News Clips Nov. 20, 2009

U.S. Census Assures Undocumented Immigrants Their Data is Confidential

LAS VEGAS — U.S. Census Bureau officials assured an audience of Asian and Pacific Islander community leaders, including Filipino-Americans, that undocumented immigrants will not be deported for filling out a census form, reports Asian Journal’s AJ Press.

In fact, “these individuals will be able to shore up funds for their U.S.-based families since a bigger resident count will mean a bigger allocation for a particular area,” a Filipino community partnership specialist explained.

http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=d79d5f36286782a404325e75b6fc8351

Group: Reform immigration

RIVERSIDE – A group of 20 township residents sat close together around a pair of cellular phones Wednesday night and listened quietly as national activists spoke on conference call about their plans to get a national immigration reform bill passed next year.

Two similar gatherings were held in Willingboro and Cinnaminson and were part of the nationwide call for reform organized by the group Immigration for America.

http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/news_details/article/26/2009/november/20/group-reform-immigration.html

Fear of immigration officials has many Hispanics avoiding the 2010 census

JOPLIN, MO. – Local Hispanic church pastors who gathered for a special Census 2010 information session today say fear of immigration officials has many Hispanics avoiding the census.

Only four people showed up for Thursday’s meeting but officials say it is a start at connecting to the Hispanic community.

City officials and the pastors want the Hispanic public to know government dollars for improving neighborhoods are connected to the census.

http://www.koamtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=11541214

Criminal deportations spike in Pacific Northwest
SEATTLE —

New federal data shows that deportations of illegal immigrants with criminal records from Alaska, Oregon, and Washington this past year spiked by nearly 40 percent, while overall removals dropped slightly.

The data released by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency shows that for fiscal year 2009 – which spans from October, 2008 to September of this year – 10,793 people were deported from the Pacific Northwest, a drop of 117 compared to the previous year.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010308443_apwadeportationsnw.html

The Early Word: Weekend Health Work

It looks like the Capitol will be open for a little more weekend business.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has scheduled the first key vote for the Senate’s health care bill for this Saturday evening — two weeks to the day after the House passed its plan to overhaul the health care system.

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/20/the-early-word-weekend-health-work/

San Francisco’s health care a model during debate

By JULIANA BARBASSA (AP) – 4 hours ago

SAN FRANCISCO — This city did not wait for Washington’s health care overhaul. Most uninsured adults here are already reaping the benefits of a government-run health care program — seeing doctors, filling prescriptions, and getting surgeries they could not otherwise afford.

Healthy San Francisco is the nation’s first city-run universal health care plan. While not insurance and not valid outside the city, it does illustrate how some hotly debated elements of plans being considered on Capitol Hill might play out.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iTXmsWmSDKkgqnruH_g8rhnGyzlgD9C36AFG3

Free clinics tied to health care debate

By ANDREW DeMILLO (AP) – 4 hours ago

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A nonprofit group’s campaign to hold free medical clinics for the uninsured in three states is turning into a not-so-subtle jab at moderate Democrats to support their party’s efforts to reform health care.

More than 800 people have signed up for free care Saturday at a downtown convention center in Little Rock at an event organized by the National Association of Free Clinics — the Virginia-based association’s second free event in the past month under a campaign promoted by MSNBC’s Keith Olbermann.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i8mCKJOh6EIcIqb0pxn4gMUWbmNAD9C35N2O7

News Clips Nov. 19, 2009

As you may have noticed already Lou Dobbs is appearing on a few morning shows this week.

If you had the chance what kind of questions would you ask him if he was on your show?

If you can come up with any questions we encourage you to respond!

Thanks and have a great morning!.

Immigration reform conference call draws thousands

NORTHGLENN, Colo. – Thousands across Colorado came together for 22 parties Wednesday night where the focus was on a single phone call.

Families, activists and politicians gathered to show support for comprehensive immigration reform.

It was part of a national effort to hear plans from congressional leaders about passing legislation affecting 12-million undocumented immigrants in the U.S., including about 265,000 in Colorado.

http://www.kdvr.com/news/kdvr-immigration-reform-111809,0,5982172.story

Activists push for immigration reform

A nationwide conference call kicked off efforts to get a measure before Congress.

National immigration reform activists kicked off a campaign that they hope will result in a bill in the spring on Capital Hill. And Bucks County residents want to help.

