Undocumented residents who live in Farmers Branch and Carrollton, Texas have been put on notice. Weekend elections held in these two suburbs north of Dallas have resulted in the elections of two mayors who share the same agenda: to drive out undocumented immigrants living within their boundaries.

Farmers Branch new Mayor Tim O'Hare will continue his agenda of driving out undocumented immigrants in his town.
(Source: CBS11)

Carrollton's new mayor, Rob Branson, said he plans to meet regularly with Farmers Branch's new mayor, Tim O'Hare. O'Hare gained notoriety when, while serving on the city council, he was instrumental in getting a ban to rent to undocumented immigrants passed.

But Branson wants to take it a step further — he intends to form citizen committees to "come up with ideas for driving out illegal immigrants."

How would these committees be any different than the old-fashioned lynch mobs who, by virtue of collective hysteria, went after and strung up African Americans back in the day?

From my perspective, there wouldn't be any difference, especially since those residents most eager to sign up for such committees are the ones already out there who stage counter protests to the immigration marches and feel their towns are overrun by people of color as it is.

There's nothing American about opening up a Democratic process to decide how best to drive men, women and children from communities they attend church, school, shop and live in.

In fact, such an action puts the reputation of America to shame.

If this is the new breed of American politics in Small Town USA then the nation is in a lot more danger than from hardworking immigrants for whom the majority's only crime is to work.

Filed 12 de Mayo, 2008 | Permalink | View Blog Reactions | Comments (2)

By José Baig

José Baig is one-half of the BBC Mundo team “¿Hablas español?” which recently finished a unique experiment exploring the presence of Hispanics and the use of Spanish in the United States.

While on the road, José Baig checks email and updates the blog site for the project “¿Hablas español?”.

On two separate cross-country trips José and his colleague, Carlos Ceresole, interacted with people from all walks of life using only Spanish to communicate. Their findings about the prevalence of the Spanish language, the attitudes of non-Latinos towards Hispanics and the Spanish language and who exactly are U.S. Hispanics created an unforgettable trip for the two correspondents.

In the following post, José shares with Latina Lista his impressions of the project and what insights he learned about the issues that really matter to people across the country.

It was a year ago, in the Miami bureau of BBC Mundo — the Spanish language service of the BBC World Service — that this idea came about. We were trying to find new and creative ways to reflect the presence of the Hispanic/Latino community in this country.

I had just been appointed as the US Hispanic Affairs Correspondent, when I asked my colleagues, “Would it be possible to cross the US from coast to coast speaking only Spanish?” Some thought so. Others didn’t. “There’s only one way to find out”, I said. And that’s how the “¿Hablas español?” initiative was born.

Continue reading "Guest Voz: Latino BBC Correspondent Makes Cross-Country Discovery about Who Are U.S. Latinos" »

Filed 9 de Mayo, 2008 | Permalink | View Blog Reactions | Comments (0)

An appalling story out of St. Anthony, Idaho speeded across the Internet this morning. According to Idaho Falls CBS affiliate, KIDK, a 10-year-old girl gave birth to a 6 lb. baby girl as a result of being raped.

The news story on the KIDK site read in part:

…That person is this man, 37-year old Guadalupe Gutierrez-Juarez. Juarez is actually an illegal immigrant, and is now behind bars in the Fremont County Jail on other rape charges.

Since we broke this story exclusively yesterday, we've been checking with sources throughout the North Valley for more information.

The criminal complaint against Gutierrez-Juarez says the rape of the 10-year old happened between November and January. As we told you last night the girl gave birth at Madison Memorial this weekend and both mother and child are doing well.

If convicted the illegal immigrant could face life in prison, a $50,000 fine ,or both. Whether he ever serves anytime behind bars will be up to the judge who if he places him on probation, could deport him.

From the way this story reads, "If convicted the illegal immigrant could face life in prison," dehumanizes not just the intended target, the rapist, but ALL undocumented immigrants. Also, it makes it sound that this was a stranger-on-stranger crime.

It wasn't.

The rapist was married to the girl's mother. Latina Lista has yet to verify if the rapist was the child's father.

At any rate, it should go without saying that not all undocumented immigrants are rapists but this article definitely plants the connection between the two terms.

