A mariachi's journey is the ballad of a lifetime

A most unique story by LA Times columnist Steve Lopez about the Marquez family from Southern California and the performance of "Danzon #2" by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, a piece written by Arturo Marquez.

A mariachi's journey is the ballad of a lifetime - latimes.com

Md. legislation proposes in-state tuition benefits for some undocumented students

A bill is being proposed to the Maryland state legislature by state senator Victor R. Ramirez, which would offer undocumented students in the state the possibility of paying in-state tuition at state universities. An estimated 250,000 students would benefit.

According to the Washington Post:

"We're working backwards," said Ramirez, who previously introduced the in-state tuition benefit in the House of Delegates and now plans to do so in the Senate. "We have said, 'You can go to school for 12 years' - we have invested in you for 12 years, and when that investment is ripe for the picking, we say, 'No more.' "

A similar bill was passed by the General Assembly in 2003 but was vetoed by Republican Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. If it is approved by the legislature again, Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) is expected to take a more sympathetic view, the measure's supporters say.

Md. legislation proposes in-state tuition benefits for some illegal immigrants

Immigration overhaul: President Obama's push for reform appears dead

More press coverage speculating on the specific priorities of the Republican Party and influential legislators who will be heading key committees.


Immigration overhaul: President Obama's push for reform appears dead - latimes.com

Passing of DREAM Act is very unlikely in next Congress, Republicans say

Republican leaders are stating that they are unwilling to consider any type of amnesty, including the DREAM Act, until the nation's borders are secure.

This is an argument that has been made repeatedly over the past decades.

It is also a convenient excuse to avoid developing any true policy alternative that takes into account the structural factors that create a continuing demand for foreign labor.

From such a perspective it apparently does not matter that millions of people are left in the shadows of American democracy and justice.


Passing of DREAM Act is very unlikely in next Congress, Republicans say

With census growth, Hispanic groups target redistricting to up political clout

The demographic changes documented by the 2010 Census will lead to a redistricting process. Latinos have grown in number and their presence has increased in strategic states. Civil rights organizations like MALDEF and PLDEF have met recently to develop a plan that can also result in increased Latino electoral influence and political power.

With census growth, Hispanic groups target redistricting to up political clout

What did the 2010 US Census say about America?

The national population has grown to over 308 million. Most of the recent growth has been due to increased births (17 million) and less from immigration (10 million).

80% of the population growth has come from minority groups. Latinos had the greatest gains.

What did the 2010 US Census say about America? - The Curious Capitalist - TIME.com

U.S. gun dealers with the most firearms traced over the past four years

The increased drug-related violence that is affecting Mexican society cannot be explained without taking into account the massive smuggling into Mexico of US-sold weapons. As this Washington Post article illustrates, thousands of guns used in drug-related crimes and homicides in Mexico can be traced directly to specific US gunshops. Moreover, little is actually being done to curtail this aspect of the drug problem.


U.S. gun dealers with the most firearms traced over the past four years

Immigration Vote Leaves Obama Policy in Disarray - NYTimes.com

The Dream Act has been rejected by the US Senate. It received only 55 of the necessary 60 votes. 5 Democratic senators opposed the bill and only 3 Republicans favored it.

The decision is not only a serious setback to immigrant youth, but to President Obama's strategy as well. He has emphasized increased enforcement and deportations and obtained no support from Republicans even for a bill that many had considered the most likely to be passed.


Immigration Vote Leaves Obama Policy in Disarray - NYTimes.com

Visualizing Slavery - NYTimes.com

Amazing map offered by the NY Times, documenting the extent of slavery in the United States during the pre-Civil War era.


Visualizing Slavery - NYTimes.com