Hispanic Programs

In 2006, the US Senate voted 62-36 to pass S.2611: Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006. Of the 62 Senators who voted to pass CIR, 22 were Republicans:

Bennett (R-UT)*
Brownback (R-KS)*
Chafee (R-RI)
Coleman (R-MN)
Collins (R-ME)*
Craig (R-ID)
DeWine (R-OH)
Domenici (R-NM)
Frist (R-TN)
Graham (R-SC)*
Gregg (R-NH)*
Hagel (R-NE)
Lugar (R-IN)*
Martinez (R-FL)
McCain (R-AZ)*
McConnell (R-KY)*
Murkowski (R-AK)*
Smith (R-OR)
Snowe (R-ME)*
Specter (R-PA)*
Stevens (R-AK)
Voinovich (R-OH)*
Warner (R-VA)

Of those 22 Senators, 12 are still in office today, and 11 are still Republicans (think Specter). But the count is different this time around. Four years later, not a single one of these Republicans support CIR.

Next Tuesday, April 27th, at 10:30am NDN will release Hispanics Rising 2010, a report on the most current trends that characterize Aerica's growing Hispanic community, at our headquarters on 729 15th Street, NW.  The previous installment in this series was released in 2008 and can be found here. Hispanics Rising 2010 builds on the findings of the previous reports, updating statistics and data to reflect the most relevant and up to date information.

Click here for more information on NDN's Hispanic Programs. 

Click here to learn about NDN's initiatives on Fixing our Broken Immigration System.

This Monday, President Obama met with President Mauricio Funes of El Salvador to discuss trade, security, the environment - the three central elements of the administration's agenda for Latin America.  President Obama commended President Funes for taking bold steps to "break down political divisions within the country and move it forward with a spirit of progress" and for his "pragmatic and wise approach to the situation in Honduras".

In his remarks following the meeting, President Obama commented that the positive relations between the countries is partially due to the 2 million Salvadorians working in the United States and sending remittances back to their country, stating that the ties "provide an outstanding foundation for continuing cooperation" between the two countries." President Funes replied, stating the need to generate more jobs in El Salvador because when "people have better jobs, health, and education, they will be able to remain in [their] countries and have a better life." 

Obama also suggested interest in a multilateral project between the United States, Brazil, and El Salvador to pursue measures that would expand biofuels and energy development, which would benefit all three countries.  He also touched on regional security issues, primarily surrounding drug trafficking and gangs, emphasizing the commitment to be supportive not only in addressing the symptoms, but also the root causes of the issues.  The President closed by stressing that the relationship between the United States and El Salvador is one based on mutual interest and mutual respect, a sentiment echoed by President Funes in his remarks.

President Funes commended President Obama's new vision of how to deal with the hemisphere, and particularly Central America.  President Funes closed by saying that he hopes to have a strong alliance and strategic, equal partner in the United States.

On March 4th at 11:45am, please join NDN's Latin American Policy Initiative Chair, Nelson Cunningham, Panamanian Ambassador Jaime E. Aleman, and Congressman Eliot Engel for a conversation on the challenges and opportunities in the relationship between the United States and Panama, and a unique perspective on bilateral relations.

The purpose of this series is to establich an ongoing dialogue to better inform those interested in Latin American policy.

As many of you know, this event was originally scheduled for February 11th but was rescheduled due to the inclement weather in Washington, DC.

Space is limited for this event, so please RSVP as soon as you can to reserve a spot.  We will serve lunch at 12:00pm, and the discussion will begin at 12:15pm.  The event will take place at 2255 Rayburn in the Capitol Complex.

For more information of if you have questions, please contact Sarah Sanchez at ssanchez@ndn.org.

A Conversation with the Panamanian Ambassador
Thursday, March 4, 11:45am
2255 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Click Here to RSVP

Please join us on Thursday, March 4th at 11:45pm for the rescheduled event: A Conversation with Panamanian Ambassador Jaime E. Aleman.  This event, originally scheduled for February 11th, but cancelled due to the region's blizzard, will feature a conversation between Congressman Eliot Engle (D-NY) and Panamanian Ambassador Jaime E. Aleman.  Their conversation will touch upon the challenges and opportunities in the relationship between the United States and Panama and will offer a unique perspective on bilateral relations.

As space is limited for this event, please be sure to RSVP if you plan to attend.  We will erve lunch at 12:00pm, and the discussion will begin at 12:15pm.

The event will take place at 2255 Rayburn in the Capitol Complex.

For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact Sarah Sanchez at ssanchez@ndn.org.  We hope to see you there!

While some lawmakers formerly suggested that CIR would make it to the agenda in 2010, skepticism among the media increases.  In the meantime, supporters continue to advocate the need for reform by quietly organizing today in a prayer vigil to urge lawmakers to not only seek Comprehensive Immigration Reform, but to also seek "compassionate" immigration reform.

 

An ecumenical prayer vigil for immigration reform will be held at 6 p.m. today at Las Americas Faith Community/Trinity United Methodist Church, 1548 Eighth St.

The vigil follows a National Day of Prayer coordinated by Interfaith Immigration. Similar prayer vigils are to take place nationwide.

The vigil will have prayers, songs and presentations, and those who attend will write postcards to legislators and call them during the service.

- Des Moines Register