Immigration News: Why Punitive, Enforcement-Only Laws Fail

The Center for American Progress brought together a panel to discuss what progressive work is being done in state capitols to fight anti-immigration measures and encourage constructive dialogue on immigration, reports New America Media (NAM). While 10 states have already passed the DREAM Act, a bill that gives immigrant children access to college, states are expanding laws to enforce fair wages and positive "New American" policies, reports NAM. However, Nathan Newman of the Progressive States Network warns that politicians must "wake up to the fact that Latino and other immigrant families are a mix of documented and undocumented." It's not productive to pit one group against the other. How Does Your State Measure Up on Immigration?

Irish LGBTs Barricaded From St. Patty's Day Parade

More than 150,000 people lined New York's 5th Avenue Monday to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, but Irish LGBTs were not allowed to participate in the festivities. Instead, they were relegated to a barricaded area along the route, reports 365gay.com. Since the early 1990s, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, which organizes the parade, has claimed the parade is a private, religious procession to justify keeping LGBT groups out. But the Archdiocese of New York, in an unrelated statement, deemed the parade a purely civic event, reports 365gay. A recent study by the University of California revealed that an estimated 1,200 Irish-born men and women are living with a same-sex partner in the United States. 

Check out Luke Visconti's Ask the White Guy column on LGBT Rights Vs. Religious Expression. For more information on managing religion in the workplace, check out Christian, Muslim & Hindu: How Will Your Company Manage Religion at Work?

Dalai Lama Threatens Resignation 

The Dalai Lama threatened to resign as leader of Tibet's government-in-exile on Monday if violence continued, reports The Associated Press (AP). The Dalai Lama, speaking to reporters, said, "If things become out of control," his "only option is to completely resign." He urged Tibetans to show restraint, referring to the recent string of protests, which have grown increasingly violent, reports AP. One of the Dalai Lama's top aides, Tenzin Taklha, tried to clarify the leader's comments, saying, "If the Tibetans were to choose the path of violence he would have to resign because he is completely committed to nonviolence. He would resign as the political leader and head of state, but not as the Dalai Lama. He will always be the Dalai Lama."

New NBC Deal Targets 100 Million Mexican Viewers

NBC Universal's Telemundo reached a partnership with Mexican entertainment giant Grupo Televisa that will allow Spanish-language television shows produced by Telemundo to play on Televisa's channels in Mexico, reports the Los Angeles Times. The 10-year agreement, which will provide Telemundo access to more than 100 million people, comes after NBC Universal, which has production facilities near Mexico City, threatened to launch its own broadcast network in Mexico. However, Mexican media companies Televisa and TV Azteca resisted the station's efforts, reports the Times. The deal is also expected to connect Mexican viewers and their U.S.-born relatives, allowing them to watch and discuss shows. Read more about multicultural marketing.

Florida Dems Abandon Primary-Redo Plans

Florida Democrats abandoned plans to hold a mail-in do-over presidential primary, leaving the state's 210 delegates in limbo, reports The Associated Press (AP). In a letter announcing the decision, Florida's Democratic Party chairperson, Karen Thurman, wrote, "A party-run primary or caucus has been ruled out, and it's simply not possible for the state to hold another election, even if the party were to pay for it. This doesn't mean that Democrats are giving up on Florida voters. It means that a solution will have to come from the DNC Rules & Bylaws Committee, which is scheduled to meet again in April." Michigan, the other state fighting the national party to seat its delegates, said it has moved closer to having a stable plan to redo the vote. However, the Democrat-led House is scheduled to leave for a two-week vacation Thursday, so any bills to set up a do-over need to be brought up quickly, reports AP. Sen. Hillary Clinton, who won both Florida and Michigan, has pushed for delegates from those two states to be counted, as her lead in the presidential race has slipped dramatically.  

Black-on-Black Discrimination Lands Retailer in Court

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