An element of fear exists in the debate – (immigration commentary from Yuri Cunza president of the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce)

Today, as frustration grows about the pending business of our broken immigration system, diligent state and local legislators attempt to bring relief to those who find more than one reason to justify the persecution of a group suspected of violating the law. If any of this legislation passes, we could start worrying about the people we know, the places we go, our food choices, including the Florida oranges we like so much or those delicious avocados coming from a state where the No. 1 industry isn’t Hollywood but agriculture. But who is doing the hard work behind the scenes?

A welcome and enforcement

The enthusiasm in addressing this issue no doubt has an element of fear. That would explain how such a welcoming state turns into an immigration enforcement battlefield, a modern-day Island of Dr. Moreau where Hispanics are the guinea pigs to test anti-illegal immigration laws. Are we pro-legislation that will make us accomplices if we fail to report a neighbor suspected of not having a legal permit to stay? What about our bus drivers, schoolteachers and landlords? Up to now, it seemed OK ripping the benefits of this labor force. We are all accomplices, then, because we need those now becoming a target. Why then are we so afraid to admit it? We are working against ourselves if we affect the much-needed revenue of businesses that will have to close their doors.”*

• The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of East Tennessee and the YWCA Knoxville said Tuesday they have received a federal grant to provide services to victims of violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.
• Mexican farmers reeling from worst drought in decades
• Health Care Reform: Communicating Policy With Hispanic Media
• Outreach program targets Latino farmers in northern Michigan
• The Tulare-Kings Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will name standouts in the community Saturday while raising money to help local businesses. – CA
• Local Latinos were honored for their achievements in business and politics Wednesday. – The Massachusetts Latino Chamber of Commerce hosted an event at the Essence Restaurant in Springfield Wednesday night to recognize these individuals for their success.
• 70% of Cuba’s Farmland Threatened by Erosion
• Video: Senator Menendez Speaks on Behalf of Hispanic Farmers’ Discrimination Lawsuit + update
• After two days of deliberations, on Oct. 14 the Mexican Supreme Court made public its decision that Ulises Ruiz Ortiz (governor of the state of Oaxaca) is culpable for the human rights violations that occurred in Oaxaca as a result of teacher protests and political and social unrest in May 2006-January 2007 and July of 2008.
• Eva Mendes- “Ser latina en Hollywood aún es difícil”
• The Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce recognized leaders from across the Americas at its 26th annual Triunfando awards ceremony this weekend.
• New U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce CEO to Fight for Small Businesses
• Latino milkers and the recession
• Hispanic Graduate Students Benefit from Online Education Grant – University of St. Thomas in Houston strives to improve retention and graduation rates for Hispanic graduate students. UST received a $2.8 million education grant to offer two options
• Retailers catering to the Hispanic consumer market in the U.S. are invited guests of Canada’s Beef Information Centre at a series of seminars in the next few months.
• ELL makes a difference – After working as a social worker for several years, Patti Kuenzie made the switch to teaching. Now, an English Language Learners teacher for the River Fall School District, Kuenzie said she’s is happier than she’s ever been and doesn’t look back.
• The 12-year-old Hispanic Business Alliance has a new home and new name to expand its services and reach into the Memphis Hispanic community – making the transition into the Memphis Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• The Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to pick its first post-schism board
• A southwest Ohio Hispanic group has published a book it hopes will help students better understand Hispanic and other immigrant groups and curb anti-immigrant sentiment. – The Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati USA
• San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce recognized for excellence – SAHCC receives 4-star accreditation by the United States Chamber of Commerc