Area Latinos and Filipinos tuned in to a nationwide conference call, organized by activist group Reform Immigration for America, that encouraged communities to pressure the White House and Congress for comprehensive immigration reform legislation in 2010.

http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/news_details/article/92/2009/november/19/activists-push-for-immigration-reform.html

Immigration reform supporters renewing their push for change

Advocates and immigrant families are joining this evening in a telephonic “Town Hall” conference that they hope will help them ignite the movement for legislative change in communities across the nation.

They will listen to representatives Luis Gutierrez, Nydia Velazquez and Raúl Grijalva, Hispanic members of Congress who are behind reform efforts that would offer legalization to millions of undocumented immigrants.

Advocates in the Orlando-area will gather for “house parties” in Winter Park, Kissimmee and Orlando tonight, joining others in Tampa, Miami and cities throughout the nation who will join the conference.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_hispanicaffairs/2009/11/immigration-reform-supporters-seeking-renewed-push-for-change.html

Leaders want Hispanic community to take part in 2010 Census

Updated: Nov 18, 2009 05:27 PM

By MIKE PACHE

JOPLIN, MO. – Census reports do not begin until April but the city of Joplin wants to get the word out early, especially to the Hispanic community – a group that historically has been difficult to count.

The Joplin Census Count Committee will meet with several Hispanic community leaders on Thursday to talk about the importance of filling out Census sheets in 2010.

http://www.koamtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=11532269

Census officials look to hire 15K temporary, full-time workers for national head count

This month, thousands of applications will land on William Mercado’s desk at the U.S. Census Bureau as he lines up workers in New Jersey for next year’s national head count.

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/11/nj_census_officials_looking_to.html

Latinos Poised to Shake Up 2010 Census, Politicians Beware

I’m not convinced Washington has awakened to the reality yet — but the 2010 Census is going to shake things up politically in this country, and politicians …

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/frank-sharry/latinos-poised-to-shake-u_b_362652.html

Hispanic Man Leads Controversial Anti-Census Charge

A New Jersey pastor is using the US Census in a unique way. He’’s using it to protest. He is urging fellow Hispanics to boycott the census.. as a way of standing up for immigration reform. But will it work, or is it merely a lightning rod for controversy? WFMZ’s Jackie Shutack reports.

>> A spokesperson for the U.S. Census Bureau tells us this boycott is actually counter productive and illegal. New Jersey-based Reverend Miguel Rivera is spearheading this effort because he says in order for everyone to count, Hispanics should speak out by saying no to the census.

http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1300830

News Clips Nov. 18, 2009

Latino population growth adds to House seats

6 states expected to gain congressional slots due to surge in Hispanic numbers

A new study says that six of the eight states that are expected to gain U.S. House seats from the 2010 Census — all except Utah and Georgia — would not receive them without recent population growth among Hispanics, which may make Latinos more politically powerful.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705345232/Latino-population-growth-adds-to-House-seats.html

Census Bureau to hire 1 million temporary workers

WASHINGTON – As it gears up for the 2010 national headcount, the Census Bureau will be hiring as many as one million temporary workers across the country.
U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, a Howell Republican, put out a news release to that effect this morning, wanting to get the word out to people in Michigan, where the unemployment rate of 15.3% remains the nation’s highest.

http://www.freep.com/article/20091117/NEWS07/91117018/1320/Census-Bureau-to-hire-1-million-temporary-workers

2010 Census Mired in Controversy

Meanwhile, the National Coalition of Latino Clergy and Christian Leaders (CONLAMIC) is calling for a 2010 census boycott unless Congress enacts radical …

http://www.thenewamerican.com/index.php/usnews/politics/2334-2010-census-mired-in-controversy

Lou Dobbs Gets $8M Goodbye; Will He Challenge Menendez?

Lou Dobbs’ abrupt departure from CNN may have been a victory for his detractors, but for Dobbs, the bitter pill was no doubt sweetened by CNN’s parting gift of $8 million.

And for his detractors — in particular Hispanic immigration activists — the sweet victory could soon be dampened. That’s because many are speculating that Dobbs may challenge the nation’s only Hispanic U.S. Senator, Robert Menendez, a Democrat, for his New Jersey seat.

http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/news/newsbyid.asp?idx=167246&cat1=politics

Governor Crist Invites Grassroots Organizations to Help Ensure Accurate 2010 Sunshine Census

TALLAHASSEE –

As part of his ongoing effort to ensure Florida receives its fair share of federal funding and representation, Governor Charlie Crist invited grassroots organizations and advocates for Florida’s minority and other hard-to-count populations to become involved in the 2010 Sunshine Census initiative.

