalizing documents and also all issues dealing with certificates and attestations.
British Consulates help to promote trade and investment between
Britain and the USA. They also keep the Ambassador in touch with political,
economic
and other developments in their Consular districts. The Consuls
are also responsible for the consular protection of British nationals
who are temporary
residents in, or visitors to, their consular district. Unfortunately
due to the recent bombing of the British Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey
the
British Consulate in New York is closed until December 4, 2003
therefore they were unable to respond to our e-mails.
1. What is the need to promote the [Russian, Polish, German, French] culture in the US? In what ways do you accomplish this?
The Russian Consulate does not project the culture other than allowing
Americans help with their visas and document legalization while also
protecting native Russians in the United States. The Trade Representation
felt that
they promoted the Russian culture through their involvement with
American businesses. They provide support and counsel for any American
business
having problems in Russia.
The Polish Consulate believes that the need to promote Polish culture
in the United States arises from the fact that there is a large Polish
community in the United States. Over 3 million people in the United
States are of Polish origin or claim Polish ancestry. The Consulate plans
mainly
cultural events and tries to work with many different organizations
such as universities, churches, veterans’ organizations, and even Polish
Saturday schools.
When asked about the need to promote German culture in the United States,
Sabine Haake, the Vice Consul in the Cultural Department at the Consulate
in New York, noted that this was important. She stated that countries should
know about each other and maintain a close dialog with one another. By
maintaining a connection, Haake explained, a close understanding regarding
politics, trade and culture can be achieved. Following politics and trade,
Haake stated that culture is the next pillar of policy. Maintaining this
cultural connection is attempted in several ways. Organizations such as
the Goethe Institut and the German Academic Exchange educate the public
about the German language and culture. Furthermore, the Consulate has programs
in which they bring German artwork to the United States and encourage networking
among German and American artists. They support exchanges for American
and German artists so that they may learn more about the two countries.
There is not necessarily a need to promote French culture in the
United States because there is an existing interest in French culture.
The Belgian government feels that it is important to promote their culture throughout the United States. Most of their promotion is done through business contacts with American companies. Recently they have worked with companies and organizations such as Ameritech and the Chicago Transit Authority, both located in Chicago, the Hotel-Motel Association, Motorola, the Art Institute, and United Airlines.
2. Is there a strong [Russian, Polish, German, French] community in the New York Metropolitan area? How big is that community?
Both the Consulate and the Trade Representation said there was a
large Russian community in the New York Metropolitan area. Neither
had an exact number of the community’s size.
The Polish Consulate estimates that over 900,000 people of Polish
origin or ancestry live in the New York metropolitan area. The United
States has one of the largest Polish communities outside of Poland and
the community
in the New York/New Jersey area is one of the most concentrated in
the world.
The question about the size of the German community in New York was
harder for Ms. Haake to answer. She explained that the German community
varies from Southern European communities in that they are not as
visible in New York as other nationalities. Germans do not have a big celebration
of heritage in New York analogous to Chinatown or Little Italy, Haake
explained.
She believes this is due to the fact that when Germans move to the
United States, they assimilate faster than other ethnic groups. There are,
however,
several German-American clubs in the New York Metropolitan area which
were established during the most recent German immigrant wave of the 1940s
and
1950s. Unfortunately, membership is slipping in these clubs, as the
immigrants from that era are aging.
There is a strong French community in the New York metropolitan area and
consequently the French Consulate is active with many French organizations
in the area, including the French Culture Organization, the Committee of
French Speaking Societies in New York, French- American Chamber of Commerce
New York Office, and the Union of French Immigrants in New York.
There is a sizable amount of Belgians living in the New York area,
but the Belgian Consulate was unable to give an exact number of those living
in the New York metropolitan area.
3. Why is it important to have relations with the United States?
The Russian Consulate feels that it was important to have relations
with the U.S. to help with diplomatic issues. The Trade Representation
believes they further cooperation with the United States by working on
bilateral trade agreements and investment in either country.