A rapist is a rapist regardless if he's an undocumented immigrant, a church pastor, a police officer, a teacher, etc. In fact, in most articles, the rapist is identified by his/her name and not by an identifier of their legal or immigration status.

By repeatedly referring to this rapist as the "illegal immigrant," this media story does a disservice to the local community and popular perception of all undocumented immigrant men who are Latino.

To their credit, in subsequent reports, KIDK refrained from identifying Gutierrez-Juarez only as an "illegal immigrant" and used his last name when referring to him. Unfortunately, not all news outlets are doing this.

Yet, the story here is not just that this sick individual committed this horrendous crime but that nobody found out about it nor did anything until this child gave birth.

However, we're discovering that there is much more to the story.

Continue reading "The use of "illegal immigrant" in Idaho rapist story creates false connection" »

Filed 8 de Mayo, 2008 | Permalink | View Blog Reactions | Comments (24)

Today is the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy.

It's a day that should be solemnly observed by every Latino family with teenage children. Why?

Because while the overall national rate of teen pregnancy has declined, it has actually increased among Latina girls.

Sarah Brown, CEO of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, said, "The teen pregnancy rate for Hispanic teens increased slightly between 2003 and 2004 and, for the first time, Hispanic teens now have the highest rates of both teen pregnancy and births. Also, data released in December 2007 show a 3% increase in the teen birth rate between 2005 and 2006, the first increase in the teen birth rate in 15 years."

These statistics force the Latino community to ask ourselves a very important question:

Why do young Latinas want to get pregnant?

Continue reading "Latina Teen Pregnancy Rate Deserves Recognition as National Crisis" »

Filed 7 de Mayo, 2008 | Permalink | View Blog Reactions | Comments (15)

On a day that has everyone on edge to see who will come out ahead in tonight's elections, there are pockets of the country where people are nervous for quite another reason.

In parts of the country people are afraid to step outside their homes to even pick up their children from school or go to work.

This afternoon, ICE agents parked across the street from the Oakland, California Public School, Stonehurst Elementary. Troy Flint, press contact for the Oakland Unified School District, told Latina Lista that ICE agents parked across the street from the campus but did not try to enter.

"They knew they couldn't (enter) because Oakland is a sanctuary city," said Flint. When asked if the agents appeared to be waiting for parents to come and pick up their children, Flint said he didn't have information regarding that but that he knew that ICE had arrested someone in Berkley earlier in the day.

Oakland is not the only area where Latinos are on edge.

Latina Lista's Tulsa news partner Hispano de Tulsa, reports that 10 suspected undocumented immigrants who worked for a construction company were apprehended.

How did ICE find them?

No year-long investigation with this case. Rather, it was an anonymous tip from a competitor who was mad that the company employing Latino immigrants got the job. The ironic thing is that of the ten, some were in the country legally. Yet, they had to endure the accusations, the intimidation and having to prove they were legally here.

The news coming out of Oklahoma doesn't get any better for legal Latino citizens. Check out the Oklahoma City and Tulsa links under "Regional Editions" to see what the latest measures the state is taking to make sure Latinos, both documented and undocumented, don't feel OK.

And if there's one aspect of this immigration fight that should be enforced — it's to keep the children out of it. For ICE to park themselves across the street of an elementary school is clearly a sign of intimidation and an act of terrorizing these children and their families.

It's time to set strict boundaries for where ICE should not go.

Filed 6 de Mayo, 2008 | Permalink | View Blog Reactions | Comments (7)

Sixty-four percent of the Hispanic population is comprised of people of Mexican ancestry. That's 9 percent of the total population or 28.3 million people.

It's not a big mystery as to why Mexicans comprise the largest part of the U.S. Latino population — proximity to Mexico and the long history of cross-cultural dependence. As most Mexican-Americans like to say: "I didn't cross the border. The border crossed me."

With today being Cinco de Mayo, a celebration that has taken a life of its own in the United States (because it's not highly celebrated in Mexico like in the U.S.), it's natural that the day is acknowledged by our leading politicians.

After all, no one wants to appear insensitive or out of touch with 64% of the Latino population. Yet, it's one thing to issue a statement that is puras palabras (all words) and another that says something that actually touches on the realities of today's Latino population.

