Politics + Eye Openers Hispanic y Latino News & Info (Noticias)
November 24, 2009
Allow Undocumented Immigrants to Purchase Health Care – New Senate bill includes inhumane provision barring undocumented immigrants from purchasing health care with their own money
LULAC is asking a judge to prevent Ohio state officials from canceling the registrations of more than 40,000 vehicles apparently driven by undocumented immigrants. – filed the lawsuit against state officials in Franklin County Common Pleas Court this morning.
Sarah Palin uninformed on Latino issues – A top adviser on Hispanic issues to John McCain’s presidential campaign said Sunday that a joint interview with McCain and Sarah Palin planned for Univision last fall had to be canceled because Palin was unprepared to discuss Latin America policy.
November 23, 2009
Wild Horse Activists Fly Banner Over Denver Calling Salazar “Slaughter Czar”
November 21, 2009
Meg Whitman’s Latino Outreach & the Pete Wilson Connection – CA politics
Hispanic Caucus: ‘You Lie!’ Outburst to Blame for Senate Health Bill Provision on Illegal Immigrants
November 20, 2009
A week after abruptly quitting his longtime job as a CNN television news host and commentator, Lou Dobbs said on Thursday he is considering career options including possible runs for the White House or U.S. Senate.
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
In Virtual Town Hall with Immigration Reform Activists, Gutierrez Promises Bill By December
November 19, 2009
More Than 60,000 Americans in 45 States Organize for Immigration Reform
November 18, 2009
Governor Deval Patrick urged Massachusetts residents today to avoid getting mired in “the usual debate” over illegal immigration as he gave his cabinet 90 days to craft a plan for better integrating all foreign-born residents into the state’s daily fabric.
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.
Massachusetts immigrant tuition bill to get new push
November 16, 2009
Where two contentious issues intersect- Immigration and health House measure omits Senate panel’s legal test
Honduras’ crisis brings South Florida election showdown – Divisions over Honduras’ political future are evident not only in the Central American country but also in South Florida as legal issues arise over elections.
Supporters of tough U.S. sanctions against the Cuban government have given more than $10 million to congressional campaigns over the last seven years
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.
Ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya accused the U.S. government Thursday of weakening and changing course in the conflict over the June 28 coup that saw soldiers hustle him out of the country.
Guest Voz: NJ Mayor says it makes sense to grant citizenship to undocumented immigrants – Michael Wildes mayor of Englewood, New Jersey.
State elections official fired after poking fun at Spanish-speaking voters – Texas
November 12, 2009
U.S. Rep. Silvestre Reyes on Wednesday announced his plans to seek an eighth term in the 16th Congressional District of Texas.
U.S. State Department Sells Out Honduran Democracy for Senate Confirmations
November 11, 2009
N.Y. elections reflect city’s shifting racial landscape – For first time, whites will be in the minority on the City Council
Republicans still hard-pressed for minority support – Despite his efforts to reach out to black, Hispanic, Asian and other minority groups in his campaign for governor, Robert F. McDonnell’s decisive victory Tuesday in Virginia was largely the result of his overwhelming support among white voters.
November 10, 2009
Chávez’s Next Target: El Salvador – Twenty-first century socialism may have stumbled in Honduras but it is being tried again in El Salvador.
November 9, 2009
House Passes Landmark Health Care Reform Bill That Leaves Intact Provisions Increasing Immigrants’ Access to Health Insurance
Republican Party courting Latinos in Nevada (and elsewhere)
Republican Debra Medina says she’ll be the first candidate in the 2010 Texas governor’s race with Spanish-language TV ads.
NY village gets new voting system to aid Hispanics – A federal judge imposed an unusual election system on a suburban village Friday
November 6, 2009
A third woman has filed a paternity claim against Paraguay’s Roman Catholic bishop-turned- president, her lawyer confirmed Thursday – President Fernando Lugo
November 5, 2009
AZ GOP Committeman: Ask “Brown People” About Crime in Tucson
Hispanic Voter Turnout Remains Low – voter turnout rate of just 21% in Yakima, WA
Deal to restore Manuel Zelaya in Honduras at risk – Supporters of ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya say lawmakers are stalling efforts to bring him back to office before a Nov. 29 election.
November 4, 2009
Hispanic Women Run for Nevada Office – Several candidates hope to alter the composition of the Nevada State Legislature. There are currently no Hispanic women serving in the legislature, but four have already announced they will run next year
Reid Gets No GOP Support For Resolution Honoring Hispanic Media
November 2, 2009
Zelaya, Micheletti Beginning to Disagree About Crisis-Ending Accord
October 30, 2009
Puerto Rico lawmakers have voted to adopt one of the world’s lowest legal limits for drunk driving.