The Polish Consulate feels that it is important to have relations
with the Polish community in New York and also other communities in New
York such as the Jewish community to foster awareness and understanding
between the two communities. The Consulate tries to maintain relations
with not only ethnic communities but also the business community in New
York. They try to build relations with EU member communities since Poland
is set to enter the EU in 2004.
Haake, of the German Consulate, stated that international relations in
general are important, because countries must communicate with each other,
keep in contact with each other, and be aware of what each is doing. It
is also important for Germany to maintain relations with the United States,
so as to foster and promote a cultural exchange. Finally, she was also
aware of the German influence in the United States, noting that between
three and eight percent of Americans claim German heritage.
As far as relations with the US, the French Consulate felt it was
important to maintain a positive image of French policy as well as society
and culture to Americans. Relations with the US are important because the
consulate does not want to relay a negative attitude also the consulate
was equally interested in relations with French-Americans living in the
United States not just French citizens studying or working or traveling
in the United States. Additionally the Consulate wanted Americans to be
knowledgeable on French culture and society and vice versa so as to limit
any misconceptions. As two developed nations, with important roles in the
international arena, it is important that the United States and France
maintain good relations on the political scene as well as on the home-front.
The Belgian Consulate believes that it is very important to have a strong relationship with the United States as the two countries are involved in many trade agreements such as World Trade Organization, new Transatlantic Agenda (NTA) and NAFTA as well as other transatlantic trade relations. The Consulate offers services to citizens of both countries and will continue to do so, in order that the influence of Belgian culture will expand throughout the United States.
4. What is the mission of the [Russian Consulate, Polish Consulate, German Consulate, French Consulate]?
The mission of the Russian Consulate is to provide visas and document
legalization for Americans going to Russia. The Trade Representation
promotes trade cooperation, protects against safeguards, and represents
Russia on
trade matters in the United States.
The mission of the Polish Consulate aside from consular duties of
providing visa, passport and legal services, is to promote Polish
culture in the United States. They do this by focusing on current events
and issues
that relate to Poland. The Consulate attempts to do this by promoting
Polish artists and composers who come to the New York area and also by
working
with organizations that have Polish roots/ties. The Consulate tries
to work with American universities to promote Polish language and history.
They were instrumental in the establishment of a Polish Studies chair
at
Columbia University this year, a feat that took three years of planning
and organization. The Consulate also tries to serve as the liaison
and contact point for anyone who is interested in or who wishes to visit
Poland.
Sabine Haake said the mission of the German Consulate at that location
was to represent the German government in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,
and Connecticut. Ms. Haake additionally stressed that one of the
purposes of the Consulate in New York was to foster German-American relations.
Additionally,
she stressed the importance of German relations with the United States.
Aside from the European Union, she said the United States is Germany’s
most important partner.
The French Consulate organizes and chairs consular commissions: school
purses, protection and social action, elections. Its services obtain
information and the assistance in order to facilitate insertion in the
host country
and the return in France. This organization draws up the electoral
rolls and organizes the polls which can be held with the consulate: presidential
and European elections, and referendums. Lastly, The Consulate is
in permanent
relation with the delegates of the Higher Council of the French from
Abroad - C.S.F.E., associations French and consular agents and honorary
consuls.
The mission of the Belgian Consulate is to provide a coordinated
package of consular and legal services in a wide range of areas.
5. Does the [Russian Consulate, Polish Consulate, German Consulate,
French Consulate] participate in community outreach?
No, neither the Russian Consulate nor the Trade Federation of Russia
participates in community outreach.
The Polish Consulate is involved in community outreach in the way
that it tries to include the community in all stages of planning
events. Community involvement depends on the scale of the event
and what the Consulate
hopes to achieve. Polish Independence Day celebrations will involve
a larger portion of the Community than say the creation of a
Polish Studies chair
at Columbia University.
The German Consulate of New York also participates in community
outreach as a means of promoting German culture and studies.
The Consulate appears
at tourism fairs, trade shows, and film fairs. Moreover, the
Consulate supports other educational outlets such as International
Education
Week, area German language schools, and high school exchanges.
