MORE EVIDENCE THAT IMMIGRATION FUELS WEALTH GAP IN AMERICA

A new study by the Pew Hispanic Center finds that the wealth gap – the difference in overall net worth – between blacks and Hispanics on the one hand the rest of the population continues to grow and is exacerbated by immigration. In 2002, the net worth of immigrant-headed households was only 32 percent that of native households. But even that startling figure tells only part of the story. "The foreign- and native-born wealth gap virtually disappears when non-Hispanic immigrant households are compared with their native born counterparts," states the report. Thus, Hispanic immigrant household (the largest immigrant group) account for nearly all of the wealth gap between the immigrant and native population.

Pew Press Release (PDF)

Full Study (PDF)

ARIZONA WILDLIFE REFUGE THREATENED BY BORDER CROSSINGS

"The constant flow of illegal immigration across the Mexican border, and efforts to curb it, are eroding the landscape and harming the wildlife at the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge," says the Arizona Republic. "That has earned the southwestern Arizona landmark the dubious distinction of being one of the 10 refuges nationwide most at risk of degradation, according to a report issued this month by Defenders of Wildlife."

PROP. 200 UPDATE

Robert Robb, of the Arizona Republic, says that Prop. 200 has good aims but will not succeed. "While this debate [over immigration] is fierce, conservatives should agree on the role of law in civil society. In general, society is better off with fewer laws, not more. New laws should be based on clearly demonstrated need."

"Opponents of Proposition 200 are urging Latinos not to show up to work on Election Day, hoping to send a message about the economic contributions of the state's largest minority group," the Arizona Republic writes. "Emilia Bañuelos, a Phoenix immigration lawyer and one of the organizers of the work boycott, said that if Latinos don't work on Nov. 2, it will show the importance of their labor."

The Arizona Republic profiles two Hispanic voters split on Prop. 200. "The two share similar backgrounds and cultures. But they differ on one thing: politics. Ayon, 22, is a Republican who will vote for the initiative. Hidalgo, 25 , is a Democrat who will vote against it."

The latest poll about Prop. 200 shows a high percentage of undecided voters. "Protect Arizona Now enjoyed overwhelming approval with voters weeks ago, but the gap between those who favor and oppose the measure is closing, according to a Northern Arizona University poll released Friday. Forty-two percent of likely voters say they will vote for the measure, 29 percent will vote against it and 29 percent are undecided, according to the poll."

BUSINESS EXECS COMPLAIN OVER NEW VISA RULES

"Business executives have been reluctant to protest too loudly because no one wants to be accused of opening the door to the next terrorist attack on American soil. But throughout the country's increasingly globalized economy, concern is growing over the costs of a security-driven foreign policy," the LA Times writes. "Administration officials said fears of economic fallout from their policies are overblown, and they cited improvements in exports and job creation. They also said they had dramatically reduced the wait for visas by adding personnel and technology."

MEXICO VOWS TO FIGHT 'TOOTH AND NAIL' FOR CONSULAR CARDS

"In recent days Mexican President Vicente Fox and his Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Luis Ernesto Derbez, have sent barbed messages to the U.S.A. The main message - Mexico plans to get tough with the U.S.A. regarding the treatment of migrant workers in this country and the services they should receive," Mexidata reports. "The matrícula consular (cards) are again being questioned, however we will defend them with tooth and nail because our fellow countrymen are neither criminals nor terrorists," Mexican President Vicente Fox said in a recent speech.