Did a resolution honoring Hispanic media trigger a silent boycott among the GOP?
San Francisco mayor vetoes new city sanctuary law
October 29, 2009
Obama Official: Immigration Reform Will Be Introduced Once Votes to Pass It Are Assured
October 28, 2009
CNN Columnist Ruben Navarrette: Immigration Reform Must Wait – response to Rep. Luis Gutierrez
After Arpaio is Stripped of Immigration Powers, Conservatives Counter With A New Anti-Immigrant Bill
October 27, 2009
Impractical and Unconstitutional – Sen. Vitter Tries to Use the Census to Further Anti-Immigration Agenda
October 26, 2009
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has appointed three people to the state’s Latino Family Commission – has never met since it was established in 2007 (?)
The city spent $15,100 to throw a dinner party for state Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, Oct. 15, and city leaders defended the expense as a well-deserved thank you to the powerful senator, despite recent budgetary cutbacks.
October 17, 2009
Children sang, soldiers paraded and crowds cheered during the historic pageantry of the first meeting of the presidents of the United States and Mexico 100 years ago today in El Paso and Juárez. – The meeting between U.S. President William Howard Taft and Mexican President Porfirio Diaz will be commemorated by events and an exhibit at the El Paso Museum of History that opens Saturday to the public.
October 15, 2009
Media Matters for America has obtained evidence that CNN contributor Alex Castellanos’ political consulting firm, National Media, is the ad buyer for the insurance industry group America’s Health Insurance Plan’s (AHIP) new ad blitz attacking Democratic health reform plans.
CNN To Disclose Alex Castellanos’s Health Care Industry Ties – (Republican political media consultant)
El Diario-La Prensa endorses Bill Thompson for Mayor of New York City – largest Spanish-language daily newspaper in the NYC area
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
Faced with a deep recession, Cuba tries socialism lite – scaling back socialism in an attempt to save it
5 Former Census Directors Warn that Vitter Amendment would Severely Damage 2010 Census, Cost Billions – would add a new question on citizenship and immigration status to the 2010 census.
October 13, 2009
Thousands To Participate in Vigil With Members of Congress For Immigration Reform on Oct 12-13 in Washington DC
October 12, 2009
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn signs law that highlights Hispanic history in public schools
October 9, 2009
Latin America: The Empire Retreats – In the span of a few days two events occurred that reveal that in small Latin American countries that were previously subordinate to Washington, the ex-superpower no longer controls their decades-old allies. The recent episodes in Paraguay and Honduras reveal that the empire’s withdrawal from its own backyard is accelerating in the present systemic crisis.
October 7, 2009
Calls from some Latino church leaders for a boycott of the 2010 U.S. Census to pressure Congress for passage of immigration reform triggered a heated debate among scholars and activists Wednesday at Princeton University.
A trio of South Florida Republican lawmakers said Tuesday that the remedy to the post-coup woes in Honduras lies in U.S. support of next month’s scheduled elections. – U.S. Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Lincoln and Mario Diaz-Balart
October 6, 2009
Senator Leahy on the Nomination of Thomas Perez – Republican Filibuster Delays Enforcement of Civil Rights Laws – now 4 months of delaying
October 5, 2009
Colorado Latino leaders work to derail proposed census boycott
The good news is that Washington has finally begun to take stronger actions on Honduras. The bad news is that the actions completely contradict each other, resulting in ambiguity, paralysis and infighting as the Honduran crisis explodes.
October 2, 2009
Political scheme turns Mexican into odd celebrity – Rafael Acosta strode into Mexico City’s legislature with his arms raised triumphantly and was sworn into office. Immediately after the ceremony, he requested a leave of absence – part of an elaborate political scheme that has captivated Mexico.
Obama and DeMint locked in proxy fight over Hugo Chavez – DeMint has blocked the appt. of Arturo Valenzuela, the choice for the post of assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere affairs.
September 30, 2009
Grupo anti-inmigrante ataca movimiento Judeo-Cristiano pro reforma inmigratoria tachándolos de ‘desconectados’
RNC’s Spanish Translation Of Hispanic Heritage Month Press Release Riddled With Errors
September 29, 2009
Former Border Patrol Chief Silvestre Reyes Now a Major Player in New Military, Intelligence, and Homeland Security Complex
September 28, 2009
Sheriff Rogelio Dominguez is considering running for the Democratic nomination for Indiana governor in the 2012 elections.
