'Dream 9' Immigrant Activists Freed In Tucson
The so-called "Dream 9" walked out to freedom Wednesday in the parking lot of a Tucson Greyhound bus station wearing their high school graduation caps and gowns.
The nine activists were taken into custody two weeks ago after crossing into the United States from Mexico. "Yeah we weren't sure what was really going to happen but it did. It did. We are all very excited and very happy to be home," said Maria Peniche, 22.
Michel Marizco reports while they may be free now, their legal troubles have just begun.
Michel Marizco
Jim McManus, on his farm in Arivaca, Arizona
Living Life Under Federal Watch On The Border
Any immigration reform bill is likely to include plans to boost security along the Southwest border. Proposals include more drones, cameras and more boots on the ground. And that doesn't sit well with people already fed up with current levels of federal scrutiny.
Some of that surveillance infrastructure will settle around Jim McManus’s farm in Southern Arizona.
“I spend the morning building up fences, putting things back, gathering up my cows, putting the horses where they need to be. All the while, I’ve got border patrol and the sheriff parked on the hill watching me with glasses, treating me like I am the bad guy,” he said.
Republicans Face Competing Pressures On Immigration
Immigration reform is going to be a hot topic during the Congressional August break, especially in the Southwest. Changing demographics mean a rapidly changing constituency for many legislators. Some Republicans will be facing tough choices on how to respond to their demands.
Jill Replogle profiles one California district where a Republican Congressman, Gary Miller, finds himself in the hot seat.
Census Report Details English Speakers
A new United States Census report shows a growing number of U.S. residents speak a language at home other than English. But the level of English proficiency in the nation is holding steady.
Kate Sheehy
Academic Counselor Carlos Ezeta with a student
Community Colleges Overwhelmed By Rising Latino Student Population
A recent study from the Pew Hispanic Center shows that, for the first time, Latinos have surpassed whites in college enrollment numbers and more than half of these students are enrolled in community colleges.
Having the right staff in place to guide students is critical to their success rate. Carlos Ezeta is the only bilingual academic counselor for College of Southern Nevada’s nearly 40,000
“We just know where we’re coming from, we have something in common. He knows how the struggle is. Not everybody sees that, not even my own parents. I don’t know. I just feel like he’s the right person to guide,” student Karen Espinoza said.