Politics + Essentials Hispanic y Latino News & Info (Noticias)
November 21, 2009
Hispanic Caucus: ‘You Lie!’ Outburst to Blame for Senate Health Bill Provision on Illegal Immigrants
November 20, 2009
Hispanic lawmakers say an old adversary, White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel, has his fingerprints all over a push to prohibit illegal immigrants from buying health insurance plans in a new market for people who don’t get insurance through their employers.
Some U.S. Democrats see momentum building for an overhaul of immigration laws that would legalize millions of undocumented workers, but analysts say a crowded agenda and struggling economy may once again sink hopes for reform next year.
Part of a Cuban blogger’s essay that advocates lifting the ban on U.S. travel to Cuba was read aloud at a House Foreign Affairs committee hearing. – Yoani Sánchez
November 19, 2009
More Than 60,000 Americans in 45 States Organize for Immigration Reform
Video: Senator Menendez Speaks on Behalf of Hispanic Farmers’ Discrimination Lawsuit + update
November 18, 2009
California’s Republican gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman told a group of supporters Tuesday that she is making an unprecedented effort to attract Latinos to the Republican party – in South El Monte
Environmentalists alarmed by Puerto Rico policies – Sweeping from lush mountain rain forests to pristine beaches, a corridor of land protected by Puerto Rico’s last governor hosts dozens of rare and endangered species and was championed by celebrities who helped fight off resort proposals. – Now new Gov. Luis Fortuno has revoked the reserve as part of a drive to bring jobs and investment for the U.S. territory’s struggling economy. And activists see a broader pattern of looser protection for the island’s environment.
Deporting undocumented students affects the chances for legal return if Congress doesn’t address it in immigration reform bill
Eleventh-hour criticism is arising over President Obama’s nomination for United States attorney in northern Iowa of a prosecutor who had a leading role in the criminal cases against hundreds of illegal immigrants arrested in a May 2008 raid at a meatpacking plant in Postville, Iowa. – Stephanie Rose
Report from America’s Voice: The New Constituents… How Latinos Will Shape Congressional Apportionmention After the 2010 Census
November 16, 2009
The first Texas Hispanic legislators didn’t want to go public when they organized some 40 years ago out of fear they might be considered “un-American.” – Today, the Mexican American Legislative Caucus (MALC) is growing in influence — and raising record amounts of money — as Texas’ population turns increasingly Hispanic.
Supporters of tough U.S. sanctions against the Cuban government have given more than $10 million to congressional campaigns over the last seven years
One of the Republican Party’s most respected and relied-upon consultants has serious reservations about two the party’s biggest names. – Alex Castellanos, a conservative media strategist and regular presence on CNN, raised questions of Sarah Palin’s viability for office and took major swipes at Florida Senate candidate Charlie Crist
November 13, 2009
Think you’re obsessed with President Barack Obama and the many challenges he faces at home and abroad? – Well, you’re not alone. – Fidel Castro appears to have a fascination with the American leader that would make Obama Girl jealous, writing obsessively not only about his politics, but of his youth and vigor.
GOP should take a cue from Lou Dobbs and resign their attack strategy on illegal immigration
November 12, 2009
U.S. State Department Sells Out Honduran Democracy for Senate Confirmations
Initially waved off, Hispanic advocates jump into health debate – Effort centers on ensuring reform doesn’t shortchange immigrants
November 10, 2009
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus took the right stand on threatening to withhold healthcare votes
November 9, 2009
Up next: A Latino president? – who will be the nation’s first Latino president?
November 7, 2009
Honduras leadership in limbo as accord dissolves
November 6, 2009
Senate Democrats Thursday blocked a GOP attempt to require next year’s census forms to ask people whether they are U.S. citizens – Vitter’s attempts fail
November 5, 2009
Low Latino voter turnout in NJ and VA elections reveal a return to the old ways
Cuban Tomas Regalado was elected mayor of Miami with a pledge to control spending, limit property-tax increases and curtail development
November 4, 2009
The debate over health care for illegal immigrants continues to percolate in Congress despite the Obama administration’s efforts to put it to rest, with lawmakers in both houses also wrangling over how much coverage to provide for immigrants who have settled in the country legally.
Lawrence elects Massachusetts’ first Latino mayor – William Lantigua
November 2, 2009
Latinos need more than lip service – Families are being torn apart by America’s broken immigration system. President Obama needs to show leadership and fix it – (the view from England)
October 30, 2009
Sanchez sisters eyed by House ethics panel for alleged collusion – Linda and Loretta CA Democrats
Did a resolution honoring Hispanic media trigger a silent boycott among the GOP?
October 28, 2009
CNN Columnist Ruben Navarrette: Immigration Reform Must Wait – response to Rep. Luis Gutierrez
Illinois Congressman Luis Gutierrez: Immigration Reform Cannot Wait
October 27, 2009
The Corzine campaign is airing a television ad unveiled over the weekend that features President Obama telling viewers in Spanish that the future of New Jersey is in their hands — “El futuro de Nueva Jersey esta en tus manos,” the president says.
