Name: Jorge Ramos

Age: 48

Occupation: Television news anchor, journalist, author, activist

Place of residence: Miami, Florida

Bio: From his website: “Jorge Ramos has been the anchorman for Noticiero Univision since 1986. Among his many recognitions, he received the Maria Moors Cabot award from the University of Columbia and has won 8 Emmy awards for excellence in journalism (including the first one ever presented by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences to honor leaders of Spanish Language Television).

He writes a weekly column for more than 40 newspapers in the United States and Latin America distributed by The New York Times Syndicate, provides a daily radio commentary to dozens of radio stations, collaborates with one of the largest Spanish-language websites in the world and is the author of six books, which have become bestsellers.”

Jorge Ramos studied Communication at Mexico City’s Universidad Iberoamericana, worked briefly as a reporter afterwards, then made a break for the U.S. to try his luck at Latino media. The risk was well-rewarded, as Jorge quickly got a job hosting a morning show, and then went on to become “one of the youngest anchormen in the history of American television.”

Why he’s loved: While mainstream America (in spite of his frequent appearances on cable and network news programs on the topic of immigration and other Latino issues) might still not now who he is, the Latino population has trusted Jorge’s voice as its source for news for decades. An outspoken advocate for undocumented immigrants, Jorge Ramos considers himself an immigrant as well, and isn’t afraid to go to blows (intellectually speaking) with TV pundits and politicians. He has also told the story of undocumented immigrants’ crossing into the U.S. in his bestselling book “Dying to Cross”. Oh…and he’s considered a hunk by millions of adoring news viewers.

Why he’s hated: Those who hate Jorge Ramos hate him because he is extremely outspoken, as we mentioned before. According to his biography, he was once punched by one of Fidel Castro’s bodyguards for asking the leader when Cuba would hold democratic elections. He’s also been known to call bigots like Lou Dobbs on the carpet for their anti-immigrant views.

Why he’s influential: Jorge Ramos has the ear of 300 million Latinos in the U.S., as well as that of politicians, celebrities and dignitaries. He’s using his star power to bring important issues to light, such as the plight of the undocumented, and into mainstream media.

VOTE for Jorge Ramos as VL’s Most Influential Latino 2006