Raíces y Ritmos: Stories of Heritage and Change

  Brief History of Arroz Chino Boricua The existence of Arroz Chino Boricua is a direct result of the unique history of Chinese immigration to Puerto Rico and the subsequent cultural fusion that has shaped the island’s cuisine. While Puerto Rican cuisine is a rich blend of Taíno, Spanish, and African influences, the addition of Chinese elements is a more recent, yet equally impactful, layer. The Waves of Chinese Migration The earliest significant Chinese migration to Puerto Rico began in the 19th century, a period often referred to as "the coolie trade." Many Chinese laborers, often from the southern provinces of China, were brought to the Caribbean to fill the labor shortages on sugar plantations after the abolition of slavery. While the number of Chinese immigrants to Puerto Rico was smaller than to neighboring islands like Cuba, some Chinese prisoners and workers did arrive and contributed to large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the construction of the Carrete...

  By Rodney Feliciano S croll through financial news today, and you'll inevitably encounter headlines about "de-dollarization" or the potential decline of the US Dollar's global dominance. It's a hot topic, fueled by geopolitical shifts and the undeniable rise of China. History shows us that dominant currencies don't last forever (just ask the British Pound or the Dutch Guilder). But is the Chinese Yuan (also known as the Renminbi or RMB) truly ready to take the crown? Let's break down the current state of play between the US Dollar and its primary challenger. The US Dollar: The World's Go-To Currency Make no mistake: the US Dollar remains the closest thing we have to a single global currency. It dominates in several key areas: Global Reserves: It still constitutes about 60% of allocated central bank holdings worldwide (though this figure fluctuates and has been slowly declining). International Trade: The Dollar is the default currency for pricing es...

By Rodney Feliciano AI created image I magine getting a letter in the mail that says you’re being deported or log into an app. You’ve lived here for years. You work hard, pay your taxes, and your kids go to school down the street. But suddenly, the system tells you, you don’t belong. It sounds like something that shouldn’t happen, but it does. For many in our Hispanic communities, especially those with complicated immigration histories or mixed-status families, the threat of deportation isn’t always about criminal acts or undocumented status. Sometimes, it’s about clerical errors, outdated systems, or agencies not talking to each other. And when the system gets it wrong, people’s lives are flipped upside down.   When the Paperwork Doesn’t Match the Person   O ne of the biggest issues is how immigration enforcement can misinterpret records. Maybe someone was born in the U.S., but their name appears on an outdated list. Or maybe someone applied for citizenship and it’s pend...

  Illustration by Kume Pather Pay no attention to what you hear in the news, this is the reality for many: Veronica clutched her daughter’s hand tighter as they walked down the cracked sidewalk. The sun had barely risen, casting a dull orange glow over the neighborhood, but she felt no warmth. The air was thick with fear, an invisible fog that had settled over their community in recent days. “¿Mami, por qué caminas tan rápido?” Sofia’s small voice broke through Veronica’s racing thoughts. She forced a smile. “No quiero que llegues tarde, mi amor.” That was a lie. She wasn’t concerned about being late; her thoughts were dominated by the shadows lurking on the streets, the sirens that had become a constant soundtrack, the black SUVs that had been circling their neighborhood. It hadn’t always been like this. Not long ago, she found comfort in knowing that some places like the church, school, the hospital were a sanctuary, protected by law. Places where families like hers could breathe...

  When we talk about the American Dream, Latinx entrepreneurs often embody its essence. They build businesses that not only contribute to the economy but also shape the cultural fabric of the U.S. I find it impossible to ignore how immigration policies particularly those introduced in President Trump's second term will reshape the landscape for these entrepreneurs. Here’s my take on what’s happening and why it matters. Latinx Entrepreneurs: The Backbone of Growth Latinx-owned businesses are a powerhouse and it’s transformative. From construction to retail and hospitality, Latinx entrepreneurs fill vital gaps in the economy. They create jobs, provide services, and fuel local communities. Beyond numbers, they represent resilience and creativity, especially given the hurdles they’ve faced historically. Yet, their success stories aren’t unfolding in a vacuum. They’re deeply tied to the immigration policies that shape their workforce, customer base, and opportunities. This is where the ...

  (Paul Sancya/AP Photo) Republican National Convention, July 2024 Trump’s Executive Orders on Immigration: Where Does This Leave Us? Once again, immigration is front and center in our national conversations, thanks to a fresh batch of executive orders from President Donald Trump. His administration seems determined to reignite debates around border security, and even birthright citizenship. But what do these changes really mean for us? Let’s break it down. Birthright Citizenship Under Fire One of the most talked-about moves is Trump’s push to end birthright citizenship. For those of us scratching our heads, this challenges a principle that’s been in place since the 14th Amendment was ratified. If you’re born on U.S. soil, you’re a U.S. citizen, no matter your parents’ immigration status. Now, this executive order zeroes in on children born to undocumented immigrants, sparking heated legal debates. Experts say this won’t be resolved without significant courtroom battles and i...