Ted G. Loza Known as Voice of Washington D.C.’s Latinos arrested on federal bribery charges
Arrest Dims Fiesta DC’s Luster – Washington D.C. Council member Jim Graham’s Chief of Staff, Ted G. Loza arrested on federal bribery charges – Enjoyed Solid Reputation in Latino Community
The Sound and Fury of the Honduran Coup: Acoustic and Chemical Attacks on Brazilian Embassy
September 24, 2009
Barack Obama’s call for action on climate change and his admission that rich nations have a particular responsibility to lead has received strong praise from an unusual source – U.S. nemesis Fidel Castro.
“We Made Them Millions, and They Complain About Insurance” – Lupe Chavez, a housekeeper at the San Francisco Hilton, tells her story to David Bacon.
Mel Martinez Joins Lobbying Shop Immediately After Quitting Senate
The Obama administration launched a new Web site on Tuesday that officials hope will make citizenship and other immigration services more accessible. – gets 230,000 visits a day
September 22, 2009
Puerto Rico and other territories left out of healthcare reform
Ivan G. Marte, chairman of the Rhode Island Republican Hispanic Assembly, says he has quit the GOP out of embarrassment at South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson’s outburst during President Obama’s address to Congress last week.
September 21, 2009
Power struggle taking place in Dallas’ Latino community
September 18, 2009
Former presidents from Peru and Bolivia joined newspaper editors from across the Americas on Friday in condemning what they call a series of attempts by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, and some of his allies, to clamp down on the news media.
September 17, 2009
Honduran Coup Squeezed From Above and Below—But is it Enough to Restore Democracy?
Is This the Best They Can Do? Anti-Immigrant Group Rally Fizzles – FAIR Claims 200,000 Members; Only 50 People Show Up
September 15, 2009
Rep. Loretta Sanchez among lawmakers in spotlight for taxpayer-funded trips
New York City Latino Voter Forums Reveal Poor Quality Candidate Outreach
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.
September 14, 2009
Is Latino Affairs Commission A Soap Opera? – Twelve months of turmoil have plagued the state’s Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission, and it won’t let up. – Connecticut
The Mutineer Becomes the Captain – Pedro Espada Jr – NY state politics
September 12, 2009
Joe Wilson Voted to Provide Taxpayer Money for Illegal Immigrants’ Healthcare in 2003 – (can you say hypocrite)
September 11, 2009
There is a de-facto American Union: The Honduran migrant workers should have their own tea-party… No remittances without representation! – (really interesting!)
September 9, 2009
As the health care debate draws more hate against “illegal immigrant coverage”, the Democratic Senator charged with introducing immigration reform legislation is making more excuses instead of moving forward. – Sen. Charles Schumer
President Alvaro Uribe signed legislation Tuesday calling for a national referendum on amending the constitution to allow him to seek re-election for a second time.
A study released Tuesday says that without enforcement, undocumented immigrants could get health care coverage through the president’s proposed plan, costing Americans more than $30 billion annually.
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But that’s if all undocumented immigrants seek care — something another immigration expert and the study say is unlikely.
Latino Republican Tony Amador wants seat in Congress – He could be retiring after 40 years of presidential appointments and posts under California governors. But at 65, he’s diving into the caldron of national politics.
Laid-off Undocumented Migrants Seek End to Crackdown and E-Verify
September 8, 2009
From truffles to fox furs, U.S. ships more than food to Cuba – Despite a rigid embargo that has spanned half a century, the United States is playing a major role in feeding Cuba.
Rep. Loretta Sanchez pretends to get technical
Mexican President Felipe Calderon has accepted the resignation of his attorney general who has been key in the battle against drug cartels. – Eduardo Medina Mora
With a new attorney general, Mexican President Felipe Calderon is trying to get even tougher on drug cartels and those who protect them. – but is Arturo Chavez the right person for the job?
Massachusetts Immigrants Divided Over Census Boycott
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 3, 2009
A sad day in N.TX – parents revolt against Obama’s speech to students to stay in school
September 2, 2009
Return of the dictators? Colombia’s Alvaro Uribe is the latest in a string of Latin American leaders to push for more time in office.
Pedro Espada Jr. Fires Aide Onix A. Sosa Over Real Estate Woes – NY
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton plans to meet ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya on Thursday, the State Department said as Washington debates formally cutting off aid to the Honduran government.
Cuba embargo law set to expire — but it doesn’t mean much
September 1, 2009
Honduran Constitutional Assembly Would Be a Step Toward the Emancipation of Women
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
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
Immigration uproar will upstage health care debate
Another Latino quits the GOP – Sergio Garcia, who was hired only three months ago by the New Mexico GOP as its political director and deputy executive director quits
Gotcha! NBC Catches Mayor Villaraigosa Illegally Using Water
August 25, 2009
Gov. Luis G. Fortuño of Puerto Rico endorsed Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg’s re-election bid on Tuesday
Honduran Society Faces Contradictions of Illegitimate Institutions – Part 1: The Coup’s Version of ‘Order in the Court’
August 24, 2009
Honduras’s Supreme Court has rejected a Costa Rica-brokered deal that would have restored ousted President Manuel Zelaya to power and sternly warned that he faces arrest if he returns.
