The U.S. and Mexico are ramping up their efforts to help those that need it most, writes Fred Niehaus, senior vice president of global public affairs for Western Union.

Mexico’s bicentennial underscores challenges and opportunities for the United States as well, writes former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico and Americas Society Board Member Antonio O. Garza.

Mexico celebrates its bicentennial this week amid a glut of pulse-taking media coverage that reflects on the country’s direction.

Five years after Hurricane Katrina (and in the midst of the BP oil spill) The Big Easy is still grappling with guestworker labor violations.

Last week, U.S. President Barack Obama approved an act that allocated $600 million to boost security along the border with Mexico. An AS/COA analysis looks at how the funds will be raised and spent.

The U.S. Trade Representative filed a complaint against Guatemala on July 30, claiming violations to labor rights agreed to under the Central American Free Trade Agreement. The dispute marks the first U.S. case of its kind within the framework of a trade pact.

After eight years in office, Colombian President Álvaro Uribe leaves his successor Juan Manuel Santos with strong ties to Washington.