The Deutsche Auswanderer-Datenbank
(DAD) funded through the German government, gives grants to Americans
who wish to study in Germany. Additionally, there is a German-American
Chamber
of Commerce which is supported by the German Consulate. Finally,
the Consulate supports and participates in cultural events that
occur at institutions
such as the Museum of Modern Art.
The French Consulate participates in community outreach and sponsors many cultural events in the New York area. The consulate hosts cultural and political events to promote French culture and understanding. In the past under the Cultural Services of the French Embassy in the United States, the consulate has sponsored film festivals, guest speakers and lectures, museum exhibits, concerts, and theater performances. The consulate is also very helpful in aiding American students wishing to study, live, or work in France.
The Belgian Consulate reaches out to the community by updating the
embassy and the consulates’ websites and extending their public hours
for only Belgian nationals.
6. Does the [Russian Consulate, Polish Consulate, German Consulate, French
Consulate] sponsor a speaker series for area residents to learn more about
what it does?
No, neither Russian Consulate nor the Trade Federation of Russia
have a speaker series.
The Polish consulate does not sponsor a speaker series but rather
they have workshops and events that are focused on broader issues. One
problem that affects the ability of the Consulate to participate in community
outreach is the limited amount of funds and resources at their disposal.
This is not seen as a major problem by the Consulate though because they
feel that it forces them to be more creative in how the plan events and
manage funds.
Besides participating in community outreach, the German Consulate of New
York sends representatives to the New York area to speak to groups about
what the Consulate does in the area. Haake explained that this is achieved
through requests made to the Consulate. Most often, speakers educate the
populace about the Consulate at area universities, conferences, and symposiums.
Concerning speaker series, the French Consulate does not have a specific
series every year, but promotes lectures and guest speakers at neighboring
universities, i.e. NYU as well as in associations connected with the Consulate.
No, the Belgian Consulate does not have a speaker series.
7. In what sense do you feel the [Russian Consulate, Polish Consulate,
German Consulate, French Consulate] is European, and must you adjust it
in any way to adapt to the NY/NJ area?
Both the Russian Consulate and the Trade Federation of Russia feel
that their organization is both Russian and American. It’s American
simply because they operate in American and, to a certain extent, must
adapt to American ways. But, at the same time, both are extensions of the
Russian Government.
The Polish Consulate sees itself as European and this will sense
of being European is heightened by the fact that Poland will soon be entering
the European Union. They have had to adjust to the New York area since
Europe and America are different culturally. Their events have been focused
mainly on American-Polish relations but they feel that Polish relations
with European consulate and organizations will become more of an issue
with EU membership.
Even though there is a German Consulate located in New York, by virtue of it representing Germany, it is still a European organization. As a result, this institution must adapt somewhat to function effectively in the New York Metropolitan area. Representatives at the Consulate must speak English and be aware of the cultural differences in New York. As a result of these differences, representatives must approach others differently in the United States than they would in Europe. Finally, the infrastructure in New York is different than Germany.
The French Consulate feels that with the increased role of the European Union a growing amount of Americans are curious about European culture. In many ways, the consulate also feels that it is promoting European culture because of France’s membership in the European Union. In general, the Consulate plays an important role not only to French nationals living in New York but also to Americans.
The Belgian Consulate believes that it is influenced by both cultures.
It is a Belgian organization that has adapted to the American culture.
Because it is influenced by American culture the Consulate feels
that it is important to maintain a presence in the United States.
8. Does the [Russian Consulate, Polish Consulate, German Consulate, French Consulate] see itself as influential?
The Russian Consulate sees itself as influential by helping travel
through Russia, they feel that this promotes good relations between
the two countries. However, the Trade Representation does see itself
as influential – their
purpose is to further economic cooperation between the U.S. and Russia.
The Polish Consulate does not believe that being influential is important
in the New York area, because influence cannot be judged in a straightforward
manner. They feel that recognition rather than influence is what
matters. By looking at the types of people who approach them they can judge
recognition.
