US Space Program Reaches Out to Hispanic Youngsters
Voice of America October 3, 2005
Two hundred elementary school students, many of them Hispanic, came to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, an elaborate complex in the hills of Pasadena, California. JPL's Blaine Baggett pointed out models of unmanned spacecraft that were designed and controlled from here at the lab. There is a serious reason, however, for the visit by the children, says Hector Saenz of IBM, a sponsor of the event. "The idea behind this program is to bring the kids into kind of an inspirational setting and awaken their curiosity a little bit in math, sciences, and technology.
Guest Worker Program Bridges a Gap in America’s Crab Industry
Voice of America September 14, 2005
Consuelo Martinez is one of approximately 800 Mexicans working in the Chesapeake Bay's crab processing plants -- just two hours away from the nation's capital.
She says she earns more here than in Mexico. "What I make here in one day, in Mexico I can get for one week." They are here on temporary visas, which allow them to live and work in the United States while crabs are in season. Most make between $50 and $80 U.S. a day, the same rate that the American workers get.
Advocacy Groups Concerned Katrina Left Illegal Immigrants at Risk
Voice of America September 20, 2005
U.S. Hispanic advocates are expessing concern that illegal immigrants affected by Hurricane Katrina could be at risk of deportation if they seek aid from the federal government. They cite a recent case of two immigrants from Central America who were part of a group of evacuees transported to the U.S. eastern state of West Virginia earlier this month. The two men were taken into custody by immigration agents after authorities received a complaint that one of them had sexually assaulted a female passenger.
Tensions Persist Between Caracas and Washington
Voice of America October 6, 2005
In a recent interview on U.S. television, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez claimed to possess evidence that the Bush administration is planning to invade his country, and repeated threats to cut off oil shipments to the United States. It was the latest volley in a war of words between Caracas and Washington that seems to reach new rhetorical heights almost daily, yet one that does not seem to be impeding commercial and energy ties between the two nations. More...
