In an exclusive AS/COA interview, Colombian Vice President Francisco Santos discusses how ratification of the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement will create jobs and further strengthen economic growth and security.

The U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) is a critical component in further establishing a secure and prosperous economic climate in Colombia. The Council of the Americas resource guide outlines COA activities as well as official remarks and links related to the trade pact.

Philippe Legrain, a journalism fellow with the German Marshall Fund of the United States, writes that: "The Democratic rivals have bought into most of the myths that have been peddled about the agreement and have placed their opposition to NAFTA at the center of their campaigns. Here's some information that could help them update their stump speeches."

AS/COA hosted a conversation with Asst. Secretary Thomas A. Shannon, who outlined U.S. policy for the Americas. Read a transcript of his remarks.

Alexandra Délano reviews Jorge Castañeda's lucid account of the political debates over U.S.-Mexico immigration as well as an overview of recent Mexican migration flows.

While the U.S. presidential race sparks debate about NAFTA, officials spar over a U.S.-Mexico pilot trucking program. Critics raise fears about Mexican truckers on U.S. roads, but the Department of Transportation finds the project benefits U.S. truckers and trade.

The reelection of Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero offers both Spain and the United States the chance to mend ties and broaden cooperation in Latin America. Eric Farnsworth and Christian Gomez outline ways the two countries can support Latin America's standing in the global economy and democracy in the region.