Lukasz Mielcarek (who works for Public Affairs department of the
Polish Consulate) feels that recognition in the Consulate is seen by the
fact
that “A lot of people now come to the Polish Consulate and they like
the place not because of the place but because of the many interesting
events and promotions. 233 Madison Avenue is becoming a good address to
be. That I would say is proof of what we’re doing is worth it.”
Perhaps the most difficult question for Ms. Haake to answer pertained
to the German Consulate’s influence in New York. She explained that
this was difficult to answer, because the term, influential is subjective
and has varied meanings among different people. Furthermore, she stressed
that the New York Mission of the German Consulate is not trying to be influential,
but to merely facilitate communications between Germany and the United
States as well as seeing that the German position in issues is understood.
Regardless of nationality – German or American, the Consulate of
New York exists to bring people together and help them with their difficulties.
The French Consulate is active in communicating with other consulates
in the New York area as well as communicating with other French consulates,
missions, and embassies throughout the United States. The consulate is
influential to society because it maintains relations with both the United
States as well as France and promotes friendly relations between both societies
and governments.
The Belgian Consulate in New York City remains in contact with the
other Belgian Consulates throughout the United States and the Belgian Embassy
in Washington. They believe that they are influential because they maintain
a solid relationship with the United States while remaining a Belgian organization.
Interpreting the Presence of European Governmental Organizations
In conclusion, European governmental organizations maintain a strong
influence in the New York metropolitan area. They achieve this
through the promotion of their respective cultures and community outreach.
By facilitating
communication between their respective governments and the United
States they are able to maintain a prominent presence and influence in
a range
of many different areas including culture, business, and education.
Appendix
A) Consular Information
Russian Consulate:
Mr. Oleg V. Popov, officer.
Trade Representation of the Russian Federation
400 Madison Ave., Suite 901
New York, NY 10017
(212)-688-1618
The nature of this interview was by telephone and e-mail.
Operator
Russian Consulate – New York
9 East 91st St.
New York, NY 100128
(212)-348-0926
The nature of this interview was by telephone.
http://www.ruscon.org
Polish Consulate:
Anna Pelka, Consul and Lukasz Mielcarek, staff
Public Affairs Department
Consulate General of the Republic of Poland
Culture, Education, Science and Pubic Affairs Section
233 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212)) 686-1514 ext 211
This was a face-to-face interview conducted on November 18, 2003
http://www.polandconsulateny.com
French Consulate:
M. Regis Blain
Press, Communications, and Information Department
Consulat General of France
934 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10021
Tel: (212) 606-3680 or (212) 606-3600
This was a face-to-face
interview.
http://www.info-france-usa.org
http://www.franceguide.com
http://www.consulfrance-newyork.org/
German Consulate:
Sabine Haake
Vice Consul
Cultural Department
Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany – New York
871 United Nations Plaza
New York, NY 10017
(212) 610-9719
This was a face-to-face interview conducted on November 13, 2003
http://www.germanconsulate.org/newyork
Belgian Consulate:
1330 Avenue of the Americas
26th floor New York, NY 10019-5422
(212) 586-5110
NewYork@diplobel.org
The nature of this interview was via e-mail. http://www.diplobel.us/
British Consulate
Press & Public Affairs Officer Leslie Slocum
British Consulate-General New York, NY
845 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Tel: (212) 745-0200
Email; in-person interview was cancelled by the British Consulate.
http://www.britainusa.com/ny/
B) Common Questions Asked
1) What is the need to promote the [ ] culture in the United States?
In what ways
do you accomplish this?
2) Is there a strong [ ] community in the New York metropolitan area?
How big?
3) Why is it important to have relations with the United States?
4) What is the mission of the [ ] consulate?
5) Does the [ ] consulate participate in community outreach?
6) Does the [ ] consulate sponsor a speaker series for area residents
to learn more
about what it does?
7) In what sense do you feel the [ ] consulate is European, and must
you adjust it in
any way to adapt to the NY/NJ area?
8) Does the [ ] consulate see itself as influential?