During these times when U.S.-born Latinos are caught up in the vile frenzy targeting Latino undocumented immigrants and suffering from a variety of social ailments ourselves that threaten the real future advancement of Latinos, it's time to go beyond just polite words and start outlining plans that address the needs of U.S. Latinos.

Latinos are on track to be the largest demographic in the nation but if today's numbers are any indication, it won't be a good future for the nation or especially for Latinos.

Today, keeping in mind that Mexican-Americans are largest segment of the Latino population, —

• 25.7 is the media age of Mexican-Americans
• 1.2 million (out of a total of 28.3 million) have a bachelor's degree or higher.
• 23% live in poverty.

There does have to be change for the Latino community. It's easy to wag a finger and say it's the fault of those Latinos who don't want to improve themselves, and it wouldn't be wrong. Yet, not everyone can fix their own problems.

Intervention is needed and soon.

Below are the press releases issued by the President and the leading political contenders. Without any analysis or interpretation on my part, I submit the following for review.

From such routine, basic press releases can we get a feel just how in tune a person and/or his/her campaign is to the needs of the Latino community?

Maybe yes, maybe no. Yet one thing is certain — there has to be an acknowledgement that the Latino community is complex and not everyone has just arrived, nor do they all speak Spanish.

Once that's understood by the political parties and politicians then real change can start happening. I invite you to read the following press releases and see who really has a plan for the Latino community and who is no mas hablando (only talking).

President George Bush:

I send greetings to those celebrating Cinco de Mayo.

Cinco de Mayo is a joyful day in Mexican history and an important milestone in the history of freedom. On May 5, 1862, an outnumbered band of Mexican soldiers defeated a large European power against overwhelming odds at the Battle of Puebla. Emboldened by victory and yearning for independence, Mexican patriots ultimately won independence in 1867. Today, we remember these heroic accomplishments and all those working to advance peace and liberty around the globe.

This holiday is also an opportunity to recognize the strong ties of family, economy, and culture that bind the United States and Mexico. Through a shared commitment to economic liberty and the universal right of freedom, the United States and Mexico continue to build a future of prosperity and opportunity for all people.

Laura and I send our best wishes. Que Dios los bendiga.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Continue reading "The President and Presidential Contenders Issue Statements about Cinco de Mayo: Who's really in touch with the Latino community?" »

Filed 5 de Mayo, 2008 | Permalink | View Blog Reactions | Comments (2)

In light of yesterday's marches and the usual criticisms that they elicit, it's interesting to note that Arizona is having second thoughts about "uninviting" undocumented immigrants to work in their state.

As the price of food goes up and other basic services that benefited from the labor of undocumented immigrants, the correlation between an affordable economy and immigrant labor will become more and more apparent — and more unaffordable for those of us caught in the middle.

Filed 2 de Mayo, 2008 | Permalink | View Blog Reactions | Comments (16)

Today was supposed to be a day where people, who want immigration reform, an end to work site raids, deportations and a more humane consideration of the undocumented, were to take to the streets en masse and recreate the massive protests of two years ago.

Susana Gutierrez holds a Mexican and American flag during an immigration march and protest in Detroit Thursday, May 1, 2008. Immigration activists and civil rights leaders geared up for rallies and marches in cities nationwide, hoping to revive an immigration reform debate grown surprisingly stagnant in this presidential election year.
(Source: AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Yet, city after city has reported low turnouts. It wasn't unexpected. The day of the week and the stepped-up enforcement by Department of Homeland Security and local police and sheriffs came together in a perfect storm to keep the turnout from mirroring those of years past.

But this isn't an indication that the Latino community has become complacent about an issue that is accelerating discrimination and racism directed towards all Latinos. On the contrary, the reduced turnout should send another signal that the fight is far from over.

Continue reading "Low Turnouts for Immigration Marches Have Stronger Implications" »

Filed 1 de Mayo, 2008 | Permalink | View Blog Reactions | Comments (9)

Tomorrow, May 1, is the anniversary of the massive immigration marches that have taken place over the last couple of years. While not even the Latino community is exactly sure how many will turn up yet again to walk in support of undocumented immigrants, it seems the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is not taking any chances.

Elvira Arellano and Flor Crisostomo, two of Adalberto United Methodist Church's well known sanctuary petitioners.