August 21, 2009
How about a “temporary bail out” for immigrants
August 17, 2009
La banca del ex senador hispano republicano por Florida, Mel Martínez, podría ser ocupada por otro cubanoestadounidense, el representante de este estado Lincoln Díaz Balard, dijo este lunes
The Problem With Comprehensive Immigration Reform Messaging: Almost Marcelo Lucero
August 14, 2009
A federal three-judge panel heard an appeal by LULAC Thursday against the Texas Democratic Party, charging that its delegate selection process dilutes the Latino vote
August 13, 2009
Sen. Pedro Espada’s son to quit 6-figure gig after attorney general launches probe
New York State Senate coup participants raking it in Espada’s son gets $120K job with Senate majority; Hiram Monserrate gets new workers
August 12, 2009
Costa Rican President Oscar Arias is suffering from the H1N1 virus, making him the first head of state known to have contracted swine flu.
Holy Satire! Over the Top Villaraigosa Spoof Video Hits YouTube (NSFW sorta)
Since Venezuela’s President Hugo Chávez called golf a “bourgeois sport,” officials have moved to shut down two of the country’s best-known courses.
August 10, 2009
Is There A Border Security Industrial Complex?
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)
August 6, 2009
Obama’s Vision of “Truly Civil” Immigrant Prison Reform: More Prisoners, More Prisons
August 5, 2009
The only Latina on the NRCC’s Target List: Rep. Loretta Sanchez
August 4, 2009
George Lopez landed a big name cameo in the pilot presentation of his talk show: President Barack Obama.
August 3, 2009
Venezuelan regulators revoked the broadcast rights of 34 radio stations on Friday, deepening a rift between President Hugo Chavez’s government and the private media.
With Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa out of the governor’s race, the two leading candidates (Gavin Newsom y Jerry Brown) have amped up efforts to woo the critical Latino vote in next June’s gubernatorial Democratic primary.
A small group of Texas Tech University faculty members is objecting to the school’s hiring of former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales on the grounds that he demonstrated ethical failings while in office.
Sen. John McCain warned that unless Republicans make a strong effort to reach out to Hispanics, the party will continue to be left behind. The Arizona Republican also said that under certain conditions he would work with President Obama on immigration reform.
July 29, 2009
In Venezuela, Plantations of Cacao Stir Bitterness – The passions surrounding the crop have turned it into a contentious political issue
July 28, 2009
Nicaragua Abortion Ban Forces Rape, Incest Victims To Give Birth
July 23, 2009
Ecuador’s President Rafael Correa says the Honduras coup probably occurred with the U.S. military’s knowledge and he questioned President Obama’s control of the U.S. government.
July 22, 2009
Roberto Lovato’s Exclusive Intview with Clinton Ally Davis on Why He Represents Honduran Coup Backer
July 21, 2009
Santa Ana backs bill to help illegal-immigrant students – The city passes a symbolic resolution urging Congress to give undocumented students a path to legal residency.
Castro retiene 600 cubanos con visa estadounidense
July 20, 2009
Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega accused unnamed U.S. intelligence agencies of planning the coup that ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya without the knowledge of President Barack Obama.
July 16, 2009
Mexico has retaliated against Canada for imposing visa restrictions, saying Canadian officials and diplomats will need visas to enter Mexico.
July 15, 2009
Why Honduras Sent Zelaya Away – The former president threatened to use force against the Congress and other institutions.
Sen. Hiram Monserrate spent about twice as much money as his raised over the past six months and used $14,500 worth of campaign cash to cover legal bills as he fights felony assault charges, according to his most recent filing with the state Board of Elections.
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
Latino leaders focus on Morristown as 287(g) looms – New Jersey
New York City Councilman Miguel Martinez resigns amid Dept. of Investigation probe into slush fund scandal
Cutting Welfare for the Children of Immigrants will Devastate California
Hispanic politics can be a tricky business inside the NYPD.
Long-time political mover and shaker Joe Garcia -a Democrat from Miami Beach, was nominated Tuesday to be director of the Office of Minority Economic Impact for the U.S. Department of Energy.
