United States

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.

The outcome of the U.S. midterm elections will likely impact U.S. policy toward Latin America. AS/COA Online takes a look at the debates over free trade, Californian drug policy, border security, and immigration.

"Speculation is rampant in Washington that the November 2 mid-term elections will usher in a new phase of trade expansion for the United States," argues Eric Farnsworth in an op-ed for The Miami Herald.