Fronteras

Despite Warnings, Border Waits Not Longer Than Usual

Under the federal budget cuts known as sequestration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is slated to have $500 million slashed from its budget. Border authorities warn this is already making for longer waits at international airports and land crossings. Our Fronteras Desk reporter Jill Replogle went out to take the pulse on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Many of the people in the U.S. illegally actually came legally on a temporary visa, but then never went home. What authorities are doing to combat high crime rates on the Navajo Nation. A preview of a documentary that profiles a Tijuaana actor who also makes money as an immigrant smuggler. Finally, an interview with actor Lou Diamond Phillips about his latest film, "Filly Brown," and his career.

An interview with combat veteran Chris Hernandez of San Antonio, who talks about how writing has helped him sort through his experiences at war. ICE has released hundreds of immigrants in recent days, immigrants who are now making their way back home. Stores that cater to the growing minority groups are doing well as the country’s demographics continue to change. We look at the secrets of one highly successful, family-owned supermarket chain.

 

Fronteras: Gay and lesbian activists are fighting to be included as U.S. immigration reform takes shape. The new Somali president has called for Somali refugees in the U.S. to return to their homeland and help rebuild the nation. Will young Somalis heed his call? We look at a new university housing model in New Mexico for student veterans. Also, we get the scoop on this year's CineFestival, which spotlights Latino films in San Antonio.

Fronteras: The immigration proposal senators are crafting calls for an expanded use of border drones, we look at how effective they have been along the border so far. We hear the story of an American veteran's two-year quest to get an Iraqi family to the safety of U.S. soil. Finally, a San Antonio surgery resident talks about his immigration experience so far, and the hurdles immigrant doctors face to work in the U.S. even though there are doctor shortages.

On Fronteras: The legacy of the 1986 immigration reform bill is playing a big role in the current debate over how to overhaul the nation's immigration system. You may have heard about sending immigrants to "the back of the line" when it comes to a path to citizenship, but what does that line actually look like? We hear about Navajo singer Radmilla Cody, who has been nominated for her first Grammy, and a powerful profile of a Havasupai medicine woman and her gift for healing.

Fronteras: What are the prospects for an overhaul to the nation's guest worker program? Arizona has plenty of experience using a mandatory employment verification system known as E-Verify; a look at how that program is working. Finally, a reaction on the current immigration reform proposals from two national organizations with very different ideas for a path forward.

Fronteras: After years of stalled debate, immigration reform is about to get top billing in Congress. How two Arizona lawmakers will have a big role in drafting an immigration overhaul plan, what reform could mean for the construction industry and what it means to have a "secure border." Finally, we follow a photographer along the Mexican border who is capturing the work of bi-national artists.

Fronteras: Some are asking President Obama to hire more Latinos in his second term. Proponents are planning to reintroduce the Violence Against Women Act, which died in the House last session. Immigrant driver's licenses are a hot topic in New Mexico, and we look at how Mexico is re-making its centuries-old tradition of midwifery.

On Fronteras: Drug enforcement off the coast of Central America, illegal immigration missing from Gov. Rick Perry's introductory speech to the Texas legislature, refugees demanding more competent health care services, mixed-immigration families and the Affordable Care Act, immigration reform and criminal charges against undocumented workers.