Raíces y Ritmos: Stories of Heritage and Change

  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...

  The U.S. presidential executive order titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion” represents a bold and controversial shift in U.S. immigration policy. It aims to tighten enforcement, expedite deportations, and prioritize national security. While the language of the order emphasizes protecting public safety, its practical implications raise critical questions about fairness, legality, and its specific impact on the Latino community, which accounts for a large share of undocumented immigrants, meaning that our community will disproportionately bear the brunt of these enforcement measures. Here’s a breakdown of the key provisions of the order: 1. Purpose and Policy The order asserts that illegal immigration poses a direct threat to national security and public safety. It focuses on strictly enforcing existing immigration laws and rolling back earlier policies that prioritized more humane approaches, such as keeping families together and managing migration throug...

   As Donald Trump gears up for his second term, he’s not being shy about his plans. In recent weeks, he’s made some bold statements about Panama, Greenland, Canada, immigration, and more. With his inauguration just around the corner, it’s clear he’s sending a message to both Washington and the rest of the world about where he wants to take U.S. foreign policy next. Looking back at history often helps make sense of today’s decisions, and Trump’s leadership style has always had a flair for historical echoes. He’s clearly learned a thing or two from his first term, where he realized running a country isn’t the same as running a business empire. Now, he’s stepping into the White House with what seems like a sharper game plan. One comparison that keeps coming to mind is Theodore Roosevelt’s “Big Stick” diplomacy.    In the early 1900s, President Theodore Roosevelt emphasized strong executive action, prioritizing U.S. interests and populist initiatives. His appr...

  Picture: You’re standing at park on a warm sunny day, music in the background, the sizzle of street food, and around you, there’s the hum of conversations in Spanglish, the uncomfortable looks from others, and the rare occasional bigoted phrase, “This is America, speak English” or my favorite “go back to your country”. Depending on my mood that day, I like to respond back with “America doesn’t have an official language” or “I was born in the U.S., this is my country”. This is the world I know, a world that’s deeply intertwined with my identity as a Latino. I’ve always been proud to call myself an American, even if my appearance or language sometimes invites a second look or an ugly stare. As a Latino, I learned to embrace both my Latino heritage and my American values, weaving them together into the American fabricate on what this great nation was built on. The Latino community story is one of resilience, of navigating the delicate dance between cultural traditions and modern dre...