Hispanics Divided Over Census Boycott
Questions Raised Over New Rules Governing Local Enforcement of U.S. Immigration Laws – 287 (g)
July 13, 2009
So just who is Miguel Estrada? He’s a former federal court appointee of President George W. Bush. And he was the focal point of the judicial wars between Democrats and Republicans during the Bush administration.
July 11, 2009
Honduras’ Micheletti is both admired and reviled – A kingpin of Honduran politics for 30 years, Roberto Micheletti is a ’stubborn mule’ who has become an international political figure overnight.
July 9, 2009
Senator Pedro Espada Returns To Democrats, Ending New York Senate Stalemate – Espada and fellow Democratic Sens. Ruben Diaz and Hiram Monserrate said the end of the standoff is a victory for Latinos, providing them a greater voice in Albany
Yesterday the OC Weekly’s Navel Gazing blog had yet another good post up about Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez’s hypocrisy in not co-sponsoring the DREAM Act
Leaders of Cuban and Venezuelan communities across the U.S. have become among the loudest supporters of the military ouster of Honduras’ president because they see it as a strike against socialist influence in Latin America.
Obama Administration Mandates Bush Administration E-Verify Rule For Federal Contractors
July 8, 2009
Alberto Gonzales, who resigned as U.S. attorney general two years ago, is coming to Texas Tech this fall to teach political science.
Mexico: Voters Share Their Null Ballots on Twitter
July 3, 2009
Rep. Luis Gutiérrez (D-Chicago) is taking some heat for accepting campaign contributions from payday lenders. That’s because he’s playing a leading role in efforts to regulate the loans. A statement from Gutiérrez to WBEZ this week says he’ll quit taking those donations.
July 2, 2009
Is there a lot of “cantinfleando” happening in Mexico? – Midterm elections
June 30, 2009
Rep. Linda Sanchez introduces baby on House Floor
June 29, 2009
Maria Chapur Speaks: Argentine Woman Admits Sanford Relationship
Obama feeling strain over immigration reform – White House summit to show support may buy him a little time
June 28, 2009
Arizona State Sen. Russell Pearce has taken the lead in a new round of anti-immigration reforms that could have long-lasting effects – One would require school districts to collect data on any student who can’t prove legal residency. Another would require state and local officials to enforce federal immigration laws, thus making sanctuary laws illegal.
Honduran President Manuel Zelaya says soldiers rousted him out of bed, beat his body guards and arrested him in his pajamas in what he criticized as “a coup” and “a kidnapping.”
June 25, 2009
It’s a win for Sheriff Joe Arpaio. The County Board of Supervisors has voted to give County Attorney Andrew Thomas $1.4 million to enforce employer sanctions laws — and part of that money will go to Sheriff Joe Arpaio to help combat illegal immigration.
With Villarraigosa out of the CA Governor’s Race, will Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez jump in?
June 24, 2009
Blacks, Latinos in L.A. more conservative than whites, Times Poll finds
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.”
Congress considers referendum on Puerto Rico’s political status
June 23, 2009
On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court let stand a key provision of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. At stake was Section 5 of the Act, which requires a number of states and many local governments, mostly in the South, to seek federal permission before changing their voting procedures.
June 22, 2009
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa will be announcing whether he will run for governor of California this afternoon at 4:00 EST on CNN’s “Situation Room.”
Traitor New York State Senator Hiram Monserrate likens himself to Jesus – (strong words all around)
June 20, 2009
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
Dream Act Advocates Hold Graduation Ceremony on Capitol Hill
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
New Book on Sonia Sotomayor by Margarita Amador
In a new report, the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR)—an anti-immigrant hate group – Takes Aim at Virginia’s Immigrants and Children
Administration Plans to Scale Back Real ID Law
June 15, 2009
Pro-English measures being revived across U.S.
U.S. Supreme Court won’t review ‘Cuban Five’ spy convictions
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
The United States on Wednesday canceled more than $60 million in assistance to Nicaragua, citing concerns about democracy, rule of law and a free market economy in the Latin American nation now led by a former Marxist guerrilla leader.
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 6, 2009
A bill that aims to curb illegal immigration by prohibiting local governments from enacting “sanctuary” ordinances, or policies that make it difficult for law enforcement and other local government employees to comply with federal immigration law, was approved in the Tennessee’s state House on Friday morning.
June 5, 2009
Marco Rubio Is the “Cuban Newt Gingrich”?
White House Staffer Disappoints Phoenix Latino Leaders in Meeting at El Portal – Don’t hold your breath waiting for the Obama administration to do anything in the near future about immigration reform, or yanking Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s 287(g) authority
A senior communist official says Cuba is happy with an Organization of American States decision lifting a decades-long suspension on the island, but it won’t return to the group.
