In The News

International Tension Isn't Good for U.S. or Mexico

Enrique Rangel May 28, 2003
When U.S President George Bush and Mexican President Vicente Fox took offices in their respective countries, the U.S. and Mexico promised to have the friendliest relationship seen in years. However, the strain caused by differences on Iraq and Washington's focus on terrorism is worrying more and more people on both sides. Immigration issues have further worsened this relationship. Despite...

Chinese Beats... on Cuban Streets

May 20, 2003
Chinese migration to Cuba rose significantly in the mid-19th century with the demand for unskilled labor in the island's sugar industry. Over the years, the overseas Chinese community has been involved in Cuba's war for liberation from Spain, endured U.S-friendly Batista's dictatorship and Castro's nationalization project. One Chinese immigrant, Rolando Ziang Lian, reminisces...

Thailand, Neighbours Agree on Jobs Strategy

Supalak Ganjanakhundee May 1, 2003
Thailand has become a host nation to almost half a million legally working migrants and countless illegal immigrants. Though it continues to be in a better condition than its neighboring states, the Thai economy is still feeling the strain from too many workers and too few jobs. A cooperative solution is being negotiated to create jobs in the home countries of the illegal immigrants, which...

Half in Germany, Half in Poland

Frank Pergande April 25, 2003
Poland’s pending membership in the European Union should, in theory, offer great benefits to towns on the border between Germany and Poland. The divisions created in 1945 had severe economic consequences for some small border towns. EU membership for Poland and cross-border trade between these poor German and Polish towns could make a difference. Studies caution, however, that most economic...

China’s Workers Risk Limbs in Export Drive

Joseph Kahn April 7, 2003
In recent years, China has become the “world’s factory” for labor-intensive goods. However, the factories producing these goods often lack safe machinery or appropriate oversight. As a result, accidents that result in a lost limb or a life have increased, especially among the migrant laborers who work at these factories. Even though statutory laws are in place governing safety and compensation...

Mystery Ailment Watch Expands

Barbara Feder Ostrov April 4, 2003
With nine residents affected by SARS, Santa Clara County in California has the highest concentration of infected people in the United States. Though the U.S. Centers for Disease Control have published guidelines for American public health officials about how to deal with the illness, Santa Clara officials have broadened the CDC’s definition of the disease in order to quarantine more possible...

Latino Immigrants Stepping Up to Serve the US Cause

Enrique Rangel March 31, 2003
The ultimate sign of nationalism is often seen as a willingness to give your life for your country. Since WWII, immigrants born in Latin and South America have fought for the American military, often before they even gained official recognition as American citizens. Joining the military may the fastest way to prove loyalty to a new state and to integrate oneself into a new nation. Immigrant...