The Executive Office of the Governor is requesting proposals from potential contractors to develop the most influential grassroots outreach and public relations network possible.

http://www.wctv.tv/news/headlines/70294202.html

After accidental deportation, critics say immigration officials making mistakes

After a Salvadoran man was mistakenly deported, immigration rights activists have complained about toughened enforcement by authorities.

Two months after questions were raised about the legality of his deportation by U.S. authorities, a Salvadoran man returned from his homeland Tuesday to a tearful reunion with his wife in Miami.

Meanwhile, friends and relatives of two Miami Dade College students are drumming up support to keep the two men from being deported to their native Venezuela.

The cases, say immigrant rights advocates, have rekindled fears that immigration authorities are stepping up detentions and deportations.

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/5min/story/1338772.html

The Early Word: Health Bill Buzz
By ASHLEY SOUTHALL

People who are closely following the health care debate might not have to wait much longer for Senate Democrats to release their bill and for the Congressional Budget Office to assess its cost.

Senator Harry Reid, the majority leader, said he would move soon, The Times’s David Herszenhorn wrote, but Carl Hulse, also of The Times, notes that Mr. Reid is struggling to get the 60 votes needed to bring the legislation to the floor. The budget office’s analysis could help Democrats woo their party’s three holdouts and two independents instead of resorting to a measure that requires fewer votes but that the leaders consider less attractive.

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/18/the-early-word-health-bill-buzz/

News Clips Nov. 17, 2009

Lou Dobbs Suggests Senate Run “On My Mind”

Lou Dobbs, who recently resigned from hosting a nightly show on CNN, said in his first interview since his resignation that he is “going to remain in the public arena.”
Dobbs was asked by Fox News’ Bill O’Reilly if he is considering a Senate run in New Jersey.
“A lot of things are on my mind, I’m not going to be coy about this,” Dobbs said, though he neglected to answer the question directly. He went on to say he is “thinking about a lot of opportunities.”

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/11/16/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry5677284.shtml

Lou Dobbs to run for U.S. Senate? ‘A lot of things are on my mind’

Former CNN anchor Lou Dobbs said Monday that management there had no say in the content of his program, and neither confirmed nor denied he is weighing a run for the U.S. Senate from New Jersey.

“A lot of things are on my mind,” Dobbs told Bill O’Reilly on Fox News Channel’s “The O’Reilly Factor” in his first TV interview since resigning from CNN on Wednesday.

Dobbs had been with CNN since its 1980 launch — except for two years with an Internet start-up he joined after a public spat with his then-boss — and over the years evolved from a traditionally neutral newscaster into an outspoken commentator.

http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/towerticker/2009/11/lou-dobbs-to-run-for-us-senate-a-lot-of-things-are-on-my-mind.html

Lou Dobbs: My downfall at CNN started when Barack Obama became President

Former CNN veteran Lou Dobbs suggests his form of advocacy journalism fell out of favor when President Obama was elected and his ratings began to decline.

Dobbs, who had come under fire from watchdog groups because of his on-air, anti-immigration stance, told Bill O’Reilly Monday on the Fox News Channel that he never heard directly from CNN management that he made the network look bad – but there was a tonal change when Obama became President.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2009/11/17/2009-11-17_lou_dobbs_my_downfall_at_cnn_started_when_barack_obama_became_president.html#ixzz0X7YoB8Th

Immigration, Yet Another Issue: How Many Hard Votes Can Congress Take?

The Obama administration – and this is a rare statement apt to unite acolytes and acid-tongued critics – does not lack for ambition.
Even with the president off in Asia, Attorney General Eric Holder announced that 9/11 suspects would be tried in civilian courts in New York City. And Janet Napolitano, the secretary of homeland security, delivered a major speech adding one more controversial item to the 2010 legislative agenda. The upcoming trial of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed dominated the headlines, but Napolitano’s full-throated commitment to push for immigration reform next year may have the most lasting political reverberations.

http://www.politicsdaily.com/2009/11/17/immigration-yet-another-issue-how-many-votes-can-congress-take/

Punk’d anti-immigrant protesters react

Yesterday we linked to video shot by by D.J. Cummings showing members of Minnesotans Seeking Immigration Reform getting punk’d by a speaker at their Minnesota State House rally.

Bluestem Prairie’s Sally Jo Sorensen, among others, also links to a follow-up clip that shows Ruthie Hendrycks, a headliner at the event, shouting for respect while one of her supporters gets rough with some opponents.

http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2009/11/punkd_anti-immi.php

CAPITAL CULTURE: Sotomayor adds celebrity to court

WASHINGTON — Apparently, no one told Sonia Sotomayor that Supreme Court justices are supposed to be circumspect, emerging from their marble palace mainly to dispense legal wisdom to law schools, judges’ conferences and lawyers’ meetings.

