In this year’s tight race for the White House, wooing the Hispanic voter bloc takes on unprecedented importance. Both camps face challenges in attracting Latino voters. In an AS/COA interview, Consul General of Mexico in New York discusses prospects for immigration reform during the next administration.

Venezuela's skyrocketing inflation, Bolivian president opposes EU immigration policy, and Panama City's growing pains. Read these stories and more in the Weekly Roundup.

Consul General of Mexico in New York Rubén Beltrán outlines a new initiative bringing together Latin American consulates to expand services for immigrants in the tri-state area. He also describes the impact of local-level immigration laws and prospects for federal-level reform.

In recent weeks, Ottawa proved its growing clout in Latin America through a visit from Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, the approval of a trade pact with Peru, and completion of free-trade negotiations with Colombia. 

As Mexico’s drug war grows more deadly, the U.S. house approves a proposed regional security program involving the United States, Mexico, and Central America. But the Merida Initiative still faces political hurdles.

In recent days, Venezuela's President Hugo Chávez shifted tone on several policy fronts and urged the FARC to end its armed conflict with the Colombian government. But Chávez's critics complain he continues to attempt to silence opposition. 

With tensions running high between some Andean countries, AS/COA convened a roundtable on economic, political, and security issues affecting the region. The discussion included a keynote speech by Ecuador's Minister of the Government and Police Fernando Bustamante.