Latest news with #Mexico-born
San Francisco Chronicle
3 days ago
- Politics
- San Francisco Chronicle
These Bay Area communities are most vulnerable to Trump's immigration crackdowns
With the Trump administration clamping down on immigration, experts say some Bay Area immigrants may pursue one of the surest ways to protect their ability to remain in the country: becoming a citizen. That is, if they want to — or even can. Just 25% of Bay Area residents born in Guatemala, excluding children of American parents, are citizens. The same was true for 35% of Mexico-born residents. Meanwhile, nearly 60% of residents born in China and Nicaragua are naturalized. Still, overall more than half of the Bay Area's foreign-born population has already won citizenship, 2023 data from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey shows, similar to the national figure. That means many of the region's immigrants are likely protected from deportation and scrutiny from border officials, said Bill Hing, a professor of law and migration studies at the University of San Francisco — though there have been some exceptions. As President Donald Trump continues to restrict immigration, more people who are eligible for naturalization will likely pursue that option, Hing said. It might not be the first time — naturalizations rose during Trump's first term. Naturalized citizens are less likely than lawfully present immigrants to report fearing detention or deportation, though about 1 in 4 say they are worried for themselves or a family member, according to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll. Hing expects a particularly large surge in people born in Mexico, Central America and South America to seek U.S. citizenship, hoping to avoid getting caught in Trump's mass deportation plans. Many immigrants from those countries who can pursue citizenship often don't, due to a variety of factors. Deportation fears could change that for some immigrants. 'The kind of enforcement that's going on right now is racially profiling those groups,' Hing said. The reasons some groups have relatively low naturalization rates vary, said Eric McGhee, a senior fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California. Many immigrants from Honduras, for example, arrived in the past two decades, meaning they've had less time to seek citizenship. Even among groups for whom naturalization is more common, such as China- and India-born immigrants, few of those who came to the U.S. in the past two decades are citizens. Indian immigrants in particular can face long wait times for permanent legal status — the longest of any nationality, according to some research. Naturalization applicants must have a green card for at least five years or be married to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident for at least three years, with exceptions for members of the military. Even with those hurdles cleared, there are often others, including language barriers. And undocumented immigrants are, of course, completely ineligible to become citizens. That likely explains why so few people among certain foreign-born groups, such as those born in Guatemala, are naturalized, McGhee said. While the Trump administration has targeted immigrants who are in the U.S. lawfully, such as by targeting international students, the crackdown will undoubtedly affect undocumented immigrants the most. 'There's a lot in flux and in play, but there's no question that the flexibility and range of options for the Trump administration are greater on the undocumented side,' McGhee said. There are additional reasons immigrants from some countries might be more likely to be citizens than others. Bay Area nonprofits previously encouraged Chinese-born residents to become citizens so they could gain the right to vote and become a political force, Hing said. The effort, made possible by the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Acts in 1943, was a success. More than 90% of Bay Area Chinese-born residents who immigrated to the U.S. from 1970 to 1990 are citizens. Whether immigrants seek to become citizens also depends on the situation in their home country, Hing said. For example, Taiwan's political upheaval in the 20th century, and now its tensions with China, may give immigrants born there more of an incentive to seek naturalization. But those factors may matter less for immigrants from wealthy, stable countries like Japan, Singapore and Australia, especially for those who plan to travel often (or ultimately return) to their birth country. But anti-immigrant sentiment can also lead to an increase in naturalization, as Hing predicts will happen again. After California Proposition 187 was passed in 1994, cutting undocumented immigrants' access to social services, the state saw a surge in naturalization applications.
