The forthcoming Summit of the Americas will be a chance for the United States to demonstrate its commitment to a common agenda in the Western Hemisphere, writes AS/COA's Christopher Sabatini. Yet concern remains that some leaders will use this spotlight to push their own agendas. (en español)

Days ahead of the Summit of the Americas, the White House eased Cuba restrictions, making it easier for Cuban Americans to travel to the island and send remittances to family members there. The changes also allow for more humanitarian aid and bids by U.S. telecommunication firms.

In an exclusive interview, White House Advisor for the Summit of the Americas Jeffrey Davidow speaks about expectations for April's summit in Port of Spain. The Obama administration will seek to build on the hemisphere’s past decade of accomplishments through a “real focus on exchanging ideas, techniques, and best practices,” said Davidow.

U.S. lawmakers have reintroduced the DREAM Act for the fifth time. The law, which offers a path to legalization for undocumented students, may win approval this round. Yet it remains unclear whether there will be short-term action on comprehensive immigration reform.

The New York Times national immigration correspondent reviews four new books on immigration and potential policy directions for the Obama administration.

By striking free-trade agreements with Colombia and Peru, "Canada is taking a leadership role in the logical and inevitable move toward freer trade," writes Canadian Senator Pamela Wallin.

Security rose to the top of the agenda during Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s visit to Mexico, where she acknowledged the role of American guns and drug consumption in Mexico’s struggle against organized crime.