October 15, 2009
Hundreds of Thousands of Puerto Rican Workers, Faith Leaders, Students and Citizens to Unite in Hato Rey on October 15 – National March Will Protest Massive Cuts in Essential Public Services; Republican Administration Under Investigation for Civil Rights Violations Against High School Students
October 14, 2009
Lawmakers Scrap Plan for 300 More Miles of Fencing on Mexican Border
A Cuban blogger who has become an international sensation for offering frank criticism of her country’s communist system said she was denied government permission Monday to travel to New York to receive a top journalism prize. – Yoani Sanchez
Thousands of immigrants came to Capitol Hill on Tuesday for a day of lobbying and an afternoon rally calling for comprehensive immigration reform.
The White House became “La Casa Blanca” on Tuesday, celebrating Hispanic musical heritage with a South Lawn concert and such guests as Gloria Estefan, George Lopez, the Bachata music group Aventura, Jose Feliciano and more. – Latin music ‘tends to make us move a little bit ourselves,’ says Obama
Forcing the debate over immigration reform starts now
October 9, 2009
LATINA VOTER INTERNET AND NEW MEDIA USAGE: Groundbreaking Poll Shows Internet & New Media Usage Vital for Engaging Latinas
Republican Senators Want Census to Identify ‘Illegal Aliens’
October 7, 2009
Maryland Labor Secretary Thomas Perez easily won Senate confirmation Tuesday as the new head of the civil rights division at the Justice Department. – All of the negative votes were cast by Republicans
October 5, 2009
Senator Robert Menendez releases book celebrating Latino heritage and calling for government reform – “Growing American Roots: Why Our Nation Will Thrive As Our Largest Minority Flourishes”
Legal travel to and from Cuba is booming, even though the Obama administration has not officially changed any rules regarding nonfamily travel to the island.
Why Boycotting the Census will not force the Immigration Issue
October 2, 2009
Former Miami Mayor Maurice Ferre is expected to announce Wednesday that he is running for the U.S. Senate, becoming only the second Hispanic Democrat to run statewide in Florida.
Census “boycott” is self-defeating – The people who think that Latinos will benefit politically by having some of us ignore an attempt to be counted in the population speak with a contradiction that makes absolutely no sense.
Holding the US Census ransom to force action on reforming immigration is a bad idea
Hispanic farmers voice discrimination concerns – In N.M. visit, agriculture secretary gets an earful on USDA loan practices
Census Gets Some Latino Help and Needs It – a coalition of prominent Latinos kicked off a nationwide campaign Thursday urging people to fill out the 2010 Census forms.
October 1, 2009
Hispanic Heritage Month: Watching Latino Politics Disappear
Sotomayor’s impact on trial as high court returns to work
September 30, 2009
Latinos must use political capital towards demanding passage of the REAL Act – (very good read)
A senior American diplomat has held unannounced, high-level talks in Havana with the Cuban government, three State Department officials told The Associated Press on Tuesday, raising hopes for a thaw in long-icy relations.
On this day in 1822, Joseph Marion Hernandez became the first Hispanic-American to serve in Congress as a delegate from the Florida Territory.
RNC’s Spanish Translation Of Hispanic Heritage Month Press Release Riddled With Errors
September 29, 2009
Hispanic immigrants kept at arm’s length from healthcare
With No Progress on Immigration Reform, Activists Ready to Take to the Streets Again
Former Border Patrol Chief Silvestre Reyes Now a Major Player in New Military, Intelligence, and Homeland Security Complex
September 28, 2009
California Senator Cedillo Tells the Truth About Immigration Enforcement in the Obama Era
The head (Thomas Saenz) of the nation’s leading Latino legal advocacy group (MALDEF) said if comprehensive immigration legislation seems unlikely in 2010, Congress should make down payments by passing smaller-scale reforms.
The Sound and Fury of the Honduran Coup: Acoustic and Chemical Attacks on Brazilian Embassy
Liberals seek health-care access for illegals – Fearful that they’re losing ground on immigration and health care, a group of House Democrats is pushing back and arguing that any health care bill should extend to all legal immigrants and allow illegal immigrants some access.
September 24, 2009
They’re torturing me, Honduras’ Manuel Zelaya claims – Honduras’ fallen leader told The Miami Herald he is being subjected to mind-altering gas and radiation — and that `Israeli mercenaries’ are planning to assassinate him.
U.S. President Barack Obama Wednesday appointed several people to a panel studying the feasibility of creating an American Latino museum, the White House said.
September 22, 2009
Puerto Rico and other territories left out of healthcare reform
A Mobile Connection for the Hispanic Community
White House seeks advice on getting Hispanics into college
Juan Sepulveda came to Miami on Monday to ask local educators for guidance in how to get more Hispanic students into college
Obama overreaches on immigrant care
Resigned Rhode Island Latino Republican Ivan G Marte tells Latina Lista nation is heading towards worst crisis any country could face
Honduras: Zelaya’s Daring Return Reignites Crisis
September 21, 2009
Power struggle taking place in Dallas’ Latino community
September 17, 2009
Central America celebrated Tuesday the 188th anniversary of its independence from the Spanish crown amid widespread violence, a political crisis threatening democracy in Honduras and hunger and violence in Guatemala.
Brian Sandoval on Wednesday entered the Nevada governor race, a day after leaving a lifetime appointment to the federal judiciary.
Obama links healthcare, immigration reform – “My commitment is real and so is my desire to get this (immigration reform) done,” Obama said Wednesday during the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s 32nd Annual Awards Gala.