Since becoming the first Hispanic justice, Sotomayor has mamboed with movie stars, exchanged smooches with musicians at the White House and thrown out the first pitch for her beloved New York Yankees. A famous jazz composer even wrote a song about her: “Wise Latina Woman.”

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g2q0FEkTG3Me9LZtAOvt0NKiM23gD9C13ED80

Why one Democrat voted no on health bill

By John Adler  (Camden, NJ)

After months of debate over reforming the health-care system, I decided to vote against the bill that the House of Representatives passed a little more than a week ago.

I did not come to this decision lightly. Like many Americans, I spent the last few months talking with family members, friends, and neighbors about how to improve the health-care system. I hosted nearly 60 community meetings across South Jersey to share my thoughts and listen to the ideas and concerns of local residents.

Throughout this process, I have said that I strongly believe we need health-care reform in this country, and that any comprehensive plan needs to fulfill two goals: first, it has to provide access to quality health care for all Americans; and second, it must ensure that health care is more affordable in the long term.

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/20091117_Why_one_Democrat_voted_no_on_health_bill.html

Pennsylvania State Police officials meet with Chambersburg Area Hispanic leaders about traffic stop procedures

By KEITH PARADISE Staff writer

CHAMBERSBURG — Pennsylvania State Police officials met with leaders in the Hispanic community Monday morning to explain their procedure involving traffic stops, the second meeting of an effort to cross the communication bridge with the local Hispanic population.

Lt. Col. John Brown, deputy commissioner of administration and professional accountability, gave a presentation at the First Lutheran Church to clarify questions that were raised at a community meeting conducted during the summer by the state police. Also in attendance from the state police were troopers Ed Asbury and Angel Garcia of the Chambersburg station.

http://www.publicopiniononline.com/localnews/ci_13804446

UPDATE 1-YouTube gets Hispanic shows in Univision deal

* YouTube to feature full length Univision shows

* Deal includes Univision, TeleFutura and Galavision shows

NEW YORK, Nov 16 (Reuters) – Spanish-language media company Univision Communications Inc [UVN.UL] said on Monday it has reached an agreement to feature short and full-length programs on Google Inc’s (GOOG.O) online video site YouTube.

The revenue-sharing agreement covers new and archive Hispanic programming, including shows from Univision Communications’ Univision, TeleFutura and Galavision networks.

http://www.reuters.com/article/ADVERT/idUSN1651391320091116

News Clips Nov. 16, 2009

Dobbs says his departure from CNN was ‘amicable’

NEW YORK — Lou Dobbs says he doesn’t feel like he was pushed out of CNN, the news organization where he worked for all but two years of its existence until last Wednesday.

“Not at all,” he said in a weekend interview. “I don’t know if people will believe it, but we had a very amicable parting on the best of terms. I spent 29 years there building that company, and I wish everyone there nothing but the best, and they have reciprocated with me.”

He announced his resignation on “Lou Dobbs Tonight,” finished the newscast and walked out of CNN.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ggB55AqaiedfjGrr85-RABEvnGeAD9C02TQ04

Reflections on Lou Dobbs’ Turbulent Departure

Lou Dobbs quickly and unexpectedly announced his resignation from CNN this week, terminating his reported multi-year contract with the cable network. I have been calling publicly for months for CNN to stop putting Dobbs on the air, so I think it worthwhile to reflect for a moment on why his resignation was the right decision.

Although some have decried CNN’s censorship of a self-labeled opinionated voice, I reject that notion. First and foremost, I am a champion of the First Amendment. The Media Institute, a non-profit organization that includes CNN and many other major news outlets as supporters, recently honored me with their annual First Amendment award for my work in championing free speech.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gary-shapiro/reflections-on-lou-dobbs_b_356592.html

Time hasn’t made immigration reform easier

WASHINGTON – Immigration, after 10 months on the president’s back burner, got its very own trial balloon the other day.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano went before a friendly crowd at a liberal think tank Friday and proclaimed that the time has come for comprehensive reform – a goal that has eluded Congress so many times, it has become a third rail of American politics.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/washington/tgillman/stories/DN-texwatch_15nat.ART.State.Edition1.3147e49.html

