New data shows the global economic downturn has hurt trade in Latin America, with exports expected to decrease through 2009. Still, despite signs of the crisis, some bright spots shine.

"Now is the time to have an open and honest dialogue about the role of trade in the economy and the ways it influences economic growth, job creation, and wealth generation," writes AS/COA President and CEO Susan Segal in an op-ed for Poder on the sustainable benefits liberalized trade has for the global economy.

This new AS/COA working paper, the first in a three-part series focused on new immigrant gateway cities, documents how organizations are promoting immigrants’ socioeconomic integration and maximizing Hispanic immigrants’ contributions in Nashville.

ASCOA hosted a public luncheon to discuss the importance of workforce integration for business success. As immigration reform becomes a priority in the United States, the private sector, which employs a large number of Hispanic immigrants, will play a decisive role for policy development.

The White House predicts little movement on comprehensive immigration reform before 2010. The ailing economy taking up much of the Obama administration’s time has shown its impact in immigration and remittances as well.

The H1N1 virus has cropped up across the Western Hemisphere. As North America prepares for flu season, lessons learned during the Southern Cone's winter provide insight to H1N1 response.

During an August 9 and 10 summit in Guadalajara, North American leaders forged consensus on issues ranging from climate-change policy to security, writes Canadian Senator Pamela Wallin.