By Mariana D. Zamboni LatinaLista USA — Just three years ago, my friends and I gathered a compilation of different stories of undocumented immigrant students and titled it, “Underground Undergrounds: UCLA Undocumented Immigrant Students Speak Out.” Three years later, I stand amazed at their overt activism for they, we, are no longer underground. The purpose [...]
Puerto Rico: Police attack protesting University of Puerto Rico students
By Natalia A. Bonilla-Berrios LatinaLista SAN JUAN — Seven days after students from five of the eleven campuses of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) declared an official strike, the state police intervened. On Monday, Dec. 20, 2010, police used tear gas, taser guns and batons against almost 100 students who protested inside [...]
USA: The Senate Must Pass DREAM Act
By Maria Pesqueira LatinaLista USA — As an immigrant brought to this country at a young age myself, I can relate to the stories of young men and women who desire better opportunities for themselves and for this country. I can remember being brought to this country from Guanajuato, Mexico at the age of six, [...]
Bolivia: Protecting freedom of religion is on President’s agenda
By Angie Washington LatinaLista COCHABAMBA, BOLIVIA — Honoring the Pachamama in the nation has been one of the President’s priorities since the beginning of his term. President Evo Morales gave his inaugural speech at a sacred religious site called Tiwanaku. He continues to place importance on the issue of freedom of religion. He even took [...]
Puerto Rico: House legislator resigns in disgrace
By Natalia A. Bonilla-Berrios LatinaLista PUERTO RICO – Representative Ivan Rodriguez Traverzo resigned Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010 after being the subject of expulsion by the Puerto Rican House of Representatives. His decision came on judgment day — his legislative judgment day. The House was already in session at 1 p.m. to settle the future of the [...]
Venezuela: A transgender candidate’s run for Supreme Court challenges culture of intolerance
By Jennifer Barreto-Leyva LatinaLista CARACAS — Venezuela is making history with the very first transgender candidate who has applied to be a member of the Supreme Court. Her name is Tamara Adrian, and she exemplifies what it means to be a human being, for several reasons. I wanted to let Tamara tell her story in [...]