The Latino Resource Since 1999!

 New issue arrives March 1st 2012!

Passport crop

The Art of Independence

por/by: Woody Stevens
The Mexican Revolution started in 1910 as a demand for greater political equality and ended in 1917 with the creation of a new and democratic constitution. When the revolution finally ended the new governing leaders wished to bring radical changes to three areas of Mexican culture: education, labor, and agriculture. Through these changes the Cultural Missions program was born. The goal of Cultural Missions
 was to promote Mexican artists by paying them to create public works of art celebrating Mexican culture and the values of the revolution. Without this program it is possible that the beloved artist Diego Rivera would never have gained fame.
One of Mexico’s most praised artists, Rivera utilized his artwork to inspire Mexico’s people and to define Mexico’s heritage. After studying in Europe for many years the Mexican government invited Rivera back home to take part in the new Cultural Missions
program. As a muralist, Rivera’s work became integral to the program. The country had just gone through a change where the power moved from the hands of a few to the broader population and wanted their art to reflect that transformation. Instead of creating small works of art, Rivera painted
large murals to be shared with the Mexican population. In fact Diego Rivera’s inspiration to become a muralist came from his belief that art must be shared for all to see, not kept in a private art collection.
Many of Rivera’s murals contain references to the Aztec culture or direct depictions of the Aztec people. Rivera viewed the Aztecs as Mexico’s true heritage and wished to reeducate the Mexican masses about the country’s historical roots. Following his initial work, Rivera wanted to do more than just paint Aztec images; so he studied Aztec artwork in order to translate it to his murals. After studying the styles of the Aztecs Rivera implemented his new knowledge into one of his greatest works The History of Mexico painted in Mexico’s National Palace.
The History of Mexico chronicles the history of Mexico from early Aztec beginnings, through the War of Independence, to the revolution, and culminates in a section called “The World of Today and Tomorrow” showing Mexico’s prosperous future. Rivera begins his idea of Mexican history with the Aztecs and not Spanish colonization because to him the Aztec culture exemplifies Mexican culture. The Aztecs represent the ancestors of modern Mexican people. However, the Aztecs exist as more than just a historic anchor. To Rivera the Aztecs symbolize the people of the lower classes who have not been given a political voice, but make up the foundation and most important part of Mexican society.
This quote by Rivera best explains his motivation for painting, “An artist is above all a human being, profoundly human to the core. If the artist can’t feel everything that humanity feels, if he won’t put down his magic brush and head the fight against the oppressor, then he isn’t a great artist.” It was this drive born from the Mexican Revolution values that allowed Diego Rivera to become one of Mexico’s most inspiring artists.

Immigration News

by: Law offices of Michael W. Mogil, P.A.
Immigration Reform
Basic components of Comprehensive Immigration Reform include the right for immigrants to work legally and to be included in the taxation and benefits systems, to travel in and out of the United States, the provision for secure and manageable borders, and a path to citizenship for those currently working in the United States without legal status. With the economy still operating in recessionary mode and the federal deficit dominating Congress this summer, there has been less discussion of a comprehensive reform. In the past three years, the issue has grown more polarized because elected officials are unwilling to risk losing the support, or incurring the wrath of the Republican Party restrictionists who were successful in derailing the 2006 proposal at the eleventh hour. Thus it is unlikely that Congress will move immigration reform to the forefront during the next twelve months as the country moves into a presidential election year. However, there remains strong support on both sides of the aisle for immigration reform, and therefore the possibility that Congress will address the issue in 2012.
SB 20
With Congress unable to agree on Comprehensive Immigration Reform, states have attempted to address immigration issues on their own. South Carolina joined Arizona and a handful of other states deemed politically conservative, or “red states”, when it passed the South Carolina Illegal Immigration and Reform Act of 2008. That law imposed a duty under state law for employers to verify immigration status of job applicants among other things. In June, Governor Haley signed into law SB 20, which amends the 2008 law. SB 20 requires law enforcement to check a person’s status in some circumstances with only reasonable suspicion. It also allows the state to move illegal immigrants to federal custody and creates an Illegal Immigration Enforcement unit in the S.C. Department of Public Safety. While law enforcement officials express mixed opinions of the new legislation, most agree that it imposes cost burdens on a system that is already overwhelmed. The ACLU has promised a constitutional legal challenge before the law goes into effect in 2012.
HALT ACT
One of the cornerstones of existing immigration law and policy is the power of immigration officers and immigration judges to exercise their own discretion in granting waivers or relief to immigrants dependent on the unique circumstances of an individual’s case. In July of 2011, Representative Lamar Smith (R-TX) introduced the legislation known as the HALT Act. (Hinder the Administration’s Legalization Temptation Act) HALT Act is a bill that would suspend certain discretionary forms of immigration protections and relief until January 21, 2013—the day after the first Obama administration ends. HALT Act threatens protections like Waiver of the 3 and 10 Year Bars to Admission, Cancellation of Removal and Humanitarian Parole, Discretionary TPS and Extended Voluntary Departure. The HALT Act has not been passed into law but is an example of the politicized legislation being introduced to appease various constituencies.
California DREAM Act
As recently as 2011 the federal Congress has attempted and failed to pass legislation that would enable students who were not Legal Permanent Residents to attend college in the United States, be eligible for scholarships and financial aid, as well as provide a path to citizenship. DREAM Act has been introduced and defeated in Congress a number of times since August 2001but last month the State of California passed into law its own narrower version of the DREAM Act which seeks to assist undocumented students who earned a diploma after attending at least three years of high school in the state. The new California law is limited in scope, making students who qualify eligible for private scholarships. A separate bill under consideration in California would allow these students to seek publicly funded scholarships as well. While both bills offer new opportunities for undocumented students to further their education, neither would offer the change in immigration status included in the federal bill.

