Every Day is Magic: Ada Limón
In her 2015 collection, Bright Dead Things, a National Book Award finalist for poetry, Ada Limón writes of moving to Kentucky: “Confession: I did not want to live here.” It’s perhaps not a surprising sentiment coming from a coastally oriented person who was raised in Northern California, attended college in Seattle, and then spent over a decade in New York City.
But Limón and her husband, Lucas, have been in Lexington for seven years now and the effects of settling into this place are noticeable in her new book, The Carrying (Milkweed, Aug.). It’s a phenomenally lively and attentive collection replete with the trappings of living a little closer to nature. While Bright Dead Things is marked by a preponderance of light, such as images of fireflies and neon signs, The Carrying features numerous appearances by various trees, birds, and beetles. Limón also demonstrates a greater willingness to be explicit in naming colors, particularly green. “It’s crazy green, the whole book,” she says. “Lexington is the greenest place I’ve ever lived.” Similarly, where in Bright Dead Things, Limón tells a lot of stories and anecdotes, in The Carrying she is very present in her thoughts and experiences.
As it turns out, these shifts in focus have another, altogether unexpected source. While putting Bright Dead Things together, Limón was diagnosed with chronic vestibular neuronitis, which can cause bouts of vertigo. “If I’m really having vertigo, it’s pretty intense and I really have to focus,”
Read More…
Education & Exchanges
“Our nations share deep cultural ties exemplified by over 40 million Americans of Mexican descent who cherish their roots and cultural traditions, and millions of Americans who visit Mexico each year for tourism, study, or business. A key part of our commitment to strengthen bilateral ties between our nations is expanding opportunities for interaction in the educational and cultural spheres.
The United States Mission in Mexico oversees and implements several programs sponsored by the American people for Mexican citizens to support young leaders, students, civil society, journalists, teachers, and entrepreneurs. These programs focus on building people-to-people relations to foster mutual understanding, enhance professional partnerships and collaboration, and strengthen a healthy exchange of ideas across all sectors between our two countries…”
https://mx.usembassy.gov/educational/
“
Canada seeks Mexican talent
“…The Directorate of Immigration Services of the Québec Government Office in Mexico in partnership with Montreál International announced the search for qualified personnel to work in one of the most important cities of the French-speaking province.
The search for Mexican talent is due to the fact that Mexico has professionals specialized in this sector with high quality training, they are receptive to immigration, they adapt easily, and Québec is geographically close, culturally familiar and Latin American…”
New Reporting Requirements for Mexicans and Other Foreigners with Participation in U.S. Entities
“The Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Reporting Rule of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) entered into force on Jan. 1, 2024. Now, U.S. or Mexican entities will be required to report the individuals who directly or indirectly exercise substantial control over the entity or own 25 percent or more of the ownership interests in that entity, unless the entity is exempt from reporting.
In addition, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) on Feb. 16, 2024, proposed a new transparency initiative focused on “all cash” acquisitions of U.S. residential real estate by entities and trusts, with a requirement that real estate professionals involved in the transaction must report the individual beneficial owners and other information to FinCEN within 30 days of closing. Learn what this latest proposal means if you acquire U.S. real estate through an entity or a trust…”
https://www.hklaw.com/en/events/2024/04/new-reporting-requirements-for-mexicans-and-other-foreigners
SWJ El Centro Book Review – Frontera: a journey across the US-Mexico Border
“The borderlands between Mexico and the US are among the most studied border regions in the world. The border represents an intersection of several studies on security, culture, environment, and economics. This book can encompass and touch on a myriad of complex issues affecting the Mexican-American border by taking a deep dive into both sides of the border. The authors use a variety of perspectives and experts to thread together an intricate picture of the current and future state of the border. Sergio Chapa and Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera are the authors of this book. Sergio Chapa is an oil and natural gas industry expert and journalist in Houston, Texas. Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera is a professor at the Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University. Sergio Chapa and Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera’s book explores the natural and ethnographic landscapes of both sides of the US-Mexico borderlands. The authors provide insight into the region’s cultural life, political context, and security situation…”
Mexican American Bar Association praises the work by the municipal government of Tijuana
“The Mexican American Bar Association (MABA) recognized the Municipal Administration of Tijuana for allowing them to carry out the first legal fair in the border city which offers legal options for citizens.
