 Edición Semanaria de Noticiero Latino |
 |
May 2004
May 7th | Listen to the program
IMMIGRATION REFORM PACKAGE - This week, Democratic congressional leaders introduced a bill that demands legalization for immigrant workers and family reunification. The initiative also proposes a guest worker program that includes labor protections. Washington analysts anticipate that the proposal will reignite discussions on immigration reform and place the issue on the electoral debates. Patricia Guadalupe reports from Washington, DC.
MEXICO AND CUBA DIPLOMATIC CLASH - Diplomatic relations between Mexico and Cuba have plunged into what is described as their worst crisis in history. After the deportation of fugitive Carlos Aumada by Cuba, the Mexican government recalled its ambassador Roberta Lajous and expelled Cuban ambassador, Jorge Bolaños. Cuba answered by publishing statements made by Ahumada, which suggest that more than a criminal case, the fugitive was part of a political conspiracy. Citlali Saenz reports from Mexico City.
NEIGHBORS TEST THE AIR THEY BREATHE - Afflicted with nausea, headaches and frustrated by the lack of response by authorities, Los Angeles' residents of Pico Rivera decided to take matters into their own hands. Neighbors claim that their ailments are due to air pollution by solvents and sprays from nearby auto shops. Without support from the city, they are conducting their own laboratory studies. Correspondent Ruben Tapia files the story from Los Angeles.
May 14th | Listen to the program
MILITARY DRAFT - To the surprise of many, Los Angeles Democratic Congressman Xavier Becerra, announced his support for an initiative to reinstate the military draft. The measure seems destined to spark controversy. With rejection not only from Republican congressional leaders, but also from the White House and anti-war groups, the proposal seems to have a very small chance to succeed. Marco Vinicio Gonzalez reports from San Diego.
HOSPITALS FORCED TO DENOUNCE - The U.S. House of Representatives is nearing a vote that will force doctors and nurses to turn in to federal authorities all patients that they suspect are undocumented. Congressman, Dana Rohrabacher from the border city of San Diego and bill sponsor, claims the measure responds to national security issues and cost savings for the federal government budget. Immigrant activists respond by stating that the measure threatens the health of thousands. Patricia Guadalupe reports from Washington, DC.
ASSISTANCE TO A FREE CUBA - This week, President Bush announced his support for a report by Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba, which seeks to overthrow President Fidel Castro. The plan further prohibits trips and monetary remittances to Cuba, and increases support for anti-Castro propaganda. In response, the Mexican government condemned and removed itself from the plan. However, Mexican analysts consider that the recent diplomatic breach with Cuba limits Mexico in its role as a legitimate intermediary. Citlali Saenz files the report from Mexico City.
May 21st | Listen to the program
FIRST IRAQ DESERTER - Florida sergeant, Camilo Mejia could face up to one-year in prison after a military tribunal found him guilty of desertion. Mejia was the first U.S. soldier to refuse to return to Iraq two months ago, claiming moral reasons. Marco Vinicio Gonzalez has been in contact with Mejia’s friends and family who are present at the final trial deliberations at Fort Stewart, Georgia.
LATINO DOCTORS IN WASHINGTON - There is a health crisis among Latinos and the federal government does not seem to acknowledge it. This was the message delivered by physicians who visited Washington part of a Latino health association in Washington. The group of doctors met with influential congressmen to demand more federal funding for the medical care of this community. Patricia Guadalupe shares details from the Capitol.
LATINA SURVIVOR - Lucrecia Gonzalez, a mother who works in the fields of California’s Coachella Valley could have been yet another fatal statistic in the history of a disease that kills a great number of Latinas. However, Lucrecia lived to tell how she sorted the obstacles and overcame the illness.
May 28th | Listen to the program
NEW BALANCE OF THE LATINO VOTE - According to estimates from the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, NALEO, nearly one million Latino voters will head to the polls during the upcoming November presidential elections. As Patricia Guadalupe reports from Washington, DC, in a highly contested race, such as the one expected this year, this increase may result in political benefits for Latinos.
OFFICIALS AND IMMIGRANTS MEET - Atlanta was the headquarters for an unprecedented meeting between representatives of the Institute for Mexicans Abroad, Consuls and Mexican Ambassadors. At the reunion, that took place one year after the institute’s creation, representatives from Mexican emigrant groups asked officials for solutions to the problems of their fellow Mexicans in this country. Our correspondent, Patricia Ramos attended the meeting.
MIXTECAS AND PAP SMEARS - How do community education outreach workers, or promotoras, instill interest among Mixteca indigenous women to take life-saving uterus examinations? Sara Shakir visited a farm worker camp in Fresno, located in California’s Central Valley and talked with several mixtecas and bilingual health promotoras to find an answer to this question.