September 15, 2009
Latino Lawmaker Rips Obama for Making It Harder for Illegals to Buy Private Insurance – The criticism was leveled in Spanish by Rep. Luis Gutierrez
Fidel Castro’s new `tropical business casual’ look is a signal — but of what? – known for being deliberate with his image, might be signaling new health with his new look — but his motive is the source of much speculation.
The White House strengthened its stand against health-care coverage for illegal immigrants Friday, and a pivotal Senate committee looked ready to follow its lead.
President Obama’s usage of the term “illegal immigrants” is more than just semantics
September 14, 2009
President Obama has extended the U.S. trade embargo on Cuba for one year
Washington has revoked the visas of Honduras’ interim president and 17 other top officials to pressure the Central American nation to reinstate ousted leader Manuel Zelaya
September 11, 2009
NYTimes Editorial – Immigrants, Health Care and Lies
There is a de-facto American Union: The Honduran migrant workers should have their own tea-party… No remittances without representation! – (really interesting!)
September 10, 2009
Video: Obama Heckled by GOP During Speech to Congress
Mel Martinez Exits Senate — With Some Regrets
2010 and counting: Growing influence – More counties are mostly Hispanic – Texas
Voters could give Latin America, Caribbean a political makeover – A dozen presidential and parliamentary elections in the next 14 months could halt the swing to the left and boost moderates.
Joe Wilson’s lie is Carmen Velasquez’s truth
How volatile is immigration in DC – In Lawmaker’s Outburst, a Rare Breach of Protocol – South Carolina GOP Rep Joe Wilson interrupted President Obama’s speech Wednesday night with a shout of “You lie!”
September 8, 2009
Justice Sonia Sotomayor has taken her seat at the Supreme Court in front of a packed courtroom that included President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.
Watch the outrage/heckling – Bishop Emilio Alvarez of Stamford, Connecticutt asks a question in Spanish at a health care town hall of Rep. Jim Himes (CT-04) who was born in Peru and is fluent in Spanish. – Shocking the reaction of the crowd. (must watch)
Center for Immigration Studies Adds to Falsehoods about Health Care Reform
September 6, 2009
Tens of thousands marched through Venezuela’s capital on Saturday to protest what they call growing authoritarianism by President Hugo Chavez.
September 4, 2009
The Obama administration has cut more $30 million in non-humanitarian aid to Honduras — calling it a signal that Washington is not happy with the status quo.
September 3, 2009
Hispanics the focus of early push to register – Nevada hand-picked for initiative because of demographic’s clout – (I guess it is never to early)
The Five Biggest Lies in the Health Care Debate – Illegal immigrants will get free health insurance
September 2, 2009
Mexico’s health care lures Americans – As the United States debates an overhaul of its health care system, thousands of American retirees in Mexico have quietly found a solution of their own, signing up for the health care plan run by the Mexican Social Security Institute.
The U.S. has released $214 million of an aid package to help Mexico fight drug trafficking, including funds for five helicopters for the military to be delivered by year’s end
September 1, 2009
Meet Brian Sandoval: Candidate for governor? – Nevada
Obama’s 1st year sets record for Hispanic nominations – 43 Latinos with major posts
Does Obama deserve praise for picking Latinos? – 43 Latinos have federal jobs that required Senate confirmation (but…)
Massachusetts Cuts Back Immigrants’ Health Care – 31,000 legal immigrants
August 27, 2009
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn this week signed into law a new measure requiring that history courses across the state include references to the mass deportation of Mexicans from the United States back during the 1930s. (???)
On Immigration, Kennedy’s Death Leaves Leadership Gap
Over 500 Organizations Demand White House End Flawed State And Local Immigration Enforcement Program – Federal 287(g) Program Results In Illegal Profiling And Threatens Public Safety, Say Groups
Despite growing clout, big population, Hispanics aren’t well represented – Las Vegas area – Of the 43 state legislators representing portions of Clark County, for example, only three are Hispanic. – None of the city council members in Las Vegas, North Las Vegas or Henderson are Hispanic. There are no Hispanics on the Clark County Commission, arguably the state’s second-most powerful political body, after the Legislature.
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and former high-ranking members of his administration won’t be criminally charged in a yearlong federal investigation into pay-to-play allegations – this derailed his appointment as commerce secretary in President Barack Obama’s administration.
August 26, 2009
United Farm Workers – Remembering Our Long Time Friend, Senator Edward Kennedy
Ted Kennedy, one of us – fotos of him with Cesar E. Chavez
Latinos have always loved the Kennedy family. In 1960, they formed “Viva Kennedy” clubs across the country to support the candidacy of John F. Kennedy.
Ten Things Ted Kennedy Did For Latinos
August 24, 2009
Hispanics A Tough Sell On Health Care Reform – As A Group, They’re Among The Most Likely Not To Have Coverage, But They’re Wary Of Current Reform Efforts – (lots of info – great map)
Enough! Immigration Reform is NOT Health Care Reform
Cuban blogger the voice of youth-oriented counterculture – Yoani Sánchez
August 21, 2009
It’s official: Political survey shows Latinos overall don’t trust Republicans for nada
Three women of Hispanic background were among those selected for Forbes magazine’s annual “100 Most Powerful Women” ranking. – Cristina Kirchner, Michelle Bachelet, Sonia Sotomayor
President Barack Obama on Thursday managed to undo some of the damage he did recently with immigrants’ rights advocates — who were angered when Obama said in Mexico that immigration reform would have to wait until after health care and energy bills passed Congress.