Sonia Sotomayor files 172-page questionnaire for Senate
June 4, 2009
Political cartoon portraying Sotomayor as a piñata is insensitive but deserves no rash judgements
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.
June 2, 2009
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
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
May 30, 2009
A Leader’s Limit – Why Colombia’s successful president should not seek another term in office
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
Hugo Chavez Talkathon To Last 4 Days
Operation Gringo: Can the Republicans Sacrifice the Hispanic Vote and Win the White House?
May 28, 2009
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’
May 27, 2009
Cardozo was first, but was he Hispanic? – Sonia Sotomayor’s Puerto Rican heritage would make her the first Hispanic to serve on the nation’s highest court — unless you count Benjamin Cardozo, who was on the court from 1932 to 1938.
April 29, 2009
Supreme Court Hears Voting Rights Act Challenge – ACLU Represents Individual Affected By Oversight Provision – outcome of the case will have enormous implications for minority voters
April 20, 2009
Father and son arrested: the other side of Utah’s stab at immigration reform
April 18, 2009
Paraguay: President Fernando Lugo Admits Fathering a Child as Bishop
April 10, 2009
Bolivia’s President Evo Morales is on a hunger strike to force the National Congress to pass a law.
As the White House gears up to push an immigration overhaul, advocates are finding they have an unexpected ally in White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel.
The mayor-elect of a North Shore suburb said Wednesday that he would drop many restrictions against illegal immigrants imposed by his predecessor. “The current mayor was not open to listening to what the community really needed,” said Robert Sabonjian, who on Tuesday defeated the incumbent mayor of Waukegan
April 7, 2009
Peru court sentences Alberto Fujimori to 25 years prison
Texas Mayor Caught in Deportation Furor – Mayor Herbert Gears of Irving
March 25, 2009
Gov. David Paterson has appointed the first Latino presiding justice to the midlevel appeals court in New York. Associate Justice Luis Gonzalez
March 24, 2009
Al Sanchez, Former Streets And Sanitation Commissioner Under Daley, Found Guilty Of Fraud In Corruption Trial – Chicago
Obama Flinches on Immigration
March 23, 2009
Puerto Rico Governor Acevedo Found Not Guilty of Corruption
The Many Stories of Carlos Fernando Chamorro – President of Nicaragua
March 22, 2009
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez on Sunday called President Obama “ignorant,” saying he has a lot to learn about Latin America.
March 21, 2009
MIAMI — Cuban-American voters here remain dominated by an older generation with more extreme views on U.S.-Cuba foreign policy, including support for the U.S. embargo against their communist homeland, according to an exit poll taken during the 2008 election.
March 20, 2009
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi says the enforcement of existing immigration laws is “un-American.” Pelosi made the comments before a group of both legal and illegal immigrants and their families in San Francisco recently.
March 19, 2009
Hispanics lose with the American president’s current stimulus plan
Former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio has quietly registered as a candidate for the Senate seat to be vacated by Mel Martinez in 2010.
March 17, 2009
Obama appointee Adolfo Carrión spent big on lavish staff retreats in Bronx
March 16, 2009
Republican congressmen’s threats of revoking protected status of El Salvadoran immigrants are repulsive and demands an apology – Trent Franks (R-Ariz) and Dan Burton (R-Ind)
Victory on voter ID may cost GOP Latino support in Texas
March 14, 2009
The Fall of Rosario Marín, California’s Favorite Mexican Republican: News Analysis from FI2W
Watchdog group calls for investigation of Adolfo Carrion, Bronx pres. tapped as Obama’s urban czar
Chile sues U.S. banks over hidden Pinochet accounts
March 13, 2009
El Salvador Holds National Elections Amidst Renewed GOP Threats Against Electing FMLN
March 9, 2009
Illegal immigrants might get stimulus jobs, experts say – (or so say studies by 2 conservative think tanks)
March 3, 2009
Fidel Castro said Tuesday that two of his closest lieutenants had become seduced by “the honey of power,” and hinted that they were demoted because their angling for leadership roles in a post-Castro Cuba had become unseemly.
Spain’s Basque country voters end nationalist grip on power – Election results leave way open for socialists to lead new government in the region
President Raul Castro shook up Cuba’s top leadership on Monday, replacing key figures tied to his brother Fidel Castro with others apparently closer to him
February 16, 2009
Attorneys for the Cuban Five have filed an appeal with the Supreme Court asking for a new trial.
President Hugo Chavez won a referendum to eliminate term limits Sunday and vowed to remain in power for at least another decade to complete his socialist revolution. Opponents accepted defeat but said Chavez is becoming a dictator.
