‘Qué Pasa’ in Immigration: DREAM Activism; 1070 Lawsuit; NALEO Poll

America's Voice Blog

Posted 07/21/10 at 10:01am

The demonstration yesterday by activists calling for passage of the DREAM Act, which would legalize young people who had completed at least two years of college or enlisted in the military (in addition to fulfilling other requirements), is one of the lead stories in the Spanish-language media this morning. And on the eve of the second hearing in the federal lawsuit against Arizona law SB 1070, that suit -- and the law it challenges -- also occupy the headlines.

DREAM activism. Much of the coverage, such as La Opinión’s (Los Angeles) article, mentions that a dozen students were arrested for civil disobedience in various Senate offices. AOL Latino, Al Día (Philadelphia), and MetroLatino publish an article by Maribel Hastings of America’s Voice, analyzing how the students have become spokespeople not only for their own legalization, but also for that of millions of other undocumented immigrants—including their parents, relatives and friends as well as total strangers. El Nuevo Herald (Miami) reports that the push for the DREAM Act reflects a change in strategy among activists, who are now trying to guarantee “targeted” legislation to legalize certain groups in addition to promoting comprehensive immigration reform.

Impre.com covers a press teleconference yesterday at which several university presidents reiterated their support for the DREAM Act. News agency EFE reviews recent actions in support of the DREAM Act as well as the bill’s legislative prospects.

1070 lawsuit. The federal lawsuit against Arizona and SB 1070 will have its second hearing tomorrow in Phoenix. EFE reports that pro-immigrant groups are asking their communities to resist the law if it is implemented, and to demonstrate their disapproval by boycotting businesses, staying home from work and participating in demonstrations. Reuters analyzes the various scenarios that could play out depending on what verdict Judge Susan Bolton ends up issuing in the lawsuit; meanwhile, in a short profile, the Associated Press writes that Bolton has a great deal of experience with immigration and border issues.

NALEO poll. Via Maribel Hastings of America’s Voice, Telam and AOL Latino report on a poll conducted by the National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO) which shows that immigration has become the most important issue for Latino voters in 4 states, and that it could determine whether they turn out to vote—and for whom—in November’s midterm elections.

In other news... Notimex reports that the U.S. Attorney’s office in San Diego will investigate the death of Mexican immigrant Anastasio Hernández while he was in Customs and Border Protection (CBP) custody.

America's Voice has started a new series, “‘Qué Pasa’ in Immigration,” to bring Spanish-language coverage of immigration and politics to a wider audience. Look for daily roundups (in English) of some of the best Spanish-language news.

The latest Spanish-language reporting and analysis on immigration can now be found at AmericasVoiceEspanol.com. Check it out!