Representing the mayor, the Senior Official recalled that all voices must be taken into account because that is how the Municipal Administration has worked, providing certainty and pathways for the citizens that ask for it…”
Lawsuit Claims Auto Parts Maker Sewon, Recruiter ‘Lured’ Skilled Mexican Engineers to Georgia as Cheap Labor
‘A proposed class action lawsuit accuses auto parts supplier Sewon America and recruitment agency Total Employee Solution Support (TESS) of luring and exploiting highly skilled Mexican engineers and technicians to a LaGrange, Georgia, Sewon manufacturing plant as part of an illegal “bait and switch” scheme to secure cheap labor…”
State of the Union 2024: Where Americans stand on the economy, immigration and other key issues
“…About six-in-ten Americans (57%) say dealing with immigration should be a top policy goal for the president and Congress this year, a share that’s increased 18 points (from 39%) since the start of Biden’s term.
This change is almost entirely due to growing concern among Republicans: 76% now say immigration should be a top priority, up from 39% in 2021. By comparison, the 39% of Democrats who cite immigration as a priority has remained fairly stable since 2021…”
How many Mexican gray wolves call New Mexico home?
“…“Each year, the free-roaming Mexican wolf population numbers increase and the areas they occupy expands. Genetic management using pups from captivity is also showing results. In total, 99 pups carefully selected for their genetic value have been placed in 40 wild dens since 2016, and some of these fosters have produced litters of their own. While recovery is in the future, examining the last decade of data certainly provides optimism that recovery will be achieved.”…”
Trump’s deportation plan is modeled on ‘inhumane’ 1950s program, experts say
“After hundreds of thousands of Mexican migrants were put on buses, planes and boats during the scorching summer of 1954 and sent across the U.S. border into often-unfamiliar parts of Mexico, the head of the Immigration and Naturalization Service declared the border “secured.”…”
Immigration: USC experts available to discuss America’s most polarizing topic
“There’s a dichotomy in the visibility of Latinos, being hyper-visible in some aspects while remaining invisible in other dimensions of our society,” said Natalia Molina, distinguished professor of American studies and ethnicity at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.
“The influence of Latino culture is widespread, exemplified by a recent Pew Foundation study indicating that approximately 1 in 10 U.S. restaurants serve Mexican food. This study emphasizes the active role of Latinos in shaping American culture, not merely being shaped by it,” she said….”
https://today.usc.edu/immigration-usc-experts-available-to-discuss-americas-most-polarizing-topic/
World US, Mexico agree to strengthen efforts to curb record migration
“…Following a visit to Mexico by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the countries said they would seek to strengthen a sponsorship initiative for Venezuelan, Cuban, Nicaraguan and Haitian migrants and look to tackle the root causes of migration…”
https://www.reuters.com/world/us-mexico-keep-border-crossings-open-lopez-obrador-says-2023-12-28/
As migration to the US border rises, experts fear surge in sexual violence
“…A report published in November by the nonprofit Human Rights First found 1,300 reported attacks along the US-Mexico border since May, when US President Joe Biden tightened policies for asylum applications…”
Biden, Mexico’s president agree more border enforcement needed
“MEXICO CITY/WASHINGTON, Dec 21 (Reuters) – U.S. President Joe Biden and his Mexican counterpart agreed during a call on Thursday that more enforcement at the border between their countries is needed, the White House said, as record numbers of people trying to cross have disrupted trade.
Top U.S. officials – including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and U.S. Homeland Security adviser Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall – will travel to Mexico in coming days to meet with President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on the issue, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said in a briefing with reporters…”
https://www.reuters.com/world/mexican-president-speak-biden-thursday-migration-eyed-2023-12-21/
Texas’ new border law will hurt children and taxpayers, experts say
“…Abbott is spending millions on the border in the name of public safety, but there has been little impact on drug flow or crime rates, wrote Democratic El Paso County Commissioner David Stout. The new law will require Texan taxpayers to fund expansive new criminal infrastructure to account for the estimated 88,000 additional arrests per year, Stout explained, costing at least $162 million in El Paso County alone. Texas should instead focus on “investing in immigrants, and in the trade and cultural exchange opportunities,” Stout suggested, citing studies showing that both documented and undocumented immigrants contribute to lower rates of crime and higher rates of entrepreneurship than native-born Texans…”
https://www.semafor.com/article/12/19/2023/texas-migrant-sb4-law-impact-children-taxpayers
US-Mexico wall is making rare species more vulnerable to climate change and drought, experts warn
“…A metal fence rises nine metres at the southern edge of the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, a 47,000-hectare home for threatened and endangered plants and animals in Arizona.