Obama presses Congress to rework immigration laws

The Obama administration expects Congress to begin moving to overhaul the nation’s immigration laws early next year, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said Friday, adding that improved border security and a drop in migration caused by the economic downturn make such changes “far more attainable” than in 2007.
“When Congress is ready to act, we will be ready to support them,” said Napolitano, President Obama’s “point person” on immigration policy issues. “The first part of 2010, we will see legislation beginning to move,” she said.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/13/AR2009111303995.html

White House adviser says immigration reform advancing

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Democrats and Republicans in Congress are working together to craft an immigration reform bill that could become law as early as next year, a senior White House adviser said on Sunday.
That legislation could create a path to citizenship for the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants already in the United States, David Axelrod, senior advisory to President Barak Obama, told CNN’s State of the Union with John King.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/15/AR2009111501587.html

Hispanic caucus becomes a powerhouse

Group of 44 Mexican-American legislators is gaining prestige and funds

AUSTIN — The first Texas Hispanic lawmakers 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 is growing in influence — and raising record amounts of money — as Texas’ population turns increasingly Hispanic.

“We are a legacy of the social and civil justice work that was started in the 1970s. That is forever going to be part of MALC,” said Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer, D-San Antonio, chairman of the 44-member group. “But we are not just a one-trick pony anymore. … We have a laser-like focus on the big issues of the day that affect all of Texas.”

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6722312.html

A Look at The Latino Population

The U.S. Census Bureau reported that the minority population reached an estimated 104.6 million — or 34 percent of the nation’s total population — on July 1, 2008, compared to 31 percent when the Census was taken in 2000. Nearly one in six residents, or 46.9 million people, are Hispanic, the agency reported.

http://www.spanishjournal.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=1&twindow=&mad=&sdetail=2096&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=2500&hn=spanishjournal&he=.com

Senate Begins Tackling Health Bill
By CARL HULSE

With a Thanksgiving recess looming, the Senate this week will take steps to open debate on its own health care bill even though it remains unclear whether Senator Harry Reid, the Nevada Democrat and majority leader, has the votes to overcome even an initial procedural hurdle.

With those final votes hard to come by, Mr. Reid will no doubt try to use the possibility of working into the weekend or even into Thanksgiving week to try to rally Democrats to back him and provide 60 votes in support of proceeding to the health care measure. If he is successful, the health care plan will still be on the floor waiting when lawmakers return from Thanksgiving and perhaps remain there until Christmas at least.

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/16/senate-begins-tackling-health-bill/

Senate’s Counting and Recounting Add Up to Delay

WASHINGTON — The Senate majority leader, Harry Reid of Nevada, hopes to finalize the Senate version of major health care legislation this week.  But don’t count the days. Mr. Reid and his aides have been saying the same thing for a month, ever since the Senate Finance Committee approved its bill on Oct. 13.Mr. Reid is tied up in the numbers: the 10-year cost to taxpayers and the impact on future health spending; the number of people who will gain health coverage versus the number who will be left uninsured; the price of premiums for a new public insurance plan; and the effect on premiums for the 160 million Americans who already have insurance.

http://prescriptions.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/15/senates-counting-and-recounting-add-up-to-delay/

News Clips Nov. 13, 2009

Lou Dobbs is a special case

By Edward Schumacher-Matos

A coalition of Hispanic and progressive groups crowed today about the success of their Drop Dobbs campaign against CNN and its advertisers. They deserved to beat their chests. Their latest effort showed that the fragmented Latino movement could find allies and maintain a sustained campaign. Immigrant demonizers have an increasingly formidable opponent.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/postpartisan/2009/11/latino_groups_should_limit_the.html

 

A Farewell to Lou
Lou Dobbs has left CNN, or maybe the other way around. Whichever it is, an old, odd, infuriating-to-many mismatch of sober network and strident host is over. CNN, for now anyway, changes back to something closer to the nonpartisan, straight-up news network it wants you to think of it as, different from its ideologically branded rivals Fox News and MSNBC. The real question is the effect the change will have on Mr. Dobbs.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/13/opinion/13fri3.html

Democracia USA President: Lou Dobbs’ resignation is a ‘victory’ for immigrants, Latinos, America

Wednesday, November 11th marked the official end to Lou Dobb’s television show on CNN. Stating that it was time for him to move on to other endeavors, Dobbs told his television audience in a sudden announcement that he would be leaving the network effective immediately.