Why Latinos need to fight more loudly for passage of health-care reform
August 18, 2009
Ted Cruz: A GOP bid in Texas to win the Hispanic vote – The state’s former solicitor general, running now for attorney general, hopes his Cuban heritage will be a plus with ‘fundamentally conservative’ Latinos.
U.S. Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Miami has taken himself off Gov. Charlie Crist’s shortlist of potential appointments to the U.S. Senate.
August 17, 2009
New Cato Report Highlights Economic Benefits of Legalizing Immigrants – Reform that Includes Legalization Would Yield a Net Benefit of $180 Billion Over 10 Years, While Enforcement Efforts Alone Would Incur $80 Billion in Losses
“Hispanic Karl Rove” Helps Shape Democratic Party “Centrist” Positions – Rev. Samuel Rodriguez
August 16, 2009
Under pressure to pick a Hispanic to replace U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, Gov. Charlie Crist said Friday that U.S. Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart and former U.S. Attorney Bob Martinez are on the short list.
U.S. District Judge Brian Sandoval expected to be formidable candidate in bid for Nevada governor
President Barack Obama outlined national and international priorities and their effect on the domestic Hispanic and hemisphere populations in an Aug. 7 round-table press meeting with Hispanic Link News Service and nine other Latino-beat reporters.
What Sotomayor is Starting – The evolution of Latino politics.
August 13, 2009
Latino backlash at Republicans who voted against Sotomayor has already begun
August 12, 2009
A day after President Barack Obama announced that legislation to overhaul immigration laws would have to wait until next year, the secretary of homeland security played down the need for change in a speech here and took a tough stance on enforcing current immigration laws.
August 11, 2009
Obama Reverses Campaign Pledge To Renegotiate NAFTA
U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden (OR) said Monday that it’s time for the federal government to aid police and prosecutors seeking Mexican nationals who commit violent crimes in the United States and flee to Mexico.
Debate heats up on healthcare for illegal immigrants – House Speaker Pelosi has said that they would not be covered under overhaul proposals, but activists say medical care should not be denied to the sick, no matter their status.
August 10, 2009
Americans Return to Tougher Immigration Stance – More want immigration decreased than kept the same or increased
On the same day the United States Supreme Court will welcome its first Hispanic Justice, the United States Senate will soon be left with only one Hispanic Senator – – the departure of Senator Mel Martinez – (an interesting ironic Latino political “power” tidbit)
Hispanics watching health care debate closely
Obama: immigration overhaul will have to wait until next year
Video of Sonia Sotomayor ‘Taking the Oath’
August 8, 2009
Sonia Sotomayor was sworn in Saturday morning as the first Hispanic justice on the Supreme Court in a brief ceremony that completed a remarkable ascent for a Puerto Rican girl from the South Bronx .
August 7, 2009
Sources told the Miami Herald on Friday that Florida GOP Sen. Mel Martinez said he is going to resign before his term ends in 2010
For Puerto Ricans, Sotomayor’s Success Stirs Pride
August 6, 2009
Obama’s Vision of “Truly Civil” Immigrant Prison Reform: More Prisoners, More Prisons
Judge Sonia Sotomayor, who grew up speaking Spanish in a public housing project, is headed for a seat on the Supreme Court after an overwhelming Senate vote Thursday to make her the first Hispanic member of the court.
U.S. to Reform Policy on Detention for Immigrants – The Obama administration intends to announce an ambitious plan on Thursday to overhaul the much-criticized way the nation detains immigration violators, trying to transform it from a patchwork of jail and prison cells to what its new chief called a “truly civil detention system.”
Analysis: Latinos could be factor in GOP slugfest for Texas Gov – U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and Gov. Rick Perry
Sonia Sotomayor poised to make history – Senate set to vote about 3 p.m. ET today
Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., blocked the release of a favorable State Department report on Mexico’s human rights record – delays the release of $100 million in U.S. aid meant to help Mexico combat drug traffickers
August 4, 2009
George Lopez landed a big name cameo in the pilot presentation of his talk show: President Barack Obama.
After early pledges by President Obama that he would moderate the Bush administration’s tough policy on immigration enforcement, his administration is pursuing an aggressive strategy for an illegal-immigration crackdown that relies significantly on programs started by his predecessor.
August 3, 2009
Republican Sen. John McCain says he’ll oppose Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor when the Senate votes on her confirmation this week.
August 1, 2009
Will Latinos remember how Judge Sotomayor was treated?
July 29, 2009
Olga A. Méndez, First Puerto Rican Woman Elected To U.S. State Legislature, Dead At 83
July 28, 2009
Sonia Sotomayor Confirmed By Senate Judiciary Committee
The administration of President Barack Obama is vastly expanding a federal effort begun under President George W. Bush to identify and deport illegal immigrants held in local jails known as Secure Communities. But in Houston where the effort got a trial start eight months ago, people on each side of the immigration debate have found fault with it.
July 23, 2009
A House committee approved a proposal Wednesday that would let Puerto Ricans decide their island’s political status. It was unclear whether the full Congress would consider the bill.