Passport crop

Making the grade:

Tips to help prepare young readers heading back to school
(ARA) - As summer winds down and children begin a new school year, research shows that families play an important role in children's reading success. Parents can help their children build on important classroom skills with some reading and writing activities that nourish young minds.
Here are a few tips from Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) and the Buddig Be A Reader campaign sure to get your young students on the right back-to-school track:
vv • Play word games associated with things in the classroom. Use your child's back-to-school shopping list to prompt some ideas.
• Establish a family reading hour. Set a time after school and on weekends when everyone in the family devotes an hour to reading.
• Make up your own story together and write it down. What is your child's favorite summer activity? Who is the most memorable person your child has met and why? Help your child write down these memories and add illustrations to move the story along.
• Have your child become a pen pal with a special summer friend or long-distance relative. Supply them with stationery and envelopes, postcards, postage stamps, an address book and a box for saving letters.
• Use the Internet to promote interactive learning. When children read online, they develop critical thinking and research skills. Start a Web search for favorite book titles or authors. You can also conduct a search for your child's favorite music videos that include the lyrics to the song.
• Read aloud to your children. Choose a favorite place and special time. Try using different voices for each character.
• Create a reading nook or out-of-the-way special place where your child can read without being disturbed.
• Put up some poster board to create your own ‘word wall’. Use it to share comments on favorite books or to tackle problem words your child may be having trouble with.

Federal Government to

Review 300,000 cases 
by: Jose Fuentes
The new plan, which some are calling the Amnesty Plan, announced by President Obama is meant to identify low priority offenders which do not fall within the goal of deporting those individuals who pose a threat to public safety. Section 287(g) of the INA allows the Department of Homeland Security to enter into agreements with local police, like the Beaufort County Sherriff’s Office, in order to assist in the deportation of violent criminals. Beaufort County has one of these agreements in place and we should see a shift in how the officers enforce immigration laws in the future.

The Department of Homeland Security announced the establishment of a joint committee with the Department of Justice that will review roughly 300,000 cases of illegal aliens in removal proceedings in order to determine which cases are low priority cases.
While we are still waiting to see the real world application of this strategy, we can presume that the initiation of deportation for an illegal alien who was arrested for a minor traffic violation should no longer be prosecuted in immigration court. Other cases that should be categorized as low priority include cases with minors, individuals who entered the country at a young age, the elderly, pregnant and nursing women, victims of serious crimes, veterans and members of the armed services and individuals with serious disabilities or health problems.
Furthermore, guidance will be issued to ICE officers to ensure that they appropriately exercise discretion when determining whether a low priority case should be followed in immigration court. This new strategy is meant to free up resources in order to prosecute and deport those individuals who are a public threat and are in the country illegally. Anyone with a felony conviction or record of violent crimes will be considered a high priority case.
This effort will lead to a better apportionment of resources. Money that was being spent deporting aliens who are not a safety threat will be used to ensure the deportation of violent felons. While this is not the answer to the Country’s immigration troubles, it should alleviate the Immigration Court’s dockets and increase the effectiveness of 287(g).

