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,”
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Labor

Latin America Roundup: Brazil, Mexico lay out regulatory priorities

“…Mexico’s Federal Commission for the Protection Against Health Risks (COFEPRIS) also recently made public its priorities and work agenda for 2024, some of which parallel those laid out by ANVISA.

In a document released on 30 January, COFEPRIS described efforts to promote regulatory certainty, improve confidence in its processes, and expand digitalization as a strategy to speed approvals.

COFEPRIS said 2024 would see the launch of its biosimilars unit and pharmaceutical development committee, both of which share the goal of expanding Mexican manufacturing. The agency also promised to refine rules for conducting clinical research “with the aim of achieving competitive service times.”…”

https://www.raps.org/news-and-articles/news-articles/2024/2/latin-america-roundup-brazil,-mexico-lay-out-regul

Facts on Latinos in the U.S.

“There were 62.5 million Latinos in the United States in 2021, accounting for approximately 19% of the total U.S. population. In 1980, with a population of 14.8 million, Hispanics made up just 7% of the total U.S. population…”

https://www.pewresearch.org/hispanic/fact-sheet/latinos-in-the-us-fact-sheet/

 

American Imports of Mexico-Manufactured Goods on the Rise: Study

“U.S. supply chains responded to the global volatility from the past two years by transforming supply chain networks to improve resilience against future disruption, according to a new report released by Penske Logistics, Kearney and Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)…”

https://www.sdcexec.com/transportation/3pl-4pl/news/22865245/penske-logistics-american-imports-of-mexicomanufactured-goods-on-the-rise-study

Black American entrepreneurs develop their dreams in Mexico

“…Tiara Darnell’s Blaxicocina restaurant in Mexico City is a “classic” immigrant business, deeply tied to being both Black and physically in Mexico. Her previous entrepreneurial experience included goat milk products and wine, but Blaxicocina’s inspiration is the home-cooked soul food of her Washington, D.C.-based family. The business began last year with cooking events at Darnell’s apartment, but once she was cramming 70 people at a time, she decided to take it to the next level…”

https://mexiconewsdaily.com/community/black-american-entrepreneurs-develop-dreams-in-mexico/

Mexico , Brazil and Argentina News US firm Avaya ramps up nearshoring in Mexico, Argentina

“US customer experience and contact center company Avaya plans to expand its specialized workforce in Mexico and Argentina this year to strengthen its nearshoring capabilities, Galib Karim, senior global VP for Latin America, told BNamericas.

In the past two months, Avaya opened around 150 positions in these countries. It could surpass the mark of 1,000 professionals providing services to other geographies from the region within 18 months, according to Karim.

Avaya has around 9,000 customers using its products in Latin America, mostly small and mid-sized enterprises, and around 800 direct employees. The go-to-market, including sales and installation, is mainly handled by distributors, channels and resellers…”

https://www.bnamericas.com/en/news/us-firm-avaya-ramps-up-nearshoring-in-mexico-argentina

 

US-Visa-Online Offers E-Visa For All People.

“Us-Visa-Online is pleased to announce that we are now offering an online visa service for those traveling to the United States.This new service provides a convenient and hassle-free way to apply for a visa, and we are committed to providing our customers with the best possible experience.We have a team of experienced professionals who are available 24/7 to assist with any questions or concerns you may have.We believe that this new service will be a valuable resource for those planning to travel to the United States, and we are excited to offer it to our customers…”

https://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/news/us-visa-online-offers-e-visa-for-all-people-

 

U.S., Mexico agree deal to fix labor dispute at VU Manufacturing plant

“WASHINGTON/MEXICO CITY, March 31 (Reuters) – The U.S. and Mexico on Friday announced a deal to resolve a U.S. labor complaint at VU Manufacturing in northern Mexico that requires the auto parts plant to let workers freely choose their union in line with a trade pact aimed at improving labor rights.,,”

https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/us-mexico-agree-worker-rights-plan-mexican-auto-parts-factory-2023-03-31/

Accounting Firms Have Begun to See Mexico As a Goldmine for Accounting and Finance Talent, Says Guy

“…The U.S. isn’t the only country in the world with talent. For example, our neighbor to the south is rife with bright, bilingual individuals often with the same (if not better) qualifications as their U.S. counterparts. As of the second quarter of 2022, there were more than 466,000 accountants and auditors in Mexico while the U.S., despite having more than double the population, has just over 665,000 actively licensed CPAs. With a shared border, strong cultural familiarity and other benefits, I’ve noticed many multinational accounting firms have begun to see Mexico as a goldmine for accounting and finance talent…”

https://www.goingconcern.com/category/salaries/

To advance ‘North American Idea,’ fortify bond between Canada, Mexico, experts say

“…Canada could also be taking a more active role in working with Mexico to protect against some of the threats to democracy that exist in Latin American countries like Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba, Boehm added.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s last day in Mexico City was dedicated entirely to reinforcing ties with Mexico, beginning with a speech to business leaders that portrayed Canada as a free-trade champion and a wise place to invest.

Already, foreign direct investment in Canada in the last year has fuelled the growth of electric vehicle manufacturing and critical minerals development that has created some 17,000 jobs, Trudeau told his audience…”

https://www.bradfordtoday.ca/national-news/to-advance-north-american-idea-fortify-bond-between-canada-mexico-experts-say-6411459

What’s behind the Mexican wave of optimism?

“Mexico’s economy was relatively robust in 2022, while its equity market comfortably outperformed the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.