Police chiefs press for immigration reform – About 100 police chiefs and administrators from Framington, Mass., to San Diego joined Department of Homeland Security officials in Phoenix for a National Summit on Local Immigration Policies
July 21, 2009
The Department of Homeland Security is changing the way it tackles illegal immigration, in many cases remaking or rescinding Bush administration policies. The changes put heavier emphasis on employers, including more investigations of hiring records and fines for violations
Despite Pledge to Cut Military Ties to Coup Regime, U.S. Continues to Train Honduran Soldiers at School of Americas
July 20, 2009
What Next For Honduras After Failed Negotiations? GRITtv Interview With Laura Flanders, Roberto Lovato and Democracy Now’s Andres Thomas Conteris
GOP, divided on Sotomayor, won’t drag out debate
A New Day For Latino Civil Rights – Host Michel Martin interviews Thomas Saenz who is the new president of one of the oldest Latino civil rights organizations, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund.
Many Nicaragua revolutionaries feel betrayed by the revolution – Thirty years after the Sandinistas came to power, many are still loyal to the cause but feel disillusioned by the policies of President Daniel Ortega, the former guerrilla commander.
July 16, 2009
Critics: Hispanic Media Lack Coverage Of Sotomayor 0 Gerson Borrero, of New York’s El Diario/La Prensa; Lori Montenegro, a correspondent for Telemundo and Maria Elena Salinas, a news anchor for Univision, debate whether their news organizations have a special obligation to cover the hearings
The “disturbing” behavior of some senators questioning Sotomayor underscores the need to reform the process
July 15, 2009
Jon Stewart: White Men Can’t Judge – Sonia Sotomayor’s Supreme Court confirmation hearings are no snoozefest, as Republicans call her racist and Chuck Schumer cries.
L.A. mayor’s chief counsel tapped to lead MALDEF – Thomas Saenz, who led negotiations with city labor unions and defended the city’s living wage ordinance, will become president of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund.
Jeff Sessions’s seemingly unprompted reference to a Sotomayor colleague as “of Puerto Rican ancestry” has irked the head of one of the country’s oldest Hispanic organizations. Lillian Rodriguez- Lopez, president of the Hispanic Federation
July 14, 2009
As Labor Secretary, Finding Influence in Her Past – Hilda Solis
For Some Latinos, Hearing Is Believing – Sotomayor’s Ascension Trickles Down – Watch video here
July 13, 2009
287g Programs Expanded, Despite “Revamps” Immigrants Fearful
July 11, 2009
Delegates representing the ousted and interim governments of Honduras failed to forge an agreement during a second day of talks and no fixed date was set for future negotiations.
July 9, 2009
Leahy, Sessions Announce Witness List For Sotomayor Hearing – scheduled to begin on July 13 at 10:00 a.m
Efforts to rivet the attention of the Hispanic community on Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor’s confirmation hearings next week could complicate Republicans’ political ambitions for next year.
Obama’s Border Fence The U.S. – Mexico border fence—are private contractors making billions on a project that won’t even work? – (a must watch video – see it here)
Understanding Honduras – What’s going on in Honduras? – (an interesting post by Daniel Hernandez)
July 8, 2009
Both sides in Honduras’ leadership crisis on Tuesday signaled willingness to forge a diplomatic solution to the deadlock over the fate of President Manuel Zelaya, who was ousted last month in a coup. Zelaya and interim Honduran leader Roberto Micheletti agreed to accept Costa Rican President Oscar Arias, a Nobel Peace laureate, as an international mediator.
July 7, 2009
The return of the PRI – More than 50% of Mexico’s voters stayed away from the polls on Sunday for the mid-term congressional election & around 6% nullified their votes in protest
July 6, 2009
Honduran Violence, U.S. Aid Test Obama’s Global Image
July 1, 2009
The Arizona House has defeated a bill that would have made it the only state in the nation to criminalize the presence of illegal immigrants by expanding its trespassing law.
OAS: Honduras Must Restore President Manuel Zelaya In 3 Days Or Risk Suspension
June 30, 2009
Honduran Coup Turns Violent, Sanctions Imposed – Thousands of Hondurans are now in the streets to protest the coup d’etat in their country.
June 29, 2009
Honduras coup is a blow to democracy
Obama Threaded the Moral Needle of Latino Evangelicals in ‘08
Latino Democrats in the House and Senate officially endorsed Judge Sonia Sotomayor on Friday saying the appellate court judge and former prosecutor should be confirmed to sit as the first Hispanic on the U.S. Supreme Court.
June 26, 2009
Video: President Obama vowed on Thursday to immediately begin negotiations to craft comprehensive immigration reform , with the goal of passing legislation in Congress later this year or early next year.
June 25, 2009
Healthcare in Immigration Nation – interesting connection for Healthcare and Immigration Reform
Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez not running for governor of California
Veteran Latino-rights advocate charged with voter fraud – Nativo V. Lopez
The Who, What, When, Where, Why and How of Today’s White House Meeting on Immigration Reform
June 24, 2009
IMMIGRANT YOUTH AND SUPPORTERS URGE CONGRESS TO APPROVE “DREAM ACT” AND REMOVE BARRIERS TO COLLEGE
Obama’s immigration straddle – If he wants Americans to consider a “path to citizenship” for illegal aliens, he’ll have to lead on “enforcement first.”
