Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

If you remember well, last year, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced the option of allowing certain people who came to the United States as children and meet several key guidelines to request consideration of deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal, and would then be eligible for work authorization.

While talks about a Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR) stall, many young immigrants have found great hope in this option.

After the Election of President Obama in November of 2012, it was clear that the Hispanic vote played a decisive role in his election. And in recognition of that support, it is expected that the interests of this community be tended to and prioritized, among which is immigration reform.

Hispanics and the National Elections

After Election Day on November 7th, there is a lot to reflect upon for the whole country as well as for each one of us individually. For many there is a renewed sense of hope, of new beginnings. The challenge will be for everyone to actively work for a better future, starting with us and holding those in power responsible for their part.

Presidential Elections and Hispanics

So it is that time again, another November 6th when the citizens of the United States get to vote and elect a new President. Elections happen only every four years, but each term carries with it the efforts, hopes, dreams and many times tears of a whole nation. And as such an important occurrence, it deserves the outmost commitment from all, those that are eligible to vote and those that are not.

A Year of Hope for Young Hispanics

2012 is shaping up to be a very hopeful year for Hispanic youth in the United States. The initiative of Deferred Action, which would allow undocumented youth to work legally, obtain a driver’s license, and have other legal benefits, has ignited a light of hope in the lives of some many youths and families across the country. Although it is only the beginning of the process, we remain hopeful that this is the start of a more comprehensive immigration reform.

    Just last month, on June 15th, the Obama administration announced that it would offer protection from deportation to youth eligible for the DREAM Act. It is estimated that under this decision, about 800,000 young people, who came to the United States as children, will be allowed to stay in the country without the fear of deportation.

Spanish at Home, and Out

    If you read the last blog, you will remember that we talked about the challenges of younger people communicating with family at home. If you, or young people you know, are struggling with this, you should keep reading.

Changing Dynamics and Hispanic Youth!

    In our last blog, I wrote about how some Hispanics, especially Hispanic youth, struggle with identifying themselves as fully Hispanic when they don’t speak Spanish. Being Hispanic is much more than speaking the language. It’s an identity, a way of being and living that, yes, can come to fuller expression through language.

Does not speaking Spanish make you less Hispanic?

    The other day I came across an interesting post on Hispanic culture. The main topic of the discussion was whether not speaking Spanish made you any less Hispanic. More than an objective question, it was a good way to learn how Hispanics look at themselves in relation to the language they speak.

    So, do you personally think that not speaking Spanish makes you less Hispanic? Why or why not?