The forthcoming Summit of the Americas will be a chance for the United States to demonstrate its commitment to a common agenda in the Western Hemisphere, writes AS/COA's Christopher Sabatini. Yet concern remains that some leaders will use this spotlight to push their own agendas. (en español)
Days ahead of the Summit of the Americas, the White House eased Cuba restrictions, making it easier for Cuban Americans to travel to the island and send remittances to family members there. The changes also allow for more humanitarian aid and bids by U.S. telecommunication firms.
U.S. lawmakers have reintroduced the DREAM Act for the fifth time. The law, which offers a path to legalization for undocumented students, may win approval this round. Yet it remains unclear whether there will be short-term action on comprehensive immigration reform.
Leading up to the Summit of the America, AS/COA Miami hosted a panel discussion on prospects for trade and integration in Latin America. At a time of financial crisis and a tendency toward protectionism, speakers agreed there is a need to consider a broader agenda for growth across the Western Hemisphere.
AS/COA hosted a panel discussion on April's Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago. White House Advisor for the Summit of the Americas Jeffrey Davidow and Permanent Representative of Chile to the UN Heraldo Muñoz talked about how the summit can move forward trade, energy, and economic policy while reinvigorating Washington's relationship with the hemisphere.
The New York Times national immigration correspondent reviews four new books on immigration and potential policy directions for the Obama administration.
Security rose to the top of the agenda during Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s visit to Mexico, where she acknowledged the role of American guns and drug consumption in Mexico’s struggle against organized crime.