June 23, 2009
Top Obama Administration Officials to Engage Latino Leaders on Critical Policy Issues in Los Angeles This Week – NALEO Conference June 25-27
Sotomayor Nomination Close To A Done Deal, 70 Votes Predicted
June 21, 2009
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s future, once bright, looks dimmer now
June 20, 2009
New U.S. border czar Alan Bersin tours domain in Arizona
With California slipping into a financial sinkhole, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is proposing to save more than $180 million by cutting short the sentences of thousands of immigrants in the state’s prisons and turning them over to federal authorities for deportation.
June 19, 2009
President Barack Obama says he is committed to a comprehensive immigration overhaul that includes a way that illegal immigrants can become U.S. citizens – at the Esperanza National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast and Conference.
Florida Senate Candidate Marco Rubio Speaks Spanish To Win Votes, But Espouses English-Only Policies
June 17, 2009
With the advent of more Latino politicians running for office, “being Hispanic” is no longer sufficient to attract votes
June 16, 2009
Cautious Optimism Despite Another Delay in White House Immigration Reform Talks
In a new report, the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR)—an anti-immigrant hate group – Takes Aim at Virginia’s Immigrants and Children
June 15, 2009
So The Time Isn’t Now Then? : Obama Postpones Immigration Reform Meeting…..Again
Latinos comprise 11 percent of the new president’s first 300 nominees for senior administration positions requiring Senate confirmation, according to the White House.
June 11, 2009
‘Puerto Rican Hysteria’ is back! – Among the many stereotypes about Latinos perpetuated by popular culture is that of the so-called “Latin temper.”
Latino-Black Rivalry Helped Fuel G.O.P.’s Takeover of New York State Senate – re: Pedro Espada Jr. new president of the Senate and Hiram Monserrate
June 8, 2009
Georgia needs more Hispanic judges -There are no Hispanics now, nor have there ever been any, on the Supreme Court of Georgia or on the Georgia Court of Appeals
June 5, 2009
Carlos Pascual nominated as U.S. ambassador to Mexico – The Cuban-born diplomat, an expert in ‘failed states,’ would take over one of the largest American embassies and confront a host of complex bilateral issues.
June 4, 2009
Nevada Senator and Majority Leader Harry Reid wants immigration bill this year
Political cartoon portraying Sotomayor as a piñata is insensitive but deserves no rash judgements
Sotomayor’s treatment in the media; on being talked about but not being allowed to talk – OR – Where oh where in the world are the Hispanic journalists in the Sotomayor conversation?
June 3, 2009
Sotomayor’s Defense Of White Racist Speech Looms Large In Confirmation Battle
Newt Gingrich Apologizes For Calling Sotomayor A Racist – Well, sort of.
Americans have a more favorable first impression of Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor than they did for any of President George W. Bush’s choices for the high court, according to a new Associated Press-GfK poll.
Sonia Sotomayor in the daily comedy shows (3 videos from Letterman, Daily Show, Colbert)
June 2, 2009
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa dating another newscaster former San Antonio broadcaster Lu Parker now with KTLA Channel 5
Latino advocacy groups are hoping to play a large role in support of Judge Sonia Sotomayor’s Supreme Court nomination by using the same get-out-the-vote tactics they employed during the presidential election.
June 1, 2009
And in this corner! (CONLAMIC vs. NALEO)
Republican Base Heavily White, Conservative, Religious – Only 5% are Hispanic according to new Gallup poll
May 31, 2009
In a high-stakes battle that could affect California’s share of federal funding and political representation, immigration activists are vowing to combat efforts by a national Latino clergy group to persuade 1 million illegal immigrants to boycott the U.S. Census. – National Coalition of Latino Clergy & Christian Leaders
Two sides to Sonia Sotomayor – The passion for minority rights that she showed from Princeton onward is scarcely reflected in a review of her judicial decisions. So which way would she lean on the Supreme Court?
May 30, 2009
U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-4th – Chicago) actively fronted for now-indicted real estate developer Calvin Boender, and the relationship led to a personal loan and at least one real estate deal for Gutierrez
GOP Hispanic Strategists Stunned, Outraged By Sotomayor Attacks
May 29, 2009
LABOR SECRETARY HILDA SOLIS REVERSES BUSH’S ATTACK ON FARMWORKER LABOR LAWS – Groups applaud the suspension of a policy that slashes wages, worker protections
U.S. Supreme Court Nominee Sotomayor is a Superstar Judge Who Just Happens to be Hispanic
Operation Gringo: Can the Republicans Sacrifice the Hispanic Vote and Win the White House?
May 28, 2009
Judy Chu’s win over Gil Cedillo in Los Angeles a symbol of Latino confidence – Hilda Solis’ congressional seat
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) on Wednesday charged that Judge Sonia Sotomayor is a “racist.”
