Immigration experts joined Jorge Castañeda, Mexico's former secretary of foreign affairs, to discuss his new book Ex Mex: From Migrants to Immigrants, and the challenges facing immigration reform in the United States.

January 1 marked an end to all tariffs on agricultural goods—including corn and sugar—traded between the U.S. and Mexico. But NAFTA could hit roadblocks in 2008: Mexican truckers face barriers to accessing U.S. roads and presidential campaigns have taken protectionist tones.

Mexican President Felipe Calderón emerged as a sure-footed leader during his first year in office, meeting challenges ranging from organized crime to a deadlocked legislature to a natural disaster. Now that the honeymoon period is over, how will he fare in 2008? An AS/COA update takes a look at what Calderón achieved and the tests he'll face next.

Marking the conclusion of President Calderon’s first year in office, the AS/COA looks back at his accomplishments and challenges ahead in the new year. Opinion polls give the President a higher rating than that of his predecessor at the same point in time.

Former Mexican Foreign Minister Jorge Castañeda, author of Ex Mex: From Migrants to Immigrants, played a firsthand role in attempts to forge a U.S.-Mexican immigration deal. He says reform could come in time, but U.S. leaders remain hesitant: "Who wants to take a leadership position on this and then get slammed in Iowa?"

A December deadline requiring Mexico to eliminate tariffs against Chinese products could bring more of the Asian giant’s goods to Mexican markets—and open doors for business cooperation. In a recent CNBC interview, AS/COA President Susan Segal discussed prospects for deepening Asian-Latin American relations.

Without comprehensive immigration reform at the federal level, U.S. states are now passing their own legislation. In the first of a series of U.S. immigration updates, AS/COA outlines how new state laws affect public benefits, employment, and identification.