This week on Fronteras:
- Border residents turn out to oppose a proposed landfill set to be built near Laredo.
- In Tijuana, families with deported partners are being denied access to SENTRI, a quick border crossing process.
- In New Mexico, a look at the choices workers face when they can’t take the day off with pay.
- A campaign to get young Pacific Islanders to apply for the president’s deportation deferral program, DACA.
Border Residents Oppose Large Landfill Near Laredo
A Laredo oilman is looking to build a massive landfill on ranchland near the border city. The dumpsite would be one of a few statewide accepting a certain class of toxic industrial waste that could be shipped from state across the country and Mexico. The developer promises safety, but as TPR’s Aaron Schrank reports, a growing chorus of critics and residents say importing toxic waste puts their community at risk.
The Story
American Wives Of Deportees Denied Expedited Border Crossings
Tijuana is becoming home to a growing a community of U.S. ex-patriots. They’re mothers trying to keep their families together after their partners were deported. And because they were, the women face lengthy border wait times. A trusted traveler program SENTRI, Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection, could expedite the crossings. But Jean Guerrero of KPBS reports the government won’t let them to use it.
The Story
New Mexicans Debate Pros And Cons Of Paid Sick Leave
According to the American Public Health Association, lack of paid sick leave contributes to the spread of disease and emergency medical costs. There are no federal laws about it, but some states and cities have passed their own. Marisa Demarco of KUMN reports that advocates in Albuquerque got enough signatures to put the issue before voters in November.
The Story
Four Years Into DACA Deportation Deferrals, Focus Is On Asian Youth
This is the 4th year of DACA, President Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. DACA allows undocumented young people who were brought to the United States illegally as children to apply for a two-year deferral from deportation. A new report shows California has the highest number eligible for DACA but ranks 11th in the number of applications. Maureen Cavanaugh of KPBS spoke with Erwin Mendoza of Alliance San Diego, which is encouraging Asian youth to apply before the president leaves office.
The Story