February 10, 2009
The drive by Venezuela’s autocratic president, Hugo Chavez, to export his brand of socialism across Latin America and remain in power indefinitely is being jeopardised by tumbling oil prices.
February 4, 2009
Alberto Gonzales lauds ‘tremendous job’ by his Justice Department – but CNN’s Campbell Brown says “These were not little negatives. And we can go through the list, but let’s talk about — let’s start by talking about how politicized the Justice Department became.”
February 1, 2009
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano announced today a wide-ranging action directive on immigration and border security.
Illegal immigrants without Social Security numbers could not get tax credits under the $800 billion-plus economic stimulus package making its way through Congress.
January 28, 2009
GOP Hispanic Outreach Team Locked in Closet During SCHIP Debate?
Some experts worry that a new generation of Latin American strongmen, or caudillos, is taking hold. They are generally civilians instead of soldiers, and they take office via elections instead of coups, but once in power they use every means available to extend their terms in office — by years or even decades.
January 26, 2009
Alberto Gonzales: I Don’t Think Obama AG Will Prosecute Me
Puerto Rico’s Senate declined Thursday to consider a proposed merger with the lower house, effectively killing a cost-saving measure that would have eliminated some jobs for lawmakers in the U.S. territory.
Puerto Rico’s Senate declined Thursday to consider a proposed merger with the lower house, effectively killing a cost-saving measure that would have eliminated some jobs for lawmakers in the U.S. territory.
January 23, 2009
Five of former Gov. Anibal Acevedo Vila’s co-defendants were pleading guilty Friday in a federal corruption case, leaving him increasingly isolated ahead of the trial for alleged campaign finance violations – Puerto Rico
More than 1,200 advocacy groups – includng the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials (GALEO) – have delivered a letter to the Obama Administration outlining priorities for immigration reform from the pro- immigrant, pro-immigration perspective.
January 21, 2009
Mexico On Path To Becoming Bigger Security Threat Than Iraq
January 19, 2009
In his final acts of clemency, President Bush on Monday commuted the prison sentences of two former Border Patrol agents whose convictions for shooting a Mexican drug dealer ignited fierce debate about illegal immigration.
January 15, 2009
Oklahoma lawmakers try for official English law
December 28, 2008
Even in a borough that’s seen its share of political scandal and run-ins with the law, the sight of Councilman Hiram Monserrate in handcuffs last week was enough to shock even the most cynical political observer. Two weeks shy of his ascension as a leading Latino voice in the state Senate, Monserrate (D-Corona) was arrested and charged by the NYPD early Friday morning for allegedly slashing his girlfriend in the face with a broken bottle or glass during an argument.
December 23, 2008
Obama’s Latino Problem: Hispanic Leaders Criticize the President-elect’s Cabinet Choices
Ties to power win Fabian Nuñez’s son special treatment
December 20, 2008
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
Cuban President Raúl Castro has offered to exchange political dissidents in his country for five Cubans jailed in the United States on espionage convictions.
December 18, 2008
A court prevented nearly 2,000 people from taking the oath of U.S. citizenship in time to register to vote in the November elections, a new report released Wednesday said.
South El Monte mayor makes no promises on heeding curfew – Blanca Figueroa says she stays at work until the wee hours because the mayor’s work is never done. Colleagues contend she’s living at City Hall.
Ken Salazar Wants to Drill, Baby, Drill Off Florida’s Shores
Why Becerra rebuffed Obama – turned down the U.S. trade representative gig because he was concerned that trade would not be a big priority in the new administration. But the Obama team may have already soured on Becerra thanks to his hemming and hawing over the post, according to people close to the situation
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.
Hispanic support for the Republican Party is in a “state of emergency,” Mario López, president of the conservative Hispanic Leadership Fund, tells Newsmax. “You have a situation where the conservative movement’s endangered, and the party’s in danger, if we don’t do better among this population,” López says.
December 15, 2008
Ruben Navarrette Jr.: Alberto Gonzales offers a glimpse of his Bush experience
Brooklyn congresswoman Nydia Velazquez has taken herself out of contention as a potential successor for Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.
A sure indicator that fundraising efforts will follow, mayoral candidate Trish DeBerry Mejia on Thursday filed paperwork with the city designating local media guru Lionel Sosa her campaign treasurer. – San Antonio
December 12, 2008
Obama doesn’t want to talk about border wall
Mexico announced a plan Thursday to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 using solar power, wind and other clean technologies — making it one of the few developing countries to set a specific emissions reduction target.
Two prominent Hispanic Democratic officials from Texas harshly criticized an arm of their national party today for skipping over the state when it provided funding muscle for U.S. Senate candidates across the country.