One of Dobbs’ most vocal critics, Democracia USA, is headquartered here in Miami. On September 22, Miami City Buzz Examiner wrote about how a Miami-based Hispanic group was applying pressure to CNN to silence Lou Dobbs’ and his “anti-immigration politics”. Democracia USA has also made recent headlines by launching a campaign called “Enough is Enough”– a grass-roots movement against Lou Dobbs which included a petition to CNN.

http://www.examiner.com/x-6722-Miami-City-Buzz-Examiner~y2009m11d13-Democracia-USA-President-calls-Lou-Dobbs-resignation-a-victory-for-immigrants-for-Latinos-for-Am

A “Day of Happiness”: Immigration Activists, Hispanic Press Relish Dobbs’ Exit From CNN

Democracia USA, another organization that had joined the campaign against the anchor, said on its blog: “Tonight’s news is a victory for immigrants, for Latinos, and for America. Mr. Dobbs’ announcement should be a wake-up alarm for all those who are infusing America’s much-needed health insurance and immigration reform debates with inflammatory propaganda.”

http://feetin2worlds.wordpress.com/2009/11/13/a-day-of-happiness-immigration-activists-hispanic-press-relish-dobbs-exit-from-cnn/

Census Will Help Show Latinos’ Power

From an economic standpoint, the nation’s 47 million Latinos will look to the 2010 U.S. Census to bring validity to a buying power that stands at $1 trillion annually and growing. Among those born between 1985 and 2004 — Generation Y— are tens of millions of young Latinos who have just begun to approach the years of their highest consumer spending. Census figures project that by 2050, a quarter of the U.S. population will be Hispanic and entering its highest earning levels.

http://www.courant.com/news/opinion/editorials/hc-sierra-latino-census.artnov13,0,4882256.story

Democracia USA CEO and President Jorge Mursuli’s Statement on Lou Dobbs’ Departure from CNN

Democracia USA CEO and President Calls Announcement This a Victory for
Immigrants, for Latinos, for America

Miami, FL — In response to the news of Mr. Dobbs departure from CNN
Democracia USA CEO and President Jorge Mursuli released the following
statement:

“Tonight’s news is a victory for immigrants, for Latinos, and for
America.  Mr. Dobbs’ announcement should be a wake-up alarm for all
those who are infusing America’s much-needed health insurance and
immigration reform debates with inflammatory propaganda. The Nativist
enthusiasts can keep pressing snooze, but they are the only ones
sleeping through the alarm, It is they who will be left behind. ”

“In order to make America stronger and safer, we have to start
focusing on facts, and tough, practical and fair solutions that bring
our different ideas closer together, not lies that drive us farther
apart.”

“It is heartening to know that “the most trusted name in news” will no
longer offer a prime-time platform for hate and the misinforming of
unsuspecting viewers.  That is dangerous for immigrants, dangerous for
Latinos, and dangerous for a society that prides itself on a free,
independent and fact-based press.”

“As Latinos continue to make significant contributions to America’s
arts, sciences, and armed services, it has been dispiriting to know
that many Americans know Latinos more by Mr. Dobb’s false-inferences
than by the real ways in which we are making America a richer nation.
Let our and our non-Latino allies’ organizing around this issue be
proof that we will no longer stand by and allow the most vulnerable
members of our community to be scape-goated for advertiser dollars.
The 2008 Election proved that Latinos are active participants in their
democracy.  The efforts of the last few months are yet another example
of the Latino community’s commitment to fairness, equality, and all
that makes America great.”

News Clips Nov. 12, 2009

Lou Dobbs Abruptly Quits CNN
By BRIAN STELTER and BILL CARTER
Published: November 11, 2009

Months ago the president of CNN/U.S., Jonathan Klein, offered a choice to Lou Dobbs, the channel’s most outspoken anchor. Mr. Dobbs could vent his opinions on radio and anchor an objective newscast on television, or he could leave CNN.

For a time, Mr. Dobbs did tone down his TV rhetoric, but on Wednesday he made a more drastic decision: He chose opinion.
Mr. Dobbs told viewers that he was resigning from his CNN job immediately. Sitting before an image of an American flag on his studio set, he said “some leaders in media, politics and business have been urging me to go beyond the role here at CNN and to engage in constructive problem solving as well as to contribute positively to the great understanding of the issues of our day.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/12/business/media/12dobbs.html

Anchor Lou Dobbs resigns from CNN
By Howard Kurtz
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, November 12, 2009

Lou Dobbs, the most opinionated and divisive anchor at a cable network that bills itself as a straight-news oasis, resigned from CNN on Wednesday night, saying in his final broadcast that he wants “to go beyond the role” of a television journalist in tackling the country’s problems.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/11/AR2009111125152.html?hpid=moreheadlines

Lou Dobbs resigns from CNN
The outspoken newsman says he has been urged ‘to go beyond my role here.’ Is politics in his future?
Reporting from New York – In a surprise announcement, CNN host Lou Dobbs resigned on the air Wednesday after a recent history of controversial comments on immigration, among other topics, drew heated protests from liberal groups and created friction within the cable network.