San Antonio’s young mayor-elect Julián Castro praised as the ‘Hispanic Barack Obama’
A Hispanic Roman Catholic theologian who was an adviser to Barack Obama’s presidential campaign will be nominated to serve as the next U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, the White House announced Wednesday. Miguel H. Diaz
May 27, 2009
Latino differences muted in Sonya Sotomayor celebration
May 26, 2009
Sonia Sotomayor: 10 Things You Should Know
President Obama will nominate Judge Sonia Sotomayor of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit as his first appointment to the court – could be the first Hispanic justice to serve on the Supreme Court
May 18, 2009
The United States Abandons the “War on Drugs” Model at Home, Exports It to Mexico – US House and Senate Pass New Military Aid to Mexico
May 14, 2009
Inside Barack Obama’s Hispanic strategy
Hispanics See Stars Aligned on High Court – For President, Diversity Is One Of Many Factors
May 11, 2009
Naturalized citizens are poised to reshape California’s political landscape – The increase in naturalized Asian and Latino citizens — 300,000 people took the oath of allegiance in 2008 — could alter the state’s policy priorities for years to come
May 7, 2009
A national poll of Latino voters shows strong support for President Obama’s first 100 days in office. :: 81%
May 6, 2009
Appointing Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court might soothe frayed Hispanic nerves, writes New America Media contributor Gebe Martinez, but legal conservatives do not believe that President Obama should give importance to a diverse life experience in making his choice.
April 30, 2009
Unless it is contained shortly, the Mexican swine flu outbreak that is sounding alarm bells across the world is likely to have long-term economic, law enforcement and political consequences on both sides of the U.S.-Mexican border.
April 27, 2009
Forced to slash their budgets, some California counties are eliminating nonemergency health services for illegal immigrants — a move that officials acknowledge could backfire by shifting the financial burden to emergency rooms.
President Rafael Correa Triumphs in Ecuador, and Thereby Becomes One of Latin America’s Most Successful Political Figures
April 20, 2009
Father and son arrested: the other side of Utah’s stab at immigration reform
April 9, 2009
While acknowledging that the recession makes the political battle more difficult, President Obama plans to begin addressing the country’s immigration system this year, including looking for a path for illegal immigrants to become legal, a senior administration official said on Wednesday.
April 7, 2009
An analysis of OIS data by the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund reveals that nearly one out of two (44%) of the nation’s 1,046,539 new U.S. citizens was Latino
April 2, 2009
Saying traditional census outreach will not be enough, Hispanic groups on Wednesday urged the Obama administration to follow through now on its pledge to pass immigration reform or risk an undercount of millions of people.
April 1, 2009
Ban on travel to Cuba may be lifted – A bipartisan group of senators says Congress is ready to pass legislation to allow all Americans to visit Cuba. Supporters say the move would create thousands of jobs.
March 26, 2009
Secretary of State Clinton reaches out to Mexico – She is 1st in wave of U.S. leaders traveling to discuss drugs, trade, migration
With Mexico in the headlines of late, President Obama will talk directly to a massive Hispanic aud when he makes an historic appearance on “Premio Lo Nuestro,” Univision’s longest-running and most popular music awards show on Thursday.
March 24, 2009
School Matters: Putting an Accent on Latino Students’ Needs – interview with Patricia Gándara, a professor of education at UCLA, and co-author of “The Latino Education Crisis: The Consequences of Failed Social Policies.”
March 23, 2009
President Obama is finalizing plans to move federal agents, equipment and other resources to the border with Mexico to support Mexican President Felipe Calderón’s campaign against violent drug cartels, according to U.S. security officials.
President Barack Obama said last week that he wants to follow through on his promise to fix the immigration system. But that goal, always politically difficult, faces major hurdles: the crumbling economy, drug violence in Mexico, and a jam-packed agenda already facing Congress.
March 20, 2009
Sen. Mel Martinez of Florida, the former Republican Party chairman who vividly remembers the “variety of names” conservatives called him because of his work on immigrant rights, is readying for another big brawl over the issue of immigration.
March 19, 2009
Hispanic Caucus Says Obama Will Back Its Push For Overhaul Measure This Year
The U.S. government knew that top Guatemalan officials it supported with arms and cash were behind the disappearance of thousands of people during a 36-year civil war, declassified documents obtained by a U.S. research institute show.
U.S. officials are assessing the cost of new Mexican tariffs that take effect Thursday in retaliation for a U.S. decision to cancel a cross-border program that gave Mexican truckers access to their northern neighbor’s highways. The tariffs affect about $2.4 billion in annual trade and 89 U.S. products
March 18, 2009
US President Barack Obama will visit Mexico next month amid mounting US concern over Mexican drug cartel violence that is spilling over its southern border, officials said Wednesday.
A former Bush White House aide was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison on Wednesday for stealing nearly $600,000 from a government-funded program that promotes democracy in Cuba. Felipe Sixto apologized for stealing from the Center for a Free Cuba
March 17, 2009
Daring to Change: Exclusive Interview with El Salvador’s President-Elect, Mauricio Funes
Hispanic Democrats – Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) – will have their first West Wing meeting with President Obama on Wednesday morning to discuss immigration reform, according to Democratic sources.
March 16, 2009
Michigan Latina is Obama link to states, communities – Cecilia Muñoz, the daughter of Bolivian immigrants now White House director of intergovernmental affairs, the point person between state and local elected officials and the president.
A leftist television journalist has won El Salvador’s presidential election, bringing a party of former guerrillas to power for the first time since a bloody civil war and ending two decades of conservative rule.
March 14, 2009
Sec. Napolitano’s staff non-compliance with Freedom of Information Act requests results in lawsuit
March 12, 2009
President Obama weighed in Wednesday on the escalating drug war on the U.S.-Mexico border, saying that he was looking at possibly deploying National Guard troops to contain the violence but ruled out any immediate military move.