Los Angeles Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
In Los Angeles, Carlos Vela found a home
I still remember the goal that made me feel lucky for living in Los Angeles during the era of Carlos Vela. It was a cool Wednesday night in August 2019, and I was standing in the 200-level section of what is now known as BMO Stadium, trying to process what I had just seen. In the 41st minute of the match against the visiting San Jose Earthquakes, Los Angeles Football Club winger Diego Rossi fed Vela the ball a few yards outside the opponent's box. The Mexico-born player effortlessly avoided a sliding tackle from behind, dribbled past a helpless defender and juked the keeper out of position, who fell to the ground, leaving the goal wide open. Another Quakes defender tried desperately to prevent the inevitable, but Vela easily sidestepped him and casually tapped the ball into the back of the net for his second goal of the night, and his 26th of the season. It was the textbook definition of a golazo. LAFC would go on to win 4-0, another victory in the team's historic run to clinch the Supporters' Shield, the first ever piece of hardware for the expansion team. Vela would finish the 2019 season with 34 goals (a single-season Major League Soccer record that still stands), 15 assists and MVP honors, delivering what many consider to be the single greatest individual performance in a season in league history. On Tuesday, Vela, 36, announced his retirement from professional soccer. After nearly two decades of playing in four different countries; after representing Mexico at the international level in 72 matches; and after helping LAFC win two Supporters' Shields and an MLS Cup, Charlie Candle is hanging up his cleats and calling it quits. 'Helping to build LAFC and winning trophies for the club is a highlight of my career,' Vela said via a statement released by the team. 'This club means so much to me and my family, and I am proud of everything we have accomplished together with the great fans of Los Angeles.' LAFC also announced that Vela would remain with the team as a club ambassador. Learning of Vela's retirement made me reflect on the feeling of excitement I felt that evening. I remember pulling up the highlight on YouTube and watching it over and over again. He was a wizard on the pitch, making the impossible look so easy and effortless. With each viewing, my admiration gave way to appreciation. I was thankful that the most gifted footballer in Mexican history was playing in my city, and that I could witness his greatness firsthand. I didn't always feel this way. When LAFC announced in 2017, months before its inaugural season, that Vela would be its first star player, I was disappointed. Like most fans of the Mexican men's national team, I interpreted his decision to leave Spanish club Real Sociedad for a U.S. team with no legacy or history as strictly a business move. Since launching in 1996, MLS has frequently attracted some of the biggest Mexican soccer legends. Cuauhtémoc Blanco, Rafa Marquez, Jorge Campos, Luis Hernandez, Carlos Hermosillo, Hugo Sanchez all played for MLS clubs during the waning years of their careers. Vela, who was 28 at the time, was still in his prime. His successful multiyear stint in La Liga proved that he could go toe to toe with the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. I wanted him to stay where he was, or at least move to a bigger European club. I felt that it was his obligation to sharpen his skills against the world's best so that he could give Mexico a better chance at winning the World Cup, or, at the very least, move past the Round of 16 stage of the tournament. Never mind that Vela had already opted out of playing at the 2014 World Cup because of a strained relationship with the Mexican federation for non-soccer reasons. Vela was the chosen one. He was a key member of the Mexico squad that won the 2005 FIFA under-17 World Cup (Vela was the tournament's top goalscorer), and was at one point signed to English Premier League club Arsenal, which saw the young striker/winger as a potential heir to French superstar Thierry Henry. For many, Vela choosing to play in the U.S. felt like a betrayal, and it further legitimized the accusation that Vela was perfectly fine squandering his talent. The prevailing narrative was that he treated soccer as nothing more than a job. The enigmatic footballer didn't help his case by telling the press that he would much rather 'watch a basketball game than a soccer one.' My very strong feelings about what Carlos Vela should do with his career and his life didn't stop me from going to LAFC's home opener months later. Did I think he was slumming it? Absolutely. But he was still in his prime! And it just so happened that the small pond Vela chose to be a big fish in was a few miles from my house. As the season progressed, my curiosity turned into casual interest, which quickly morphed into fandom. I even bought merch, a line I told myself I would never cross. Vela single-handedly made someone who had always looked at MLS with suspicion all of a sudden care about what happened in the league. My biggest soccer loves will forever be Club América and Liga MX, but Vela forced me to make some room in my heart for the black and gold. None of this would have been possible if Vela had mailed it in. In all the times I watched him play, whether in person or on television, I never got the impression that he was going through the motions. He always fought hard for the ball and constantly tried to be the best player on