Esteban Núñez, son of former California Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez, is arraigned on murder charges in Superior Court in San Diego, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008. Núñez and three of his friends and are accused of stabbing to death a 22-year-old student and injuring three other men on the San Diego State University campus.
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist eliminated the only Hispanic nominee (Judge Jorge Labarga) for an as-yet unfilled Florida Supreme Court vacancy Wednesday by appointing him, instead, to a secondary appellate court.
Colombia: Social Conflict Replaces Warfare – Social conflict has overtaken the center of the political stage, displacing President Alvaro Uribe, who merely repeats the script that brought him so much success in the war: the Indians, sugarcane workers, teachers, government workers, truckers, and anyone else who protests and mobilizes is being manipulated by the FARC guerrillas.
December 10, 2008
The race for Democratic caucus vice chairman inched forward Tuesday, with bumper-to-bumper traffic stalled behind Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-Calif.).
President-elect Barack Obama pledged to make comprehensive immigration reform a priority in his first term in the White House, but the nation’s worsening economic woes may force delays on the campaign promise, experts said.
McCain outreach chief sought Hispanic vote – Juan Hernandez
Despite testimony, immigration bill looks to pass session intact – Utah
December 9, 2008
Democratic U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar raised more than $400,000 at his first major fundraiser for his 2010 re-election bid.
Why Raul Grijalva matters at Interior
December 8, 2008
Despite population numbers, Latinos’ role limited in local governments of the Inland Valley in California
U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez has made more than $420,000 on real estate deals – Many are done with campaign contributors
After stumble, Thomas E. Perez on the rise – His connections to the Obama team, growing profile in Annapolis could lead to larger role
December 7, 2008
Tennessee immigrants fight back fear, sue for rights – Three cases challenge state and local policies
Hugo Chávez’s government gave out millions of dollars in cash and goods to buy votes in recent elections, evidence and testimony shows.
December 6, 2008
Race on to become 1st elected Latino mayor in Massachusetts – William “Willy” Lantigua in Lawrence
Bolivian leader Evo Morales on Thursday accused the US government of encouraging drug-trafficking as he explained his decision to banish the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Bolivian leader Evo Morales on Thursday accused the US government of encouraging drug-trafficking as he explained his decision to banish the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
An Oklahoma state task force looking at the status of Hispanic students in higher education may expire next year because some in the first-ever Republican-controlled Legislature frown on a group that has “lightning-rod-type words” such as Hispanic or multicultural, the task force chairman said Friday.
December 5, 2008
Obama ignored Latinos for top posts – Navarrette
Napolitano’s immigration strategy was largely defense – Republicans, Democrats say she was reluctant to take lead on issue
Estará Shakira en toma de posesión de Obama – Fue invitada a actuar en el evento del próximo enero; es la única latina considerada para el acto
Traditionally pro-Chavez slum turns to opposition – The barrio of Petare, one of the biggest slums in Latin America
A federal judge ordered a Puerto Rican lawmaker, Sen. Jorge de Castro Font, to be jailed ahead of his corruption trial, ruling Thursday that he violated his bail by contacting a government witness.
Hispanic Caucus pushes Rep. Rick Noreiga for Cabinet spot State lawmaker from Houston is touted to head Veterans Affairs
December 3, 2008
Trio of big names stand in way of Latino taking N.Y. – A Clinton, a Cuomo and a Kennedy.
The Presidential Transition and Latin America Policy: Optimism for Change Dims as Reality Sets In
Chinese-American activists oppose any Bill Richardson cabinet nomination
AP Analysis: Obama free to change US-Cuba policy
Hispanic voters helped turn Florida blue for president-elect Barack Obama, but not all of them are cheering. Many Colombian, Cuban and Venezuelan immigrants who voted Republican are nervous about what comes next.
Bill Richardson longed to return to Washington, D.C., federal posts
December 2, 2008
The attorney for Puerto Rico’s governor Anibal Acevedo Vila says a federal judge has thrown out most of the federal corruption charges against his client.
Breaking a glass ceiling: will New Jersey get a Latino Secretary of Agriculture?
Latinos unhappy with Obama picks – If there is one message President-elect Barack Obama’s transition team has broadcast about Cabinet picks, it is that ethnicity and gender will not be the first considerations when filling the slots.
Speculation on whether Democratic Congressman Raúl Grijalva will be tapped by President-elect Barack Obama to head the U.S. Interior Department has fueled yet more speculation about who might want his job in Congress, should it come open.
November 25, 2008
Charlotte Toughens Rules On Mobile Food Vendors – Many of the vendors are Hispanic and call the measures discrimination. Latino activist German de Castro said, “We are talking about an economic class that happens to be Hispanic.