March 11, 2009
Showdown on Cuba policy not over yet – Congress OK’d a bill making it easier for Americans to trade with and travel to Cuba. The White House says it will not enforce the changes. The lawmaker who wrote the amendments vows to fight.
March 10, 2009
By a slim 5-4 decision the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to limit minority voting provisions under the Voting Rights Act.
List of the White House’s 28 Hispanic/Latino appointments – (updated to 31)
March 9, 2009
Obama Says Hola To a More Inclusive Press Strategy
March 4, 2009
Univision Anchor Jorge Ramos Admonishes Obama on immigration
Obama’s silence on immigration can’t last long
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa wins second term as L.A. mayor – first Hispanic mayor in more than a century
February 24, 2009
Hilda Solis Confirmed As Labor Secretary By Senate
February 16, 2009
As drug violence spirals out of control in Mexico, a commission led by three former Latin American heads of state blasted the U.S.-led drug war as a failure that is pushing Latin American societies to the breaking point.
The Real Economics of Immigration Reform – By ignoring the role of immigration policy in our economic situation, Americans are actually hurting themselves.
February 4, 2009
Obama’s press office needs diversity
February 1, 2009
After decade in power, Chávez aims to keep it – Monday is the 10th anniversary of Hugo Chávez’s rise to power, and Venezuelan voters will soon decide whether he can keep on running.
January 29, 2009
Hopeful RNC Chairman Chip Saltsman’s Other Song – The Star Spanglish Banner
The lawyers for over 600 American born children filed a lawsuit against President Obama to suspend the deportation of their undocumented parents until there is immigration law reform.
January 26, 2009
Two Chicago Latinos that Helped Obama Be President – Rev. Wilfredo De Jesús y Vincent Casillas
January 23, 2009
Gala latina en homenaje a Obama termina en desorden
January 21, 2009
Arizona’s only Latino governor reflects on career – Raul H. Castro
After six years managing one of Washington’s more important relationships as its ambassador to Mexico, Texas lawyer and politician Tony Garza is heading home to Texas.
TOP Ten things said/Overheard at Latino Inaugural Gala
Is a Mexico collapse wishful thinking by people who want to militarize the border?
Hispanics greet Barack Obama’s presidency with optimism
Obama’s Immigration agenda on new WhiteHouse.gov’s website
Latinos fight for political recognition
January 19, 2009
Hispanic stars wow inaugural gala – Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Wilmer Valderrama, Tony Plana, Lila Downs, George Lopez, Rosie Perez, Angelica Vale and more
January 16, 2009
Hispanics and the New Administration – Immigration Slips as a Top Priority – Pew Hispanic Report
January 15, 2009
The Obama administration’s nominee for Interior secretary, U.S. Senator Ken Salazar, today sailed through his confirmation hearing.
January 4, 2009
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson has withdrawn his name from consideration as commerce secretary for President-elect Barack Obama, citing an ongoing investigation about business dealings in his state.
December 30, 2008
Latino Inaugural Gala 2009 info and tickets
December 28, 2008
How to end a ‘decade of neglect’ in U.S.-Latin America relations – UCLA professor Sebastian Edwards discusses missed opportunities and ways to improve ties.
December 20, 2008
Three Hispanics among hopefuls for Ken Salazar’s Senate post in Colorado – Henry Solano, John Salazar & Federico Peña
U.S. District Judge William Wayne Justice has ordered Texas to take immediate steps to improve bilingual education programs — even as state officials fight to postpone what they call costly measures.
December 19, 2008
Miami Cuban American Frank Jimenez nominated for Florida Supreme Court
Rep. Hilda L. Solis (D-El Monte), a Congressional Hispanic Caucus leader considered to be one of the most reliably pro-union voices in the House, is President-elect Barack Obama’s choice to head the Labor Department, a Democratic official said Thursday.
December 18, 2008
Cabinet picks help, hurt Hispanics political gains – leaves the Senate with a shrinking Hispanic caucus. And it underscores a paradox that underlies Obama’s historic election: Minorities remain underrepresented in Congress. Hispanics, now the nation’s largest minority group, are 14.7% of the population, but hold only 5% of the seats in the current Congress.
December 17, 2008
One of the big bonuses Democrats enjoyed this year was a surge of support among Hispanic voters, a surge larger than the party would have dared to dream of just a couple of years ago. Now, one of the biggest questions Democrats face is whether hardening attitudes toward immigration, aggravated by hard economic times and rising unemployment, will push the party down paths that could undercut that Hispanic support, much as hardening rhetoric undermined Hispanic support for Republicans in the past two years.
Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-Calif.) will remain in Congress as vice chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and will not join the Obama administration as its lead trade negotiator, Becerra announced Tuesday.
Facing pressure to appoint more Hispanics to high-profile slots, President-elect Barack Obama is considering Miami-Dade Aviation Director José Abreu for a leadership post in the federal Department of Transportation.
Obama team claims record on Hispanic appointments
December 15, 2008
Sen. Ken Salazar (D-Colo.), a Latino with deep knowledge of water and land issues, is President-elect Barack Obama’s choice to lead the Interior Department. Two senior Democrats confirmed Monday that Obama will name Salazar to the post, rounding out an energy and environmental policy team announced at a Chicago news conference.
U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez said he’s taken himself out of the running to fill the Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama.