Making the most

out of a bad economy
by: Kimberly Piston
There are several reasons why a recession may be the best time to start a small business. With unemployment and underemployment still on the rise many are looking for ways to make ends meet. A poor job market coupled with rising food and fuel costs are two conditions that often stimulate the entrepreneurial spirit. Some of the most successful companies in the world were started during recessions. Walt Disney Corporation began during the recession in 1923-24, Hewlett-Packard Corporation began in 1938 during the Great Depression and Microsoft Corporation began during the 1975 recession.
Tough economic conditions can actually work in your favor. First, some of your potential competition has probably been weakened or eliminated. Many local businesses started up during a strong economy and may not have been prepared for the sharp decline. Creating your business model and structure on a limited budget actually strengthens your ability to operate efficiently and gives you an advantage when the economy begins to grow again. If you learn how to be profitable and build your brand when spending is tight chances are you will prosper and grow when the economy improves. Other advantages include lower costs of goods, services and labor as well as softer marketing and advertising rates.
Starting your company doesn’t necessarily take a lot of money, but it does take some planning and research. The Small Business Administration (SBA), a government organization, offers an abundance of practical information including step by step guides. The SBA suggests that anyone can run a successful business as long as they are dedicated, do the necessary market research and have the right idea.
Carolina Hurtado of Karol’s Creations in Bluffton had the right idea when she saw the increasing popularity of handmade jewelry in our area. But, instead of following the current trend, she decided to bring her materials from her home country of Colombia in order to make “organic” jewelry. “My jewelry is made of natural seeds from trees, plants, fruits and vegetables.” The “going green” with jewelry is a unique approach that is working for Carolina and, perhaps most importantly, she is doing something she loves. “I am a big fan
of jewelry,
fashion and color. I began making my own jewelry for personal use without ever thinking of using my talent to start a business.
Once other people started to show interest in and fascination with my work I became motivated to develop my creativity. That’s how my production started to grow and my sales too”. Hurtado’s jewelry can now be found in several local boutiques, online and in other cities around the nation as well.
The SBA also says that a good marketing plan is a crucial element in the success of any small business. Having a marketing plan helps you define your target audience, develop a budget and track effectiveness. Elise Trujillo, a local Mary Kay sales director points out the importance of marketing. “Mary Kay is great business for me because I love cosmetics and the money is great but this is a competitive business so I knew I would have to invest in marketing myself and my products. I’m always looking for ways to make myself and my business stand out. Making sure that I’m constantly visible to potential clients and consultants has been an essential part of my success.” Elise started out as a part-time Mary Kay consultant only a year ago to supplement her income. She now leads a team of 19 consultants.
Small businesses are expected to be the driving force behind economic recovery so it’s not surprising the federal government has enhanced and expanded resources available to small business owners. A new law passed in 2010 increased funding opportunities and tax advantages dramatically. If you need more information or just a place to start, the SBA website at www.sba.gov is a must. There are also other great resources available including the Direct Selling Association (www.dsa.org) where you can research and verify the validity and history of direct sales and multi-level marketing organizations. Industry publications such as Inc. Magazine (www.inc.com) and Entrepreneur (www.entrepreneur.com) also offer the latest news as well as basic advice columns to all types of business owners.

Passport crop

 Are you ready for some football?

When the topic of football is discussed in Latin culture it typically comes in the form of “fútbol”. However, America’s favorite sport is slowly making its way into Hispanic culture, and especially Mexican households. In 2005 an estimated 100,000 Mexican fans attended the first NFL game held outside the United States in El Estadio Azteca. As the popularity grows south of the border the number of Latinos playing the NFL is growing with it. Players and even coaches of Latin descent are making an impact on the game giving Latin American fans something to cheer for.
One player dominating the game who is of Mexican descent is Tony Gonzalez, tight end for the Atlanta Falcons. Throughout his career Tony Gonzalez revolutionized the tight end position becoming as big a threat as any wide receiver. Gonzalez holds almost every statistical record for his position and is ranked sixth all-time in number of receptions, fifteenth in total receiving yards, and tenth in touchdown receptions for all players.
Tony Romo, a third generation Mexican American, is another impact player in the NFL. Last year many analysts picked him to take his team, the Dallas Cowboys, to the Super Bowl before his season ended with an injury. Players of Hispanic descent can be found at almost all skill positions including Roberto Garza offensive lineman for the Chicago Bears. Born in a small Texan town months after his parents emigrated from Mexico, Garza has played football all his life.
Today, an increasing number of young Hispanics in the United States are discovering why football remains this country’s most popular sport. Whether they are joining local high school teams or watching the NFL games, Hispanic players are getting involved with football. You too can join them. The NFL opens their season this year with the last two Super Bowl champions playing each other, the New Orleans Saints and the Greenbay Packers, on September 8th at 8:30 p.m. on NBC.

Passport crop

Have an idea for a great article?? Let us know!