Latina Lista has received word that officials of the Adalberto United Methodist Church in Chicago, which gave sanctuary to Elvira Arellano and now houses another undocumented immigrant, 27-year-old Flor Crisostomo, are bracing for the arrival of representatives from the US Marshall's office.

Rev. Walter Coleman of the Adalberto United Methodist Church told Latina Lista that he and his colleagues received word over the weekend from a credible government source that DHS had handed the case over to the U.S. Marshall's office so they can obtain and execute a warrant for Crisostomo's arrest.

Rev. Coleman says that this move by DHS is predictable as it seems to follow a pattern in which on the eve of a large mobilization like the May 1 marches, DHS makes a high-profile arrest. Unsure if DHS is trying to intimidate or reinforce their authority, Rev. Coleman says he and his colleagues intend to "stand firm" against whatever the government has in mind to do.

Rev. Coleman, along with members of the Familia Latina Unida/Sin Fronteras, plan to hold a noon time press conference today to answer questions about the DHS action.

As a special favor to Latina Lista, Rev. Coleman has released the following statement which will be read at the noon press conference:

Continue reading "Breaking News: Chicago Church Receives Word that DHS is Ending Truce with Sanctuary Movement" »

Filed 30 de Abril, 2008 | Permalink | View Blog Reactions | Comments (13)

It's being reported on the Indystar.com web site that almost 90,000 Hoosiers have already cast their ballots in early voting.

(Source: El Mexicano News)

And the big question on everyone's minds is how Hispanic Hoosiers will vote? Will they give the election to Clinton or Obama? Does it really matter?

While it's true that Hispanics don't comprise anywhere near the numbers of heavily Latino populated states like Texas, California, New Mexico, etc, the fact is the population is growing in Indiana.

Latinos eligible to vote may make that little difference which will be enough to let one of the candidates declare a win.

Continue reading ""Hoo" are Hispanic Hoosiers Leaning Towards for President?" »

Filed 29 de Abril, 2008 | Permalink | View Blog Reactions | Comments (3)

There's something inherently wrong when an elected government official insults fellow citizens, regardless of his stand on any issue.

By virtue of his political office and power, an elected official should exercise diplomacy when speaking in public.

Yet, time and time again, we've seen politicians in states like Arizona, Oklahoma and Colorado clearly illustrate their disdain for people who disagree with them over the illegal immigration issue.

Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo listens to his fellow Congressional peers during a hearing on the construction of the border fence along the Texas-Mexico border.
(Source: The Brownsville Herald)

The latest Congressman, who actually has a history of being offensive, is Colorado Representative Tom Tancredo.

Today, Tancredo accepted an invitation to serve on a congressional panel hearing that was held at the University of Texas at Brownsville regarding the construction of a border fence along the Texas-Mexico border.

His response to some of the residents' concerns underscore the lack of compassionate compromise and understanding of life along the border that exists in Washington, or at least among a group of elected officials who have declared the people south of the border to be enemies of the state.

Continue reading "Tancredo's Remarks Cross the "Line" in Insulting Texas Rio Grande Valley Residents" »

Filed 28 de Abril, 2008 | Permalink | View Blog Reactions | Comments (13)

Dr. Federico Subervi, a professor at the School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Texas State University-San Marcos, is well-known for his research into mass media and their impact on ethnic minorities. He is the director of the Latinos and Media Project and is the author of the recently published academic title "The Mass Media and Latino Politics."

Dr. Subervi's recent research sheds light on how big a role media plays in the political participation rates of Latinos and how both political parties tailor their messages to reach Latino audiences.

Latinos have received significant attention during the 2008 presidential campaign. Democratic and Republican contenders have made numerous efforts to persuade Latinos to vote for them, while issues of importance to many Latinos—e.g., immigration reform, anti-immigrant bashing, and Free Trade agreements—have had center stage in the political campaign rhetoric.

Latino leaders have been courted to advocate for presidential candidates, Hispanic barrios and events have been visited for rallies and delivering speeches, Latinos have been asked for campaign contributions, and media spots have been produced in Spanish and English specifically targeting Latinos.

None of this is new, except that it started much earlier than in previous campaigns.

Continue reading "Guest Voz: Mass Media Expert Explains the Impact of Political Campaign Spots on Latinos" »

Filed 25 de Abril, 2008 | Permalink | View Blog Reactions | Comments (9)