Arizona teacher in middle of immigration debate

PHOENIX — An Arizona substitute teacher has found himself in the middle of the state's polarizing immigration debate after he criticized Hispanic students in a letter to a state senator, saying a majority of students he recently taught refused to say the Pledge of Allegiance.

The letter by substitute teacher Tony Hill was read aloud Thursday as the state Senate considered one of five bills on illegal immigration. Hill wrote that a majority of eight-grade students at an unnamed suburban Glendale school said that "We are Mexicans and Americans stole our land."

Hill also wrote that while substitute teaching in the area, "most of the Hispanic students do not want to be educated but rather (want to) be gang members and gangsters."

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Posted by Elizabeth Vargas

Guest worker program for immigrants proposed

"There are millions of people living amongst us," he said. "The vast majority are just honest, hardworking people."

Workman, who filed House Bill 2886 on Thursday, said the federal government has not dealt appropriately with illegal immigration, which is supposed to be its responsibility.

Workman, who owns a construction company, said the proposed Texas Immigration Reconciliation Act also would help fill the needs of Texas businesses and serve as a way to collect more taxes to "pay for services provided."

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Posted by Elizabeth Vargas

Latinos hope to strengthen their political power through redistricting

The shapes of California's political districts will change dramatically by August, altered by 2010 Census data showing demographic shifts and that much of the state's growth occurred in the Central Valley and Inland Empire.
Latino groups argue it is time for their representation to match their population.

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[Posted by Perla Parra]