the pitch. It was as if Vela derived pleasure in being a human highlight reel. When LAFC finally won the MLS Cup in 2022, defeating the Philadelphia Union in penalties, it was an overjoyed Vela who lifted the trophy. He didn't look like someone who was just clocking in and out. Vela embraced living in Los Angeles, and Los Angeles immediately embraced him back. I imagine that living in a universe full of stars afforded him some reprieve from the media scrutiny he has been subjected to for two decades. I'm sure it made it easier to love the game. MLS and LAFC are deeply indebted to Vela. His move to L.A. helped an expansion club become one of the best teams in the league, as well as the most valuable soccer franchise in North America. According to Sportico, a news outlet specializing in the intersection of sports and business, LAFC has a $1.2-billion valuation, making it the 16th most valuable soccer franchise in the world. 'From the beginning, Carlos has been more than just a player — he has been the heartbeat, the captain, and the face of LAFC,' John Thorrington, the team's co-president and general manager, said via a statement. 'Carlos arrived in Los Angeles with a shared vision of building something truly special, and he delivered on that promise in every way. From unforgettable goals to historic victories, Carlos helped make LAFC what it is today.' Sounds like the club ought to build Vela a statue. They can certainly afford it. Do I still wish that he had played more for Mexico, or tried to max out his potential in Europe? Absolutely. But I also can't begrudge another Mexican for finding his bliss in our fair city. That would make me a hypocrite. Beginning this week, the Latinx Files will feature a section that highlights new releases that have caught our ear. In fusing Y2K-era bubblegum with racy reggaetón coqueteo, Honduran singer-producer Isabella Lovestory has successfully captured the femme fatale spirit of the modern Latina baddie. She garnered ample buzz for her neo-perreo fusion in 2020's 'Mariposa,' and continues the momentum in her new single 'Gorgeous,' a confidence-boosting track sung in Spanglish. Evoking the slinky pop-adjacent bounce of R&B legends like Aaliyah and Destiny's Child, 'Gorgeous' will appear on Lovestory's upcoming album 'Vanity,' out June 27. — Suzy Exposito Periodically, the newsletter will feature a comic strip from a contributing artist. This week's offering comes courtesy of Julio Salgado, a queer Mexicano-born artist who grew up in Long Beach, Calif. Through the use of art, Salgado has become a well-known activist within the DREAM Act movement. Salgado uses his art to empower undocumented and queer people by telling their story and putting a human face to the issue. How 'Uvalde Mom' director Anayansi Prado captured the heart of a town in trauma The director of new documentary 'Uvalde Mom' spoke with The Times about capturing a Texas community shaken by a mass shooting. In Vietnam, an unlikely outpost for Chicano culture An outpost for Chicano culture in Vietnam attracts community — and occasional concerns among older generations inclined to associate tattoos with gangs. Esai Morales is the bad guy in 'Mission Impossible.' He's embracing it The Brooklyn-born Puerto Rican actor discusses his villainous role in 'Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning,' and speaks on his legacy. For rising corrido star Óscar Maydon, humility is key On the heels of his performance at Chicago's Sueños Festival, the Mexican singer-songwriter talks about his upcoming album, his first headlining U.S. tour and the true meaning of his big hit, 'Tu Boda.'
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Yahoo
Georgia college student faces deportation after being mistakenly pulled over during traffic stop
A traffic stop in Dalton, Georgia, which police admitted was a mistake, led to a 19-year-old Mexico-born college student's arrest and possible deportation. The Dalton Police Department on Monday said it was dropping the traffic-related charges against Ximena Arias-Cristobal that led to her initial arrest last week. But she remains at an ICE detention facility in southwest Georgia. "After suffering for more than a week in police and ICE custody, it turns out this was all the result of a police mistake. The tragedy of our system is that there is no immediate remedy for Ximena, as ICE does not care about fairness or justice," her attorney, Dustin Baxter, said in a statement to NBC News. "We will fight for her release at her upcoming bond hearing, and then try to restore some sense of normalcy to her life," he said. The ordeal began May 5 when Arias-Cristobal, who is in the country without authorization, was pulled over by Dalton police. She was accused of making an improper turn and driving without a valid driver's license, but dashcam video of the traffic stop showed that the officer meant to stop another vehicle. "After a review of the dash cam video of the traffic stop, it was determined that Ms. Arias-Cristobal's vehicle appeared similar to the offending vehicle but was not the vehicle that made an improper turn," police said Monday in a news release. The release stated that a black pickup truck made an illegal right turn on red at an intersection. The officer could not immediately pursue the truck because he was behind another vehicle that had stopped at the red light. Arias-Cristobal was driving a dark gray pickup truck. According to local news reports, she has lived in the Dalton area since her family came to the U.S. when she was 4 years old. She