Dobbs said that CNN/U.S. President Jon Klein released him from his contract so he could pursue other opportunities. He did not offer specifics but suggested that he is seeking a role in which he will not be constrained from speaking freely.

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-lou-dobbs12-2009nov12,0,1203905.story

Descartan cambio en retórica antiinmigrante por salida de Dobbs deCNN

Washington, 11 Nov (Notimex).- El presidente de la agrupación Democracia Ahora, Jorge Mursuli, calificó la renuncia del presentador de CNN, Lou Dobbs, como un triunfo para la causa en pro de la reforma migratoria, pero descartó que cambie la retórica antiinmigrante.

“La renuncia significa que podemos darle voz a nuestra dignidad si nos organizamos, si invertimos en la democracia”, dijo Mursuli a Notimex.

http://sdpnoticias.com/sdp/contenido/2009/11/11/4/530564

Initially waved off, Hispanic advocates jump into health debate

Effort centers on ensuring reform doesn’t shortchange immigrants
By Krissah Thompson
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, November 12, 2009

After trying to carefully balance their interests in health-care reform and immigration, the nation’s Hispanic lawmakers and largest advocacy groups are scrambling to develop a strategy to counter what they see as efforts to shortchange immigrants in health bills on Capitol Hill.

They had tried to keep the two issues apart, concerned, they said, that immigration would distract from health care. But other lawmakers and activists have inserted the immigration issue into the middle of the health-care debate, causing a collision between what Hispanic leaders call their two top policy priorities.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/11/AR2009111126661.html?hpid=moreheadlines

A Year After an Immigrant’s Death, Signs of Hope

There is a bright display of diversity and tolerance banners in front of the middle school around the corner from the village hall.
There are new bilingual forms for village business and more bilingual village employees and police officers, new guidelines for the Suffolk County police in dealing with Hispanic immigrants, a more moderate tone from county officials on the subject of immigration, more diversity facilitators and consultants than anyone can remember.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/12/nyregion/12towns.html

Yahoo! Launches Most Advanced Mobile Homepage for U.S. Hispanic Market

Building on its launch of the world’s most advanced mobile homepage, Yahoo! (NASDAQ:YHOO) today released Yahoo! Mobile en Español, a Spanish-language mobile homepage that is customized for the specific needs of the U.S. Hispanic consumer, delivering a highly engaging mobile Internet experience and setting a new industry standard.

http://newsticker.welt.de/?module=smarthouse&id=966667

News Clips Nov. 10, 2009

Undocumented students mobilize to win legal status

By Kathryn Rogers
McClatchy Newspapers

WASHINGTON — As her fellow college graduates busy themselves with spamming every available e-mail inbox with resumes, 25-year-old Lizbeth Mateo keeps to the same Los Angeles coffee shop she’s worked in for the past five years.

A native of Mexico and an undocumented immigrant who’s lived in the U.S. for more than a decade, Mateo earned a bachelor’s degree last year from California State University, Northridge. Though she said she’d like to find a job that would allow her to give back in some way to the low-income community where she grew up, Mateo’s immigration status has put a cap on what she’s able to achieve.

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/AP/story/1324871.html

Reading Latino Summit’s 87 ideas released

Adding more bilingual police and providing city forms in both English and Spanish are among 87 recommendations developed at the Reading Latino Summit in August.

Mayor Tom McMahon and Berks County Commissioner Christian Y. Leinbach were among a small group that revealed the summit recommendations Monday at the Daniel Torres Hispanic Center in Reading.

http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=165429

Latino Summit Announces Findings

Volunteers from Reading’s Latino Community had the ear of the decision makers, Monday night. The goal, to help Hispanic residents better integrate in the City of Reading. WFMZ’s Dwayne Parker reports.

>> REPORTER: After months of combing the streets of Reading, the Latino Summit Committee had the exclusive ear of the Mayor, the police and politicians. Topic of discussion: the Latino Community of Reading.

http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1296290

Many Latinos At High Risk For Swine Flu

Health officials say low-income Latino immigrants haven’t been getting enough attention during the H1N1 pandemic. They’re considered a high risk group because they often lack health insurance, have high rates of chronic diseases and difficult jobs.