The barrier marks the end of the US, but not the end of the habitat for dozens of species, including American antelope, mule deer, lynx, mountain lions and jaguars…”
Increasing Cultural Sensitivity for Employees Moving to Mexico
“As one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing Latin American countries, Mexico is an attractive proposition for many companies looking to expand their operations. Furthermore, the nation’s capital, Mexico City, is a highly desirable place for expats, boasting a relatively low cost of living, favorable weather, amazing access to Mexican cuisine and Mexican art, as well as the intangible cultural heritage the city offers.
If you are an employee moving to Mexico, you probably have many questions about Mexican culture and Mexican society, as well as what your new professional life may be like once you relocate. Having a decent understanding of the various norms and practices that are part of Mexican life—especially in the corporate sector and in Mexican cities—can help you get ahead as you establish your new career path abroad.
Read on to learn about important points of Mexican culture and identity that may be useful during your time working in Mexico…”
https://newlandchase.com/increasing-cultural-sensitivity-for-employees-moving-to-mexico/
9 Best Places to Retire in Mexico, According to Real Estate Experts
“While Mexico — with its picture-perfect beaches, lush mountains, fascinating culture, world-class cuisine, and friendly people — remains one of the most popular tourist destinations for Americans, the country is also emerging as a retirement haven.
“According to social security data, the number of American retirees in Mexico has nearly doubled since 2016, up from 36,000 to 62,000 retirees in 2023,” said Chet Kittleson, co-founder and CEO of Far Homes, an online marketplace for international real estate. “These folks are drawn to the quality of life, incredible weather, beautiful beaches, lower cost of living, more affordable health care, and the list goes on.” American seniors can save, on average, $44,144 per year, including $8,000 or more on health care alone, if they move to Mexico, Far Homes’ data shows…”
https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-places-to-retire-in-mexico-8410786
Mexican Journalist Granted US Asylum After 15-Year Journey
“Washington —
Emilio Gutierrez Soto came to the National Press Club on Wednesday with a message of gratitude. Press freedom advocates came with a call to action.
The 60-year-old journalist fled with his son to the U.S.-Mexico border in 2008 seeking asylum after receiving death threats because of his reporting on Mexican military corruption.
After 15 years, the Board of Immigration Appeals ruled in favor of Gutierrez Soto.
He still needs to go in front of an immigration judge in March 2024 to receive his asylum papers, but his immigration lawyer said his case has been resolved…”
https://www.voanews.com/a/mexican-journalist-granted-us-asylum-after-15-year-journey/7379094.html
Critics say Texas immigration bill will lead to racial profiling
“Texas Republicans have upped the ante in their effort to control the southern border, sending Gov. Greg Abbott a bill that gives local police authority over immigration enforcement.
Why it matters: Critics of the legislation say it is unconstitutional and will lead to racial profiling.
- Legal experts argue it violates long-standing Supreme Court precedent and goes far beyond Arizona’s divisive Senate Bill 1070, partially struck down by the high court.
Driving the news: Abbott made the issue a priority, calling lawmakers back for a fourth special session to send a bill to his desk…”
https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/texas-immigration-bill-sb-1070-mexico-border
Undocu Open House highlights support systems for students without legal status
“…“For a lot of undocumented students, the biggest concern in terms of pursuing higher education has to do with financial aid and funding,” Moreno said. “Even though we have the California DREAM Act and AB 540 legislation, there are still a lot of students who are left out.”
According to the California Student Aid Commission, the California DREAM Act allows eligible students, including students without legal status, to pay in-state tuition at any public college in California and receive certain types of financial aid. Under California law Assembly Bill 540, eligible nonresident students who meet certain criteria can be exempt from paying nonresident supplemental tuition, according to the UC admissions website…”
