- Social:
UnidosUS
Clarissa Martínez is deputy vice president of UnidosUS, the organization formerly known as the National Council of La Raza
PROFILE
Clarissa Martínez de Castro
Guest
FROM Clarissa Martínez de Castro
To the Point
Is President Trump going bipartisan? After nine months with no accomplishments by Republicans, President Trump extended an olive branch to the Democrats . He's basking in positive reaction to his dinner last week with Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi. They claim he agreed to protect the so-called "Dreamers" from deportation. Immigration hardliners are outraged, and "progressive" Democrats don't like the trade-off for increased border security. But everything Trump says is subject to sudden change, and Dreamers' are still full of anxiety. We look at the talking points -- and the tweets.
To the Point
The Potential Power of Latinos in 2016 After President Obama's re-election four years ago, the Republican National Committee officially declared its intention to reach out to the growing Latino electorate. Four years later, a record 27 million Latinos are eligible — a 40% increase since 2008 – and both parties are vying for their support. But there's no such thing as the "Hispanic Vote." They're divided by religion, country of origin, economic class--and generation. There are liberals and conservatives. But one issue is uniting them as never before: Immigration — creating a special challenge for the Republicans, and not just because of Donald Trump. Will that increase their dismal rate of turnout in states where Latino votes could make a difference?
To the Point
Unilateral Immigration Reform: A Dream or a Nightmare? President Obama has outraged Congress with his executive order delaying deportation for up to five million illegal immigrants, but that controversial action may be easier to order than implement. Immigrants who’ve spent years avoiding detection may not have proof that they qualify. Since relief will be only temporary, many may not apply — but if they do, immigration officials could well be overwhelmed, and Republicans won’t just withhold legislative or financial support, they’ll be waiting to pounce on evidence of lax oversight or possible fraud. Will cities, states and nonprofit groups be willing or able to pick up the slack?
To the Point
Immigration Reform and the Guest Worker Program As Congress debates immigration reform, one possible sticking point is a new look for the guest worker program. Many farmers say the current, H-2A visa system involves so much red tape they have no choice but to hire undocumented labor. At the same time, American workers have won court orders against illegal discrimination and poor working conditions.
To the Point
The Road to Immigration Reform: Rough as Ever When Congress took off for the two-week Easter recess, the so-called "Gang of Eight" Senators had not finished their work on immigration reform. So the AFL-CIO and the Chamber of Commerce took up what some called the only remaining issue, a guest-worker program for unskilled immigrants, which scuttled George Bush's effort six years ago. Over the weekend, they announced a deal, leading to agreement from South Carolina Republican Lindsay Graham and New York Democrat Charles Schumer. But another Senate player, Florida Republican Marco Rubio, says the celebration is " premature ." Are elements of the new coalition unhappy? What about border security and the "path to citizenship" for guest workers and the 11 million illegals already here?
To the Point
Immigration Reform: The Opening Moves President Obama whipped up a crowd of supporters yesterday in Las Vegas, commending both Houses of Congress for taking up immigration reform . He laid down what he called " key markers " to guide immigration reform, adding that if Congress fails to move in "a timely fashion" he'll send up his own bill and demand immediate action. But today's bipartisanship may or may not produce tomorrow's compromise, and everybody agrees that the devil is in the details. If 11 million illegal residents get a "path to citizenship," how many hurdles should they have to jump? How long should it take? Will they have to wait until the border's secure? When will that be? We hear the pros and cons from a former head of the Immigration Service and others.
Which Way, L.A.?
Fear, Loathing and Huzzahs for Arizona’s Immigration Law Arizona has stirred a political hornets’ nest with its new law against illegal immigration. Undocumented aliens are accused of crimes up to and including murder, and the state’s accused of racial profiling, ethnic cleansing and Nazism. Over the weekend, Sarah Palin gave the new law her blessing. Today opponents are making another effort to stop it in court. We’ll talk with the man who wrote the new law. We’ll hear about the US Constitution and the lack of action on Capitol Hill. We’ll also get the perspective of a veteran Mexican diplomat.
To the Point
Fear, Loathing and Huzzahs for Arizona's Immigration Law Arizona has stirred a political hornets’ nest with its new law against illegal immigration. Undocumented aliens are accused of crimes up to and including murder, and the state’s accused of racial profiling, ethnic cleansing and Nazism. Over the weekend, Sarah Palin gave the new law her blessing. Today opponents are making another effort to stop it in court. We’ll talk with the man who wrote the new law. We’ll hear about the US Constitution and the lack of action on Capitol Hill. We’ll also get the perspective of a veteran Mexican diplomat.
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To the Point
Voter Suppression, Climate Change and the President As America prepares to vote again, a question remains from 2016: are the Russians still “meddling” with US elections? Meantime, are Republican election officials in Georgia and Kansas suppressing the vote to serve their own interests? Those updates and the latest on climate change: President Trump says, maybe it’s not a hoax after all.
KCRW Features
As sidewalk gardens grow on Skid Row, homeless residents lose a sidewalk In a city with tens of thousands of people living on its streets, sidewalk space can be a hot commodity. Businesses want to keep the sidewalk clear for customers, but the city’s housing crisis means that for some people, the sidewalk is home. Some property owners have reportedly used sprinklers or private security guards to make sure no one sets up camp outside their doors. And in recent months, people living on the streets have noticed a new tactic – business owners effectively occupying a portion of the sidewalk themselves.