In the News

Regional

The Daily Press reported that the Spanish-speaking population of Newport News continues to be targeted for crime.  Police Spokesman Lou Thurston said in an April 9 article that Hispanics often do not trust local police and banks.  Criminals know that Hispanic immigrant workers are often paid in cash and frequently do not deposit their earnings.  Hispanics are also statistically less likely to report criminal activity to the police.  Newport News police are endeavoring to earn the Hispanic community's trust and increase awareness of crime through an outreach program.  

Prince William County may reconsider its controversial policy of directing police officers to check the citizenship status of criminal suspects, The Washington Post reported.  The crackdown, which went into effect March 3, had the unintended consequence of crowding county jails when federal immigration authorities did not pick up the detainees in a timely manner.  The policy has also proved expensive.  County Supervisors will meet to discuss changes before voting on the upcoming year's budget.  

National 

Mexico is feeling the downturn in the U.S. economy as fewer remittances are sent south of the border, The Washington Post reported.  The amount of money transferred dropped 7 percent in January, the steepest drop in a single month in 13 years according to the Mexican government.  Officials worry that increased poverty in Mexico will push desperate Mexicans to emigrate in increasing numbers, even as finding work in the United States becomes more difficult. 

The two dozen surviving family members of 9/11 victims who are illegal immigrants may be granted temporary U.S. legal status, The New York Times reported.  The family members may submit biographical information to Homeland Security to be considered for humanitarian parole without submitting their names.  The families received payment from the Victim Compensation Fund, but could not easily invest their payments and until now continued to live in fear of deportation. 

International

Fernando Lugo, a former Roman Catholic bishop, has been elected President of Paraguay, McClatchy News Service reported.  Lugo's election ended the Colorado Party's 61-year rule in the country.  He is to take office on Aug. 15 and has promised a more equitable distribution of land and resources in the South American country.

Gov. Bill Richardson (D-N.M.) will put forward a plan to release the three U.S. hostages held by the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC) in Colombia.  Richardson told the Associated Press that Hugo Chavez agreed to mediate the release, after meeting with the Venezuelan President on Saturday.

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