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.
Border Region Reacts to Senate Immigration Bill Vote
The Senate voted 68-32 on Thursday to pass a bill that would overhaul the nation’s immigration system, while dramatically boosting border security. As Jill Replogle from our Fronteras Desk reports, in the border region, support for the bill was mixed — with criticism on both sides of the political spectrum.
Supreme Court Ruling Brings Relief To Bi-National Gay Couples
The Supreme Court's ruling overturning the Defense of Marriage Act doesn't legalize gay marriage nationwide, but it does require the federal government to recognize marriages carried out in states where it is legal. As Fronteras reporter Adrian Florido explains, the ruling has major implications for immigration law.
Minority Voting Rights Advocates Speak Out Against VRA Ruling
This week the Supreme Court also ruled 5-4 that a key provision of the Voting Rights Act (Section 4) is unconstitutional. The High Court invalidated a formula used to determine which states and entities have to get federal clearance to make voting changes because of a history of racial discrimination—saying the formula was based on old data.
Voting Rights advocates are worried about the effects this decision will have on minority voters. Nina Perales, vice president of litigation for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, speaks to Texas Public Radio's Crystal Chavez about the possible impacts of this ruling and what happens next.
Non-Mexican Migrants Increasing At The Border
While Mexicans still make up the vast majority of illegal immigration cases in the United States, there are a growing number of people from other countries sneaking across the border. From the Fronteras Desk in Tucson, Michel Marizco takes a close look at one unusual smuggling case along the Arizona border that has surprised law enforcement.
Native Vets Struggle With VA System
Veterans all over the country are waiting months -- and sometimes years -- before they see a response to their disability claims. Native American veterans have had an especially difficult time navigating the federal claim system. And they comprise more veterans than any other minority group. From the Changing America Desk in Flagstaff, Laurel Morales files a report on a recent Veterans Summit on the Hopi Reservation.