Bernard Aronson, former assistant secretary of state for inter-American affairs, argues in The Washington Post that delaying the ratification of free-trade agreements with Colombia and Panama sends Latin America a message: "Friends of the United States get thrown under the political bus."

In an article for The Huffington Post, AS/COA's Christopher Sabatini argues that U.S. foreign policy toward Latin America should "move on from focusing on internal politics or development objectives to understanding the nature of shifting international coalitions."

A free-trade agreement with Colombia would "give confidence to investors the country badly needs," as well as help finance judicial investigations, support the building of efficient infrastructure, and support human rights efforts, writes Edward Schumacher-Matos for The Washington Post.

"The Americas—like all foreign policy areas—will hurt for attention as administration and congressional leaders focus on the U.S. domestic agenda, including battles on healthcare and economic recovery," writes Brian Wanko.

President Barack Obama has pledged support for a renewed DREAM Act push, which will see a vote in the House and the Senate before the end of the year.

Communities across the United States "could benefit from a more business and export friendly climate that encourages even more innovation and invention that would bring new jobs," argues COA's Brian Wanko in an op-ed for The South Bend Tribune.

A two-part article looks at the movement for reforming the immigration system and post-election prospects for its success.