In many ways the backdrop for 2023 looks considerably less favourable, yet there is optimism regarding Mexico’s outlook. Amid increased geopolitical concerns and a fundamental shift in global supply chains, Mexico stands to be a potential winner…”

https://www.schroders.com/en/us/professional-investor/insights/equities/whats-behind-the-mexican-wave-of-optimism/

As ‘Three Amigos’ meet in Mexico, experts call on leaders for North American vision

“With Canadian and Mexican manufacturers added in the 11th hour to Biden’s plan to encourage the sale of climate-friendly electric vehicles, there will be room to talk about more familiar irritants like trade disputes and U.S. protectionism…

…As a country that’s not immune to the influences of irregular migration and the flow of fentanyl at the U.S.-Mexico border, Canada will need to be part of that conversation as well, one that’s widely expected to dominate the agenda…”

https://www.sootoday.com/national-news/as-three-amigos-meet-in-mexico-experts-call-on-leaders-for-north-american-vision-6349468

 

Lawsuit says Kia benefited from labor of misled Mexican migrants

“…In the class-action lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Atlanta and amended late last month, lawyers representing the Mexican workers accused the Korean car maker of benefiting from “exploited” workers. The plaintiffs say they were lured to Georgia through a visa program meant for white-collar immigrants, but then ordered to work low-paid assembly line jobs…”

https://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-news/lawsuit-says-kia-benefited-from-labor-of-misled-mexican-migrants/NB36ZARJLRHQLE7ZXV7TZIYPQU/

Could Mexico replace China as top global manufacturing exporter?

“While the world economy continues to face multiple headwinds, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, lingering pandemic effects and inflationary pressures, many trade professionals remain bullish about the prospect of more companies nearshoring operations to Mexico over the next decade.

A growing number of global shippers view Mexico as an alternative sourcing location to China and other Asian nations by either relocating manufacturing operations just south of the border or choosing to expand existing production in Mexico, experts said….”

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/could-mexico-replace-china-as-top-global-manufacturing-exporter

‘Emma Tenayuca Memorial Way’ first step in new effort to honor Mexican-American legacy in San Antonio

“…Tenayuca led the 1938 pecan-shellers’ strike of nearly 12,000 mostly Mexican-American workers. The strike protested unjust wages and horrible working conditions, and it is still the biggest in San Antonio’s history. Her niece and nephew, Sharyll Teneyuca — who spells her last name differently — and Dennis Campa, were present at the announcement and spoke about who Tenayuca was…”

https://www.tpr.org/government-politics/2022-11-30/emma-tenayuca-memorial-way-first-step-in-new-effort-to-honor-mexican-american-legacy-in-san-antonio

Attention Georgia Companies: How NOT to Recruit a Foreign Workforce

“…A recent case involved Mexican engineers who were brought to Georgia on non-immigrant NAFTA Professional (TN) visas by a staffing agency promising them high-level technical jobs. They wound up doing manual labor at parts suppliers for Kia and Hyundai. They could not leave their roles, however, because their legal permission to work in the United States depended on the TN visas sponsored by that employer...

https://www.globalatlanta.com/attention-georgia-companies-how-not-to-recruit-a-foreign-workforce/

 

Working in Canada under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement

“The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement allows non-Canadian citizens in the US and Mexico to obtain a work permit in Canada. Explore the four different categories below….”

https://www.cicnews.com/2022/10/working-in-canada-under-the-canada-united-states-mexico-agreement-1030694.html#gs.f1e1ho

 

Mexico’s 1st labor center Centro Laboral UAQ opens with UCLA support

“The Autonomous University of Querétaro has opened Mexico’s first labor center with support from the UCLA Labor Center.

The Centro Laboral UAQ, which opened in August, seeks to provide more resources to workers in Mexico by supporting working class mobilization, assisting in contract negotiation and helping workers understand how to unionize, according to UCLA Newsroom…”

https://dailybruin.com/2022/09/26/mexicos-1st-labor-center-centro-laboral-uaq-opens-with-ucla-support

Business Mexico draws young American professionals working remotely

“…“They love the climate,” she said. “They love the people, the culture, the food, the beauty.”

“Yes, of course, safety can be an issue. … And when I say quality of life, I mean of course, we can’t avoid the fact that your dollar goes a long way in Mexico,” she added.

According to data from the U.S. Department of State, there are over 1.6 million U.S. citizens living in Mexico, but that number only includes people who have applied for legal residency, which some remote workers do not do.

Mexico City’s tourism agency said more than 1.9 million foreigners arrived at the capital city’s international airport during just the first half of this year. They spent almost $2 billion in hotel stays there….”

https://vigourtimes.com/mexico-draws-young-american-professionals-working-remotely/

 

Key facts about U.S. Latinos for National Hispanic Heritage Month

“…The U.S. Hispanic population reached 62.5 million in 2021, up from 50.5 million in 2010. The 19% increase in the Hispanic population was faster than the nation’s 7% growth rate, but slower than the 23% increase in the Asian population. In 2021, Hispanics made up nearly one-in-five people in the U.S. (19%) – the 50 states and the District of Columbia. This is up from 16% in 2010 and just 5% in 1970…”

https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/09/23/key-facts-about-u-s-latinos-for-national-hispanic-heritage-month/

 


  

Poem
“…And would it have been worth it, after all,
Would it have been worth while,
After the sunsets and the dooryards and the sprinkled streets,
After the novels, after the teacups, after the skirts that trail along the floor—
And this, and so much more?—
It is impossible to say just what I mean!
But as if a magic lantern threw the nerves in patterns on a screen:
Would it have been worth while…”

T.S. Eliot
The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock

Mexican American Proarchive Annual Report for 2022

The American Community Survey is an annual survey administered by the federal government to help local officials and community leaders and businesses understand the changes that take place in their communities. It includes percentages of our population’s graduate school attainment and the employment of Mexican Americans in various occupations.  These important factors influence the allocation of federal resources. Mexican American Proarchives uses the data provided by the American Community Survey to better understand how Mexican Americans compare to the general population.

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