By Megan Burks
Trust Act Would Limit ‘Secure Communities’ in California
Monday was California’s 16th Annual Immigrants Day, a yearly day of advocacy for immigrant rights at the state capitol. Participants rallied for legislation that would positively affect immigrants.
Many spoke in support of Democratic Assemblyman Tom Ammiano’s upcoming bill. Called the Trust Act, it would limit the federal government’s Secure Communities deportation policy by asserting that local law enforcement authorities could not forward personal information to immigration authorities until after an immigrant has been convicted of a crime.
Currently, immigration authorities can come in as soon as a person is arrested. Local law enforcement agencies are sometimes asked to detain the person for longer than his or her case allows so immigration officers can check for citizenship status.
Search #oneCA to see live tweets from the day and to find more coverage.
Is the Term “Minorities” Still Relevant?
There’s an interesting conversation going on at KPCC’s Multi-American blog this week: is the term “minorities” outdated?
Most who responded to the question said reporters should opt for “persons of color” when writing about traditionally disenfranchised ethnic groups because children of black, Latino, Asian and other parents of color now make up more than 50 percent of U.S. births.
For some, using “people of color” is also empowering because it brings attention to the diversity of the population being discussed.
Others cautioned departing completely from the term “minorities” because it helps communicate that inequalities remain for persons of color. Merriam-Webster defines “minority” several ways, including “a part of a population differing from others in some characteristics and often subjected to differential treatment.”
What do you think? Do you prefer we use “minorities” or “persons of color” on www.SpeakCityHeights.org? Leave a comment or submit a letter to the editor to spkcityheights@gmail.com.
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Seven Radio Stations Explore Voting on the Fronteras
KPBS joined six other border region public radio stations Wednesday to discuss election issues in the Southwest. Reporters, experts and callers from throughout the region discussed topics ranging from the economy to the DREAM Act to controversial deportation policies. They also explored how redistricting might affect this year’s elections.
A recording of the two-hour special is available here.
Follow public radio stations in the Southwest @fronterasdesk.
Price Awards New Scholarship to 15 City Heights Students
NBC San Diego reported on a new program called Price Community Scholars Program at San Diego State University.
The program will award 15 college freshmen from City Heights up to $7,500 for tuition over four years. As part of the agreement, recipients will mentor middle school students in the neighborhood.
NBC spoke to a Crawford student who was awarded the scholarship.
“I know that if I want a better future for myself I need an education and the fact that I’m going to college…I’m doing something that nobody in my family has done,” Isamaria Cortes, 17, said.
Follow NBC San Diego @nbcsandiego.
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