is enrolled at Dalton State Community College. Her arrest sparked protests in the city. Chris Crossen, assistant chief of police, said at a news conference that he "regrets the circumstances that led us to where we are here today." But added that the department has "no part in the other proceedings." Online records show that Arias-Cristobal is being held at the Stewart Detention Center, an ICE detention facility in Georgia. Her father, Jose Francisco Arias-Tovar, is being held at the same facility. He was detained about two weeks ago following a traffic stop. The Department of Homeland Security said in a post on X that Arias-Tovar "admitted that he is in the country illegally." "The family will be able to return to Mexico together," the department said. "Mr. Tovar had ample opportunity to seek a legal pathway to citizenship. He chose not to. We are not ignoring the rule of law." This article was originally published on
NBC News
13-05-2025
- NBC News
Georgia college student faces deportation after being mistakenly pulled over during traffic stop
A traffic stop in Dalton, Georgia, which police admitted was a mistake, led to a 19-year-old Mexico-born college student's arrest and possible deportation. The Dalton Police Department said it was dropping the traffic-related charges against Ximena Arias-Cristobal, that led to her initial arrest last week. But she remains at an ICE detention facility in southwest Georgia. "After suffering for more than a week in police and ICE custody, it turns out this was all the result of a police mistake. The tragedy of our system is that there is no immediate remedy for Ximena, as ICE does not care about fairness or justice," her attorney, Dustin Baxter, said in a statement to NBC News. "We will fight for her release at her upcoming bond hearing, and then try to restore some sense of normalcy to her life," he said. The ordeal began on May 5 when Arias-Cristobal, who is in the country without authorization, was pulled over by Dalton police. She was accused of making an improper turn and driving without a valid driver's license, but dash cam video of the traffic stop showed that the officer meant to stop another vehicle. "After a review of the dash cam video of the traffic stop, it was determined that Ms. Arias-Cristobal's vehicle appeared similar to the offending vehicle but was not the vehicle that made an improper turn," police said in a news release on Monday. The release stated that a black pickup truck made an illegal right turn on red at an intersection. The officer could not immediately pursue the truck because he was behind another vehicle that had stopped at the red light. Arias-Cristobal was driving a dark grey pickup truck. According to local news reports, she has lived in the Dalton area since her family came to the U.S. when she was 4 years old. She is currently enrolled at Dalton State Community College. Her arrest sparked protests in the city. Chris Crossen, assistant chief of police, said at a news conference that he "regrets the circumstances that led us to where we are here today." But added that the department has "no part in the other proceedings." Online records show that Arias-Cristobal is being held at the Stewart Detention Center, an ICE detention facility in Georgia. Her father, Jose Francisco Arias-Tovar, is being held at the same facility. He was detained about two weeks ago following a traffic stop. The Department of Homeland Security said in a post on X that Arias-Tovar "admitted that he is in the country illegally." "The family will be able to return to Mexico together," the department said. "Mr. Tovar had ample opportunity to seek a legal pathway to citizenship. He chose not to. We are not ignoring the rule of law."
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Billionaire abandons gold for ‘hard asset'
Mexican billionaire Ricardo Salinas has doubled down on his Bitcoin belief, now making up 70% of his portfolio. In a recent interview with Bloomberg, the Mexico-born billionaire stated he currently does not own any bonds or foreign stocks—just Bitcoin, gold, and equity in his firms. 'I don't have a single bond, and I don't have any other stocks except my own,' said Salinas. Salinas, who is worth $5.1 billion as per Forbes, encouraged long-term thinking regarding a 'hard asset' like Bitcoin. The billionaire explained, 'You have to think 10 years and buy everything as you can. It's not going to go anywhere except up.' Bitcoin's capped total supply of 21 million coins — 20 million already mined out — was the chief reason for Bitcoin's greater appeal than gold, he said. 'Gold gets inflated about 3% a year… Bitcoin doesn't.' Speaking publicly since the stock price of Grupo Elektra collapsed by 70% and a legal standoff with Mexican tax authorities, Salinas appeared to be confident, , as per Bitcoin Magazine. He said he intends to take Elektra private and stated his businesses are solid despite political headwinds: "Now I'm free to do my thing." Salinas called Bitcoin "the hardest asset in the world," using dollar-cost averaging as the best approach. He added, 'Buy so much per month… that will take the uncertainty away.' Salinas' strategy firmly puts him among the world's most high-profile champions of corporate Bitcoin—betting both his fortune and his reputation on the belief in Bitcoin's survival and thriving over the next ten years. In 2021, Salinas publicly supported Bitcoin, calling fiat currency a 'fraud'. At press time, Bitcoin is trading at $93,760.32, down by 0.29% over the last day, as per Kraken's price feed.
