4:03 pm By Maegan La Mala · Lifestyle| Politics · Comments Off
26 Sep 2005
Gregory Rodriguez, a contributing editor to the LA Times is making a big prediction. In his recent article, “La Nueva Orleans”, Rodriguez states that the population of rebuilt New Orleans will look quite different than the pre-Katrina New Orleans. More specifically, he says that New Orleans will have such a large Latino population that it will resemble Los Angeles.
On September 6, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) temporarily suspended a sanction that requires employers to have proof of citizenship for their workers. This suspension is in effect for at least 45 days from the day of issue, and could be renewed.
An excerpt from the article:
Because they are young and lack roots in the United States, many recent migrants are ideal for the explosion of construction jobs to come. Those living in the U.S. will relocate to the Gulf Coast, while others will come from south of the border. Most will not intend to stay where their new jobs are, but the longer the jobs last, the more likely they will settle permanently. One recent poll of New Orleans evacuees living in Houston emergency shelters found that fewer than half intend to return home. In part, their places will be taken by the migrant workers. Former President Clinton recently hinted as much on NBC’s “Meet the Press” when he said New Orleans will be resettled with a different population.
I encourage all Vivirlatino readers to check out the entire article, even though you may have to fill out a registration form to access it.
2:20 pm By Jennifer Woodard Maderazo · Bilingualism · Comments Off
26 Sep 2005
I love stories of mestizaje, of cultures and languages intertwined, I guess because I am a mixed bag of idiomas and etnias myself. For that reason, today’s LA Times article on what I would call “the new face of bilingualism” made me smile. Not only does it speak to new immigrants’ capacity to adapt in the US, but also to the growing importance of Spanish in the world. This piece offers perspectives from Latinos who are learning Korean, and Koreans learning Spanish, as they live their lives side by side in Los Angeles’ Koreatown:
“At the beginning, English was very important – and it still is, if I need to go to a government office or court or get a license,” Aliaga, 32, said as he sat behind a small display case in his soccer-supply shop in Koreatown.
“For me, (learning Korean) is as important because I lived in Koreatown. Now I am able to communicate with Koreans.”
“In California, Spanish is more important than English,” said Paik, a Seoul native. “I haven’t found any inconvenience because I don’t speak English. … I don’t need to speak English. If you can speak Spanish, you can drive, employers can have clients, you can order in restaurants, you can do anything.”
Welcome to the new America.
In the United States, there is currently a battle to allow emergency contraception, known popularly as “the morning after pill” or “Plan B” to be available over the counter. Currently in the US, it is available only via a prescription. Even with said prescription, there are reports of pharmacists refusing to fill prescriptions.
The Morning After Pill has been readily available in pharmacies in Mexico and more recently public hospitals and health clinics are stocking up on emergency contraception, ensuring equal access across class lines.
Who would have thought that it would be easier to gain access in very Catholic Mexico than in the so called leading country in the free world? If the FDA keeps dragging its feet will U.S. mujeres be crossing the border?
10:30 am By Maegan La Mala · Texas| mexico| society · Comments Off
26 Sep 2005This weekend, over 14,000 people joined together to hopefully break the world record for largest hug. The hug streched from the violent city of Ciudad Juarez across the Mexican/U.S. Border into El Paso, Texas.
VivirLatino is a daily publication published by 2 Mujeres Media, dedicated to featuring all the latest politics, culture, entertainment of interest to the diverse and influential Latino and Latina community in the U.S.
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