Let’s start with one of the biggest concerns for this group – working while they’re sick. It’s an ongoing issue for anyone who has a job, call in sick or tough it out?

David Katz is a physician at the Davis Community Clinic, in Yolo County. He says this is a big issue for his patients.

“It’s a conundrum for the Latino worker, the low-income family, because they won’t get sick days and they won’t get paid during the days that they miss.”

This was the case for one Latino patient he just saw in the clinic.

“They probably did have the flu initially a month ago and now they came in with this prolonged cough, and very sick, and it turned out they had pneumonia, that’s a very typical story for someone who is trying to just muscle their way through the illness.”

http://www.capradio.org/articles/articledetail.aspx?articleid=7318

These two debates don’t mix

Immigration wiggles its nose into health care reform

Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at midnight

There’s a certain poetry to politics. Sometimes, our elected officials try their best to run away from a controversial or difficult topic, only to wind up running into it at every turn.

That’s how it is with President Barack Obama and immigration reform. After promising during the campaign to fix the immigration system with a bold and comprehensive solution, Obama has spent the first year of his presidency trying to delay the issue and focus instead on health care reform. But what do you know? The immigration issue popped up early and often in the health care debate. First, Republicans demanded assurances that illegal immigrants would not be eligible for health care benefits. The administration went even further and barred illegal immigrants from participating in a government-financed public option even if they were willing and able to pay their own way. But how are we supposed to determine legal status given that House Democrats defeated a GOP effort to require proof of citizenship from anyone seeking health care benefits?

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/nov/10/these-two-debates-dont-mix/

Illegal immigrants divide discussions on health care reform

McALLEN — Immigration advocates shouted support for health care reform Monday afternoon as Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison was ushered away from the airport during a campaign stop in the Rio Grande Valley.

As health care reform takes center stage in the U.S. Senate, the shouting over one divisive and complicated issue won’t stop soon.

http://www.themonitor.com/articles/immigrants-32426-care-mcallen.html

Anti-immigrant leaders exploit fears

Attempts to blame immigrants as the cause of economic, population and environmental problems are the latest trend by those seeking to divide communities.

One organization in particular has perfected this tactic, the Federation for American Immigration Reform or FAIR. As the pivotal player in a web of controversial organizations, FAIR pulls the strings of today’s contemporary anti-immigrant movement.

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20091110/OPINION04/911100342/1038/OPINION

Eight Things President Obama Can Do To Reform Our Immigration System Without Waiting For Congressional Action

by Harry DeMell

President Obama has his hands full during this difficult legislative session (2009). Health care and the war in Afghanistan seem to have taken all his energy. Immigration reform has been passed over.

It seems than congress does not have the time, or the will to tackle immigration reform at this time and possibly not at all during the upcoming midyear election cycle. There are a variety of things the President can do without congressional support to begin the process and help put the system on a track towards reform. The system didn’t get to this sorry state overnight and cannot be fixed overnight.

http://www.ilw.com/articles/2009,1110-demell.shtm

NV GOP front-runner faces attacks from own party

RENO, Nev.—The high-stakes election is still a year away, but Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., is already leveling criticism at Republican Sue Lowden, the former state GOP chairwoman, state legislator and Miss America candidate who hopes to unseat him.

Lowden, however, is apparently holding her own against Reid, leading him in mid-October polling. Her problem is the barrage coming from her own party, which remains splintered a year after being soundly beaten at the polls.

http://www.mercurynews.com/california/ci_13743082?nclick_check=1

Democracia Ahora Praises House Members for Passage of Health Reform Act

Democracia Ahora Praises House Members for Passage of Health Reform Act, Encourages Senate and White House to Maintain Immigrant Family Inclusion

Miami, FL – In response to Saturday’s passage of the health insurance reform bill by the House of Representatives, Jorge Mursuli, President and CEO of Democracia Ahora released the following statement:

Saturday’s vote was a tremendous victory for Latino voters who just one year ago cast their votes for reform.  The current health insurance reform bill will guarantee affordability, stop discriminatory practices, and offer hundreds of thousands of Latino families access to quality care.

In addition, we applaud the members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, specifically Caucus Chair, Representative Nydia Velazquez for successfully standing united against anti-immigrant provisions that would have denied undocumented immigrants the right to buy full-priced private insurance through the Exchange.  We urge members of the Senate and the Administration to maintain the integrity of this bill by continuing to include access for all immigrants, and remind those casting votes that Latino voters are paying close attention to this important debate.