Border & Immigration

Big Money often gets what it wants in Washington. But not always.

In few policy debates is that more true than in the proposed overhaul of the nation's immigration laws.

The big donors and corporate leaders of the Republican establishment mostly favor remaking U.S. immigration laws to give those now here illegally an eventual door to citizenship and to increase the annual quota for guest workers.

Fronteras: A group of powerful investors is trying to build the medical tourism industry in Nicaragua. We also stop in Costa Rica to check out what it takes to retire in the tropics. One community in Hidalgo, Mexico is combating the migration of its residents to the U.S. by offering tours of what it's like to cross the border illegally. The tour guides have made the real trek, and offer up a close simulation on a fake border.

Fronteras: Researchers in New Mexico say treatment for a rare and often deadly genetic disorder may be found in the state's colonial history. A look at the federal government’s choice to close dozens of deportation cases in Maricopa County. Summer in Phoenix means triple digit weather most days, but not everyone can keep up with the costs of staying cool. Death Valley was the hottest place on Earth on July 10, 1913 at 134 degrees, but some experts doubt the desert reached that temperature.

Fronteras: San Diego is the number one entry point for Mexican methamphetamine making its way to cities and towns across the U.S. The Honor Guard does more than post and salute the flag at a funeral, this week they are standing vigil with the 19 fallen firefighters in Prescott, Arizona. Also, border agents are having to race to find lost migrants in the desert who are sick and some are dying from the heat.

Fronteras: People effected by the Arizona wildfire that killed 19 firefighters now wonder what kind of home they'll be returning to. A new report alleges that agricultural producers in New Mexico may be saving money by engaging in unethical and illegal pay practices. A look at workers compensation practices in the state’s dairy industry. County commissioners in Mora, New Mexico, have passed the nation's first county-wide ban on hydraulic natural gas fracking, citing water safety concerns.

People across the political spectrum are critical of the immigration reform bill passed by the Senate this week. We examine how the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Defense of Marriage Act will impact immigration rights. Voting rights advocates are worried about the effects the high court's decision on part of the Voting Rights Act will have on minority voters. Finally, Native American veterans have had an especially difficult time navigating the federal claim system.

On Fronteras: We visit a Tijuana breakfast hall from which many deported folks try to figure out how to return to the U.S. An estimated 5,000 children of deported parents are wards of the state. When those parents are in Mexico, it can be difficult to convince social workers and judges across the border to reinstate custody. HUD is threatening to take back Navajo housing dollars.

Fronteras: Homicides have spiked recently in Tijuana. Texas law enforcement officials say cartel activity is spreading to large cities. We look at how wait times at the border affect bi-national trade. Also on this show: The first of a two part series on the U.S.-born children of deported immigrants and the challenge to reunited them with their parents.

The Texas Agriculture Commissioner is pushing congressional leaders to suspend contracts with Mexico if the country doesn't release water owed to Texas farmers and ranchers.

Mexico is required to release 1.8 million acre-feet of water every five years to the U.S. from six tributaries that feed into the Rio Grande. In exchange, the U.S. delivers water from the Colorado River to Mexico, but under the current agreement Mexico has left South Texas farmers dry, owing the state over 350,000 acre-feet of water.

Fronteras: A Texas senator is calling for complete border security before many provisions of the immigration bill would take effect. A look at how an American P.R. company is helping transform Baja California’s reputation. This summer Star Wars gets released with a new language dub in Navajo. Environmentalists and Native American tribes are fighting mining efforts near the Grand Canyon.