Fronteras Program- March 4, 2016
· In New Mexico, some people have to choose between medicine and food. But a new program is helping them avoid that tough choice.
· Mi Familia Vota says immigrant bashing by candidates is inspiring more Latinos to become citizens so they can vote in November.
· The oil industry downturn is rustling up a new type of criminal in South Texas.
· Journalist and documentary producer Jose Antonio Vargas discusses race, immigration, and politics.
· A mobile museum in Dallas teaches neighborhood kids about technology.
Programs Bring Medicine and Food to Struggling New Mexicans
Hundreds of thousands of New Mexicans don’t have enough food to eat. Many have expensive medical conditions as well that force them to choose between their medicine and food. A new program in Albuquerque is trying to keep those who are struggling financially from have to choose between the essentials. Ed Williams of KUNM reports, it’s getting healthy food to people suffering from chronic health problems.
Mi FamiliaVota Citizen Workshops Recruiting Future Voters
Latino voter groups say they’re seeing a rise in legal residents applying for citizenship so they can vote in this year’s presidential election. The organization Mi Familia Vota recently held citizenship workshops in six different states, including Texas. KUT’s Ashley Lopez reports they plan to hold more.
Jose Antonio Vargas Discusses Race, Immigration, Politics
Jose Antonio Vargas is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist-turned-documentary filmmaker and activist. Vargas revealed in 2011 that he's been living in the United States illegally since the age of 12. He’s now launching a new media venture called #EmergingUS. He wants to explore the evolving American identity.
Maureen Cavanaugh of San Diego’s KPBS spoke with Vargas recently about race, immigration, and presidential campaign politics.
Oil Downturn Produces New Crime: Oil Rustling
Rustling is not a new crime in Texas. Now it’s not just cattle being stolen and sold. KUT’sMoseBuchele reports on how the downturn in the oil patch has created a new breed of thieves in south Texas.
Mobile Museum Classroom Teaches Technology To Kids
In Dallas, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science is taking its exhibits to the streets. KERA’s Bill Zeeble reports, the museum has a new classroom on wheels. Its goal: teaching technology to 20,000 kids in low-income neighborhoods.