House Democrats introduced a bill for comprehensive immigration reform on December 15, declaring: "The time for waiting is over." A Senate bill is expected in early 2010. Still, even with congressional action up and running, the road to reform could be a slow one.

In Omaha, NE, a new gateway city for Latinos, an AS/COA luncheon brought together the mayor and private-sector executives to discuss Latinos’ socioeconomic contributions and the benefits of workforce integration efforts.

With the U.S. Congress soon set to adjourn for the year, it leaves behind much unfinished business when it come to Western Hemisphere affairs.

As Brazil's influence on the world stage increases, its partnership with the United States should be based on mutual recognition and respect, writes COA's Eric Farnsworth in Folha de São Paulo. Economic and political security should not come at either country's expense. (em português)

A compromise by Senate Democrats in the new health care reform bill would limit access to some new medical plans for undocumented and legal immigrants. Critics say resulting emergency care costs will be passed along to taxpayers and insurance policyholders.

Adequate and affordable housing around Portland, Oregon, is part of a broader strategy to help support the Latino community’s upward mobility.

In the latest issue of Poder, COA Vice President Eric Farnsworth reflects on U.S-Latin American relations since the 1989 invasion of Panama. “The United States has the right to expect others to hold up their end of the bargain,” he writes, saying the Obama administration’s move toward a cooperative approach deserves Latin American reciprocity.